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Whether you’re looking ahead to a busy week, stocking the freezer in anticipation of a new baby, or helping a friend in need, this collection of 50 make-ahead freezer meals is sure to save the day!
Some weeks we just don’t have the time or energy to make a meal from scratch every night, but the family still needs to eat! Instead of calling for takeout, reach into your freezer and pull out one of these easy freezer meals. If you prep them in advance, a homecooked dinner will be ready and waiting when you need it most!
The Best Dinners to Freeze
In general, soups, casseroles, and meats are the best dinners to freeze. Things like lasagna, bbq pulled pork, and 15-bean soup are just a few examples.
You can usually assemble these meals in advance, let them cool, and then stash them away for another day. They reheat well, and their quality doesn’t diminish when thawed. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, though…so see my notes below!
Foods that Don’t Freeze Well
There are some foods that just don’t freeze as well as others. Good examples include cream-based soups and sauces, which have a tendency to break or separate when thawed. If you’re making a soup that requires cream, for example, I usually recommend waiting to add this ingredient until you’ve thawed and reheated the soup.
Cooked pasta, rice, and potatoes in soups, stews, and casseroles can also be hard to freeze. They’re not always bad (see lasagna as an example of a pasta dish that works well in the freezer), but they tend to absorb the liquid that they sit in, making them plump up and have a softer, mushier texture when thawed. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Easy Freezer Meals
I’ve organized my list of easy freezer meals into the following categories:
- Crock Pot Freezer Meals
- Casseroles
- Soups, Stews, and Chili
- Other Easy Freezer Meals
For each recipe, be sure to check the freezer instructions provided in the post. Some meals need to be cooked first, cooled, and then frozen, while others can be assembled and frozen before cooking.
Crockpot Freezer Meals
Crock Pot Chicken Cheesesteak
The classic Philly chicken cheesesteak becomes an easy weeknight dinner — thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker! With garlic, peppers, onions, Italian seasoning, and melted provolone cheese, this simple Crock Pot chicken cheesesteak recipe is full of satisfying flavor. Serve the tender, juicy shredded chicken on toasted hoagie rolls, and pair the sandwiches with a simple green salad, French fries, or crunchy potato chips.
Crockpot Gumbo with Chicken, Sausage, & Shrimp
This Louisiana crockpot gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp, a roux, and The Holy Trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers is a classic Cajun stew! Top each bowl with a scoop of rice for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. You don’t need to go to New Orleans to enjoy an easy gumbo recipe!
Mississippi Pot Roast {Crock Pot, Oven, Instant Pot}
Just a few pantry ingredients create a tender and juicy Mississippi Pot Roast recipe! Prepare this easy dinner in the oven, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot for a comforting meal any night of the week. With pepperoncini, Ranch dressing mix, and au jus gravy, the shredded beef is packed with flavor! Serve it over mashed potatoes, with buttered noodles, or tucked inside sandwich rolls, and add a simple green salad on the side.
Crock Pot Chicken Gyros
Loaded with plenty of fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean flavor, these Crock Pot Chicken Gyros are a healthy, 10-minute dinner for your busiest days! The juicy, tender chicken is delicious when stuffed in a pita, piled high on rice, or tossed in a salad. Finish the gyro chicken with tzatziki sauce, hummus, olives, pickled red onions, or any of your other favorite toppings.
Taco Chili {Stovetop or Crock Pot}
Simmer a pot of easy taco chili on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot for a cozy, satisfying dinner with just 15 minutes of prep! The ground beef, chili beans, and tomatoes come together in a zesty broth that’s flavored with taco and ranch seasonings. Garnish each bowl with your favorite toppings, and serve the hearty chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping and dipping!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Make this easy chicken tortilla soup in the Crock Pot, on the stovetop, or in the Instant Pot for a simple and flavorful meal that suits your busy life! Customize the healthy soup with all of your favorite toppings and enjoy a homemade Mexican-inspired feast. It’s delicious alongside chips and salsa, guacamole, corn and black bean salad, and quesadillas.
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
Whip up a flavorful pot of Mississippi chicken in the slow cooker with just 10 minutes of prep! This easy dinner practically makes itself, so that you return home at the end of the day to tender pulled chicken that you can serve over rice or mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or alongside mac and cheese, biscuits, cornbread, or collard greens. You’ll love the rich, zesty, and tangy combination of chicken and onions with Ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini. It’s so unique, and so delicious!
Slow Cooker Carnitas {Mexican Pulled Pork}
These crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are ready for the Crock Pot with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Stuff the Mexican pulled pork tenderloin in tacos or quesadillas, pile it onto rice bowls, or serve it over a hearty and satisfying taco salad. With a side of chips, salsa, and guacamole, the easy slow cooker carnitas make a perfect weeknight dinner!
Crockpot Mexican Chicken {Chicken Tacos}
One of the easiest, healthiest, and most versatile dinners that you’ll make all year, this crockpot Mexican chicken is going to become a staple in your regular meal prep routine! With just 5 ingredients, the flavorful shredded meat works well in tortillas for crockpot chicken tacos, over lettuce for taco salad, in casseroles, soups, enchiladas, burritos, on nachos, or with other toppings on rice bowls.
Crock Pot Italian Beef {Easy Italian Beef Sandwich}
Juicy, tender and flavorful Crock Pot Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy days. Serve the shredded meat and pepperoncini on a hoagie roll with giardiniera and melted Provolone cheese for a classic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, or pair the roast beef with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a cozy comfort food supper. You can’t beat the convenience of an all-day slow cooker meal!
Crock Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
A kid-favorite Crock Pot dinner!!! This garlic, sesame, and brown sugar chicken is tender, juicy, sweet, savory, and full of delicious flavor — and it only requires about 10 minutes of prep. Serve the shredded chicken and sauce with rice, broccoli, egg rolls, fried rice, or ramen noodle salad, for a family-friendly, easy meal that suits your busy schedule.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Apricot Preserves
There’s a “secret” ingredient in this Crock Pot pulled pork that adds delicious, subtle flavor! The sweet and savory combination of apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, onion, and a zesty bbq dry rub yields tender, juicy, succulent slow cooked pork shoulder, Boston butt, pork butt, or picnic ham. Serve the shredded meat on sandwich buns, in tacos, on nachos, over rice, on salad, or alongside coleslaw, pickles, collard greens, potato wedges, and cornbread!
Mississippi Pulled Pork {Oven or Crock Pot}
Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep make this Mississippi pulled pork crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside! Serve the pork shoulder roast on a sandwich, in tacos, over a salad, or paired with all of your favorite Southern sides. It’s an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love!
Crock Pot Beef Barbacoa
Just like your favorite meat from Chipotle, this copycat beef barbacoa is a simple way to enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal at home. Best of all, the easy dinner is made in the Crock Pot for tender, succulent shredded beef with minimal effort! Serve it in soft tacos or burritos, pile it high on a rice bowl, pair it with a crisp green salad, or use it on top of nachos. Always a crowd pleaser!
Make-Ahead Casseroles to Freeze
Beef Enchiladas
Easy beef enchiladas are a perfect weeknight dinner! Stuffed with cheese, ground beef, black beans, and corn, smothered in a zesty red sauce, and baked until warm and crisp, the Mexican-inspired dish is delicious alongside tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole and rice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy the best beef enchilada recipe ever — with minimal effort!
Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This easy Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a cozy, family-friendly dinner with just 10 minutes of prep! You’ll love the creamy filling that’s topped with sharp cheddar cheese and buttery, crunchy crackers. Serve the comfort food supper with a side of pasta, rice, broccoli or biscuits for a quick weeknight meal.
Homemade Lasagna
The best homemade lasagna recipe includes thick layers of noodles, sausage, ground beef, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses in a made-from-scratch sauce. Pair the hearty, satisfying casserole with a Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate family meal. It’s also an easy make-ahead dinner for busy days!
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Indulge in all of your favorite Mexican flavors with this 4-ingredient easy Beef Enchilada Casserole! The quick dinner recipe includes corn tortillas, ground beef, enchilada sauce, and plenty of gooey, melty cheese. Garnish each plate with your favorite toppings, and serve this flavorful casserole with corn salad, rice, ranch-style beans, or tortilla chips and guacamole for a family-friendly weeknight meal!
Vegetable Lasagna (Quick and Easy!)
This quick and easy Vegetable Lasagna recipe is a simple and cozy casserole that comes together with just 20 minutes of prep! Loaded with fresh veggies and plenty of gooey, melty cheese, the healthy dinner is a delicious comfort food classic that the whole family will love!
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Easy chicken enchiladas are a perfect weeknight dinner! Stuffed with cheese, pulled chicken, black beans and corn, smothered in a zesty red sauce, and baked until warm and crisp, the Mexican-inspired dish is delicious alongside tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole and rice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy the best chicken enchilada recipe ever — with minimal effort!
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
A simple take on classic comfort food! This quick and easy chicken tetrazzini is a family-friendly casserole that can be made ahead of time for busy nights, or tossed together in about 20 minutes. Serve the creamy, cheesy chicken and pasta with a crisp green salad, alongside oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or with a basket of fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole {4 Ingredients!}
With just four basic ingredients you can have a healthy and easy chicken enchilada casserole ready to go in the oven — with only 10 minutes of prep time! Nutritious and family-friendly weeknight dinners don’t get any faster than this. Garnish each plate with your favorite toppings, and serve the flavorful casserole with corn salad, rice, ranch-style beans, or tortilla chips and guacamole for a family-friendly weeknight meal!
Spinach Stuffed Shells
Spinach Stuffed Shells is an easy and healthy vegetarian dinner recipe that can be prepared in advance! With three types of cheese, the ultimate cozy, family-friendly meal, is a hearty and satisfying meatless dish that’s perfect for hungry appetites.
Dorito Casserole
A fun twist on taco night, this Dorito casserole is an easy dinner that will make your family smile! Ground beef with taco seasoning, bell peppers, corn, and salsa are topped with shredded cheese and crumbled Nacho cheese Doritos tortilla chips. Garnish each plate with your favorite toppings, and serve this flavorful casserole with corn salad, rice, ranch-style beans, or tortilla chips and guacamole for a family-friendly weeknight meal!
Ground Beef and Baked Bean Casserole
Sweet, savory, quick, and easy, this ground beef and baked bean casserole with cornbread is sure to become a staple in your family’s weeknight dinner routine! Pair the hearty, cozy meal with a simple green salad, Southern-style green beans, or roasted yellow squash for a family-friendly supper that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole is old-fashioned, cold-weather comfort food! The easy dinner recipe only requires about 20 minutes of prep, can be assembled in advance, and appeals to even the pickiest little eaters. The simple combination of shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, broccoli florets, and Pepperidge Farm or Stove Top stuffing is delicious alongside a simple green salad, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin muffins!
King Ranch Chicken
An old-fashioned King Ranch Chicken casserole is an easy dinner that with just 10 minutes of prep! Serve it tonight with a side of chips and salsa, or stash it in the freezer for a later date. Your family will love the zesty, creamy layers of chicken, corn tortillas, veggies and cheese.
The Best Stuffed Pasta Shells
The best stuffed pasta shells are full of ground beef, three different types of cheese, and a secret ingredient that adds tons of flavor. Serve the easy stuffed shells recipe with a side salad and garlic bread for a delicious, make-ahead dinner. The 5-star recipe has been featured in Taste of Home magazine, and you’re about to see why!
Soups, Stews, and Chili that Freeze Well
Crock Pot Black Bean Soup Recipe
You only need 10 minutes of prep for this healthy and flavorful Crock Pot black bean soup recipe! With smoky southwest flavor, the hearty and satisfying vegan soup is delicious alongside crunchy tortilla chips for scooping and dipping.
Virginia Chicken Gumbo with Ham
Putting a Virginia spin on classic chicken gumbo with the addition of ham and oysters! Top each bowl of stew with a scoop of rice for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying Southern meal.
Dutch Oven Pork Stew
A simple, hearty, and nourishing pork stew is perfect cool-weather comfort food! The one pot meal is loaded with bacon, smoked sausage, tender meat, vegetables, beans, and herbs in a thick, rich gravy. Pair each bowl with cornbread muffins, buttermilk biscuits, or soft and fluffy crescent rolls for a satisfying, cozy supper.
Summer Vegetable Soup
Corn, zucchini, and tomatoes…oh my! A light and healthy summer vegetable soup is the perfect way to take advantage of all of the season’s fresh produce. Best of all, there’s no need to heat up your kitchen — just turn on your pressure cooker, stovetop, or Crock Pot for this easy homemade vegetable soup recipe that keeps well in the freezer for months. It’s delicious alongside a loaf of crusty bread, a skillet of cornbread, or a basket of buttermilk biscuits.
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing cozier than a warm bowl of this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. Made with love and a few simple shortcuts (like rotisserie chicken), a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup is ready for the table in about 45 minutes. Serve the comfort food classic with a side of buttermilk biscuits, 3-ingredient sour cream muffins, or a loaf of crusty bread!
Sausage and Bean Soup
A simple, hearty, and nourishing sausage and bean soup is perfect cool-weather comfort food! The one pot meal is loaded with bacon, smoked sausage, vegetables, beans, and herbs in a flavorful broth. Pair each bowl with cornbread muffins, buttermilk biscuits, or soft and fluffy crescent rolls for a satisfying, cozy supper.
Easy Ground Turkey Chili
Your search for the best turkey chili recipe stops here! With just the right amount of zesty seasoning, this simple and easy ground turkey chili is thick, rich, and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with a side of cornbread, pumpkin bread, or corn muffins for the ultimate family-friendly dinner!
Appalachian Soup Beans {Pinto Bean Soup}
Simple, hearty, and flavorful, soup beans is a traditional Appalachian meal that’s been enjoyed for generations. The cozy pinto bean soup is delicious topped with bacon, chow chow, onions or ramps, and served alongside cornbread, potatoes, and greens. Prepare the classic dish in a Dutch oven or in a Crock Pot, and savor a taste of the mountain South!
Beef Chili Recipe {Classic and Easy!}
Your search for the best chili recipe stops here! With just the right amount of zesty seasoning, this simple and easy beef chili recipe is thick, rich and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with a side of cornbread for the ultimate family-friendly dinner!
Southern Black Eyed Pea Soup
Smoky and satisfying, this healthy black eyed pea soup is the perfect supper for a chilly day! The easy dinner can be prepared on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot, and is delicious alongside cornbread for a lucky New Year’s Day meal.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
A healthy and easy dinner recipe that warms and satisfies your body! This classic Split Pea Soup with ham can be prepared in the slow cooker, in the Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. Make it with a smoked ham hock, leftover ham bone, diced ham or bacon for a simple and flavorful prep-ahead meal that reheats beautifully throughout the week. Serve each warm bowl with a loaf of crusty bread or some flaky buttermilk biscuits!
Texas Chili
This flavorful, thick Texas chili recipe is an easy dinner that’s packed with hearty chunks of meat and bold, zesty seasoning. Simmer a big pot to serve a crowd, or freeze extra chili for another day. A cozy bowl is delicious with a side of jalapeño cheddar cornbread or crunchy corn chips, and piled high with all of your favorite toppings!
Chicken Vegetable Soup
An easy and healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe is the perfect cozy lunch or dinner for a chilly day! Loaded with flavorful veggies, fresh herbs, diced potatoes and tender chicken, this simple and hearty dish is a satisfying make-ahead, freezer-friendly meal. Serve a hot bowl with cornbread, crusty baguette, or biscuits for old-fashioned comfort food!
Beef and Beer Chili
A classic beef and beer chili with robust flavor, just the right amount of zesty seasoning, and a thick, rich texture. Serve the easy chili recipe with a side of cornbread for dipping, or with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days, a cozy supper for cool evenings, and the leftovers are freezer-friendly, too!
Even More Easy Freezer Meals
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
This old fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner — even on your busiest nights. A handful of simple pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, and cider vinegar create a homemade sweet and tangy sauce that’s so much better than the canned stuff!
Southern Meatloaf Recipe
Classic comfort food with a Southern twist! You just can’t beat a moist, flavorful, tender Southern meatloaf recipe that brings your family together around the table. Pair the easy dinner with mashed potatoes, cornbread, collard greens, or green beans for a simple, cozy dish that everyone loves!
Hanky Panky Sliders
The old-fashioned hanky panky recipe gets an update in the form of these hanky panky sliders! The little sandwiches are stuffed with a cheesy sausage and ground beef filling, topped with a garlic butter sauce, and baked in the oven. Serve them as appetizers at your next party, as a convenient make-ahead Game Day snack, or for your next weeknight dinner.
Dutch Oven BBQ Beef
Tender, juicy, savory and sweet — this Dutch Oven BBQ Beef transforms an affordable cut of meat into a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner. Serve the shredded barbecue beef on sandwich buns with a side of coleslaw, corn salad, pickles or cucumber salad. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal to enjoy all year long!
Beer-Braised Pork Loin Roast
Tender and juicy, this beer-braised pork loin roast transforms an affordable cut of meat into a delicious comfort food dinner. Prepare it in a Dutch oven or in a Crock Pot, and finish it off with a quick pan gravy and a side of cornbread!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
These easy Ham and Cheese Sliders are a quick, freezer-friendly, make ahead meal that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, tailgates, get-togethers with friends, or church potlucks. Best of all, you can assemble the entire recipe in advance and just bake the party sandwiches whenever you need to serve them. Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders with a buttery brown sugar spread are sweet, savory, and the perfect solution to casual entertaining!
The Easiest Burrito Recipe
Do you love Chipotle, but you’re tired of paying for carry-out? This is truly the easiest burrito recipe to make at home — and they’re freezer-friendly! Keep a stash in your kitchen and you can satisfying those Mexican food cravings any night of the week.
Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
This easy homemade Marinara Sauce recipe can be made with fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes for a delicious and versatile addition to just about any Italian-inspired meal. Best of all, it’s a healthy dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes!
Beef Ragu Recipe {Slow Cooker or Stovetop}
Total comfort food — with just 10 minutes of prep! Prepare this Beef Ragu recipe in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for an Italian-inspired easy dinner that your family will adore! The affordable meal serves a crowd and freezes beautifully.
Pork Ragu {Crock Pot or Stovetop}
Total comfort food — with just 10 minutes of prep! Prepare this pork ragu recipe in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for an Italian-inspired, easy dinner that your family will adore! Serve the hearty meat sauce over pappardelle (or other pasta), and pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a cozy supper any night of the week.
The Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
The best spaghetti sauce recipe includes plenty of ground beef and Italian sausage, simmers on the stovetop for hours, and is full of rich Italian flavor. Serve it over pasta, garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, and offer a salad and garlic bread on the side. This is the only homemade spaghetti sauce that you’ll ever need!
Okay, these all look delicious, and I cannot wait to try them all out! I’ve been desperately looking for easy recipes to make on busy school nights this fall. You know the days when you wake up early to get the kids to school, the carpet cleaners come, your kids have piano lessons and soccer practice after school, etc. There is literally no time to make dinner too. These will be so helpful! Thank you!
We completely understand and have many days like that! We’re glad you find this post helpful and hope you enjoy the recipes!