Simply Recipes Meal Plan: October 2018, Week 3

Here's your meal plan for October Week 3! We've got loads of freezer-friendly meals, like Pumpkin Chili and Pesto Lasagna, so you can stock up for the busy months ahead.

By
Marta Rivera
Marta Rivera
Marta Rivera
Marta has 25 years of experience in the food service industry and has been developing recipes for 3 years. She is the author of Taste & See Cooks: Recipes to Inspire, Equip and Enjoy.
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Updated July 09, 2021
Marta Rivera
Meal Plan for October Week 3

I don’t know about you, but I find that just because I’ve fallen into a school/life routine by this point in the fall, it doesn’t mean life is easier. It typically takes me a couple of months to find my scheduling groove. Summer break does that to me for some reason.

And then, just when I think I’ve mastered the calendar -- the holidays roll around and I’m back on the hamster-wheel.

The most powerful weapon I have in arsenal is my deep-freezer. As a food blogger, there’s always food that needs to be made, but not always the desire to actually make it -- can you relate?

On those days when I don't want to cook dinner, I like the option of going to my freezer and grabbing a pre-made meal that can be thawed and re-heated. I get a break from the stove without my family and I having to sacrifice a healthy, home-cooked meal.

For the meals this week, either do some prep work over the weekend so your freezer is stocked with food, or if you're cooking during the week, make a double-batch and freeze the surplus for a meal down the road.

  • Pumpkin Chili

    Pumpkin Chili
    Aaron Hutcherson

    This Pumpkin Chili is extremely freezer-friendly. In fact, I’ve found that the flavors deepen in the freezer, so I tend to make it in large batches come pumpkin season. Serve it with dinner rolls and a simple salad on the side.

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  • Three-Cheese Pesto Lasagna

    Three Cheese Lasagna
    Elizabeth Stark

    Pasta dishes are on my short list of "best meals to freeze," so this Three Cheese Pesto Lasagna is a must for me. Because I enjoy changing up the way I use everyday ingredients and since kale is in season right now, I’ll use this meal as a unique way to incorporate it into our dinner.

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  • Herbed Chicken Tenders with Tomato Sauce

    Chicken Tenders with Tomato Sauce
    Elise Bauer

    One way I take a break in the kitchen is by getting our twins involved in meal preparations. I’m a staunch advocate of teaching life skills--especially Home Economics--to children and teens. These Herbed Chicken Tenders with Tomato Sauce are a great intro recipe for those with basic culinary skills (like children or teens). Since this is a freezer-friendly recipe, as well, you can make extra for those upcoming holiday school breaks. Turning this into a chicken parmesan sandwich is a great twist on the original recipe, too.

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  • Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

    Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
    Sheryl Julian

    I don’t stick to hard and fast rules when it comes to our dinners. Because of that, breakfast is often served for dinner at my house. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole has all the makings of a well-rounded supper, so I go with it and add a salad on the side. Make an extra batch of this casserole for holiday breakfasts or brunches and freeze, wrapped very well in foil.

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    Continue to 5 of 5 below.

  • Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy served with noodles and veggies on a round plate with veggies and butter noodles
    Coco Morante

    Budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ready under and hour? Yes, please! Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy only needs mashed potatoes and a veg to complete it!

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