Meal Planning: Stock Up!

For future meals, I generally marinate all my meats... add seasoning and maybe some veggies... mix it all up in a pre-labeled and dated freezer Ziplock baggy... squeeze as much air out of the bag, seal tight, and throw it in the freezer. This saves SO much time vs. freezing your meats, thawing them, then letting them season or marinate before cooking! Who has time for that?!?!?? I know in our house- if nothing is thawed or ready to cook or eat immediately, it's easier to EAT OUT! Which may be great on time and the taste buds but wreak havoc on your wasteline and wallet! With these pre-packaged deals, all you do is pull a bag out of your freezer to thaw- then throw it in your crock pot, on the grill, into your oven or stove top... easy peasy!
 

PRE-PLAN
***make a list before you shop***
***only buy meats and vegetables that you will prepare immediately***

 

There is a lot to pre-planning but don't let this list overwhelm you.

● Start stocking up on freezer Ziplock bags, freezer gladware, aluminum, saran wrap FIRST.

● Stock up your seasonings, vinegars, and sauces.

● Move on to fresh meats and veggies- and again, only buy what you will prepare immediately!

 

Here is a list of things that I like to buy:
 

● Freezer Ziplock bags or crock pot bags. I have a variety of quart, gallon, and 2 gallon sizes. I also like the ones that snap zip together instead of the ones you pull a zipper like thing on.

● Seasonings- I use a BUNCH of McCormick pre-made seasoning packets... my most favorite: Montreal Steak and Montreal Chicken... Taco and Chili seasonings.

          ○ Some of the most important staples in my cabinets: sea salt, kosher salt, regular salt, ground pepper (fine and course), garlic powder, chili powder, ground cayenne, Season All, and some type of Cajun seasoning... I also keep oregano, basil, ground ginger, Italian seasoning, cumin, dill, sesame seeds, and a host of other things on hand.

● Vinegars: apple cider, red wine, salad, balsamic... white... etc...

● Soy sauce, tamari (gluten free soy sauce), Dales... etc...

● Tomato sauces and pastes.

 

● 4-6 packages of boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 pieces per packaged- not already frozen).

● 4-6 packages of 93% lean ground turkey (or ground beef or sausage).

● 1-2 pork tenderloin (or ribs or pork chops).

● 3-4 steaks (NY strip, ribeye, porterhouse, sirloin, etc).

● Beef or pork roast.

● Whole chicken.

● Tilapia, Mahi mahi, salmon... etc.
 

● 3-4 white or yellow onions chopped.

● 3-4 bell peppers chopped.

● 3-4 carrots sliced.

● Garlic bulb (or already minced garlic).

● 3-4 celery stalks chopped, sliced, or diced.

● 2-3 fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes, sauces, or pastes).

● Head of cabbage- chopped.

● 2-3 jalapenos chopped or sliced.

● Green onion bundle- chopped.

● Red potatoes.

● Head of Broccoli.

● Head of Cauliflower.

● Package of sliced mushrooms (or used canned).