Frozen Dinners

So, hopefully someone aside from me will find this topic interesting. :P


I think at some point or another we have all chowed down on morsels from microwave ready tray heaven. And if you haven't recently you'd be surprised how good they were.

Now sure I can cook but I just don't have the time. And usually it's dinner for one so why cook?

Thats where the freezer section comes in, it's like single dude heaven. Maybe others to but I dunno I never been anything else :P .

I have been munching icey cuisine since I was a little tike staying home alone on summer vacation. Run home from playing in the woods and eat a stouffers or kid cuisine or something.

Back then it was indeed pretty nasty.


However today there's alot of good stuff to choose from. And Seru is gonna help out you curious folks with his top 5.

5. Tai Pei
Taste: 3 and a Half Stars.
Cost: 5 Stars
Easy to make: 5 stars
The word in frozen chinese. But I hope you like sweet. Most of these dishes are sweet and not my cup of tea. Still Egg rolls and fried rice are tasty and You can find these on sale all the time at wally world. Ususally in like a 2 for 4 or something. Still for chinese I think I'd rather order take out. Easy as heck to make to you just throw it in no unwrap no nothing just as is and nuke. Eat out of box.


4. Hot Pocket
Taste: 4 stars
Cost: 4 stars
Easy to make: 4 and a half stars

Hot pockets. Welcome to meh. There's alot of variety here but there's a reason pepperoni pizza is the number one seller. Still it's hard to argue with the eat on the go perfection of the hot pocket and it's magma center. Nothing wakes you up like mouth burns. I'm not gonna tell you about hot pockets because I think everyone has had these.



3. Bertolli Frozen Meals
Taste: 5 Stars
Cost: 3 stars
Easy to make: 2 and a half stars
Get ready to dirty up a pan for pasta night. Yes I said pan. Thats probably what I hate most about these. Still it's no so bad. Cut open bag dump saute for 15 minutes. It gives you a chance to add some fresh veggies and your own flair. All these meals are good but some aren't so filling. MEal for to is a lie if one of you is male and the one bag is all your eating. Cost can range in the 10 dollar range to. So why are they in the top 3? TASTE. There's a ton of variety to. If I have to feed two I usually get some bagged salad and a baguette.


2. Marie Calender's Pasta Al Dente
Taste: 4 and a half stars
Cost: 5 stars
Easy to make: 5 stars
Okay this is good stuff, but not always as diverse as bertolli. And not really always that al dente...Sure sometimes it is, but sometimes it can be soggy. But thats not to often. Still these are great, cheap, very tasty. One meal feeds one person. Take out of carton, nuke, dump and stir. I reccommend the Chicken Carbonara. Seru eats alot of these.


1. Boston Market Frozen Meals
Taste: 5 stars
Cost: 4 and a half Stars
Easy to make: 4 Stars.
Wow....is this real food? It must be. I have magic microwave gnomes switching out the stuff in the tray with REAL FOOD. The amazing thing is I know people like me who still haven't tried these. they take about 10 minutes to make in the microwave. But there is amazing variety, and they are only about $3.50 a pop. And I was full afterwards and let me tell you that ain't easy. I'd reccomend the Meatloaf, but really. Eat any of these. They are all delicious, even the seperatly sold side items. I'd feed these to a date or my boss. Or if I was dating my boss. Which would be weird I hope he would shave his legs atleast. ANYWAY, Boston market. Eat it.


So there you go. I'm not sure why I posted this. Off day and I'm a little bored. Maybe someone will find this interesting.


So whats your favorite frozen meal?

San Giorgio supreme pizza. $3 a pie if you p/u at BJ's or Costco.

Im in your same sutuation, Living by my self at the moment. But coming from a family and culture that is used to cook every meal, frozen dinners dont appeal to me much... :rage:

I really miss my parents cooking... :tears:

I usually end up making a big sandwich for dinner now. Most of the time I eat lunch and dinner at work so that is not problem, the only problem is meals when I'm home.

I'm still "adapting" to the non fresh cooked meals. Is been a rough couple of months :P

Hi,

I'm still praying for some smartypants to invent batchelorchow so I can just buy a huge sack once a month.

If it could be prepared by adding hotwater or eaten dry I'm in. :gj:

Three main course flavours would probably be all I'd need to be happy as long as there was a couple of sweet options for afters. :hungry:


dr del

Tostinos-hamburger pizzas-with crushed red peppers on top.

Banquet BBQ ribs Family size. (My metabs super high so It usually takes a whole box to fill me.:laughing:)

Boneless Chicken teriaki bites that you get from Swans(trust me, you cant eat just one).

El Monterey frozen burritos with habanero sauce.

Who knew that 5 minutes of radiation could taste this good:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

I'm still praying for some smartypants to invent batchelorchow so I can just buy a huge sack once a month.

If it could be prepared by adding hotwater or eaten dry I'm in. :gj:

Three main course flavours would probably be all I'd need to be happy as long as there was a couple of sweet options for afters. :hungry:


dr del

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MRE is what you're looking for. Some of the new packages aren't too bad.

M=Meals
R=Ready
E=to Eat

Military in nature, but some companies are making comercial versions. Some are good, others don't make the Jim Smith 5 Star rating to be sure.

Jim Smith

While I have used a frozen burrito, frozen pizza, or a pot pie.. I've never actually cooked a TV dinner IN MY LIFE. Yeah. Not even a big frozen lasagna. I don't really count a pizza as a tv dinner, and burritos or pot pies are practically snacks.

A ton of instant foods are so loaded with salt that you'll end up with freaking gout from eating them. So I try to cook food.. or I'll get food from the hot bar. It's pretty easy to cook food.. and you can also cook food and put up individual dinner size portions in the freezer so you can have as close to "fresh home cooked" dinner as possible with the same convienance.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

While I have used a frozen burrito, frozen pizza, or a pot pie.. I've never actually cooked a TV dinner IN MY LIFE. Yeah. Not even a big frozen lasagna. I don't really count a pizza as a tv dinner, and burritos or pot pies are practically snacks.

A ton of instant foods are so loaded with salt that you'll end up with freaking gout from eating them. So I try to cook food.. or I'll get food from the hot bar. It's pretty easy to cook food.. and you can also cook food and put up individual dinner size portions in the freezer so you can have as close to "fresh home cooked" dinner as possible with the same convienance.

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But then who cleans the dishes after... :P

That's another problem with guys, for some reason every man hates to do dishes. I think it's in our genetic code or something... :rofl:

Well.. if you eat out of the pans.. then use disposable storage containers, there is't really any dishes. I actually can get by with a single plate, bowl and glass here. If I'm not overly lazy, no real dishes. Most of what I cook is oven baked, so I line the baking dish with tinfoil, so cleanup is taking the tinfoil out and tossing it, then a bit of a hot rinse. Crockpot cooking is also a great thing.

Don't get me wrong.. I'm a lazy git. I just can't eat all the sodium that's in most instant foods. I do still have to have a ramen noodle once in a while, creamy chicken please. But I try not to eat that too often.

Tonight.. leftover country-fried steak, mashed taters, and broccoli. I'll have to wash a fork after I'm done eating.

Michelina's. VERY cheap, so you can eat 2 if one isn't enough. Great variety, and surprisingly good quality and tasty for a cheap frozen dinner. The stir-fry rice and vegetables is awesome. So's the Fettucine.

I'm really digging this list you posted, Seru :gj: DEFINITELY going to agree with you about the Bertolli stir fry meals. Those are just too delicious to pass up! My roommate and I usually pick up a bag during the weekly shopping trip.
Another frozen meal we like picking up is the Stouffer's family lasagna! OOOHH MAAAAN....good price for great food (same goes for their meatloaf, believe it or not). Sad thing: it takes forever to prepare!! :mad:
And I can't leave out Michaelangelo's Italian dishes!! Probably THE best personal portion chicken parmesan or lasagna in the grocery store. Granted, they're not the cheapest, but definitely worth the cost! :D

Hot Pockets are a simple college staple. Amen to that, lol.

You know AJ I never tried the michaelangelo's stuff but the Stouffers Lasagna is great. I think my favorite stouffers meal though is the stuffed peppers.

I'll have to give the stuffed peppers a try! I've only ever had stuffed peppers once at a friend's house.

And yes, you need to try the Michaelangelo's! AMAZING. And it's perfect to fill you up in one go!

I used to only cook frozen dinners a while back cuz I wasn't too into cooking. Now I only cook frozen meals when I don't feel like cooking, which can be 1-3 nights a week. Typically I go for Stouffers family meals. I really like their chicken alfredo. But, I like any alfredo. Or I'll cook frozen fish from Costco. They have these really good wild Alaskan salmon that are marinated. I don't know what the marinade is, but it's awesome!

Oh, and this may not count cuz technically it's fast food, but Pizza Hut's Chicken Alfredo is surprising awesome. Even my friends like it.

I forgot to mention, the only thing I have found so far that I really like out of quick meals. Is those Strawberry Pop Tarts, those suckers are good :taz: I cant never have just one...

2 WORDS - HUNGRY MAN

lol

The Hungry Man - Beer Battered Chicken and Cheese Fries = heaven in my mouth.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...yduh/ramen.gif

Nuff said..

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...yduh/ramen.gif

Nuff said..

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Beef is way better :rolleyes: lol

I always drain the water out and just eat the noodles with the seasoning on them. It tastes way better.

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

Beef is way better :rolleyes: lol

I always drain the water out and just eat the noodles with the seasoning on them. It tastes way better.

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Drain the water melt some mozzarella cheese on it and put you one of those oven backed chicken patties on top.. Poof poor mans chicken Parmesan.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Drain the water melt some mozzarella cheese on it and put you one of those oven backed chicken patties on top.. Poof poor mans chicken Parmesan.

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Now THAT is a good idea. You can basically make anything out of ramen lol. Sometimes after workouts if I don't have anything good to eat I will just cook up some egg whites and toss them in with beef ramen noodles. You can barely taste the egg whites so thats a plus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

Beef is way better :rolleyes: lol

I always drain the water out and just eat the noodles with the seasoning on them. It tastes way better.

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I like Oriental Flavor the best.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

I like Oriental Flavor the best.

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nooooo

Guys u got it alllll wrong

This owns all

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5734/ownsall.jpg

My refrigerator only has milk, beer, mayo, mustard, and some butter. My freezer, on the other hand is stuffed with those Steamable bags of veggies, and frozen rats... :rofl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

nooooo

Guys u got it alllll wrong

This owns all

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5734/ownsall.jpg

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WHOA WHOA WHOA.... Hold the phone here. They have hot and spicy chicken flavored ramen? Where do they sell this? Everywhere orrrr?? Maybe I just wasn't looking around good enough? The only flavors I see around here are beef and chicken.... I gotta try that hot stuff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

WHOA WHOA WHOA.... Hold the phone here. They have hot and spicy chicken flavored ramen? Where do they sell this? Everywhere orrrr?? Maybe I just wasn't looking around good enough? The only flavors I see around here are beef and chicken.... I gotta try that hot stuff.

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Well i first got em at a mexican store they sold em in the cup kind.

These i get at Kroger's Grocery store

Their pretty good :salute:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

I'm still praying for some smartypants to invent batchelorchow so I can just buy a huge sack once a month.

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..I think it's made by Purina..:rofl:

Seru, why don't you just invest in a small crockpot? I'm telling you, its the most productive cooking you could ever do! Turn it on low, throw the stuff in with a little water and spices, and when you wake up the next morning....voila! Home cooked meal that's cheaper, healthier, and delicious! ( and guaranteed to impress the girlfriend with your cooking skills :gj:) I got my 4 qt crockpot at Walmart for like $11. If you need afew recipes to get started, let me know! ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

..I think it's made by Purina..:rofl:

Seru, why don't you just invest in a small crockpot? I'm telling you, its the most productive cooking you could ever do! Turn it on low, throw the stuff in with a little water and spices, and when you wake up the next morning....voila! Home cooked meal that's cheaper, healthier, and delicious! ( and guaranteed to impress the girlfriend with your cooking skills :gj:) I got my 4 qt crockpot at Walmart for like $11. If you need afew recipes to get started, let me know! ;)

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I mean I can cook. I went to culinary school believe it or not. BUt All of my recipes feed atleast four. And I hate leftovers, they always taste off.

My mom used to have a crockpot and I used to make great black bean soup in it. But I am super paranoid about leaving a cooking device on while I am away. Still it may not be a bad idea. Fresh Homemade oatmeal in the crockpot overnight is delicious.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

..I think it's made by Purina..:rofl:

Seru, why don't you just invest in a small crockpot? I'm telling you, its the most productive cooking you could ever do! Turn it on low, throw the stuff in with a little water and spices, and when you wake up the next morning....voila! Home cooked meal that's cheaper, healthier, and delicious! ( and guaranteed to impress the girlfriend with your cooking skills :gj:) I got my 4 qt crockpot at Walmart for like $11. If you need afew recipes to get started, let me know! ;)

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lol i wouldnt mind having a few ;)

Boston Market dinners are the way to go!! SO good :)

I don't think that this is just a guy thing LOL. I am a chick, and when I am trying to squeeze a 44 hour work week into four days I am always looking for something quick, easy, and somewhat tasty. Although most meals during that four day workweek are more like necessary maintenance instead of an enjoyable experience.
Here are a few things I have found to be good....
Hormel complete meals-
Taste 3-5 depending on which meal. Some tend to have a bit of a chemical taste. Chicken breast and potatoes for example. Sounds great but not so good. Chicken and rice, and beef with potatoes are highly recommended.
Cost is a 5, these run about $2.
Ease of cooking 5. 90 seconds of microwaving and no refrigeration required. That says it all to me.
Ramen noodles, the nourishment of champions. Add a slice of cheese and a hot dog and you have a meal with 3 of your food groups.
Lunchables score a 5 all the way around. No nuking, and they cost about $2.50 and even come with a snack and a capri sun.
Smuckers PB&J uncrustables, they are another 5. No nuking, just unwrap and go. I think I bought mine for $6. This gives you a quantity of 12.
Campbel's soup at hand is another 5. $2-3, 90 seconds of nuke time and no refrigeration. They taste pretty ok.
A lot of these are probably more chick sized portions, but like I said, it is more about maintenance for me. During my work week I like quick, easy and smaller meals. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that I probably couldn't eat more than one hot pocket on my 30 minute lunch if I tried lol. Must be the whole time allowed for eating/eating out of necessity thing I have going on lately. I get my three squares a day, but it leaves something to be desired lol.

If you have Aldi in your area - you HAVE to try their Orange Chicken! O-M-G!!!

After the first five minutes of cooking when you have to stir, I sprinkle sesame seeds over it all and stir and finish the cooking.

Did I mention - O-M-G!!!!

Also - right now, Aldi is also selling Salmon Burgers - those are super easy to heat up in a skillet and have a YUMMY Salmon burger. Another O-M-G moment in your mouth!

And THIS is the best Ramen Noodles - EVAH!

http://www.buythecase.net/product/42...amen%20Noodles

lol You all suck. I have been dieting down for the summer and working out a lot harder, then everytime I come back to this thread I see all of these new amazing sounding foods to try out. This is the last time I post here :(

Nah j/p

But seriously, all of this stuff makes my mouth water.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

If you have Aldi in your area - you HAVE to try their Orange Chicken! O-M-G!!!

After the first five minutes of cooking when you have to stir, I sprinkle sesame seeds over it all and stir and finish the cooking.

Did I mention - O-M-G!!!!

Also - right now, Aldi is also selling Salmon Burgers - those are super easy to heat up in a skillet and have a YUMMY Salmon burger. Another O-M-G moment in your mouth!

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hehe i goto Aldi's all the time. Nice prices there :)

I will deff be picking this stuff up

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rabernet

And THIS is the best Ramen Noodles - EVAH!

http://www.buythecase.net/product/42...amen%20Noodles

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Eww i tried em. Idk the flavor just seemed off to me

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Another O-M-G moment in your mouth!

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..one for the Out-of-context-thread....:gj:

No, no, no. The best Ramen noodles are the chili ones!

chicken ramen noodles with 2 eggs mixxed in with some texas pete yummy :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dc1

chicken ramen noodles with 2 eggs mixxed in with some texas pete yummy :)

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What's "Texas Pete"? :confused:

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

nooooo

Guys u got it alllll wrong

This owns all

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5734/ownsall.jpg

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I just tried this kind of Ramen today for the first time after I got off work. IT IS AMAZING. Thank you f4n70m for introducing me to such an amazing food!

:banana:

To be back on topic a moment I did love that Michaelangelo's lasagna. But I gotta say a guy like me needs bigger portions. Sure was tasty though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

I just tried this kind of Ramen today for the first time after I got off work. IT IS AMAZING. Thank you f4n70m for introducing me to such an amazing food!

:banana:

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lol i love them. When we go we buy a whole box of it lol.

I love Healthy Choice's Bistro Selections. MM!

Some other stuff that I really enjoy -

Healthy Choice Sweet and Sour Chicken meals

Lean Cuisine Orange Chicken Meals

Beef Flavored Ramen (without the water, just seasoning on the cooked noodles)

Hungry Man Beer Battered Chicken and Cheese Fries

MMM mmm MMM

Stouffer's Teryaki Chicken is VERY good, and diet friendly too (no more calories/fat) than the Lean Cuisines.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Smart One's Thai Chicken too - love those noodles!