Life can get hectic, and sometimes cooking dinner is the last thing you want to do after a long day. That’s where freezer meals come in – they can save you time and stress when mealtime rolls around. Here are 10 freezer meal ideas to keep on hand for busy weeknights.
1. Baked Ziti
Cook and drain ziti according to package directions. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Pour into a freezer-safe baking dish and top with more cheese. Cover with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake covered for 45 minutes at 375°F, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
2. Chicken Enchiladas
Cook and shred chicken breasts. Mix with enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Place filling in tortillas and roll up tightly, then place seam side down in a freezer-safe baking dish. Top with more sauce and cheese, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake covered for 45 minutes at 375°F, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
3. Meatloaf
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Shape into a loaf and place in a loaf pan or freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake covered for 45 minutes at 350°F, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Beef Stew
Cut beef into bite-sized pieces and brown in a large pot. Add chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, along with beef broth and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 30-45 minutes. Let cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat up on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Mix refried beans, shredded cheese, and salsa together in a bowl. Spread the mixture onto tortillas and roll up tightly. Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake covered for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Chili
Brown ground beef in a large pot, then add chopped onions and garlic. Add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder, and let simmer for 30-45 minutes. Let cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat up on the stove or in the microwave.
7. Chicken Curry
Mix bite-sized pieces of chicken, curry powder, coconut milk, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 30-45 minutes. Let cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat up on the stove or in the microwave.
8. Lasagna Rolls
Cook and drain lasagna noodles. Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and chopped spinach in a bowl. Spread mixture onto noodles and roll up tightly. Place seam side down in a freezer-safe baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and more cheese. Cover with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake covered for 45 minutes at 375°F, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
9. Pulled Pork
Season a pork shoulder with salt and pepper and sear on all sides in a large pot. Add barbecue sauce and enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart. Let cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat up on the stove or in the microwave.
10. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Form into meatballs and brown in a large pot. Add canned tomatoes and let simmer for 30-45 minutes. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Let both cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat up on the stove or in the microwave.
These 10 freezer meal ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. With a little preparation and some freezer space, you can have a variety of meals at your disposal on busy weeknights.
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