Tarry Health Fitness, Weight Loss, Workouts and Healthy Eating
It appears winter isn’t quite done with us. If you’re expecting an extended stay indoors thanks to snow and ice, you might want to stock your pantry with more than pasta and canned soup. These casseroles aren’t only delicious, but you can make them now and freeze them to enjoy later when it’s blustery outside.
Why settle for ramen or boxed mac and cheese when you’re snowed in? If you take the time to prep and freeze one (or a few) of these soul-warming casseroles, everyone will have a super-warm tummy before heading out to build some snowmen.
Make-Ahead Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those classic homemade meals that families keep neatly etched in their recipe books for generations. The meaty tomato sauce layered between soft sheets of pasta and cheese make every bite memorable.
The best part is this Italian classic is also the perfect freezer-friendly meal to make and save for later. This fantastic recipe even includes super-simple instructions for a homemade tomato sauce.
Avoid getting the oven-ready or no-boil pasta, as those tend to turn into a mushy mess. Instead, you’ll let your homemade sauce soften your pasta overnight.
Try it out! You’ll probably never go back to your old recipe.
Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves good old mac and cheese, and this layered version is just the thing to make everyone forget whatever’s going on outside. For all you cheese lovers out there, this one’s for you!
Not only does the author of this recipe teach you how to make a roux and cheese sauce, but then, you layer the whole dish with grated cheese, too. In the end, you’ll place heaping bowls full of the most victorious, cheesy delight your family has ever seen.
While the author doesn’t provide freezing directions in the recipe, the cheesy sauce makes this version ideal for saving for later. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before you freeze it, and then defrost it before baking it in the oven.
Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Another comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple to throw together, chicken broccoli and rice casserole will taste fantastic whether you whipped it up yesterday or last week.
The author of this recipe suggests using a rotisserie chicken to save you some time, but feel free to throw some on the grill in the summertime if you prefer. This savory family favorite pairs excellently with a side salad and some warm dinner rolls.
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
This dish allows you to enjoy all the flavors and textures of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, without having to put in all the extra work.
You’re sure to enjoy this deconstructed version of your favorite childhood meal. Be sure to pass it on to your own kids so they can make it for years to come. This is also the perfect meal to add some warmth to your home when temps are frigid outside.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Creating a homemade sauce is always the way to go whenever you have time, but it’s especially ideal for this Chicken Alfredo Bake. Once you combine it with the pasta and chicken, this is a meal made in heaven that’s sure to satisfy your hungry crowd.
If you want to work some veggies in, cooked broccoli, fresh spinach, or diced tomatoes will all work. Not only will they add nutritional value, but also more texture and flavor.
Enjoy this meal with a side Caesar salad and some buttery garlic bread.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
In the mood for a casserole with some Mexican flair? This dish screams delicious and is chock-full of healthy ingredients, including black beans, corn, and chicken. The author also included a bonus recipe for homemade enchilada sauce, which we highly recommend.
Your fam will love this tasty dish whether you freeze it ahead for a snowed-in Taco Tuesday or any evening when you just don’t have time to cook. Serve up this tasty baked dish with a side of tortilla chips and some homemade guacamole.
Taco Casserole
This recipe showcases all the tasty flavors of tacos in one large casserole dish, but without the mess of crunchy taco shells. Corn, beans, ground beef, and tomatoes all work faultlessly together in this meal, and the rice brings it all together.
Once the shredded cheddar warms up in the oven, you’ll have a beautiful, bubbly concoction before your eyes. Don’t take a bite without first dousing it with your favorite hot sauce. Be sure to serve this tasty delight with tortilla chips and a big dollop of sour cream on top.
Winter weather heading your way? Forget the canned soup and boxed stuff—prep and freeze a few of these hearty meals ahead of time, and you’ll have days of delicious dinners sure to warm everyone up.
