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 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 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 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…

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

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…

A flavor-packed marinade and the best toppings make this the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe. After marinating for a few hours, your chicken breasts will pick up loads of flavor. Serve it on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings for a quick weeknight dinner. This is also a great recipe to serve to groups of people!

These Chocolate Banana Muffins are not only moist and delicious, but they are packed with sneaky nutrition. They are a kid-favorite and freeze beautifully. Serve as an easy, make-ahead healthy breakfast.

Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks couldn't be easier or tastier with this 4 ingredient recipe. Make them fresh or from frozen. All ages love them.

You don't need a smoker to make amazing ribs. This easy Crock Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe results in perfect fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs!

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…

I only cook brown rice in the Instant Pot these days. Once I nailed down the perfect cooking time, I didn't look back. Making brown rice in the Instant Pot is easy, fluffy, and perfect every time. Once…

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!

With a few simple ingredients, this hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce couldn't be easier or tastier! Serve over pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash for a delicious and healthy dinner. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly.

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

This easy, healthy green smoothie is a tasty way to eat more veggies and fruit, like avocado, mango, and kale. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included.

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.

Pan-Fried Catfish fillets or Fried Catfish nuggets are an easy dinner that the whole family will love. The cornmeal and whole wheat flour mix create a delicious (and fiber-rich!) crust that is kicked…

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…

With only 6 main ingredients, this Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce couldn't be easier or tastier! Serve over pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash for a delicious and healthy dinner. Freezing instructions included.

Can you freeze wraps? You bet!! 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 use my bread machine to make so much more than just bread. In fact, one of our most popular recipes on this site is for our Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls! My kids love these Ham and Cheese Crescent…

This lean turkey chili is not only hearty and absolutely delicious, but it’s also chock full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. It's also gluten-free & dairy-free! This crockpot chili is delicious…

Filled with only a few flavorful ingredients, this Spinach Bacon Quiche comes together quickly but won't stick around for long. Make ahead and freeze directions included.

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks couldn't be easier or tastier with this 4 ingredient recipe. Make them fresh or from frozen. All ages love these!

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 when we are.

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 Homemade Chex Mix recipe is easy to whip up, makes your home smell ah-maze-ing as it bakes in the oven, and is an addictive snack food that has proven to be a crowd favorite for decades. The recipe…

This fresh, delicious, and super healthy Fiesta Chopped Salad works as a light lunch, side dish, appetizer, or snack anytime. Eat on it throughout the week on its own or scoop it with tortilla chips or crackers.

These simple Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches rival their fast food equivalent any day! They make a wholesome, delicious breakfast possible even on the busiest mornings. This post was created in…

Listen. You're busy. We're busy. We aren't here to waste anyone's time. You need to know what ground beef freezer meals are the BEST and you need them pronto for your busy, hungry, growing family.…

An easy step-by-step guide on how to cook bacon in the oven. Less mess and better bacon! This post is created in partnership with Burgers' Smokehouse Bacon. For years I tried to cook bacon either…

Use this tasty sauce on Southwest Chicken and Bacon Wraps, for a veggie dip, or on top of your favorite salad as a dressing. Bonus: Making it yourself means you'll avoid all the additives,…

With just a few key Asian-inspired ingredients, you can create an easy, delicious marinade for your favorite cut of chicken. After cooking the chicken, serve it in wraps, on salads, or over rice. Ingredients…

Crispy Smashed Potatoes are an easy side dish sure to please even the pickiest eater. They are easy to customize and will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen (even though they require very little…

These 10 beginner recipes are a perfect place to start for any new cook! We all had to start somewhere. When young gals tell me they have no idea how to cook, my advice to them is, "Take one…

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!

This Monster Cookie recipe has been tucked away in my recipe stash for years. You'll find that this cookie is easy to make and your people will gobble them up. My memory is a little fuzzy on where…

Ever since I posted this Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll picture on my Instagram and Facebook, I've gotten NUMEROUS requests that I share this mouthwatering recipe. You'll be surprised at how easy homemade…

This 5 ingredient chicken kabob marinade is sweet, savory and incredibly easy! With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can take your kabob game to the next level.

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

A step-by-step tutorial to make the tastiest homemade sandwich bread you've ever had! Anyone can make it using this guide and recipe. I've always been afraid of the fickle beast. That's what…

This pantry staple Vegetarian Tortilla Soup recipe is a meatless “one pot wonder” that I've been making and freezing for years for my family. Filled with beans, tomatoes, chilis, corn, and more, it…

After writing not one but TWO cookbooks on make ahead freezer meals, we can quickly identify easy recipes to quickly stock the freezer. Since there are a lot of unknowns and fears right now, we figured…

This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with bacon and Gruyere cheese is the perfect make-ahead breakfast casserole to impress a crowd!

Chicken spaghetti is an easy, cheesy, make-it-again-soon-please, casserole that your whole family will love. We teach you how to make it fresh AND how to prep it to be a freezer meal. A great meal for…

Everyone loves grilled cheese, so why not make it even more irresistible by turning it into a French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwich?! The best part? It's made in the slow cooker! French Dip Grilled…

Try these 6 simple steps for how to make a steak on the stove and in the oven. This pan-seared, oven-finished recipe makes the perfect steak!

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…

When my kids were babies, I really prioritized making homemade food for them. After much trial and error, I have narrowed down the perfect recipes for 1 year olds (or really any little eater!) that were…

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 with a diagnosis or just eat as healthy as possible yourself, this comforting soup fits the bill.

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…

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?…

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.

Sweet potato, clementines, carrots, and bananas create the base of this easy smoothie that's a healthier version of the orange sherbet push-up pops from childhood. Yum! Freezer smoothie pack instructions included so you can prep these smoothies ahead of time.

This beautiful, nutritious, and easy purple smoothie really does taste like a Blueberry Muffin. Freezer smoothie pack instructions included!

This easy Chocolate Covered Cherry smoothie recipe tastes like a chocolate shake but is chock full of nutrition thanks to spinach, dark cherries, almond butter, cocoa powder.

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,…

Our make ahead Holiday Ham with Cranberry-Orange Glaze might just be the easiest main dish you’ve ever prepared for a crowd. Serve it up with some Cranberry Wine (yum!) and our go-to holiday side dishes,…

These make ahead Ultimate Bacon and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes are the quintessential side dish for almost any holiday meal. They are a bit healthier than other twice-baked potatoes yet just as rich-tasting.  This…

Here's an easy breakfast idea that your family will love: freezer friendly Pumpkin Chocolate Waffles. They are a great way to sneak some nutrition into your breakfast. Make lots and freeze some for later! These…

I love this easy healthy breakfast idea: Chocolate Chip Zucchini Breakfast Cookies. These healthy make ahead breakfast cookies are great fresh or also as a freezer meal.  Zucchini for breakfast!?…

When I say this is the best way to make roasted Brussels sprouts, I mean it. Use this method for future Brussels sprout success in your oven. This super simple way to cook Brussels sprouts…

These are our favorite 20 most well-tested, freezable dinner recipes when it comes to getting a good meal on the table. Not only are these make ahead meals family-friendly, but they are also made with…

Blueberry Crumble Breakfast Cake is a great weekend breakfast idea. It's got some sneaky nutrition and the cake-crumble ratio is perfect. Use fresh or frozen blueberries for this easy breakfast recipe.  If…

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…

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…

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…

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…

I stumbled upon this Texas Caviar Dip while on vacation this summer. It is an easy, tasty, budget friendly appetizer that is great for large groups. You're going to love it! At a Fourth of July…

Grilled Sirloin Steak Kabobs are not only a great meal idea for large groups but they can also be a freezer meal! The magic of this easy dinner idea is in the marinade. I'm writing this post on…

We hear you loud and clear: you don't have enough TIME! Time to cook. Time to clean. Time to read. Time to parent. Time to travel. Time to volunteer. Time to exercise. Time to sleep. Time for friends.…

Roasted veggies, WHY? WHY are you so dang good?! You have transformed the vegetables that I have snubbed for at least half of my life, and turned them into something I crave. CRAVE, I tell you. Roasted…

I grew up thinking that canned green beans were better than fresh. To be honest, I still have a hard time with fresh green beans unless they are seasoned up or cooked in a delicious way. (Probably…

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.…