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trusted recipes & freezer meals for busy families

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Thriving Home

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Freezer meal quick start guide CTA.

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of easy recipes and pro tips from freezer meal experts.

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Feb 9

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“This Fiesta Salad (we call it salsa) is a top 5 hit in our home!” -Amy

This fresh, delicious, and super healthy Fiesta Salad with beans and veggies works as a light lunch, side dish, appetizer, or snack anytime. 

Even my picky kids love it. 

FOLLOW ME and comment “recipe” to get the full recipe sent straight to your inbox or DM. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/chopped-fiesta-salad-gluten-and-dairy-free/
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Feb 8

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A common question we get about freezer cooking is, “What are some 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲?” We’ve compiled a fabulous collection of make-ahead recipe ideas that work to individually prep ahead, package, and freeze for one or two people.

We've got more than 50 recipes in our round up including:
💥Turkey Pesto Paninis
💥Super Sloppy Joes
💥Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
💥English Muffin Pizzas
💥Breakfast Sandwiches
💥Chicken, Broccoli, Rice Foil Packets

Comment LINK and we'll send it to you:
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/easy-freezer-meals-for-1-or-2-people/
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Feb 6

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💗 Valentine’s day is almost here, and it’s a sweet reminder to slow down, gather your people, and enjoy good food at home. No  need for  fancy reservations — just a warm meal, a lot of grace, and simple choices that help you love your people well this week. 💕

Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan that includes Valentine's dinner ideas and our top Hy-Vee sales picks straight to your inbox.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-february-9/
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Feb 5

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Super Bowl is almost here which means you’re likely on the hunt for snacks and dips. 

WE. GOT. YOU.

We’ve got so many recipes with big flavors with minimal effort. You’ll definitely find something you love!

FOLLOW US then COMMENT “Game Day” and I’ll DM you all of these recipes right to you inbox!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/category/recipe/appetizers/

#SuperBowl #appetizer #gamedayeats #dips #superbowlfood
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Feb 4

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Hi, I’m Polly 👋 And for most of my life, I was overcooking chicken in the slow cooker.

I followed the recipes. I did what the internet recipes told me to do.

And my chicken? ALWAYS dry. Always.

What I finally learned (after years of testing recipes and using a meat thermometer as my guide), is that most slow cooker chicken recipes cook chicken WAY TOO LONG.

So brace yourself — this might either crush your crockpot dreams or completely change your life.

⭐️ Boneless, skinless chicken breast only needs about 2.5–3.5 hours on LOW to be fully cooked. That’s it. Not all day. And CERTAINLY Not 6–8 hours.

While writing our cookbooks, we tested this over and over with a meat thermometer… and time after time, chicken hit 165°F right around 3 hours.

One more thing (don’t shoot the messenger):
Do not cook chicken breasts on HIGH unless you enjoy dry, tough meat. Low and slow is the way to go.

OK, have I made you mad or glad? Feel free to vent in the comments. :)
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Feb 4

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Pizza Phyllo Cups for the game day win!

They are super easy and fun. My kids loved them. 

Just comment recipe and I’ll send it right on over. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pizza-phyllo-cups/

#appetizer #phyllo #pizzarecipe #gamedayfood
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Feb 2

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Thinking about chili for the big game this weekend?

Our stovetop chili is made with pantry ingredients, takes just 30 minutes, is flavorful enough for adults, but not too spicy for kids.

Comment RECIPE and we'll send you the link:
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/stovetop-chili/
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Feb 2

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Well hey there! Every so often, we like to (re)introduce ourselves for any new followers (hi!).

We’re Rachel (left) & Polly (right) -- friends, food bloggers since 2012, and Midwest moms of three kids each.

There are a lot of food blogs out there, but here’s what sets Thriving Home apart:
• Recipes are well-tested and family-friendly
• We use simple, approachable ingredients
• Our recipes lean on whole foods with a few helpful shortcuts
• We specialize in meal prep solutions

More about Polly: When I’m not working on Thriving Home, you’ll usually find me acting as an Uber driver to my busy kids, reading, walking my dogs, cheering from the sidelines, tackling a home project, or making something yummy in the kitchen. I love traveling, growing flowers, fire pits, musicals, dark chocolate, walks with friends, watching my kids play sports, dogs (or really any animal), puzzles, Sunday naps, and hanging out with my husband. ❤️
A few dislikes: olives, slow walkers, 3am wake-ups, mint-flavored food, pessimism, concerts, fruit flies, dry skin, being hot, being cold, and being late.

More about Rachel: I’m always dreaming about how to grow the business, fix a problem, or try something new. Being an entrepreneur feels like part of my DNA—I’ve been starting businesses since I was a kid. I love meeting new people, biking, hiking, Barre, rowing, reading biographies, teaching freezer cooking classes, cheering like a crazy mom at my kids’ cross-country and swim meets, leading a small group for couples in their 20s at church, and connecting with friends over phone calls, walks, or coffee. One friend describes me as a “Tigger.” 🤗

Thriving Home began in 2012 as a “mom blog,” sharing what we were learning in our own kitchens. Today, it’s a trusted resource in millions (what?!) of homes. We’ve published two cookbooks—From Freezer to Table (2017) and From Freezer to Cooker (2020)—focused on making mealtime easier earning features in People Magazine and on the Hallmark Channel.

We truly love what we do—and hope we can help you too.
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Feb 2

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“I made this for a group of 10 and they ate every bite! It was delicious. Great recipe!” - Jessica ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Baked Penne Pasta is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that features penne pasta mixed with a rich and savory tomato-based sauce, layered with a cheese mixture, and then baked until it’s hot and bubbly.

🤩 Comment Recipe and I’ll DM it over. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/baked-penne-pasta-freezer-friendly/

#freezermeal #mealprep #largebatch #bakedpenne #pennepasta bakedpasta freezerfriendly
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Jan 30

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

This meal plan that’s sponsored by @hyveecolumbia  is live and ready to make dinnertime way easier. Think simple, family-friendly meals that take the stress out of busy nights.

We've also got ideas for the big game including our NEW Cheeseburger Egg Rolls!

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-february-2/
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Jan 26

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To get started making healthy homemade meals, you need a plan. And we’ve done just that for you!

Grab our FREE February Monthly Menu Plan to get a jump-start on planning out dinners for the whole month ahead. It includes:

👉Easy, family-friendly meals made with wholesome ingredients.

👉A digital version with links, a printable version, and an empty version for you to fill in using our ideas. 

👉Main & side dish dinner ideas for every single day.

👉Prep ahead section so you can stock the freezer and save your future self time. (This is your secret weapon!!)

Comment FEBRUARY to receive a link in your DMs.

Or sign up at this link…

https://thriving-home.kit.com/959e178ff4 

#mealplanning #menuplanning #freezerprep #FreezerMeals #ThrivingHome
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Jan 25

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After a company quoted me over $2,000 to replace my backsplash I decided to go another route… paint it!

I used existing paint that we already had so the only cost was a few hours of my time.

I can’t believe how much brighter it makes the kitchen!

The color of my cabinets are Classic Gray. The backsplash color I painted was Chantilly Lace.
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Jan 24

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This pizza bread is made with simple ingredients, requires minimal effort, and is a kid-favorite! It’s an easy, 20-minute meal that is also freezer friendly. Or, cut it in smaller portions for an appetizer!

Comment recipe and we will send it right on over!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pizza-bread/

#pizzabread #pizzarecipe #easydinner #20minutedinner #freezermeal
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Jan 23

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Busy evenings? We’ve got dinner covered.

Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Plan less. Stress less. Eat better.... with our meal plan that’s sponsored by @hyveecolumbia!

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-january-26/
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Jan 22

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Are you in the path of this crazy winter storm? Getting somewhere between 2-18 inches of snow this weekend? 

We are too!

Be sure to prep some hot chocolate in advance. Here is a 3 ingredient recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

🥛1 cup whole milk (sub: your favorite milk)
🍫1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (We recommend Ghirardelli brand.)
🍚 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

– Microwave Method: Add the milk to a microwave safe mug. Heat in 30 second increments until very hot. Use a fork to whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully combined.

– Stovetop Method: Pour all three ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium to medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the ingredients are fully combined and the milk is hot.

If you want the cute little gift tag just comment SEND LINK and we will zip it right over to ya!

https://thriving-home.kit.com/94d71c6586
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Jan 20

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The make-ahead casserole loved by MILLIONS: Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Here’s why this recipe is such a fan favorite:

1️⃣ It’s easy. Cooked chicken + marinara + cheese + breadcrumbs. That’s it.
2️⃣ It’s make-ahead friendly. Prep it for the freezer or stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
3️⃣ Everyone loves it. Big, cozy flavor for adults — kid-approved too.

Want to see what all the hype is about?

Comment RECIPE and we’ll send it straight to you 👇
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-an-easy-freezer-meal/

#chickenparmesan #chickencasserole #freezermeal #viralrecipe #easydinner
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Jan 16

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Meal planning can be simple! This meal plan that’s sponsored by @hyveecolumbia is comforting, well-balanced, and totally manageable, even on busy nights.

Pro tip: Double one meal and pop it in the freezer. Your future self will thank you!

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-january-19/
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Jan 15

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Here are 10 things you may not know you can freeze!

Scroll through and tell me what I missed!

1. Avocados: Freeze in halves or as a puree; use in smoothies .
2. Fresh Ginger: Freeze leftovers for future recipes.
3. Cooked Sweet Potatoes: Portion and freeze for easy use in baked goods like our Sweet Potato Biscuits .
4. Rice: Cool, portion, and freeze for soups or quick reheats. Perfect for recipes like our Tortilla Soup .
5. Butter: Stock up and freeze in original packaging.
6. Buttermilk: Freeze in small portions using a muffin tin or ice cube tray.
7. Cheese: Shred and freeze in 2-cup portions.
8. Breadcrumbs: Make and freeze homemade breadcrumbs .
9. Fresh Herbs: Freeze whole or chopped; use in soups or sauces.
10. Nuts: Buy in bulk and freeze to keep fresh.

Hope you learned something new today!
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Jan 14

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Thousands of families use our weekly menu plans every single week.

We love knowing they help busy parents feed their families and save money by eating at home. 

But over and over, we kept hearing the same questions:

❓“Can I customize the menu?”
❓“Can you make a shopping list for me?”

Until now, the answer was no.

💥 That all changed with the launch of our app: Thriving Meals. 💥

Whether you’re brand new to meal planning or you’ve been doing it for years, Thriving Meals helps you save time, money, and mental energy.

Here’s how it works:

👉🏽 Plan
Start with our weekly menu plan and customize it with meals you actually want to eat.

🛒 Shop
Automatically generate your grocery list—no math required.

Add or remove items as needed, then use your list right from your phone, print it, or send it straight to Instacart for delivery.

🥘 Cook
Cook from our library of 450+ simple, ad-free recipes. No scrolling. No distractions. No overwhelm.

Comment Thriving Meals to try it for free for a full week and see if it’s the right fit for your family.

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/thriving-meals-app/

#mealplan #menuplan #plantoeat #menuplanner
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Jan 12

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I’ve been making my own taco seasoning using THIS recipe for over a decade. 

I scale it up by 10 to make a whole jar full. Bookmark this for your next taco night. 

1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
pinch red pepper flakes (or more if you like things spicy)

#tacoseasoning #tacorecipe #fromscratch taconighr
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