Our free Weekly Menu Plan is here to help you save time and money, eat healthier, and bring your family together around the table. Even if you don’t live near a Hy-Vee, you can still use our plan for…

Our free Weekly Menu Plan is here to help you save time and money, eat healthier, and bring your family together around the table. Even if you don’t live near a Hy-Vee, you can still use our plan for…

Our free Weekly Menu Plan is here to help you save time and money, eat healthier, and bring your family together around the table. Even if you don’t live near a Hy-Vee, you can still use our plan for…

Our free Weekly Menu Plan is here to help you save time and money, eat healthier, and bring your family together around the table. Even if you don’t live near a Hy-Vee, you can still use our plan for…

Our free Weekly Menu Plan is here to help you save time and money, eat healthier, and bring your family together around the table. Even if you don’t live near a Hy-Vee, you can still use our plan for…

Try these simple and delicious make ahead recipes for Easter Brunch. This free menu plan is complete with printable recipes and a shopping list.

Start at the beginning of our 10 Small Steps Toward Healthy Living series HERE. Last Monday, we talked about the small healthy step of moving toward a diet of more homemade, real food. Have you…

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that was passed down from my family is making a big ole breakfast after we open presents on Christmas morning. Here are a few of our healthier breakfast favorites…

This is the only Mexican Soup recipe you'll ever need. I've been making a variation of this soup for my family and guests for years. Affiliate links are used this this post. One of the things…

This salad is hands-down my favorite Cobb salad ever. With a variety of vegetables, perfectly cooked proteins, and Gorgonzola cheese, this colorful salad is complex in flavor and texture. The savory dressing is to die for, too!

Banana Breakfast Cake is my dream breakfast. My whole family likes it, it's full of nutritious yet simple ingredients, and it works perfectly to double the batch to make a breakfast freezer meal.  I've…

These 7 easy marinades for chicken breasts will transform this boring cut into several tasty and healthy meals! Learn how to prep and freeze for later OR how to make them for dinner tonight. Plus, snag…

This Savory Chicken Marinade packs a punch! In fact, I think it's the BEST you'll find. With just a few pantry staple ingredients, boring chicken is taken to a whole new flavor level! Enjoy your marinated,…

You've come to the right place if you're looking for healthy freezer meals. As freezer meal experts (and self-proclaimed "freezer cooking evangelists"), we've published TWO freezer meal cookbooks,…

Of all the marinades in the world, THIS Southwest Chicken Marinade is the one I make the most. Hands down. My kids love it. All adults love it. And it can be served any way you dream up--a la carte, in…

Last week I wrote a post about Three Reasons Freezer Cooking in the Summer is Awesome.  Since I make the oh-so-convincing case as to why you should be whipping up some freezer meals in the…

Fresh herbs and pantry staples combine to create this complex Balsamic Herb Chicken Marinade. Grill or bake the chicken, then enjoy on its own or atop a salad. Ingredients in Balsamic Herb Chicken…

How long should you be cooking chicken in the crockpot, specifically chicken breasts? You'll be surprised at the answer! Hi. My name is Polly. All my life I have had a problem with drying out my…

With only 5 simple ingredients, you can have this tangy, sweet honey dijon salad dressing ready to go! I love homemade salad dressings. They are just so easy to make and you can adjust them…

A common question we get about freezer cooking is, "What are some easy freezer meals for 1 or 2 people?" We've compiled over 80 make ahead recipe ideas from our website and first cookbooks that work to…

It's hard to mess up a pork shoulder recipe in the Instant Pot. In fact, it's one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook in electric pressure cookers! Coming from someone who has tested hundreds (yes,…

Peanut butter and chocolate star in this delicious, make-ahead Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats recipe that takes minutes to put together. You'll think it's dessert but it's really a hearty, healthy breakfast! We…

Who doesn’t love a simple BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich with moist shredded meat? After a day in the slow cooker, this shredded pork is a total crowd pleaser. Not only is it an easy dump and go meal for…

Whether you're avoiding gluten for health reasons or want to cut back on carbs, these amazing gluten-free dinner recipes are sure to please everyone. Bonus: Most of our recipes include freezing instructions,…

A little tangy, a little sweet, and a little heat. This Homemade BBQ Sauce has it all and only requires a few ingredients. A few years ago, I remember we put drumsticks on the grill and realized…

A delicious dinner doesn't get much easier than our Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. This recipe has it all. It's a dump and go recipe, it feeds a lot of people, it's freezer friendly, and it's so-dang-good.…

These salmon and sweet potato cakes are packed with nutrition and flavor! Enjoy them as a sandwich or a la carte. Freezing instructions included!

Freezer-friendly lunch wraps are nutritious, hearty, and completely adaptable to whatever your family might like in them! Right now during this time of quarantine, I know many of you are right…

This homemade veggie-rich sloppy joes recipe with a tangy-sweet tomato sauce is a family favorite. Double and freeze extras for later!

Can you freeze green onions? So, this is one of those posts that many of you will chuckle at and think, "You didn't know that?" I am here to tell you that, no, I did not know that you can freeze…

Gourmet pizza at home has never been so easy or tasty! In about 45 minutes, you can make this incredibly easy homemade whole wheat pizza dough from scratch to use tonight or later. Freezing instructions included.

With just a few pantry ingredients, you can have a large batch of marinara sauce cooking in your slow cooker in no time. You can also use this homemade marinara recipe to stock your freezer. Instant Pot…

Why I love Eggs-in-a-Hole There are quite a few reasons this mama loves a good 'ol egg-in-a-hole for breakfast. It's quick and easy to make. It's one of my go-to weekday breakfasts. It's cheap.…

Powerball cookies have been a longtime favorite in my home. Look no further for a great make-ahead, freezer-friendly snack.    What's in these no-bake Powerball Cookies? With a few…

This steak fries recipe turns out perfectly crispy and seasoned, thanks to a few tricks including a secret ingredient. Plus, this oven baked method is healthier and less messy than frying!

This chicken burger recipe is a kid and adult fave! Make ahead and freeze a batch for later or make them tonight for a delicious and healthy dinner. Why Are These the BEST? I've been making…

Look no further for kid friendly freezer meals that you can stock up on. These 30+ recipes are well-tested on our own families and many of our readers' families, as well. A must have resource for the…

One of my secrets to low-stress hosting of a crowd is to utilize my slow cooker. Why? It allows me to work ahead and then relax as my guests arrive, knowing that a warm, comforting dish is ready to go…

Simple steps to make the perfect steak that starts on the stove and finishes in the oven. Some affiliate links included. I struggled for a long time to cook a steak the right way on the stovetop.…

Looking for meal ideas for new moms? We've created the ultimate list of meal ideas for new parents! You'll want to bookmark this one, friends! Gosh. I look back at these pictures and I remember.…

This kid-friendly Instant Pot Chicken and Cheese Taquitos recipe goes from frozen chicken breasts to a delicious dinner on the table in 45 minutes with very minimal hands-on work. You can easily double and freeze these for later.

This Instant Pot Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese recipe takes just 18 minutes from start to finish, dirties only one pot, and tastes creamy and delicious! Plus, it's made with all real food ingredients. It…

Slow Cooker Balsamic Shredded Beef is an easy, healthy, dump-and-go, delicious dinner. This freezer friendly recipe is a win for my family and is a great recipe for large groups. So simple!   Slow…

A little sweet and a little spicy, this chicken dish is BIG on flavor and takes just minutes to throw in the slow cooker.

This fake-out lasagna is a dinnertime favorite in my home. Beefy Baked Ravioli is very easy to make too! It's super filling and makes a great beef freezer meal. My kids love it. Some affiliate…

One of our easiest freezer meals: Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Just put a few ingredients into the crockpot and you'll have one of your favorite meals for a busy night. Great meal idea for large groups too! "I…

These easy Ham and Cheese Sliders are a family staple. They are super easy to make, budget friendly, great for a group of people, and even freezer friendly. I've been making these for YEARS and constantly…

Do you have a green bean hater? I dare you to try this bacon-wrapped green bean recipe. I dare you. I took the dare and I now have a transformed husband who looks forward to his green beans. Not…

Looking for an incredibly simple side dish for a weeknight meal or a special occasion? Boiled baby (or small) potatoes take very little time to cook and only a few ingredients to look stunning and please…

Delicious dinner recipe? Check. Freezer friendly? Check. Makes a lot of leftovers? Check. Approved by all ages in the family? Check. Feeds a large group of people? Check. Easy to make? Check! Affiliate…

Thank you to my mother-in-law for this quick trick on how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave! Did you know that cooking corn on the cob doesn't require dirtying up a pot, heating up the kitchen,…

Pumpkin Dump Cake is an easy to make, crowd-pleaser recipe goes a long away (serves 9-12 people). It is a delicious twist on classic pumpkin pie that almost any age will like. It's also a great make-ahead…

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a family-favorite freezer meal that is super easy to make. This real food, healthy dinner recipe is a staple in our home. (Looking for healthy freezer meal recipes?…

Learn how to save time and money and eat healthier by prepping Freezer Smoothie Packs ahead of time. Use our 7 different delicious smoothie recipes to start filling your freezer today. Free printable recipes and shopping lists included.

Kids and adults alike love these simple breakfast burritos filled with all good things including BACON. Make these in mass and freeze them to have on hand for busy school and work mornings as a grab-and-go option. What a nutritious, protein-rich, and delicious breakfast to start your day!

A BLT sandwich is as good as the ingredients that make it up. Here's how to take your average BLT to the next level!

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs are every bit as tasty as they sound. The sweetness of grilled fresh pineapple pairs perfectly with the smoky saltiness of the bacon. Serve with St. James Winery's newest Strawberry Rosé and a light salad for a delightful summer meal.

Prepare to be transported to a warm summer day as you enjoy our Strawberry Avocado Salad. Tangy feta cheese, toasted sliced almonds, sweet strawberries, fresh pineapple, and creamy avocado pair well with the sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.

Ah, sweet breads. Forgiver of all added-in leftovers and hidden fruits and veggies. Your family is going to love this pretty darn healthy Chocolate Sweet Potato Banana Bread!

Make-ahead blueberry muffin overnight oats take just minutes to put together and provide a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

These healthy, whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffins are YUMMO. Seriously. Don't let the whole wheat factor make you think they are going to be compromised. Plus, they are freezer-friendly and an easy breakfast for busy mornings.

These no-bake oatmeal cookie bites come together in minutes and are full of all real food ingredients. I don't feel quite so bad grabbing a few of these delicious, chocolatey treats! Great for after-school snacks too!

Making homemade hummus in the blender (or food processor) is easier than you think. The hummus ingredients come together quickly leaving you with a healthier and tastier appetizer than you could find…

Our make-ahead Easy Hash Brown Casserole makes this traditional holiday side dish a little bit healthier by making it from scratch and leaving out the canned cream of soup. It comes together quickly but is creamy and comforting as always!

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is easy enough to be a mid-week dinner or fancy enough for dinner guests. What would typically take all day in the slow cooker, only takes about an hour from start to finish in the Instant Pot. You'll take a short cut by using stew meat (no chopping!) and Yukon gold baby potatoes (no peeling!).

The Very Berry Smoothie starts your day with a super food punch! This easy, healthy smoothie includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, plus some hidden spinach. Make some freezer smoothie packs ahead of time to have these on hand for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

Frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana combine with coconut milk and almonds to create the most luxurious, healthy smoothie you've ever had! We teach you how to prep ahead by making freezer smoothie packs to have on hand, too. This easy Strawberry Piña Colada fruit smoothie has party time written all over it.

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookie recipe comes from our friend, Lauren Smith, author of Taste of Amercia: 50 States, 50 Cookies. We're thankful she's sharing this delightful cookie recipe with us today.…

This easy, healthy green smoothie only requires 4 simple ingredients. A delicious low calorie way to pack Vitamin C, fiber, and protein into your diet. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included.

Seasoned, marinaded pork roast gets cooked in the Instant Pot and then broiled until crispy in this easy, freezer friendly, and delicious recipe for a crowd.

This freezer friendly Instant Pot Tomato Soup has it all. Since it makes a great freezer meal, I've written the recipe to be very large. It could be a great meal idea for groups of people or simply freeze the leftovers in small portions for lunches down the road.

This delicious, slow cooker chicken soup is not only gluten free and dairy free (if you don't add cheese at the end), but it freezes beautifully either before cooking or after. Packed with fresh flavor,…

This easy dump and go freezer meal will become a regular family dinner in your home. This freezer friendly dinner is so versatile too. Eat it straight from the slow cooker, put it in wraps, or turn it…

An 80 year old family apple butter recipe adapted for the slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, this crock pot apple butter recipe will have your home smelling like a slice of autumn heaven! Growing…

You won't find an easier green smoothie than the 4 Ingredient Green Tropical Smoothie. This super healthy, dairy-free smoothie tastes like a tropical island treat. Sooo tasty! Four ingredients. That's…

This delicious fall-inspired Autumn Chopped Salad will quickly become your go-to holiday salad. It's great for large group gatherings or compliments a weeknight meal at home. This post is sponsored…

Here's an easy breakfast idea for ya. Our freezer friendly whole grain zucchini pancakes pack a yummy punch! Enjoy using up some fresh zucchini and serving your family a wholesome breakfast. Double the…

Want a high protein, low carb, on-the-go breakfast option that will keep you satisfied all morning? These Cheddar Chive Egg Bites are the perfect solution for a healthy breakfast on busy weekdays. Make…

Don't let your leftover smoothie go to waste. Turn it into popsicles! Smoothies are a regular thing in our house. They are a great way to get some fruit, vegetables, protein, and other sneaky nutrition…

Balsamic Herb Grilled Chicken is moist, tender, and packed with flavor through and through. This easy grilling recipe can be turned into a freezer meal and is a great recipe for groups of people. What…

Only 4 ingredients make up this nutritious dinner recipe that your family will love. You'll have Instant Pot Whole Wheat Spaghetti done in about 15 minutes and will only dirty up one pot! Now, that's my…

These Herb-a-licious Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce are a crispy, healthy, flavor-filled dinner that your whole family will love. I'm a huge fan of cooking with fresh herbs. So every…

Cheeseburger Instant Pot Pasta is an easy, one pot meal is full of flavor and sure to please little ones and grow ups alike. Around my house any kind of spaghetti dish is sure to be a hit. If it involves…

Our freezer friendly Blueberry Avocado Muffins are a popular recipe in our cookbook, From Freezer to Table. This easy breakfast idea packs some serious nutritional punch to your morning. And that tasty…

Freezer-friendly homemade chimichangas? From the slow cooker? Why yes! It's possible! We've tweaked the classic deep-fried Tex-Mex favorite, making it quite a bit simpler (and a little less fried). You'll…

This freezer-friendly Loaded Potato Soup is rich, delicious, and can be thrown together in your Instant Pot right before dinnertime. By Alyssa Nitz of Always Overdressed, Contributing Author Like…

You may have tried our Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sliders and loved them. All ages do! But, now we've converted this super simple, kid-friendly recipe to work in the Instant Pot both from fresh…

Looking for a salad recipe that is great for a large group? Our Chopped Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad has proven to be a crowd pleaser. My friend Carolyn served up this Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad…

We're so excited to be able to share one of the healthiest, most delicious, and freezable recipes in our cookbook, From Freezer to Table, today--Super Stuffed Baked Potatoes! Super Stuffed Baked Potatoes…

This Cilantro Chicken Chopped Salad is fresh, vibrant, and makes a great lunch. I'm on a mission. A mission to collect an arsenal of awesome salads. And today, you are meeting one of them. In full…

Freezer-friendly Mini Meatball Soup is the perfect for warming up your family on a cold winter night. Well, there’s no avoiding it now. Winter is on it’s way. Soon it will be time for puffy coats,…

Between sports practices, school drop off and pick up, working two part-time jobs, and pretending to keep up with laundry...I am all about slow cooker freezer meals these days. What's not to love?…

Looking for a simple and easy freezer meal? What about a dump and go meal that you can make ahead of time and freeze? Our seasoned pork chops come together in minutes. Double or triple the batch when pork…

Not all mashed potatoes are created equally. Growing up, my parents would always mashed potatoes that were chunky and with the skin mixed in. (This provided more nutrition. Thanks, Dad). While I am not…

What better way to clean out your fridge and freezer than to make a satisfying pot of vegetable soup? This healthy freezer meal is a win for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. I love to make a bit pot…

These slow cooker carnitas are one of my all-time favorite freezer meals. As one of my go-to recipes for large groups, our Killer Carnitas are a no-fail dump and go freezer meal. “Woman, what…

These easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot just might change your life. This recipe is MAGIC, I tell you. In all of my years of trying every hard boiled egg trick in the book, I've never…

The Very Berry Crumble lets your summer berries shine, while adding a little crispy, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with some vanilla ice cream. Great recipe for a group of people! Back to school…

This Healthy Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips is made with all whole food ingredients and is moist and delicious! Three zucchini--that were dirt cheap at the store this month--sat…

It feels a bit silly to be sharing a post about how to make garlic bread. I mean, isn't it kind of a no-brainer? Well, maybe. BUT, we want to help you take your garlic bread game to the next level. This…

Believe it or not, this main dish cost me just under $5 to put together and my whole family loved it. Let's just say that catfish in mid-Missouri is not hard to come by. I don't fry foods very often,…

There's nothin' like a homemade biscuit straight from the oven. Are you with me? On holidays, I pull out the Crisco and white flour and make my mother-in-law's killer recipe. And my husband and kids…

This Fluffy Eggs and Bacon is an easy breakfast idea that is great for feeding a crowd or large family. Even better, it's a freezer meal! I recently inherited a huge box of recipe cards from my grandmother…

What do you do with a freezer bag full of leftover bread heels in the freezer, overripe bananas, and even some butternut squash puree? (Don't cast a skeptical eye at the squash...just look at all the…

You can never go wrong with a baked pasta in my humble opinion. It feeds a crowd and typically pleases even the pickiest of eaters. Polly makes a phenomenal Hearty Baked Penne Pasta, but…

It had been an uneventful dinner so far. Everyone...yes, picky eaters and all...munched away on these easy Mini Turkey Cheeseburgers, which I served alongside some Simple Roasted Veggies that night.…

Cheddar and sour cream biscuits. Need I say more? OK, I will. They were great and a super easy side dish. If I would have had green onions on hand I would have tossed a few in there as well but they…

It began many, many years ago. About 35 in fact. My mom used to make these for me as a kid, sans the chocolate chips. She was a better mom than me, I guess. But, here I am three decades later making…

Last night, I was running short on time. I needed an easy holiday dessert for a small Christmas party pronto! When I scanned our pantry and saw our off brand Oreos in there, this little idea dawned…

We are baked oatmeal fanatics around here, as you may know. Both my kids and Polly's kids eat the stuff by bushels. I find myself making the Brownie Baked Oatmeal repeatedly, while Polly probably…

Here's an easy-peasy side dish idea that almost everyone will love. These Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges are not only easy to make but a super filling and an inexpensive side dish. I love that they…

Sometimes it's 5 p.m., and you have few groceries in the fridge and no plan for dinner. That was me one night last week. Thankfully, I had eggs, cheese, milk, and some fresh spinach to work with. And…

Through all the recipe testing for our cookbook, I'm learning that I instantly gravitate towards any sweet-savory flavored recipe. Any combination of a honey-soy-garlic marinade is pretty much going…

.5 Heaven help me, this was good. I'm already a sucker for any fruity dessert so add a crispy-pecan crust to the top of fresh-seasonal peaches and I about fall over thinking about it. I stumbled on…

Note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy here.  Thriving Home loves pesto. Rachel and I laugh because as we were developing healthy, freezable…

Holy moly. This avocado lime salsa was delicious! To be honest, I didn't create this recipe to go on the blog. I originally whipped it up to go on top of a cilantro lime chicken wrap recipe that…

Disclaimer: This recipe was created in partnership with Frigidaire Gallery®. But the opinions are all ours!  I could eat these super healthy Mini Turkey and Veggie Meatloaves hot or cold, I tell ya.…

Summer of 2016 will forever be remembered in my life as, "The Summer of Iced Coffee." I'm serious. Anywhere from around 1:00-3:00 pm, I start to feel sorry for my tired self. I'm tempted to throw a…

This freezer friendly spinach and bacon quiche recipe has been circulating in my home for quite a while now. You guys, it is SO good. I wish I could say it was healthy but I can assure you it wouldn't…

Freezer Friendly Asian Chicken Tortilla Wraps Confession: there are a handful of recipes in our Recipe Index that I have yet to try. Don't worry-- every recipe in there has been tested by either…