Quick and Easy Freezer-Friendly Meal Ideas for Busy Times 

When life is hectic and you still want to eat healthily, freezer meal recipes are the way to go. Being able to stock up on meals to be heated up at a moment’s notice can quite literally save your day. Plus, using easy-to-find ingredients means even the busiest person can do it.

Here are just a few recipes and tips to get you started on your path to freezer meal deliciousness:

1. Shopping Tips

No one said making freezer meals would be easy but you can definitely make it easier by taking advantage of shopping tips that will save time and money. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re at the store:

-Shop sales and stock up on items that are cheaper in bulk
-Keep an eye out for pre-packaged meal ingredients, like pre-chopped veggies that can save you time in the kitchen.
-Stock up on non-perishables like canned tomatoes, beans, pastas and rice.
-Buy frozen proteins like chicken, shrimp, and ground beef that can easily be defrosted when you’re ready to cook.

2. Pro Tips for Meal Prepping

When you’re ready to start making your freezer meals, it’s important to remember that not all ingredients freeze well. It’s also important to make sure your meal prep is done properly so that you don’t end up with soggy, bland ingredients. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

-If possible, freeze cooked proteins prior to adding it to your meal.
-If you’re cooking grains or beans, make sure to undercook them slightly so they don’t become gummy after they’ve been frozen.
-When adding sauces, be sure to use a concentrated form to prevent any watery meals.
-Use freezer-safe containers and label them accordingly.

3. Delicious Recipes to Get You Started

Alright, now let’s get to the good stuff: freezable meal recipes! Here are just a few delicious ideas that are freezer-friendly and simple to make.

Green Chili and Rice Bake 

This tasty combination of flavors comes together in just one pan for easy assembly and freezing.

Ingredients:

 -2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 large onion, diced
-1 green pepper, diced
-1 jalapeño pepper, diced
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 can diced tomatoes
-1 cup vegetable broth
-1 cup uncooked basmati rice
-1/2 cup frozen corn
-1/2 cup black beans
-1/2 cup chopped cilantro
-1/4 cup sliced olives
-1/2 cup shredded cheese 

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic, onion, green pepper and jalapeño pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

  2. Stir in the cumin and chili powder and cook for an additional minute or so.

  3. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, rice and corn to the pan, stirring to combine everything. Bring the heat up to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is done.

  4. Preheat oven to 375 F and add the beans, cilantro, olives and cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine.

  5. Transfer contents of the skillet to a 9”x9” baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

  6. Allow the dish to cool before transferring contents to freezer-safe containers. 

Chicken Burrito Bowl 

There’s nothing better than a deliciously satisfying burrito bowl… and the fact that it freezes so well just makes it that much better!

Ingredients:

 -2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
-1/2 onion, diced
-1 red pepper, diced
-1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
-1/4 cup Mexican-style cheese, shredded
-1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
-2 tablespoons lime juice
-1 teaspoon garlic salt
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1 cup cooked white rice
-1/2 cup salsa
-Sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the onion, red pepper and black beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

  2. Add the chicken, cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic salt, cumin and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.

  3. In a separate pot, cook the white rice according to package instructions.

  4. To assemble the burrito bowls, distribute the chicken mixture among 4-8 bowls and top with cooked white rice.

  5. Garnish with salsa, sour cream and any additional toppings of your choice.

  6. Allow each bowl to cool before transferring contents to freezer-safe containers.

4. Freezer-Friendly Vegetarian Options

Not all freezer meals have to be packed with meat. Here are some vegetarian-friendly ideas that you can make up in advance and enjoy.

Veggie Lover’s Lasagna 

This easy-to-make lasagna is chock-full of protein-packed vegetables and it freezes like a dream.

Ingredients: 

-1 package lasagna noodles
-1 zucchini, sliced
-1 summer squash, sliced
-1 onion, diced
-1 package button mushrooms, sliced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 jar marinara sauce
-1 carton ricotta cheese
-1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
-1/4 cup chopped parsley 

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F and spray a deep baking dish with non-stick spray.

  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.

  3. Add the mushrooms, zucchini and squash, cooking until all vegetables are softened. Stir in the marinara sauce and set aside.

  4. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.

  5. To assemble the lasagna, layer the noodles, vegetable mixture and ricotta cheese in the prepared baking dish.

  6. Top with parmesan cheese and parsley and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lasagna is browned and bubbly.

  7. Allow the lasagna to cool before transferring contents to freezer-safe containers.

Veggie and Sauce Pasta Bowl 

This dish is perfect for meal prepping and freezer-friendly meals and you can customize it with whatever vegetables you like.

Ingredients:

-6-8 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 bell pepper, diced
-1/2 onion, diced
-1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon oregano
-Pinch of salt and pepper
-1/2 cup tomato sauce 

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, bell pepper and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

  2. Add the mushrooms and season with the garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes.

  4. To assemble the pasta bowls, divide the cooked spaghetti among 4-8 containers and top with the veggie and sauce mixture.

  5. Add any additional toppings you’d like, such as cheese or olives.

  6. Allow the bowls to cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

These recipes may seem simple, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating freezer-friendly meals. By stocking up on non-perishables and proteins, you’ll have an easy time meal prepping in advance. And by taking a few tips into account while shopping, you’ll save time and money as well.

When it comes to freezer meals, the key is to make sure you know what ingredients do and do not freeze well and to use freezer-safe containers. With a few recipes and some meal prepping tips, you’ll be feeling confident that your kitchen is well-stocked with meals for your busy days.

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