If it’s Nice Outside I’m not in the Kitchen!

Now that the nice weather is finally here, I find that I am spending less and less time in the kitchen.  Since we have a large property my day is usually filled with gardening, weeding, pool maintenance and usually several hours on my beloved tractor. 

Last week on a rainy day I took it upon myself to do some “Freezer cooking” and prepare several meals so I could spend the whole day outside and not feel rushed when the dinner hour arrived. 

I still have quite a bit of beef left from when we purchased ¼ of a cow in the fall.  A couple of days before my scheduled cooking day I  thawed out 5 lbs of ground beef, 4 lbs of stewing beef and 2 chicken breasts.

What did I make?

 

*With 2 lbs of ground beef I made mini meatloaves.  These meatloaves will yield 3 suppers and a few lunch sandwiches. 

*With 2 more pounds of ground beef I made meatballs.  This will yield enough for 4 suppers of spaghetti and meatballs and a couple lunches of meatball subs (one of the kid’s favourites)

*With the chicken breasts I seasoned and grilled them.  Once cooled, I chopped it up to use for sandwiches or to add to a quick stirfry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*With the remaining pound of ground beef I prepared taco meat using I package of Old El Paso taco seasoning.  This will yield 1 meal of tacos (we use less meat and lots of veggie toppings on our tacos) and 1 meal of my Taco casserole. 

My taco casserole is a very simple dish.  I cook 1 pack of whole wheat macaroni, add ½ lb cooked, seasoned taco meat and a small jar of salsa.  Top with shredded cheese and olives. Baked until the center is hot.  Voila, supper!