These 20 best freezer meals recipes are some of my family’s very favorite dinners, from top food bloggers (several of whom are dear friends).
One of my favorite ways to simplify dinner is making a double batch of a recipe my family likes, and freezing half for later. Because I’m already using the cutting board, pots, pans, and utensils, by cooking a bigger quantity I get two meals with just a little more effort.
Best of all, on busy nights I can reheat a meal that’s already made. The more times I freeze meals, the simpler it is to plan weekly dinners. You are going to love having these extra dinners in your freezer!
Check out these dinners that freeze well, including tips for success below. (And if you collect easy meal recipes like I do, be sure to check out my super simple Desperation Dinners!)
5 Tips for Freezing Your Favorite Dinners
Cool Before Freezing
Make sure that the food is completely cooled before freezing. Placing hot or warm food directly in the freezer can cause uneven freezing, create ice crystals, and affect the texture.
Portion Properly
Freeze food in portions that you will likely enjoy in one meal. This makes it easier to thaw just the right amount and avoid waste.
Use the Right Containers
Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the food. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. If using containers, leave a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion as the food freezes.
Label and Date
Write the name of the dish and the date it was frozen on the bag or label. This will help you keep track of how long the food has been in the freezer. For the best flavor, I generally like to use frozen meals within 3 months
Thaw it Right
For the best texture, thaw a frozen meal by moving it from the freezer to the refrigerator a day before you plan to eat it. Alternatively, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting if you’re in a hurry. Reheat according to recipe directions.
Baked Easy Italian Meatballs – Happy Simple Living
The tastiest Italian meatballs are made with a delicious mixture of sausage and ground beef, and oven baked until golden brown. You'll love these flavorful meatballs with spaghetti, in sandwiches, on pizza, and more!
Easy Stuffed Shells with Ricotta – Joy Food Sunshine
This stuffed shells recipe is an easy, classic dinner to feed a crowd. Shells are filled with a ricotta mixture featuring fresh herbs, smothered in marinara sauce & topped with even more cheese.
These flavorful, easy chicken enchiladas are smothered with enchilada sauce and topped with cheddar cheese. They're so tasty, and best of all they take just 35 minutes to make!
The best quick and easy chili recipe! Made in 30 minutes on the stovetop, homemade chili is a delicious, from scratch (no packaged seasoning) dinner your whole family will love.
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna – An Affair From the Heart
With only 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna comes together in no time with all of the flavors of traditional lasagna in a cheesy dish the whole family will love.
This Crack Chicken Recipe is made with creamy, cheesy, delicious baked chicken breasts smothered in an addicting combination of bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner for the whole family!
This Authentic Italian Stromboli recipe is filled with sliced salami, pepperoni, capicola, and a blend of Italian cheeses. Perfect for family pizza night, feeding a crowd; freezes great!
An easy and casual recipe, this lazy lasagna bake takes all the delicious parts of lasagna without the complication. Enjoy with or without ground beef!
Wrangle up the family and serve Cowboy Cornbread Casserole for dinner tonight! It’s an easy skillet meal loaded with ground beef, veggies and bold spices,
Cheesy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole – The Fresh Cooky
Simply the best Cheesy Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole recipe! With melty cheese, sour cream, green beans, corn and tater tots, it’s like a cheeseburger in casserole form, comfort food at its best!
Eliza Cross is the creator of Happy Simple Living, where she shares ideas to help busy people simplify cooking, gardening, holidays, home, and money. She is also the award-winning author of 17 cookbooks, including Small Bites and 101 Things To Do With Bacon.
