With fall in the air, I’m all about pumpkin and spice. As the leaves change color and the weather turns crisp, I love to keep my windows slightly open and listen to the sounds of nature. My cat London is having a blast watching his bird friends and chirping at them, which is great because it means he’s entertained and I can focus on meal prepping and restocking my freezer.
Since I’ll be traveling for a couple of weeks, I’m preparing single-serve meals to make it easier when I get home after a long day. No more fast food or takeout—just pull something from the freezer, heat, and enjoy a homemade meal. I’m also cleaning out my pantry, making sure everything is in order before I leave. This Southwestern Taco Soup is so convenient is that you can freeze it in silicone molds or mason jars for individual servings.
Ground beef is one of those freezer staples I always have on hand. I like to buy it in bulk when it’s on sale, portion it into one-pound bags, flatten it out to save space, and then freeze it. This way, it defrosts quickly, making it easy to whip up a meal at a moment’s notice. Talk about a win-win!
One of my favorite recipes for meal prepping is taco soup. It’s simple and quick to make, and it’s perfect for freezing. The basic ingredients include canned stewed tomatoes, canned beans, canned corn, and a packet of taco seasoning. I sometimes make my own seasoning for a homemade touch.
To give it a little twist, I usually cook a pound of ground venison and a pound of ground beef together, then split the mixture to make a pot of chili and a pot of taco soup. This gives me a variety and both of these freeze well in mason jars, just remember to leave a little space at the top for expansion as they freeze.
With my meals prepped and the freezer stocked, I can enjoy the fall season without worrying about what to eat when I get home. Plus, I get to spend more time enjoying the changing leaves, sipping hot drinks, and maybe even baking some pumpkin-spice treats. Fall really is the best season for cozy, comforting meals, and meal prepping makes it so much easier to enjoy.
I often pair this soup with my homemade rustic crusty bread, which is a fantastic alternative to store-bought crusty bread. The bread’s golden, crispy crust and soft interior are perfect for sopping up the rich chili sauce. It adds a warm, comforting touch to the meal and makes everything feel just a little more special.
