50 Delicious and Easy Freezer Meal (Simple and Budget-Friendly) Recipes (2024)

Make these EASY FREEZER MEALS ahead of time and pull them out on a busy night for a delicious home-cooked meal. This is a collection of our BEST go-to freezer meal recipes that your family will love.

We love a good freezer meal, so we compiled a list of 50 Easy Freezer Meal Recipes we know you will love. One of the things that we are most known for are freezer meals! Once you see this list, you will know why.

These are perfect for new moms, busy days, and for your neighbor with a new baby. These healthy freezer meals are the best thing to happen since the crock pot – you’ll be able to get a delicious meal with healthy ingredients on the table in no time. Whether you’re looking for regular freezer meals, Instant Pot freezer meals, or Crockpot freezer meals, this list has you covered.

After we posted our Make 8 Freezer Meals in 1 Hour back in 2012, the post went VIRAL! Thousands and thousands of you had been looking for easy freezer meals and loved the recipes that we shared.

We then went on to share 10 Freezer Meals that you could make in 90 Minutes, which you all loved as well. And who wouldn’t? They’re so perfect for the whole family.

Most of those recipes were ones that you could prep the ingredients in a resealable bag and then dump them into your slow cooker when you were ready to use them.

Today we wanted to share 50 Easy Freezer Meal Recipes – some are for slow cookers, some are for Instant Pot, some are casseroles, and some are just our favorite foods that you can make ahead of time and stick in the freezer for another day.

What are freezer meals?

Freezer meals are meals that are made in advance and then placed in the freezer to be used at a later date.

This can be done simply by doubling a recipe and freezing half for later or it can be done in bulk and stocking your freezer with a bunch of pre-made meals that only require heating up.

Just like you can buy convenient food in the freezer section of the grocery store, homemade freezer meals are the same idea – pre-made food that you can grab and heat up for a healthy, nutritious, homemade meal in a hurry.

What foods can be frozen and reheated?

Here are some of our favorite types of meals to make to freeze and reheat:

• Casseroles (like this Tuscan Pasta or Baked Ziti)
• Soups (like this Healthy King Ranch Chicken Soup)
• Stuffed shells (like these Mexican Stuffed Chicken Shells)
• Dump and go slow cooker recipes (like this Black Bean Salsa Chicken)
• Burritos (like these Bean and Rice Burritos)
• Enchiladas (our Hearty Ground Beef Enchiladas make enough for 2 meals)
• Pancakes and waffles (like these Baked Pancakes)
• Smoothie packs (here are 14 different kinds to try!)
• Breakfast sandwiches (these Bagel Sandwiches are so good!)
• Muffins and oatmeal cups (these Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Cups are our favorite)
• Cookies (try these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – you can either freeze the dough or freeze the cookies)
• Scrambled Egg Muffins (add your favorite mix-ins to make them your own)

What foods do not freeze well?

There are some foods that do not freeze or thaw well and we would recommend that you avoid them in your freezer meals. Here are the list of foods that you should not try to freeze:

• Fried foods (they become soggy when thawed)
• Fully cooked pasta (if you want to freeze pasta, be sure to cook it al dente, otherwise it will be soggy and limp when thawed)
• Jello or gelatin
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise or mayonnaise-based salads (such as egg salad; it thaws clumpy)
• Whole eggs, egg whites or hard-boiled eggs
• Cream based soups/sauces
• Fresh tomatoes (they thaw slimy and squishy)
• Rice (when thawed, it becomes mushy)
• Cheese (the texture will change after freezing and thawing – if you need to add cheese to a freezer meal, do it after it thaws and right before heating up)

All the foods in our list of 50 Easy Freezer Meal Recipes freeze and thaw great!

How long will my 50 Easy Freezer Meal Recipes last in the freezer?

Most foods are good in the freezer for up to 90 days before they start to get freezer burned.

We recommend that you eat your freezer meals within 60 days, just to make sure that it still tastes amazing.

Freezer burn is pretty much inevitable with all frozen foods, but it has a chance of lasting longer if you get as much air out of the package or ziploc bag as possible.

We prefer using resealable plastic bags to put our freezer meals in (instead of baking pans or other containers) because you can squeeze or suck almost all of the air out, which will help it to last longer in the freezer.

How do I thaw freezer meals?

Thawing your food is one of the most important parts to making freezer meals!

Most food takes 24-48 hours to thaw in the fridge, so plan accordingly! I usually pull my food out of the freezer at least 24 hours before I plan on cooking it. I place my food in the fridge to let it thaw during that time.

If you don’t have time or forget to pull it out of the freezer, you can also use the “defrost” feature on your microwave to thaw it quickly. However, if your freezer meal is in an aluminum container, you can not put it in the microwave.

Can I cook a frozen meal?

I would recommend thawing it first, but if you don’t have time, you can cook your meal from frozen. In order to cook from frozen, plan on adding about 50% more time of the baking time directed in the recipe.

For example, if a recipe had me cook the casserole for 30 minutes, I would plan on cooking it for at least 45 minutes (maybe longer – you want to make sure that the entire dish is warmed through).

50 Easy Freezer Meals Recipes:

1. Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches Freezer Meal

2. BBQ Chicken Chili Freezer Meal

3. Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets

4. 20 Minute Tuscan Pasta

5. Beef Tips and Gravy Freezer Meal

6. Beef and Black Bean Taco Soup Freezer Meal

7. Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Freezer Meal

(Freeze before cooking and pull out of freezer when ready to eat!)

8. Mom’s Slow Cooker Chili

(You can freeze this after it’s cooked OR freeze it before by browning beef and then adding all the ingredients to a gallon-sized resealable bag. When ready to use, dump contents into slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

9. Easy Freezer Salsa

10. Stuffed Mexican Shells

(Prepare shells and then place in a freezable container. Remove from freezer to thaw when ready to use, then cook as directed.)

11. Slow Cooker Black Bean and Corn Salsa Chicken

12. Baked Ziti Freezer Meal

13. Baked Pancakes

14. Salsa Verde Chicken

15. Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

(Freeze before cooking and then when ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw, then cook as directed.)

16. Slow Cooker Bajio Chicken

17. Slow Cooker 8 Can Taco Soup

18. Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

(Cook and then freeze in resealable freezer bags. When ready to eat, you can microwave them or stick them in the toaster.)

19. Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Assemble taquitos and then freeze before baking. I like to put them all rolled up in a gallon-sized resealable freezer bag. They will last up to 90 days. You can cook from frozen in the oven – you might have to add a few minutes onto the cooking time to make sure they are cooked all the way through.

20. Ham and Pineapple Sandwiches

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

21. Hawaiian BBQ Tacos

22. Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

You can freeze these after assembling them – I like to put them in an aluminum foil pan and then freeze. Pull them out and cook from frozen. You might have to add a few minutes onto the cooking time to make sure they are cooked all the way through.

23. Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches

24. Best Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole

You can freeze this casserole after assembling them – I like to put them in an aluminum foil pan and then freeze. Pull them out and cook from frozen. You might have to add a few minutes onto the cooking time to make sure they are cooked all the way through.

25. Scrambled Egg Breakfasts Muffins

These are also great for snacks and any meal!

26. Baked Beef Taquitos

Assemble taquitos and then freeze before baking. I like to put them all rolled up in a gallon-sized resealable freezer bag. They will last up to 90 days. You can cook from frozen in the oven – you might have to add a few minutes onto the cooking time to make sure they are cooked all the way through.

27. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Roast

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

28. Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

29. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

30. Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Cups

31. Bean and Rice Burritos

32. Ravioli Casserole

33. Greek Chicken

34. Country-Style BBQ Spare Ribs

35. Freezer Breakfast Burritos

36. Hawaiian BBQ Sandwiches

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

37. Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

38. Shredded Mexican Chicken

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

39. Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos

Assemble taquitos and then freeze before baking. I like to put them all rolled up in a gallon-sized resealable freezer bag. They will last up to 90 days. You can cook from frozen in the oven – you might have to add a few minutes onto the cooking time to make sure they are cooked all the way through.

40. Easy Cheeseburger Casserole

41. Citrus Pork Tacos

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

42. Three Envelope Pot Roast Sliders

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

43. Fall Apart Pot Roast

(Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook).

44. Boneless BBQ Ribs

Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook.

45. Homemade DIY Frozen Pizzas from Momables

46. Slow Cooker Sweet and Tangy Meatballs

47. Kalua Pork

Dump all the ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze. Dump frozen food in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook.

48. Beef Stew from Pinch of Yum

49. Chicken Broccoli Bacon and Potato Bake from Kylee Cooks

50. Cilantro Lime Chicken from Damn Delicious

Watch how to make a some of our easy Freezer Meals and more easy recipes on our YouTube Channel:

Did you know we have a Youtube Channel? We have hundreds of simple and delicious recipes, your family is going to love. We take you through each recipe, step by step, and show you exactly how to make them.

In conclusion, meal prep is a great way to tackle those busy weeknights, and easy freezer meals are a lifesaver in such situations. By following these easy recipes, you can ensure that you always have a delicious and convenient meal ready to go. To achieve the best results, it’s important to use proper storage techniques like wrapping your meals in plastic wrap or placing them in airtight containers or resealable bags.

One of the best freezer meals to have on hand is shredded chicken. Cooked chicken can be easily stored in a plastic bag or resealable bag, and it can be used in various dishes like rice bowls, comforting soups, or even as a topping for tortilla chips. Additionally, peanut butter, brown sugar, and lime juice can add a unique flavor to your chicken, making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes.

For larger families or those with big appetites, consider using disposable foil pans for your freezer meals. This way, you can cook a larger quantity and freeze it in portions suitable for your family’s needs. Make-ahead breakfasts are also a favorite option for busy mornings, ensuring that you start your day with a satisfying and nutritious meal.

When it comes to freezing different types of food, it’s important to consider the best option for each item. For example, soups and sauces can be frozen in Souper Cubes or airtight containers, while solid items like casseroles or chicken pot pie can be wrapped in aluminum foil. By properly sealing and labeling your freezer-friendly recipes, you can easily identify them later when you’re in need of emergency meals or a quick dinner idea.

Another great tip is to freeze individual servings or ingredients in a single layer. This allows for faster and more even freezing, making it easier to take out what you need when the time comes. Remember to leave some room in containers for expansion, especially when using liquids or ingredients with high water content.

One of the best things about freezer meals is that they can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add extra veggies, cheese, or your favorite toppings to enhance the flavors. Whether you prefer a cheeseburger casserole, a skillet meal, or a plant-based option, the possibilities are endless.

To thaw frozen meals, there are a few methods you can use. The best way is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, allowing them to slowly reach a safe temperature. If you’re short on time, you can also use the cold water method by placing the frozen meal in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water. Remember to never thaw at room temperature to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses.

Lastly, don’t forget that frozen food can last for a long time, but it’s always best to consume it within a reasonable timeframe to maintain quality. Labeling your meals with the date they were prepared can help you keep track of their freshness.

In summary, make-ahead freezer meals are the perfect thing to have on hand for busy schedules and unexpected situations. They save you time, reduce food waste, and provide you with a comforting and delicious meal whenever you need it. With easy recipes, proper storage techniques, and a little planning, you can enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without the stress. So go ahead, stock up your freezer with these freezer-friendly recipes, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that dinner is just a thaw away!

Looking for more freezer meals?

• Make 8 Freezer Meals in 1 Hour!
• 10 of the Best 5-Minute Freezer Meals
• 10 Freezer Meals with only 25 Ingredients
• 12 Simple Freezer Meals
• 15 Make-Ahead Freezer Meals in 2 Hours!

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