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 the meal ideas.

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 the meal ideas.

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…

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…

Use up that leftover turkey and prepared stuffing from the holidays in this delicious 4 Layer Turkey and Stuffing Casserole. Freezing instructions included!

These Turkey Pesto Paninis have been a fan-favorite for YEARS. They come together quickly, make a great lunch, dinner, or last-minute weeknight meal. You can even make them in bulk and freeze them! The…

Making pie in a jar is a fun and easy dessert idea the whole family will love. These personal-sized pies are made in little mason jars that can go straight from your freezer to your oven to your mouth.…

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…

This simple side dish will turn your broccoli-hater into a broccoli-lover! Our 3 ingredients Oven Roasted Broccoli is DELISH! Friends, take me seriously when I tell you that cooking broccoli this…

This homemade stuffing recipe couldn't be simpler. It includes mostly pantry items and only takes about 30 minutes! You'll never go back to store-bought after this. The result is moist and perfectly…

Yum yum yum. Theses Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks are super easy to make and my whole family loves them. These bad boys were a crowd-pleaser the other night. And trust me, with the ever-shifting…

Chicken Burrito Bowls are a healthy and filling dinner idea for everyone! Delicious marinated grilled chicken is served over brown rice and with your favorite southwest toppings. They can easily be meal…

Spinach Lasagna Rolls are so EASY one of our favorite vegetarian freezer meal recipes. You can put cooked chicken in the spinach lasagna roll ups if you want to add in more protein. Either way, they make…

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…

Did you know you can make homemade hot chocolate with only THREE ingredients? Skip the generic brand (made with highly processed, sugary ingredients) and make your own hot chocolate at home! Tip: Use…

Fruit Pizza Cookies are a great dessert idea for groups of people. Each person has a blast customizing their sugar cookie topped with their pick of fresh fruit. Use our cream cheese frosting to make it…

Once you've made homemade pizza sauce, you'll never go back. Once you've realized you can make LOTS of pizza sauce and learn how to freeze it, you'll for SURE never go back! Here is a delicious freezer-friendly…

Look no further for a delicious baked meatball recipe. Our Baked Italian Meatballs are a 30 minute meal staple in our house! The ingredients are simple but they are still packed with flavor. They make…

Why Make-Ahead Meals for Babies and Toddlers? Making freezer meals for babies will save time, money, and stress over the long run. It's a beautiful thing to have a stash of healthy meals for your…

One of the most common recipes that I use from our recipe index is our Oatmeal Pancake Mix recipe. Ever since I stumbled on this recipe a few years ago, I haven't used any other pancake mix. My family…

Cancer-Fighting Soup (aka Immune-Boosting Soup) is chock full of vegetables, lentils, and black beans that science has shown helps fight inflammation in the body. Whether you're wanting to help someone…

Friends, making stew gets NO EASIER than this recipe. My mother-in-law taught me this one when I first got married, and I've been serving it up to big crowds ever since. Make ahead and freeze to have on hand for busy nights or when hosting a big group.

Slow cooker chicken and cheese taquitos is a delicious meal that the whole family will love! Be sure to make a double batch for the freezer. Then, you can pull out however many you want and throw them…

With just 3 ingredients, few appetizers are simpler and will be gone faster than Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. Sure to be a hit at your next party!

A holiday appetizer or simple meal doesn't get easier than a Charcuterie Board! Anyone can pull this amazing spread together with our tips and tricks, including advice for pairing the perfect wine. Created…

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, making a comforting batch of Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup is mandatory. Using the slow cooker means your home will smell cozy and delicious, too!

Love that candy bar with chocolate, coconut, and almonds? Well, now you can have everything that's delicious about Almond Joy in one make-ahead, nutritious overnight oats recipe.

These Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes are a part of our family's regular breakfast rotation for good reason. They have sneaky vegetables (i.e. pumpkin this time) and 100% whole grain in them but retain their…

This make-ahead Peach Pie Overnight Oats recipe takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast. Think late summer, ripe peaches, and a delicious slice of…

This homemade Crock Pot Pumpkin Spice Latte is EASY to make and is my go-to drink when entertaining in the fall or winter. It's made with REAL ingredients from your pantry and everyone loves it and is…

Looking for an easy breakfast idea? We love this easy Breakfast Casserole Muffin recipe. It's made with simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. These make a fabulous, freezer-friendly…

When you grill a pork tenderloin instead of bake it, you still get the flavor and moistness but the bonus is the extra char-crispiness that coats the outside of the tenderloin. Using the 7-6-5 method…

Avocado Aioli is a super flavorful dip or spread that jazzes up all types of recipes from Oven Fries to raw veggie sticks to sandwiches. Try our short-cut method to make your own homemade avocado aioli! What…

This super nutritious make-ahead Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and tastes surprisingly like the dessert. A perfect breakfast recipe to have on hand when strawberries are in season!

This slightly sweet, slightly tangy balsamic dressing is incredibly easy to make. Keep Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette on hand for quick and healthy salads any day of the week. Works great as a marinade for…

Make-ahead Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats takes just minutes to put together and provides a super nutritious and quick breakfast.

Learn how you can easily roast asparagus in the oven and enjoy a crisp, bright, tender stalk in all its glory. With a few simple ingredients and 8 quick minutes in the oven, you can be serving up one…

The flavor of this simple, grilled asparagus recipe will amaze you. The crispy, slightly charred ends are a perfect contrast to the tender fresh asparagus stalks. In 5-7 minutes, you can serve up one…

These kid-friendly salmon patties are not only some of the healthiest burgers out there, but every bite is a burst of citrusy, fresh deliciousness. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and make a great freezer…

An impressive, yet simple Easter meal for a crowd. Just follow our easy 4 step Easter Menu Plan!

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…

Pesto Burgers are the bomb. They are an incredibly easy grilling recipe, a great recipe for a crowd, AND a fabulous freezer meal. As we were developing a Pesto Meatball Sub recipe for our cookbook,…

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…

This easy breakfast idea packs in fruits, whole grains, and yogurt for a healthy and delicious start to the day. Not to mention, it's fun! My children regularly ask for a breakfast parfait using cereal…

Making steel cut oatmeal in the Instant Pot is a breeze. This easy breakfast idea will quickly make its way into your healthy breakfast rotation! Thanks to this Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Steel Cut…

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…

The sweet and vibrant flavor of this Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette homemade salad dressing will bring life and flavor to any salad.  As much as I love cooking from scratch, I still feel a little…

These freezer-friendly English Muffin Pizzas are something all ages enjoy, and you can easily double and freeze extras for later.

Cinnamon and apples get me every time. Whether it's Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal or Cinnamon Apple French Toast, I find it hard to resist this classically delicious combo in the fall. Although this…

Our freezer friendly Salmon Burgers were born straight out of my trips to Alaska. These burgers don’t have an overpowering fishy taste, making it a great recipe for introducing salmon to kids or…

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…

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…