Freezer Friendly Cheesy Beef & Bean Burritos

 

These freezer friendly burritos are ideal for just about anyone!
When we decided to be a one income family we had some decisions to make, especially in the financial department. One of my first thoughts was reducing (maybe maximizing is a better word?) our food budget. My husband’s work has an onsite cafeteria ($$$$!) so it was easy to not worry about lunch for him, however once we truly examined our spending we realized $50+ a week on lunch is TOO. MUCH. So knowing my husband and his love of burritos I knew the answer was freezer burritos! Now, my lovely hubby still has the metabolism of a teenager so these 15 burritos last us ONE measly week BUT they save so much money it’s absolutely worth the effort. Plus I know he’s eating real, homemade food. Also I force fresh chopped veggies and fruit on him, I’m not sure if he’s pitching them at work or actually eating them but his lunch box is happily empty each night. I hope these burritos work well for you, whether they are for lunches or quick and easy week night dinners.

Ingredients 

• 3lbs ground beef
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pkg taco seasoning (or preferred seasoning)
• 4 16oz cans refried beans
• 15 burrito size tortilla shells
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• Shredded cheddar cheese

  

Directions

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat, saute onion about 3-4mins, add garlic and saute 1-2 min. Add ground beef, crumbling and cooking until browned, add seasoning, then add refried beans.

Fill each tortilla with ¼ C of the beef & bean mixture and ¼ C rice, plus 3 tbsp (or your preferred amount) shredded cheddar cheese. Fold each burrito with both ends folded inwards.

This mixture will make at least 15 large burritos, probably up to 20 regular size. Wrap each burrito in aluminum foil and freeze inside a zip lock bag.

One Pot Cheesy Rotini & Italian Sausage

I forgot to thaw chicken for what I originally had planned for dinner tonight, luckily I had some Italian Sausage just begging for some attention. I also happen to have plenty of cheese and Rotini… what to do….? One Pot wonder instantly came to mind! This dish is cheesy and sauce-y and oh so delicious!

Cook time: 40 minutes

Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• 12 ounces Rotini (spiral) pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and peppers, saute until softened, about 3-5 mins.
• Add ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks.
• Stir in garlic and parsley cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Stir in tomatoes and bring to a simmer until slightly thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in pasta and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan and heavy cream. Top with mozzarella and cover until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes. Top with chopped Parsley.

 

Roasted Chicken with Red Potatoes and Green Beans

So light but packed with flavor!
The chicken has a slight citrus flavor from the lemons that really brightens up this dish while the potatoes and green beans cook perfectly with the olive oil and garlic coating making this meal filling and satisfying. You could do this with chicken or pork, but either way you should try it tonight!

---

---

3-4 chicken breast
1 lb fresh green beans, ends removed
3-4 red potatoes, diced
4 Garlic cloves, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
2 lemons. 1 sliced, 1 juiced
5 Tbsp olive oil
Salt/pepper

Slice lemon and place slices in bottom of dish.
Add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt/pepper to bowl.
Put green beans in oil mixture, coat and place on top of lemon slices in dish.
Repeat with potatoes, place around edges of dish.
Repeat with chicken and place in middle of dish on top of green beans.
Roast at 400° for 50 mins.

Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan dinners are one of my all time favorites, talk about simple!
This dish can be made spicy if you use sausage with spicier herbs or it can be sweeter if you use a milder sausage, either way it is delicious!

---

---

16 oz. Sausage of your choice
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Medium Onion
3-4 small Red Potatoes
2 Cloves of Garlic, chopped finely
2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Cut sausage, peppers, onion, and potatoes into 1 inch bite-size pieces, add to sheet tray.
Add finely chopped garlic.
Drizzle Olive Oil over everything, and toss to coat well.
Finishing with the salt and pepper and tossing one more time.
Bake at 425° for 35-40 minutes.
Serve in a heap because it will be gone in a flash!