15+ You Can Freeze Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

Freezing recipes is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. You can easily prepare meals ahead of time and keep them ready for busy days. This method not only helps you have delicious options on hand but also allows you to enjoy homemade meals without the hassle of cooking from scratch each day.

With just a little planning, you can stock your freezer with a variety of dishes. From soups and casseroles to pasta and sauces, there are so many recipes that hold up well in the freezer. This article will guide you through the benefits and steps for freezing meals effectively.

1) Classic Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf is a comforting dish that freezes well. You can prepare it in advance and store it in your freezer for busy days. It’s easy to make and tastes great after reheating.

Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish. You can top it with ketchup or barbecue sauce for added flavor.

To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps keep it fresh and prevents freezer burn. When you are ready to bake, cook it straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through.

2) Deep-Dish Bacon and Cheddar Quiche

Deep-dish bacon and cheddar quiche is a delicious meal that you can easily freeze. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. You can make it ahead of time and store it for later.

This quiche uses a flaky pie crust filled with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. It tastes great when baked fresh or reheated.

You can freeze it in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, cook it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

Ingredients

• 1 deep-dish pie crust
• 6 strips of bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Place bacon and cheese in the crust.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
7. Let it cool before freezing if needed.

3) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a delicious dish that you can easily freeze for later meals. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy days. You can enjoy this cheesy pasta dish any time by preparing it ahead of time.

To freeze baked ziti, let it cool completely. Then cover it tightly with foil and wrap it in plastic wrap. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months for the best flavor.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the ziti in the fridge overnight. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until it’s bubbly and hot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer half of the mixture in a baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Add the remaining pasta mix and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Cover with foil and freeze or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes.

4) Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish you can easily freeze for later. You can make it ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer. This way, you have a delicious meal ready when you need it.

To freeze, prepare your chicken pot pie as usual. Wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It can last in the freezer for 2 to 6 months depending on how well you wrap it.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If baking from frozen, it usually takes about 30 minutes to cook through. Enjoy a warm meal that tastes like home!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound bag of frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 package pie crusts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook chicken in a skillet until fully cooked.
3. Add vegetables, broth, and cream. Stir well.
4. Pour mixture into a pie crust in a pie dish.
5. Cover with another crust and seal edges.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

5) Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna casserole is a delicious and easy dish to freeze. You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the freezer for a future meal. It freezes well, making it a great option for busy days.

When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes. This ensures your dinner is hot and bubbly.

The best part? You can customize your casserole with your favorite ingredients, like veggies or different cheeses.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain fat.
4. Mix marinara sauce and cooked beef in a bowl.
5. In another bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
6. Start layering: noodles, ricotta mixture, beef mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6) Steak Soup

Steak soup is a hearty dish that you can easily freeze for later. After cooking, let it cool and transfer it into airtight containers. This way, you can enjoy your soup whenever you’d like.

You can freeze steak soup for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove until heated through.

This soup is perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze. With rich flavors and tender steak, it’s a dish your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) of steak, cubed
• 4 cups (950 ml) of beef broth
• 2 cups (300 g) of potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (150 g) of carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) of celery, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the steak over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Let the soup cool before freezing in containers.

7) Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Zucchini pizza casserole is a tasty dish that is both easy to make and freeze. It combines the flavors of pizza with nutritious zucchini. You can serve it hot or store it for later.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to three to four months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep and busy nights.

Ingredients

• 4 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly.
5. Let it cool before freezing or serving.

8) Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish that freezes well. It can be a great meal prep option. You can make a big batch and store portions in your freezer for later.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the jambalaya in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot.

This dish usually stays tasty for up to three months in the freezer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cups rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the sausage and chicken until they brown.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until they soften.
3. Stir in the rice, broth, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Let it cool before freezing or serving.

9) Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a delicious and fun recipe to make ahead and freeze. You can prepare them with just a few ingredients, and they freeze well for later enjoyment. They are perfect for a quick meal on busy days.

To freeze, cook the shells until slightly soft. Fill them with your choice of cheese and meat or spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with foil before freezing.

When you’re ready to eat, just take the frozen dish out, let it thaw in the fridge, and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. It makes a comforting meal that feels homemade.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Spinach (optional)
• Marinara sauce
• Ground meat (optional)
• Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until slightly soft.
2. Mix your filling ingredients in a bowl.
3. Fill each shell with the mixture.
4. Place the shells in a baking dish.
5. Cover with marinara sauce and foil.
6. Freeze for later use.

10) Mexican Skillet

Mexican Skillet is a delicious and easy dish you can make for dinner. It combines ground beef with beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful meal. The best part? You can freeze it for later!

To freeze, let your skillet cool completely. Avoid adding cheese before freezing. Once cool, store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a pan or the microwave. Add cheese right before serving for a yummy touch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
4. Cook until heated through.
5. Freeze if desired, or serve with cheese on top.

11) Salmon Fillets

Freezing salmon fillets is a great way to have a healthy meal ready at any time. You can season them beforehand or leave them plain for versatility.

When you’re ready to cook, just take out the fillets and thaw them in the refrigerator. This method keeps the fish fresh and tasty.

You can try several flavors for your frozen salmon. Popular options are lemon and dill or a sweet teriyaki glaze. These add delicious taste without much effort.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: lemon, garlic, or teriyaki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add lemon slices or teriyaki sauce if desired.
5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Enjoy!

12) Pork Butt Roast

Pork butt roast is a delicious and versatile dish. It comes from the upper part of the pork shoulder, not the rear. This cut is perfect for slow cooking and produces tender, flavorful meat.

To freeze this dish, prepare the roast with your favorite seasonings. Once cooked, let it cool completely. Then, slice or shred the meat and pack it into freezer bags.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and type of dish for easy access.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-6 pound) pork butt roast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of seasonings (garlic, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork butt roast with salt, pepper, and other spices.
3. Place the roast in a baking dish.
4. Cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until tender.
5. Let it rest before slicing or shredding.
6. Freeze in portions for later use.

13) Homemade BBQ Sauce

Making homemade BBQ sauce is simple and rewarding. You can customize it to match your taste. Plus, it’s great to have on hand for grilling or dipping.

To freeze your BBQ sauce, pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for the sauce to expand. You can also use a freezer bag. Just squeeze out excess air before sealing.

Your BBQ sauce can last for 3 to 6 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
2. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
3. Store in a container or freeze for future use.

14) Breakfast Casserole

A breakfast casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. This saves time during busy mornings.

You can also freeze breakfast casseroles for later use. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Some recipes can last up to three months.

To prepare, you can use a mix of eggs, bread, cheese, and your favorite meats or veggies. This combination makes a tasty and hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
3. Add the bread, cheese, sausage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.

15) Burritos

Burritos are a fantastic option for freezing. They are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables, beans, and proteins.

To freeze burritos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, unwrap the burrito. Heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. If you prefer, you can also bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Add a scoop of rice, beans, cheese, and meat.
3. Top with salsa and vegetables.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly but carefully.
5. Wrap the burrito in plastic wrap or foil.
6. Place the burrito in a freezer-safe bag and label it with the date.