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3 Easy (and Healthy!) Freezer Meals to Make Weeknight Dinners a Breeze

written by

Stacie Edwards

posted on

December 10, 2024

We see you—juggling work, family, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a way to get healthy, delicious meals on the table without the daily scramble, you’re in luck. 

We’ve rounded up 3 freezer-friendly meals using our pasture-raised chicken, pork, and beef that are easy to prep, cook, and freeze. Your future self is gonna thank you big time.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Sweet, Savory & Simple!)

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What You’ll Need:

  • 2 lbs Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup local honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
  • 1/4 cup water

How to Make It:

  1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a large freezer-safe bag or container. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken.
  3. Seal and freeze flat (this makes it easier to store).

How to Cook It:

  1. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  2. Dump the contents into a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  3. Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies. Boom—dinner done!

2. Pork Carnitas (Taco Night, Any Night!)

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What You’ll Need:

How to Make It:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides (about 2-3 min per side) to lock in that flavor.
  2. In a freezer-safe bag or container, combine onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, orange juice, and lime juice.
  3. Place the browned pork into the bag with the marinade. Seal it up and freeze.

How to Cook It:

  1. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  2. Place everything (pork + juices) in a slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until it’s falling apart tender.
  4. Shred with two forks and broil it in the oven for 5-10 minutes if you like those crispy edges.
  5. Serve in tacos, rice bowls, or on top of nachos. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

3. Beef & Veggie Meatballs (Kid-Approved!)

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What You’ll Need:

  • 2 lbs Edwards Family Farms grass-fed ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but yum!)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (use unsweetened almond milk if dairy-free)
  • 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini or carrots (sneak those veggies in!)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

  1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Don’t overwork it—just mix until it’s all together.
  2. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Freeze on the sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How to Cook It:

  1. No need to thaw! Just pop the frozen meatballs into a baking dish or air fryer.
  2. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  3. Serve with marinara, on pasta, or as a protein-packed snack for kids. (Bonus points if you get them to help make them!)

Meal Prep Tips:

  • Label everything: Write the meal name, date, and cooking instructions on the bag before you freeze it. Future-you will be glad you did.
  • Freeze flat: Lay bags flat so they’re stackable and take up less freezer space.
  • Use glass storage bowls: If you’re skipping plastic, freezer-safe glass bowls with lids are the way to go.

These meals are fast, foolproof, and full of flavor. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re feeding your family clean, pasture-raised meat from a farmer you trust (hey, that’s us!) instead of mystery meat from the freezer aisle.

Stock your freezer now and thank yourself later. 

If you’re looking to stock up on our chicken, pork, or beef, click here to check out what’s fresh from the farm right now. 

We’re happy to help you fill that freezer with the good stuff!

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