Freezer Meal Prepping for Busy Families-31 Easy Options

Sharing is caring!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

In today’s fast-paced world, having a well-stocked freezer full of homemade freezer meals
 can be a lifesaver for busy families who don’t want to spend their time in the grocery store
 throughout the month. This blog will guide you through the process of preparing 31 easy meals
 that are perfect for any occasion, ensuring you have ready-to-go options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will save you so much time and allow you to keep home-cooked meals on the table no matter how hectic life gets. Perfect for new moms or busy weeknights, these easy dinner ideas are sure to please. Let’s dive into these easy and convenient make ahead meals that will simplify your meal planning, your future self will thank you!

Batch Prepping Meat and Veggies

Batch prepping is essential for efficiency when doing batch freezer cooking. Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables at once. Freezer meal prep saves time and ensures uniformity in your meals. Group similar vegetables together to streamline the process.

When it comes to meat, consider portioning it out before freezing. This allows for easy access when you’re ready to cook. For instance, if you’re using chicken, cut it into strips or cubes, depending on your meal plans. Label bags with the type of meat and the date to avoid confusion later.

Twice Baked Potatoes for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Twice baked potatoes are a delicious and filling option for your freezer. Start by baking whole potatoes until soft. Once cooked, scoop out the insides and mix them with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Refill the potato skins with this mixture, top with more cheese, and freeze them.

When you’re ready to eat, simply bake directly from the freezer. They make a great side dish or can be enjoyed as a main course.

Freezer Meal Chicken Fajitas

Find the full recipe HERE.

Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal to prepare in advance. This is one of our favorite healthy freezer meals that the whole family loves. Start by slicing chicken breasts and bell peppers. Combine them in a freezer bag with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Seal and shake to coat evenly.

When ready to cook, simply dump the contents into a skillet or bake in the oven. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

These sliders are perfect for parties or quick dinners. Start by slicing Hawaiian rolls in half and layering ham and cheese. Prepare a topping of melted butter, poppy seeds, and seasonings to brush over the top before baking.

After assembling, wrap the sliders in aluminum foil and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, bake from frozen to enjoy warm and cheesy sliders.

Broccoli, Potato, Chicken Bake Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

This hearty bake combines chicken, potatoes, and broccoli for a complete meal. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish, starting with chopped potatoes, followed by chicken, broccoli, and cheese. Pour cream over the top for added richness.

Cover and freeze, then bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready for a comforting meal.

Breakfast Sandwiches for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Make mornings easier with freezer-friendly breakfast sandwiches. Use English muffins, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat. Assemble each sandwich and wrap it tightly in foil.

Store in the freezer for a quick breakfast option. Just microwave for a minute or two, and you have a hearty meal ready to go.

French Toast Casserole Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

This sweet dish is perfect for brunch. Tear sourdough bread into pieces and layer them in a baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, then pour over the bread. Top with a crumb mixture of flour, brown sugar, and butter.

Cover and freeze. On the day you want to serve it, bake from frozen for a delightful breakfast treat.

Italian Herb Chicken Legs for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Italian herb chicken legs are flavorful and easy to prepare. Place chicken legs in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Add chopped vegetables like potatoes and carrots for a complete meal.

Cover and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight and bake for a delicious dinner.

Photo by Ekaterina Novitskaya on Unsplash

Freezable Apple Crisp

Find the full recipe HERE.

For a sweet treat, prepare an apple crisp that can be frozen. Slice apples and mix with sugar and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter to create a crumble topping.

Layer the apples in a baking dish, top with the crumble, and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer for a warm dessert that pairs perfectly with ice cream.

Broccoli and Beef Skillet Meal for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

This quick meal combines broccoli and beef in a savory sauce. Cut beef into strips and marinate with soy sauce and garlic. Place the marinated beef and broccoli in a freezer bag.

When ready to cook, simply sauté in a skillet for a quick and nutritious dinner.

Pizza Casserole Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

This pizza casserole is a fun twist on traditional pizza. Mix cooked pasta with pizza sauce, cheese, and your choice of toppings. Layer in a baking dish and top with more cheese before freezing.

When you’re ready for pizza night, bake from frozen for an easy family meal.

Stir-Fry Kits for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Stir-fry kits are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, healthy meal without much hassle. To prepare them, start by mixing together a savory sauce that includes soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This mixture can be divided into smaller portions, making it easy to grab and go.

Next, chop up your favorite vegetables. Aim for about four cups of mixed veggies per bag, which can include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. After that, portion out your choice of protein, whether it’s chicken, pork, or beef, into smaller bags. Combine the sauce, veggies, and meat in larger freezer bags, and you’ll have a ready-to-cook meal that will last for about three months.

Chicken Broth

Find the full recipe HERE.

Making chicken broth is a great way to utilize leftover scraps and create a nutritious base for soups and stews. Start by placing chicken carcasses and veggie scraps into a large pot or slow cooker. Cover with water and simmer on low for several hours or overnight to extract maximum flavor.

Once the broth is ready, strain it into jars or containers. Allow it to cool before storing it in the freezer. Homemade broth adds depth to any dish and is far superior to store-bought options.

Freezer Beef Enchiladas

Find the full recipe HERE.

Beef enchiladas are a hearty, satisfying meal that freezes beautifully. Start by cooking shredded beef, mixing it with cheese and enchilada sauce. Roll the mixture into tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and pour additional sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with cheese and cover with foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes to get a bubbly, golden top.

Crockpot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

This comforting dish combines layers of potatoes and ham, all cooked together with creamy goodness. Start by slicing potatoes and layering them with diced ham in a freezer bag. Add onions, garlic, cheese, chicken broth, and seasonings to enhance the flavors.

Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos

Find the full recipe HERE.

Burritos are a versatile meal option that can be customized to your liking. Start by browning ground beef and mixing it with beans, cheese, and taco seasoning. Once the mixture is ready, spoon it into tortillas and roll them tightly.

Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave or bake from frozen until heated through. These burritos are perfect for busy nights!

Beef Pot Pie Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Beef pot pies are a classic comfort food that freezes well and are the perfect meal
 to please the entire family

Combine cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, and gravy in a large bowl. Fill pie crusts with this hearty mixture, covering them with a second crust. You could easily convert this delicious recipe into chicken pot pie if you prefer.

Seal the edges and label the pies before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour for a delicious, home-cooked meal.. Fill pie crusts with this hearty mixture, covering them with a second crust.

Mini Shepherd’s Pie Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Mini shepherd’s pies are adorable and perfect for portion control. Prepare mashed potatoes and a filling of cooked ground beef, mixed vegetables, and seasonings. Layer the filling into small baking dishes and top with mashed potatoes.

Cover with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F for 45-50 minutes. These make for a delightful dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Meatballs and Sauce for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Meatballs are a versatile addition to any meal. Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Form into balls and bake until cooked through.

Once cooled, place the meatballs in a freezer bag with your favorite marinara sauce. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. They pair perfectly with pasta or can be enjoyed in a sub sandwich.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs for the Freezer

Find the full recipe HERE.

Slow cooker chicken thighs are an easy meal to prep ahead. This is one of our favorite slow cooker recipes. Combine chicken thighs with garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze.

When it’s time to cook, dump the contents into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. This meal is flavorful and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights.

Shrimp Fried Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and delicious meal option that can be frozen. Start by cooking rice and sautéing shrimp with garlic, onions, and vegetables. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the mix, stirring well.

Once cooled, portion into freezer bags. To reheat, simply thaw overnight and stir-fry in a hot pan for a quick meal that tastes fresh and flavorful.

Freezable Pancakes

Find the full recipe HERE.

Pancakes are a beloved breakfast treat that can be made in bulk and frozen for later. Prepare your pancake batter as usual, then cook the pancakes on a griddle. Allow them to cool completely before stacking and wrapping them in plastic wrap.

Store the wrapped pancakes in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or toaster for a quick and easy breakfast any day of the week.

Taco Rice Casserole Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Taco rice casserole is a hearty meal that can be prepared in advance and divided into family-sized portions. Start by browning two pounds of ground beef with onions and taco seasoning. Then, mix in two cans each of black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn (drained) to your taco meat for added flavor and nutrition.

Next, prepare two 9×13 pans by spraying them with cooking spray. Layer half of the cooked rice in each pan, followed by half of the taco mixture and a generous helping of cheese. Cover with foil and label with cooking instructions: bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights!

Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Chicken and spinach stuffed manicotti is a delicious and filling option. Begin by cooking nine manicotti noodles until al dente. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley before adding shredded chicken and sautéed onions with spinach.

Spread a layer of pasta sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each manicotti noodle with the chicken mixture and place in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and freeze. When ready to eat, bake at 350°F for 60-75 minutes.

Ranch Parmesan Chicken Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Ranch Parmesan chicken is a simple yet flavorful meal. Start by mixing Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast in ranch dressing, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Place the chicken in a greased baking dish and drizzle with melted butter before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake uncovered at 400°F for about 30 minutes. This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Freezable Cinnamon Rolls

Find the full recipe HERE.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a classic recipe that can be prepped ahead of time. Start by mixing warm water, yeast, flour, warm milk, salt, and an egg. Knead the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.

Roll out the dough, spread butter, and sprinkle with a sugar-cinnamon mixture. Roll tightly, slice, and place on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a bag for storage. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 20-30 minutes when craving a sweet breakfast.

Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Crockpot ham and potato soup is comforting and easy to prepare. Combine diced ham, potatoes, carrots, onions, and spices in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, add broth and water before letting it simmer in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours, you can also cut your time down significantly by using an instant pot. 

For a creamy texture, blend half of the soup before serving. This dish is perfect for chilly nights, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or extra vegetables!

Freezable Pizza Dough

Find the full recipe HERE.

Making pizza dough in bulk is a great way to ensure quick dinners. Combine bread flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a bowl, then mix in warm water and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise until doubled.

Divide the dough into portions, wrap in wax paper, and store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for pizza night, thaw the dough and roll it out with your favorite toppings for a delicious homemade meal.

Photo by Juan Manuel Núñez Méndez on Unsplash

Freezable Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Find the full recipe HERE.

Chocolate chip cookie dough can be made ahead for instant treats. Start by creaming together butter, sugars, and vanilla. Add eggs and mix until smooth, then slowly incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt.

Fold in chocolate chips, then scoop and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake directly from frozen for a quick dessert!

Freezer Meal Stromboli

Find the full recipe HERE.

Stromboli is a tasty, portable meal that can be easily frozen. Roll out pizza dough and layer with marinara sauce, cheese, and your choice of fillings like pepperoni or vegetables. Roll tightly and seal the edges.

Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 20-30 minutes for a delicious, cheesy dinner option.

Chicken Fried Rice Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

Chicken fried rice is a great way to use leftover rice and protein. Start by scrambling eggs, then add cooked chicken, soy sauce, and a mix of frozen vegetables. Stir in the rice and combine well.

Portion into freezer bags and store. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and stir-fry in a hot pan for a quick and satisfying meal.

Layered Taco Bake Freezer Meal

Find the full recipe HERE.

This layered taco bake combines all the flavors of a taco in a convenient casserole form. This is one of our all time favorite freezer meals! Begin by browning ground beef with onions, then mix in salsa, beans, and spices. Layer tortillas, beef mixture, and a sour cream blend in a baking dish.

Top with cheese and freeze. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. This dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table!