27 freezer meals that save your evenings (and wallet)

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Freezer meals are the secret weapon for those evenings when the thought of cooking is as welcome as a telemarketer during dinner. With a collection of 27 different recipes at your fingertips, you can dodge the kitchen scramble and embrace the joy of doing, well, literally anything else. These pre-prepped wonders are not just a nod to your culinary laziness; they’re a high-five to your budget, too.

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is the go-to meal for saving time and money on those hectic weeknights. It’s easy to make, taking just an hour from start to finish. With layers of cheese ravioli, marinara, and melted cheese, you get a great dish that’s less work than lasagna. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make extra, freeze it, and have a ready-to-go meal for another night. Just thaw, reheat, and you’ve got dinner on the table without the extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great pick when you’re looking to whip up something quick and easy. You’ll get flavorful pork chops with a crispy coating in just 25 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s also great for stocking up your freezer. When you’re ready, just thaw, reheat, and you’ve got a meal that’s as good as fresh. It’s a real timesaver and a hit with the whole family, making your dinner routine a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is all about making your life easier. It’s a simple toss-everything-in-the-pot kind of meal that cooks itself, freeing up your day. Whether you let it simmer on low all day or cook it on high to have it ready faster, it’s a great meal that’s straightforward, even for those just starting out in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for freezing, meaning you can make a big batch and have meals ready to go for nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind. Just thaw, reheat, and you’ve got a comforting soup without the extra work or expense.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This classic casserole has it all — egg noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and a breadcrumb topping. Just boil the noodles, mix everything together, and bake until hot and bubbly. You can also toss in any veggies you have on hand, like celery or carrots. Serve with a side salad for an amazing everyday meal. It’s a budget-friendly crowdpleaser that’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner ready quickly. Make ahead, freeze, and then just reheat portions as needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instead of stuffing individual peppers, this casserole combines all those delicious flavors into one pan. You’ll need bell peppers, ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. Brown the meat, mix in the other ingredients, top with cheese, and bake until melty. For a kick, add some diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. Best served with crusty bread. No need to stuff peppers when you’re short on time and energy. This easy casserole has all that flavor with way less effort. Freeze portions for grab-and-reheat dinners.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This vibrant soup is healthy but hearty, made with sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, broth, and spices. Just sauté the veggies, simmer with broth, then blend until smooth and creamy. Top with crispy tortilla strips or croutons. For extra protein, add white beans or chicken. Easy to make a big batch for meal prep. When you crave something comforting but nutritious, this soup really hits the spot – and having portions stashed in the freezer makes healthy eating a breeze on busy nights. Simply thaw and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in easy casserole form with mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. Mix it up, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, and bake until golden. For variety, try sweet potatoes or add broccoli. Craving that indulgent, stick-to-your-ribs taste of a Twice Baked Potato Casserole but without all the work? This casserole has you covered with familiar flavors and so much easier prep. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for future quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great choice for a freezer meal that can make your evenings easier. It’s a budget-friendly dish that’s simple to put together and freezes well, perfect for those nights when you need a quick solution for dinner. In under an hour, you can whip up a comforting meal that’s a hit with both kids and grown-ups. Plus, the leftovers reheat nicely, giving you more bang for your buck and saving you time on future meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This protein-packed bake has chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs. Sauté the chicken, mix with the other ingredients and bake until bubbling. To make it creamy, stir in some milk or cream. Serve over pasta or crusty bread. When you’re craving a hearty, cheesy dinner but don’t have hours to cook, this bake delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort. Just pop portions in the microwave for easy reheating.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You only need sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, broth, and greens for this rich, creamy soup. Brown the sausage, simmer everything together until thickened, and you’re done! Add parmesan and bread for dunking. For a heartier meal, toss in pasta or beans. Craving maximum coziness with very little effort required? This luscious, tomatoey, sausage-packed soup is the ultimate winter warmer. Freeze leftovers for quick meals down the road.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a super quick protein source, these patties made from canned chicken are a total timesaver. Just mix the chicken with eggs, breadcrumbs, and any seasonings or veggies you like. Form into patties and cook for 20 minutes. Serve on buns, over salads, or alongside roasted veggies. Out of fresh meat but still need to pull together a fast, protein-rich meal? These endlessly customizable chicken patties make it happen using affordable pantry staples. Cooked patties freeze beautifully for later use.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This veggie-packed casserole has broccoli, cauliflower, a rich cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and a crispy panko topping. Sauté the veggies, make the creamy sauce, mix, and bake until golden. For extra richness, add cheddar. Mix in chicken or ham to make it a main dish. When you’ve got a hankering for something indulgent yet still packed with veggies, this loaded casserole truly delivers on all fronts — hearty, creamy, crispy, and perfect to make ahead. Bake it right from the freezer whenever cheesy veggie cravings strike.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This quick-to-make casserole involves beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, topped with cheese. Brown the beef, mix with the other ingredients, top with cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes. It’s a complete meal that’s great for dinner. Serve it straight from the oven. You can switch up the cheese for variety. Freeze portions for easy reheats. To store, let it cool, then cover and freeze. Reheat in the oven until bubbly. This dish turns ‘What’s for dinner?’ into a no-brainer on hectic nights, freeing up your evening for relaxation or family time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Season chicken breasts, mix with cream cheese and sliced sweet peppers, and bake until juicy. It’s an easy dinner, perfect with a side of rice or tortillas. Try adding onions for extra flavor. It freezes and reheats well, making it a stress-free meal for later. Cool, then store in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave. Perfect for when you’re craving a home-cooked meal but only have minutes to spare, not hours.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Start with browning beef, then dump it into the crock pot with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Let it cook slowly for a flavorful soup. Serve with cheese and sour cream. Feel free to add more veggies if you like. This soup is perfect for freezing and enjoying later. Cool completely, then freeze in containers. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Simplify your meal planning with this set-it-and-forget-it soup, giving you one less thing to worry about on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine wild rice, mushrooms, and broth in a pot, cooking until the rice is tender. It’s a simple, comforting meal, good for lunch or dinner. Add chicken for more protein. This soup freezes beautifully for quick future meals. Store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently in a pot, adding a bit of water if needed. A great way to have a comforting meal ready for those days when cooking feels like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix ground turkey with curry spices and coconut milk, form into meatballs, and cook. It’s a flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or noodles. Experiment with different spices to change it up. Easy to freeze and reheat for a fast meal anytime. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water. These meatballs is a quick escape to flavor town on nights when time and energy are in short supply.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Ground meat dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brown ground beef, mix with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese in a skillet until creamy. It’s a filling dish that has both protein and veggies in one meal. Swap the beef for chicken if desired. Freezes well for later use. Cool before storing in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in a skillet, adding a little milk or water if it’s too thick. This all-in-one dish cuts down meal prep on busy days and is as nutritious as it is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Use shredded chicken thighs, mix with green chilies and cream, and heat until hot. It’s a quick dish, great for using up leftovers. Serve over rice or wrapped in a tortilla. Adding corn or beans for variety. Freezes well for an easy meal down the road. Let it cool, then store in airtight containers. Reheat in a microwave or skillet until hot enough. Transform leftover chicken into a meal that’s anything but boring, perfect for those ‘what to do with leftovers’ nights.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Simmer garlic, sausage, radishes (as a potato substitute), and kale in a creamy broth. It’s a hearty soup that’s also keto-friendly. Serve hot. Try different greens for variation. This soup is easy to freeze and reheat for a comforting meal anytime. Pour into freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove, stirring well. This soup is a lifesaver for anyone following a keto diet and looking for easy, prep-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook chicken pieces in a garlic butter sauce until they’re golden. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a light meal or snack. Serve with veggies or over pasta. Add chili flakes for a kick. This dish freezes well for a quick meal option later. Store in containers after cooling. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter or water to keep it moist. An easy way to add some excitement to your dinner routine without adding stress, perfect for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

Chicken wings in a bowl with lemon and parsley.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

For a tangy spin on dinner, marinate your wings in a lemon pepper seasoning mix, then bake for about 30 minutes. Make sure to marinate for four hours for a complete infusion of flavors. Pair with veggies or a salad for a full meal. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F until hot and crispy. This method keeps your wings juicy. Great for a casual dinner or as a snack during game night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine sausages (sliced or whole), your choice of veggies (like bell peppers and onions), and a creamy curry sauce. Cook for about 45 minutes on the stove. If the sausages start sticking to the pan while you brown them, add a bit of chicken stock or water. Then, use a wooden spoon to loosen and lift the browned bits off the pan. Serve over rice or with naan bread. Cool before freezing in airtight containers. Thaw and gently reheat on the stove, adding a little water if needed. This dish is a comforting meal, perfect for spicing up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken or lamb pieces in shawarma spices, then thread onto skewers and bake. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they’re usually more juicy and packed with flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider swapping in tofu. Serve with rice, flatbread, or salad. Prepare and freeze the kebabs raw or cooked; reheat in the oven at 375 degrees F. Experiment with different meats or veggies for variation. A great choice for a Middle Eastern-themed dinner night.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken in a mix of cilantro, onion, orange, and lime juice, then grill or bake. When using an outdoor grill, fire it up and get it to 350 degrees F. Give the grates a good oiling. Then, put the chicken on the grill and let it cook without moving it for 5-10 minutes on each side. This dish can be served with tortillas, rice, or beans. Freeze cooked chicken in pieces to maintain flavor. Reheat in the oven covered, at 350 degrees F.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wrap bite-sized chicken pieces in bacon, season with ranch, and bake until crispy, about 45 minutes. You can swap out pork bacon for turkey bacon in this recipe. Since turkey bacon is usually thinner, you might want to throw in a couple more slices. Serve as an appetizer or with sides for a meal. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F. Add different seasonings to suit your taste. These poppers are perfect for a quick snack or a fun dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Use ground pork seasoned with your favorite spices as the base, press into a pizza shape, and bake for 10 minutes. Add pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings like mushrooms before baking until the cheese is bubbly. Slice and serve like traditional pizza. To freeze, bake the meat base first, cool, then freeze. Add toppings after thawing and bake to finish.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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