Dishing It Up Recipe Hop: Freezer Meals--Turkey/Chicken Taco Quiche

As the holidays approach and the kids will be out of school, life may get a little more hectic.  A great way to combat that, at dinner time at least, is to have ready made meals waiting in the freezer!

This week's recipe hop is devoted to meals that freeze well.  I'm going to be sharing with you one of our favorites.  In fact, I just made 4 of these from our turkey leftovers!  (Chicken works just as well.)



Turkey Taco Quiche   (recipe adapted from here)


Ingredients  (recipe makes 2 quiches):

• 2 unbaked pastry shells  (I use frozen deep dish pie shells)
• 2 cups cooked turkey/chicken (shredded)
• 2 envelopes taco seasoning, divided
• 2/3 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups half and half  
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 can chopped green chilies  (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives (optional)

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine meat and one envelope taco seasoning.  Spoon mixture into pie shells.   Top with salsa and cheese.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, butter, and remaining taco seasoning.  Stir in optional ingredients if desired.  Pour over cheese.

To Cook Immediately:

Bake at 400* for 33-35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.  Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Freeze the other(s) wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.  *NOTE*  Please place them onto a baking sheet before putting them into the freezer.  They will overflow and spill eggy-taco goo all into your freezer if you do not.  Simply let them freeze overnight (don't forget them!) and then when they are solid, wrap in foil and place into a freezer bag.  I drop a labeled note card into the bag with cooking instructions.

To Use Frozen:

Remove from freezer 30 minutes before baking.  Do not thaw.  Cover edges of crust with foil to prevent excess browning.  Bake at 400* for 70-75 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

If you'd like some more great freezer recipes, check out the links below.  If you have a great freezer recipe, link it up!