Having 2 kids is busy, so the thought of having 3 children age 4 and under made me a little worried. How was I going to get everything done – laundry, getting lunches made, and dinner on the table. Yikes! That is one reason I try to have some “Made Ahead Meals” in my freezer ready to go for those days when cooking just seems impossible. Stocked with freezer meals that are an easy, healthy option to pull out on those nights helps me to make sure that my family is eating well even if I don’t have the time to cook. Here is one of my favourite Make Ahead Meals: Easy Chili Recipe
Beef Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 540mL Black Beans, drained
- 1 can 540mL Red Kidney Beans, drained
- 1 can 341mL Corn, drained
- 3-4 carrots peeled and grated
- 1 lb Ground Beef or 2lbs if you like your chili really meaty
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 Cloves of Garlic minced
- 1 can 794 mL Diced Tomatoes
- 1 jar 640mL Pasta Sauce
- 2-3 tbsp Chili Powder depending on taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onion and garlic together in a frying pan. Drain any excess fat.
- Place beef mixture, and all other ingredients into a slow cooker or larger pot. Stir to combine
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours stirring occasionally.
- Serve with rice and enjoy!
Once cooked allow to cool and dived up into freezer safe containers – and viola you have dinners ready to go! Freeze the Chili and when you are in need of a quick dinner take out a portion from the freeze and thaw in the microwave or on a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed though (about 45 minutes – 1 hour depending on how large the portion is). Serve with a side of rice, Italian bread or salad and dinner is DONE!
The best part about this easy chili recipe is that you can customize it to suit your tastes. Don’t like corn? Skip it and add peas instead. “Hide” extra vegetables in the chili like zucchini or egg plant by grading them up and adding them in. With a freeze stash of make ahead meals you can pretend you are a super mom even on the days you are exhausted!
I really wish I had done this before my babies were born! I was never that organized!
I am on a bit of a freezer-stocking tear right now! So this is great inspiration. I haven’t done chili yet, but I definitely should! As a mom there are few things more satisfying than a freezer full of perfectly-portioned meals :-).
There is nothing better then chili on a “chilly” day like today. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods.
Three is not that much harder then two, but you are right there is less time in the day! This is a great idea to prepare yourself! THose meals look great!
I just made chili the other night and thought about freezing the extras for a busy night. This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love this recipe! I also love that you have grated carrots into it!
Thanks.
I DO love a good chili!!!
Chili is one of my favourite meals to make ahead and freeze along with pot pies and quiches