With a completely crazy schedule, I've been considering how I can sneak in some bulk cooking, like I used to do. I was certain I didn't have an entire day to devote to it, like I used to.

Last week extra lean ground beef was on sale so I picked up 20 lbs. I then found a few simple recipes and made sure I had ingredients.

Night One: I made a Beefy Tortilla Bake for dinner and two more for the freezer. While these were cooking I also assembled three Tater Tot Casseroles for the dinner. Altogether, it probably only took a bit over an hour and we had dinner and five meals for the freezer.

We had several nights with various activities, being gone for dinner, etc. One night I ended up getting into the hamburger stash and making....hamburgers. Go figure!

Night Four: I HAVE to deal with the rest of this hamburger. Tonight night I made Salisbury Steaks in gravy for dinner (with stuffing & peas) and make two more bags (browned and ready to heat w/gravy) for the freezer. (I brown the 20 freezer meal patties while we eat our dinner. I just have to get up and flip them a couple times. ) Two more meals stocked away and it only took a few extra minutes.

OK, I'll admit it. I wrapped up the rest of the ground beef and put it in the freezer. There are probably four pounds left. I'll pull it out for sloppy joes or meatloaf soon. I just couldn't keep it in the fridge any longer.

Still, I'm pleased. I managed to have seven dinners in the freezer and only spent maybe 30-40 minutes more than I normally would have. Works for Me!

For more helpful tips visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer!