26 freezer meals to make now and thank yourself for later
Some days there’s plenty of time to cook, and other days that’s just not happening. These 26 freezer meals give you plenty of options to prepare in advance and pull out whenever you need a break from cooking. They are all freezer-friendly and a favor to your future self.
Sausage Lentil Soup
This sausage lentil soup is one of those weeknight dinners that also freezes really well. Italian sausage, lentils, carrots, celery, and spinach simmer in a savory tomato broth for a hearty one-pot meal made mostly from pantry staples. Get the recipe: Sausage Lentil Soup
Cornbread Casserole
This cheesy cornbread casserole is loaded up with bacon and jalapeños, making it the perfect comfort food. It is a great option to make ahead and freezes like a dream. Get the recipe: Cornbread Casserole
Baked Meatballs
This homemade baked meatballs recipe can be served over pasta in their sauce, tucked into meatball subs, or enjoyed on its own with crusty bread and a big salad. They’re ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize with different proteins. Get the recipe: Baked Meatballs
Beef Empanadas
These beef empanadas are a tasty handheld lunch, dinner, or appetizer. They have such a delicious flavor from ground beef, onions, paprika, garlic, and more. Get the recipe: Beef Empanadas
Black Bean Quinoa Burger
These black bean quinoa burgers feature savory flavors, bold spices, and a juicy texture. If you’re meal prepping or simply looking for meatless grilling options, this freezer-friendly recipe is your go-to. Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger
Freezer Lasagna
Homemade freezer lasagna is comforting, delicious, and always ready when you need it. The recipe is easy to scale up, so you can stock the freezer with extra meals for later. Get the recipe: Freezer Lasagna Recipe
Breakfast Hot Pockets
These homemade breakfast hot pockets are the perfect grab-and-go solution. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to customize, and so much fresher tasting than store-bought. Get the recipe: Breakfast Hot Pockets
Instant Pot Cottage Pie
This Instant Pot cottage pie comes together in just 30 minutes with eight fresh ingredients and is sure to please the whole family. It also freezes really well, so you can have a comforting meal ready anytime. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Cottage Pie
Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew
This Instant Pot Guinness beef stew packs all the rich, hearty flavors of a classic Irish stew in a fraction of the time. Beef, potatoes, carrots, and Guinness come together for a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew
Cheesy Hash Brown Chicken Bake
This cheesy hash brown chicken bake is cozy and comforting, made with Greek yogurt for a little extra creamy tang. It freezes perfectly, so you’ve always got dinner ready to go. Get the recipe: Cheesy Hash Brown Chicken Bake
Kung Pao Chicken
This Kung Pao chicken hits that perfect savory-sweet-spicy combo and comes together in way less time than takeout. Make extra because it freezes really well, and you’ll be grateful when dinner basically makes itself later. Get the recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Crab Cakes with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce
These homemade crab cakes are packed with sweet lump crab, just the right amount of filler, and seasoned with lemon, Old Bay, and Dijon. They also freeze really well, making them perfect to have on hand for an easy, impressive meal. Get the recipe: Crab Cakes with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce
Turkey Pot Pie
This turkey pot pie is the ultimate way to turn leftover turkey into something totally comforting. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy a cozy, homemade dinner long after Thanksgiving. Get the recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
Chicken Vegetable Quinoa Soup
This chicken quinoa vegetable soup is a nourishing blend of tender chicken, wholesome quinoa, and a medley of fresh veggies. It’s a hearty and satisfying bowl that is perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal. Get the recipe: Chicken Vegetable Quinoa Soup
Venison Chili
This hearty venison chili swaps ground beef for ground deer, simmered with beans, veggies, and warm spices for a new version of the classic. It’s a one-pot wonder that practically cooks itself. Get the recipe: Venison Chili
Homemade French Toast Sticks (Freezer-Friendly)
Homemade French toast sticks are a freezer-friendly breakfast perfect for busy mornings. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a breakfast that always hits. Get the recipe: Homemade French Toast Sticks (Freezer-Friendly)
Chicken Enchilada Rice Bake with Refried Beans
This enchilada chicken rice bake will have everyone lined up with a plate. Loaded with chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, rice, and cheese, it’s a yummy dish that even fussy eaters will love. Get the recipe: Enchilada Chicken Rice Bake
German Onion Pie
There’s something supremely comforting about a warm, savory German Onion Pie fresh out of the oven with a flaky, homemade crust. Filled with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and Swiss cheese, it’s also easy to reheat and freeze. Get the recipe: German Onion Pie
Bacon and Roasted Jalapeño Quiche
Switch up breakfast or brunch with this bacon and roasted jalapeño quiche. A blend of milk and cream makes a rich filling loaded with bacon and jalapeño, all tucked into a flaky pie crust. Get the recipe: Bacon and Roasted Jalapeño Quiche
High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This cottage cheese egg bake is warm, hearty, and easy to share. Featuring fluffy eggs, cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, sweet bell peppers, and fresh spinach, it can be made ahead and frozen. Get the recipe: High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Greek Lamb Meatballs
These Greek lamb meatballs are packed with mint, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. Ready in about 35 minutes and freezer-friendly, they work for a weeknight or as part of a Mediterranean spread with tzatziki, pita, and Greek salad. Get the recipe: Greek Lamb Meatballs
Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Start your mornings with this high-protein breakfast burrito recipe. These burritos are made with eggs, turkey sausage, and spinach and are ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect to make ahead and freeze. Get the recipe: Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This slow cooker lasagna soup gives all the classic flavors you crave, but with a fraction of the work. Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer into a delicious soup version of your favorite. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake
This chicken orzo pasta bake is cheesy, creamy comfort food, and it comes together in one dish with minimal fuss. With rotisserie chicken and bold Tuscan flavors like sundried tomatoes and lemon, it’s perfect for any night when you need something easy and delicious. Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake
Korean Beef Bowls
These easy Korean beef bowls hit all the right flavors and are on the table in under 30 minutes. Savory ground beef with garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce gets piled over fluffy white rice for a wholesome, homemade meal. Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowls
Chinese Fried Rice
This recipe for Chinese fried rice is an easy, tasty meal that comes together quickly. It’s a favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal and is a smart way to use up your leftover rice. Get the recipe: Chinese Fried Rice