20 Make ahead freezer meal recipes
What are freezer meals?
What are make ahead freezer meals?
How can freezer meals make my life easier?
Do I need cooking skills?
Get creative by adding in any mixture of seafood, sausage and chicken you like. The cajun spices are amazing and this recipe can be made a spicy or mild as you like. A fantastic freezer meal, made fresh the first time you cook it.
A fancy dinner that couldn’t be easier to make. Every time we have guests over this is one of the go to dinners. As the beef slow cooks all day in the slow cooker your meat gets tender, juicy and flavorful. Plus with a homemade spice blend you do not have to worry about extra preservatives or junk in your home-cooked dinner.
Taco Tuesday is always a win with our kids. They love putting together the perfect taco or burrito bowl. (There seems to be constant fighting over soft vs crunchy shells lol). All it takes is 2-3 minutes to put together this freezer meal and stick it in the freezer so you can have an easy taco Tuesday any night of the week.
Chicken noodle soup is delicious any time of the year. A home-made chicken noodle soup cannot be beat. But making it from scratch can take hours at times. Try making this easy one pot chicken noodle soup recipe in the slow cooker at home. The soup will slowly create a luscious chicken broth and will leave your home smelling of comfort and warmth. (Honestly I’m feeling this one for dinner tonight. YUM)
Shepherds pie with fresh herbs, ground beef and plenty of veggies. There is so much flavor in this freezer recipe you will love it. Making this shepherds pie is quick and easy. Through it in the slow cooker and during the last 60 minutes of cook time add in your mashed potatoes. When it comes time for dinner everyone will love this freezer shepherds pie.
Split pea soup (especially topped off with a little cheese) is a creamy, affordable and easy dinner you can make anytime. The only prep involved is throwing some ingredients into the slow cooker or a freezer bag and you’re done in a couple of minutes. Make this soup with some homemade broth for the biggest and best flavor!
Curry is a great way to get big flavor at affordable prices. You can make a curry with a base of chicken, potatoes, beef or whatever other protein you have on hand. If you are worried that curry means spicy then stop right there. This curry recipe can have as much or little spice as you would like. My kids (9, 4, 2) LOVE curry recipes but cannot handle any spice so I simply omit the red pepper flakes and buy a mild curry seasoning. Hope you enjoy this one, we sure do.
These are the best meatballs you will ever make. We all love a good spaghetti and meatballs but this gives meatballs a whole new twist! Plus the special ingredient in these meatballs keeps them moist and juicy while also being gluten free. A healthy alternative to Swedish meatballs or tasty dinner over rice.
Comfort pasta dish at its finest. This sausage tortellini bake is one of the best dishes to take for any meal train. It has such amazing flavor with a sweet Italian sausage mixed with tortellini in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Add in some of your favorite veggies for a bit of a twist.
Mexican shredded beef has big flavor and spice with a homemade seasoning mix included in the recipe. This Mexican shredded beef is great over rice, in a taco, a quesadilla or even as a burrito filling. If you cook this recipe in the slow cooker it will turn out juicy and tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Savory chicken thighs are great with some roasted veg and mashed potatoes on the side. Through in your favorite seasoning mix, or use the one in this recipe, and enjoy a tasty chicken dinner. This healthy twist on chicken thighs will get you craving chicken every night of the week. TIP: if you have any left overs save them and top off a salad or enjoy in a wrap for lunch.
A well loved dinner by all. Here is a delicious chicken fajitas freezer meal that cooks fresh AFTER it is frozen. Super easy prep by chopping some veg and mixing with chicken and seasonings. Throw it in the slow cooker or instant pot for a chicken fajita dinner any night of the week.
Make these meatballs with a couple different meats. Do you ever have some leftover turkey, beef or sausage with no idea what to make?! How about some meatballs! Make this meatball recipe and have meatballs ready to go in the freezer. Plus they are homemade which will make them crazy delicious and healthy for you.
Shredded pork sweetened with pineapple and homemade enchilada sauce. Enjoy a healthy pork enchilada dish, gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. Making homemade sauces is my favorite way to stay healthy and eat clean. This enchilada recipe is amazing on pork but can also be used on chicken, beef, or any other favorite protein.
A mild version that is kid friendly of a barbacoa beef. You can easily add spice by increasing the seasoning, but my kids aren’t super into spice foods. (Hopefully one day *fingers crossed*). In the mean time this juicy tender beef is full of flavor and great in tacos, burritos or as a burrito bowl. Top off with your favorite taco toppings for a tasty dish.
Make a whole rotisserie chicken easily at home. This is a super budget friendly recipe, you can usually purchase a 3-5 lb whole chicken at the story for $4. Plus easily roasted at home in the slow cooker makes this a great alternative to rotisserie chickens. I love to cook them in the slow cooker then use the bones for a healthy filling chicken bone broth.
This vegetarian enchilada bowl is quinoa based with added protein from black beans. It takes 2-3 minutes to prep and stick in the freezer, then cooks for the first time whenever you are ready to enjoy it for dinner. Top off your enchilada bowl with some guac, salsa and veggies. Its so good you will start making it on meatless Mondays and every other night too!
This apple bbq pulled pork is make with a homemade sweet bbq sauce. This sauce is healthy with no added sugar or preservatives. Making my own sauce is the best way to stay healthy and clean while still enjoy big and full flavor. Enjoy this apple bbq pulled pork on its own or with some cole slaw on a bun for a tasty sandwich.
A freezer spicy vegan tortilla soup that will cook for you throughout the day. Soups are perfect for cooking low and slow. All your spices and flavors blend together for a great soup. I love using homemade broth to take this recipe to the next level! Easy prep, throw it in the freezer, then throw it in the slow cooker for an easy no prep dinner.
The best of soup combined with tortellini and sausage. What could be better?! This soup is an amazing dinner and perfect for guests as an appetizer or for a warm bowl of love any cool night. Big flavor and very little work.
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Frequently asked questions
No problem! Just throw the freezer meal in your slow cooker and you’re all set. If it doesn’t fit thaw it for a few minutes in warm water. (You may need to add an extra 30 minutes cook time if completely frozen when cooking).
Sloppy joes are usually made with ground beef. Beef is a great source of vitamins and minerals but can be high in fat. So if you are looking to lower your fat intake it can be great to get a 85/15 ground beef or higher. You can also make healthy sloppy joes with ground turkey if preferred.
Follow the instructions below for an easy sloppy joe recipe. No browning of the meat required. Just dump all ingredients together in a slow cooker or crock pot and let dinner cook for you. Just break up the beef after cooking to avoid any unwelcome texture.
A serving size assumes 1/2 cup of sloppy joe mix at 265 kcal per serving.
Manwich is extremely high in sodium and sugar. It also contained additives and preservatives so if you’re looking to eat clean then Manwich is not a healthy option. But if you’re looking for all the flavor of a Manwich with a healthy twist this recipe is perfect for you.
Sloppy joes sauce is a tomato based sauce flavored with seasonings and some vegetables. See recipe for further details for this sloppy joe recipe.
A traditional sloppy joe sauce will contain ketchup, sugar and even additives which is why I love to create my own sauces using clean ingredients.
Add in 1-2 tbsp tapioca starch mixed with 1-2 tbsp water to make a slurry and then add to the sloppy joe mix and cook on low in slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes to thicken sauce. (you can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder if that’s what you have on hand)
Follow this recipe for the perfect healthy sloppy joe recipe like one from the 50’s.
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