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Freezer meals make busy weeknights a breeze or can help a family in need. We’ve included our best-loved freezer-friendly recipes!
We Love Easy!
Sometimes you need a quick dinner idea and simply heating a ready-made meal can save the day. Many meals can be heated from frozen for those days I forget to prep! Having freezer meals on hand is extremely handy and is not just for busy families. These dinners are perfect for sharing!
For freezer meal tips & tricks, scroll to the bottom of this post!
Our family's favorite lasagna recipe – not only because it's delicious but because it's so EASY! With beef, Italian sausage, three cheeses, and tons of seasonings, you know this recipe is going to be a hit!
This Easy Beef Stroganoff recipe is simple and flavorful. Served with egg noodles, this creamy stroganoff made in the slow cooker is a classic Sunday dinner recipe and is perfect to enjoy any night of the week.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole – the classic potato dish in casserole form filled with red potatoes, cheese, sour cream, bacon and more. It’s the perfect side dish to any holiday meal or dinner.
Avoid. Recipes that contain fruits or veggies with a high water content (cucumber, melon, and lettuce) raw potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs should be avoided. Many recipes with mayo, fresh whipping cream, or yogurt can also be tricky to freeze.
Partial prep. Instead of freezing a whole meal, you can keep partially prepared items in the freezer, which makes meal prep much easier on busy days. Since so many recipes call for them, I almost always have 1-2 cup portions of cooked Shredded Chicken and browned ground beef in the freezer.
How to get started?
Make a double batch of dinner and freeze the extra. Write the expiration date, name of the dish, and quick heating instructions on the container.
Once you have a list of recipes that do well in the freezer, and that your family loves, set aside time to make several batches and slowly build your freezer supply.
Needed Supplies?
You’ll need freezable storage containers, a permanent marker, and the recipe ingredients.
Use plastic or glass freezer-safe airtight container with a lid.
Baking pan. I like to use disposable pans, but freezer-safe glass, ceramic, or metal baking dishes can be used. Wrap plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil around the pan before storing.
Resealable freezer bags are convenient and save space. Remove as much air from the freezer bag as possible before sealing it.
How long do they Last in the Freezer?
Freezer meals typically last 3-6 months if stored properly. Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of their freshness.
Best way to avoid freezer burn?
Do not put hot food in the freezer.
Get as much air out of the container as possible.
Keep track of the dates and use the soonest dates first.
Make sure the freezer stays at the right temperature.
How to Reheat?
Methods such as slow cooker, instant pot, and oven baking work well. Some foods can be heated straight out of the freezer while others need to thaw in the fridge.
Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!