I need ideas for make ahead or fast recipes.

[Sherri1480]

Everything sounds so good! Thanks everyone for the response. Keep 'em coming!

[mzbeers]

Easy Black Bean Lasagna

1) 15oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1) 28oz can crushed tomatoes, undrained
3/4 c chopped onions
1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
1/2 c chunky salsa
1 t chili powder
1/2 t cumin
1 c light ricotta cheese (can also substitute cottage cheese)
1/8 t garlic powder
1 egg
10 uncooked lasagna noodles
6oz (1 1/2 c) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 350. Grease 13x9 baking dish. In large bowl, mash beans slightly. Stir in tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, salsa, chili powder and cumin; mix well.

In small bowl combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder and egg; blend well.

Spread 1 cup of the tomato mixture over bottom of baking dish. Top with half of noodles, overlapping slightly. Top with half of remaining tomato mixture. Spoon ricotta mixture over top; spread carefully. Top with half of cheese, then with remaining noodles, tomato mixture and cheese. Cover tightly with spray coated foil.

Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes or until noodles are tender. Uncover; let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Add 15 mintues to the cooking time if refrigerated.

[TiggerToo]

phaedravel... what's the best way to defrost / reheat those packets? I assume just place them in the fridge overnight, but what about last-minute? I'm totally new to the cook & freeze thing :)

I would suggest sticking them in lukewarm water if it was a quick defrost..still keep them in the ziploc bag that you froze them in and just stick them in the luke warm water...they would prolly defrost in about 15/20 minutes depending on what it is then stick it in a microwave safe dish.

[judystock]

Lots of us would love to have it.

[Sherri1480]

I wanted to add that you can freeze cooked hamburger meat. I didn't realize this for a long time. I find it on sale and fry it all up, drain and rinse with water and then I just package it into sandwich bags. I've found that they hold about a pound. Then you can have it ready for hamburger helper, spagetti sauce, burritos, etc. I just let the meat thaw in the sauce while its heating up. Hope I wasn't the only person on earth that didn't know this lol.