By: Erin
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Simple and easy make ahead freezer meals are great for busy people, new moms, and college students alike! From lunch and dinner entrees to breakfasts, soups, and sweet treats, these healthy freezer meals are versatile and perfect for enjoying during busy weeks.
Quick and easy make ahead meals that freeze well
When it comes to preparing food, there is nothing better than having something ready to go in the freezer. The beauty of freezer meals is that you can make them when you do have time, in preparation for when life gets a little bit crazy, or when you just don’t feel like cooking!
Whether you’re a college student trying to fit healthy eating into a jam packed class schedule, you’re a new mom with a million things to do, or life is just crazy, freezer meals are a life saver!
I love to create meals that freeze and reheat well for all of the above reasons, but also just because it’s nice to have a meal ready to go (and not having to clean a bunch of prep tools is always a nice bonus!).
Below we have dozens of different recipes that you can prepare and freeze for later. In total, it’s enough freezer meals for a month!
How to get a meal freezer ready
To prepare a meal for the freezer, you’ll want to fully prepare it ahead of time. Be sure to let it cool fully, and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Date it, pop it in the freezer, and it’ll be ready to go in a pinch! Most freezer meals keep for around 2 months.
How to reheat freezer meals
When it comes to enjoying freezer meals, it’s best to begin the process by thawing it overnight in the refrigerator. You can sometimes get away with moving it to the fridge in the morning, but doing so overnight will allow the meal to be fully thawed and therefore reheat more evenly.
Reheat in the oven, just like you’re cooking it for the first time! Often this means transferring it to a baking sheet or casserole dish. You may only need to cook it for a little less since time since it has been fully cooked already, but generally use the same temperature!
Lunch & Dinner Freezer Meals
BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
Dig in and enjoy the most delicious BBQ Turkey Meatloaf made with everything you love, like onion, garlic, parsley, ketchup, and BBQ sauce!
Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Make tonight’s meal delicious with this easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet made in one pan and topped with 2 heaping cups of cheese.
Baked Meatballs
Try this Baked Meatballs Recipe for a savory dish sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the dish as-is or paired with your favorite sides for a complete and filling meal!
Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole is a healthy and satisfying dish that’s made using broccoli, onions, bacon, and more. This delicious recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time!
Instant Pot Mississippi Pork Roast
Infuse unforgettable flavor into your pork loin with thisInstant PotMississippi pork roast recipe! It’s a gluten-free take on a classic comfort meal recipe. So juicy and delicious!
Sheetpan Turkey Meatloaf Dinner
Make an entire family dinner on one pan when you make this sheet pan turkey meatloaf. This juicy meatloaf recipe even includes the best side dishes, using the same sheet pan!
Eggplant Rollatini
Go all out on tonight’s dinner with this Eggplant Rollatini recipe. It’s made with a heaping portion of veggies, tons of spices, and three different cheeses. Eat up!
Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bake
Give dinner an upgrade with Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bake: a protein-rich take on the refreshing Mediterranean classic! Made with flavorful ingredients like marinara sauce, mozzarella, basil, and more.
Easy Tuna Patties
For a filling and protein rich meal, these Easy Tuna Patties with Spicy Aioli do the trick. They’re made with tuna, crackers, and lemon juice, and are topped with a zesty and spicy homemade aioli sauce!
Simple Turkey Burgers
Enjoy this Simple Turkey Burger Recipe for a quick and easy meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Only 5 minutes of prep time needed!
Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
For a gourmet-style meal right at home, try this Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole. It’s decked out with spices and lemon juice that create the perfect savory flavor. You’re going to love it!
Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Cauliflower
This buffalo chicken casserole is as spicy as you make it! This buffalo chicken recipe is cheesy, spicy, and packed full of protein and veggies- what’s not to love? It’s a really easy low-carb dinner you can make a week ahead of time. Keep reading for the entire recipe (and some of my time-saving tips)!
Cranberry Chicken Casserole
Cozy up to sweet, savory, tangy flavor with this Cranberry Chicken Casserole. Made with rice, chicken, and an incredible cranberry, orange juice, soy sauce,maple syrupcombo, this dish is a winner for any night of the week.
Stovetop Beef Stew
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Stove Top Beef Stew for intense flavors and lots of heartiness. It’s filled with loads of tasty ingredients like potatoes, spices, veggies, and even a dash of red wine.
Easy One Pan Salmon Dinner
This One Pan Salmon Dinner is made with salmon, asparagus, and potatoes. The maple mustard sauce is just too good not to share! The entire family will love this easy gluten-free, pescatarian dish.
Mexican Quinoa Casserole
This healthy Mexican quinoa casserole is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s protein packed with ground turkey, quinoa, and beans and makes great leftovers for the week! It’s naturally gluten free, and can easily be made dairy-free and vegetarian or vegan!
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a veggie-filled casserole of rich, creamy cauliflower, seasonings, and ground turkey. It’s the perfect meal for this time of year – warm, satisfying, and extra cozy!
Best Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
A cross between a dessert and a nutritious breakfast, these healthy pumpkin muffins are completely gluten-free! The fresh pumpkin puree andchocolate chipselevate these muffins to icon status.
Spinach Banana Blender Muffins
When it comes to these Spinach Banana Blender Muffins, it’s easy to load your morning meal with plant power. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Fill your kitchen with the aroma of sweet and salty peanut butter banana oatmeal bars. This will make you fall in love with baking again!
Healthy Berry Baked Oatmeal
Healthy Berry Baked Oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings. Made with healthy ingredients, it can be made ahead as a meal prep option. Just warm, add toppings, and enjoy!
Healthy Protein Pancakes
Start your day with this Healthy Protein Pancakes Recipe! These simple, three-minute cakes are loaded with protein and other healthy ingredients and are perfect for yourself or a crowd.
Sausage French Toast Casserole
Enjoy a hearty and delicious morning meal with this Sausage French Toast Casserole. It’s everything you love about french toast, but with added protein and flavor!
Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
Get ready for fall with this healthy apple pie baked oatmeal! Made withrolled oats, diced apples, cinnamon, andmaple syrupfor sweetness, this baked oatmeal is perfect for those cooler mornings.
Oatmeal Blender Pancakes
An easy and healthy oatmeal blender pancakes recipe made with simple ingredients like oats, banana, and egg. Perfectly fluffy and packed with protein, these gluten free pancakes make the best breakfast!
Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
Start your morning on the right foot with this Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole. This dish features everything you love to enjoy for breakfast, all combined into one dish for a casserole that hits the spot every time!
Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole
Prepare a savory breakfast or brunch recipe; this everything bagel breakfast casserole is nutty, eggy, and high-protein dish. It will fill you up and stands out from other egg dishes!
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cups
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delicious treat perfect for breakfast, snacking, and on-the-go. Add these to your meal prep lineup for an easy, pre-made hunger fix!
Paleo Banana Bread Muffins
Paleo Banana Bread Muffins are a healthy twist on the deliciously sweet classic. They’re made with no added sugar, no oil, and no dairy. Ingredients likealmond flour, nut butter, and eggs create perfect, moist, fluffy muffins great for breakfast or snack time!
Freezer Breakfast Sandwich
Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that will make your mornings easier? Look no further than freezer breakfast sandwiches! These delicious handheld sandwiches are the perfect on-the-go meal, made with eggs, English muffins, your favorite breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. Read on to learn how to make frozen breakfast sandwiches at home!
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Give your stomach a meal to drool over with these Freezer Friendly Southwestern Breakfast Burritos. Made with bacon, cheese, beans, and more, this recipe is perfect for brunch for 6, or your weekly meal prep!
Soups
Soup is great for a whole list of reasons. But, one of my favorite benefits of a hearty soup recipe is that it stores well every single time. Soups are perfect for preparing as make ahead freezer meals. They’re also great for doubling, enjoying half now, and turning the other half into a freezer meal!
- Potato Corn Chowder
- Best Minestrone Soup
- Cauliflower Soup
- White Bean Kale Sausage Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Easy White Chicken Chili
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Easy Creamy Tomato Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Vegetarian Chili
Sweet treats
Sweet treats work surprisingly well as a freezer foods. Did your mom ever freeze half a batch of cookies growing up? She was onto something! Whether you want to store leftovers or you just want to whip up something sweet for when life gets crazy, these desserts make great make ahead freezer meals.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Copycat Perfect Bars
- Healthy Granola Bars
- Oatmeal Raisin Energy Balls
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Healthy Pretzel Freezer Fudge
Try these freezer friendly meals for next time you are looking to stock your freezer with some delicious and healthy meals. They are perfect for when life get’s busy and you need a quick meal!
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