Best freeze ahead meals

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be having a baby in a few weeks but would like to take the time now to freeze some meals in advance. Last time, I only made one casserole and some breads. Any favorites freeze ahead meals that don't break down after defrosting? Any things to avoid that don't defrost well? I know I can make soups but I was looking for some ideas that are heartier to feed a family. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Chili
Deep dish pizza (it's DH's favorite meal and I knew I wasn't making it for a loooong time after the baby was born because it's complex, but it thaws very nicely)
Enchiladas (freeze sauce separately)

Also maybe some breakfast-type stuff if you want - muffins, waffles, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, etc. all freeze well.

[Anonymous]

breakfast burritos freeze well.

[Anonymous]

I just did 3 batches of Tortilla soup, thawed the first one last week. Turned out great!

[Anonymous]

I agree with breakfast burritos - they are also great for snacks!
Roast a couple chickens at once, cool, pull the meat off the bones and freeze in meal sized portions. Great for soup, chicken salad, pasta, etc.

[Anonymous]

Love the cooks illustrated recipe for baked ziti, and freezes great. Also did the eating well beef/broccoli hotdish (but with turkey) and it froze perfectly.

[Anonymous]

If you've got a slow cooker, you can also throw all the things you would need for stew or pot roast into a large freezer bag. Thaw and dump into slow cooker. Do it without potato pieces, which don't freeze well. Can just serve with egg noodles