Ground Turkey & Veggies

One for you, three for the freezer! 

Is your plate not too full today? Let's do some cooking ahead then!  Planning ahead and stocking up conversations usually include the word "COSTCO", well at least in my part of the country, there may be other similar choices in your area.  COSTCO's four pack of ground turkey comes into play with this meal, an inexpensive and healthy protein to plan a few meals with.  Here's one of my favorites, and a special one because my daughter came up with this idea and taught it to me as she was learning to cook for herself.  Basically its ground turkey with small chopped vegetables (think of the size of frozen mixed vegetables) with some flavorful spices added to it.  The versatility of this dish is endless. You can serve over a bowl of greens (shown in photo), rice, or quinoa, and then add your favorite toppings - olives, tomatoes, salsa, avocado, sunflower seeds (I love the crunch those add), hot sauce (if you are a fan), and you have a protein packed tasty meal.  Here's the best part -

Yep - you have one for your dinner tonight, and then 3 one gallon freezer bags to put in your freezer for one of those days when your plate is full.  Just allow the package to thaw in the refrigerator during the day and then stir fry that evening, or place in the crock pot the next day and you are greeted home with dinner almost ready and a wonderful smelling house.  

4 packages of ground turkey
8 carrots
2 zucchini
2 onion
oregano
basil
cumin
salt & pepper

Chop the vegetables (carrot, zucchini, onion, or add your own!) up into small pieces and place each vegetable in a separate bowl.  Once this is done add 1/4 of each vegetable to a fry pan with 2 Tbl of olive oil and begin cooking the vegetables for tonight's dinner.  Cook for 7-8 minutes then add the spices, approximately 1 Tbl each of oregano, basil & cumin.  Add one package of the ground turkey and then salt and pepper to taste.  Continue to simmer until the turkey is cooked through.  Prepare rice, quinoa, or bed of greens to serve the turkey mixture over.  While your dinner is cooking or after dinner, divide up the remainder of the vegetables equally amongst 3 gallon ziploc freezer bags, add the spices, then top off each with a package of ground turkey.  

It is just a little bit of effort to have 3 pre-made healthy meals in your freezer for one of those days.  Enjoy!!!