Sample Meal Plan: Using My Freezer Stash

In last week's blog I talked about how I try and clean out my freezer during the month of August since so many expenses for back to school come into the budget. Below is this week's meal plan and  some details about what came from my freezer. I'm excited to that my freezer is slowly being cleaned out and is almost ready for fall soup making!

• Shrimp from Costco ~ I actually buy most of my meat except chicken from Costco and pull it out as I need it from the freezer. I rotate and buy fish/shrimp one month and ground beef the next month typically
• Trader Joes stuff ~ I typically go to Trader Joes every other month and stock up on sides and main dishes that make my life easier. This week includes cauliflower fried rice, mashed cauliflower, asian veg, and bbq beef brisket. 
• Hamburger Buns ~ A few bread hacks. I freeze hamburger and hot dog buns because we never use a whole package when I make something. I also stop by Jimmy John's and buy their day old bread loves for 50 cents each. Slice them into 4ths, freeze them, and pull them out to use  for meatball subs or garlic bread.
• Frozen Green Beans/Broccoli ~ I buy both of these at Sam's (I think...) and love that the bags can be steamed in the microwave or I can cook a partial bag on the stovetop. 

Three nights we are using chicken, so I bought a big package of chicken this week and I have divided it between 3 days.

Sunday
one sheet wonder
I use a cookie sheet lined with foil and pop
all of this into the oven.
 I separate the shrimp so that the shrimp juice
doesn't get on the veggies because leftover veggies
 will be used Friday night.
Shrimp, Carrots, bell peppers, asparagus
 with old bay seasoning.

Monday
Grilled Garlic Lemon Chicken
Cauliflower Mash
Green Beans

*Will grill Wednesday Night
 chicken tonight too.
**Some Green Beans will be left for Friday

Tuesday
Asian Chicken,
Cauliflower Fried Rice, and Asian Veggies
Cut up chicken breast with Soy Sauce
and Penzy's Seasoning.
Marinading in fridge until Tuesday.
I just pan fry the chicken,
and pan fry the cauliflower rice and veggies. 

Wednesday
Grilled Chicken Ranch Baked Potatoes
Will grill the chicken on Monday.
It is in the fridge marinading in milk
 and ranch powder.

Will serve with cheese and broccoli.
I might cook the potatoes in the crockpot
to lessen the cook time after I get home.

Thursday

No picture...sorry

Taco Salad

Ground beef seasoned is in the freezer 

from the last time I made a large batch...

I already pulled it out and put it in the fridge so it could thaw. 

Will add tomatoes, shredded lettuce, 

queso, salsa, and maybe some black beans. 

Friday
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Leftover Veggies

Bought this at Trader Joes and put it in the freezer.
Buns have also been in the freezer.
Will put in the fridge on Wednesday
so it can pre-thaw.

Leftover green beans, asparagus,
and bell peppers as sides.