Any mom who still remembers the newborn stage will remind you to EAT! (Especially if you’re planning to breastfeed.) New moms (okay, all moms) NEED to eat. But when you’re surviving on less than a few hours of sleep? Even making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich seems like an insurmountable task. If you have a crockpot and an hour, you can set yourself up with at least a few meals so easy the most sleep-deprived person can feed mom, dad, and any visitors who might stop by to try to snuggle your new bundle of joy.
These tried and true recipes kept me fed after my son was born. (And they didn’t break the bank!)
Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients Needed:
1 can refried beans
1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional)
A package of taco seasoning
12-15 corn tortillas
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
salsa
green onion
fresh chopped tomatoes
sour cream
Directions
1) If you are using meat, brown the meat and add taco seasoning per the directions on the package (just like when you’re making tacos) (If you are not using meat, use half the package in one can of beans)
2) Mix the browned and seasoned meat with the refried beans
3) Lay 6 tortillas across the bottom of your 9×13 pan
4) Spread/dollop the bean and meat mixture (about 1/3 of the total mixture) on the tortillas
5) Sprinkle 1/3 of your cheese on top
6) You can add some salsa here
7) Repeat steps 3-6 and top of the final layer with cheese and your chosen optional toppings
8) Baked at 350 for 30 minutes once thawed (or 60-90 minutes from the freezer)
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 tbsp flour
An onion, diced
2 bags of mixed veggies (peas, green beans, and carrots)
2 tbsp butter
1-2 tsp thyme
1 clove of garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 package (or 4 servings) of instant mashed potatoes
1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1) Sweat the onions in 1 tbsp of butter
2) Brown ground beef
3) Add the frozen veggies, thyme, salt and pepper, garlic, and remaining butter and cook until warmed
4) Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for a few minutes
5) If there is no liquid in your pan, add some additional butter and a bit of water
6) In a 9×13 pan, add the beef and veggie mixture
7) Make the instant mashed potatoes according to the instructions
8) Combine the mashed potatoes and shredded cheese
9) Top your beef and veggie mixture with the mashed potato mixture
10) Cook at 350 until the mashed potatoes are light golden brown
If freezing, add the mashed potatoes either after the filling has thawed or after it has been in the oven for about 30 minutes
Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 can of whole berry cranberry sauce
A package of onion soup mix
1 bottle of catalina dressing
Directions
Dump all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, dump the bag into your crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred or slice the chicken and mix into the sauce. Serve over rice.
A few other tips for quick and easy meals:
1) Rotisserie chicken is your friend! They’re easy to freeze and reheat in your crockpot!
2) Throwing chicken, pork, or turkey in your crockpot with barbeque sauce will give you super easy barbeque for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
3) If you grease your bowl with butter or cooking spray, you can cook an egg in your microwave in 45-60 seconds
