27 freezer meals when cooking is a bad joke you’re not laughing at

Photo of author

| Published:

Freezer meals are perfect for those days when cooking just feels like too much to handle. When you’re tired and need something easy without the hassle, having these meals ready to go means you can skip the kitchen stress and still eat well. Think of it as a little act of kindness to yourself that keeps you a step ahead and lets you unwind instead of worrying about dinner.

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. 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 freezer meal for nights when cooking feels out of reach. Layers of cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and more cheese bake up in just 30 minutes, giving you a simple, comforting dinner that feels like a relief at the end of a long day. Keep a batch on hand so you’re never far from a homemade meal that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a freezer-friendly classic for days when cooking feels like a mountain to climb. Egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheese come together in 25 minutes for a filling and comforting meal. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for some texture, and you’re set. This casserole is easy to make and just as easy to freeze, perfect for those nights when you want something hearty and homemade without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a kind choice when cooking feels like one extra chore. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, and a creamy sauce, it comes together in 30 minutes and is simple to freeze and reheat. It’s a lighter meal that still leaves you feeling full, making it a thoughtful option for busy days. This dish is here to make dinnertime smoother and more nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great way to get all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the prep. Ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomato sauce come together in one dish topped with melted cheese for a dinner that’s ready in about 45 minutes. This one freezes well, making it a reliable option to have on hand for those times when cooking is just not on the agenda.
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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup brings warmth and convenience when you need a meal but aren’t up for cooking. Made from roasted sweet potatoes and red peppers, this smooth soup is light but filling. It’s freezer-friendly, so you can keep a few servings ready to go whenever you want something nutritious without the work.
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.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole has everything you love about loaded potatoes in one easy, freezer-friendly dish. Creamy mashed potatoes with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions come together for a filling meal on busy nights. You can bake it, freeze portions, and heat it up when you need something that feels like a treat without any extra steps later.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a thoughtful option for days when cooking sounds like a joke. Chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella bake into a creamy dish ready in 30 minutes and perfect for the freezer. Keep a few portions on hand to make dinnertime easier without any extra effort. This meal has everything you need for a low-stress dinner to enjoy when life gets hectic.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 perfect when you just can’t deal with cooking. Toss in split peas, ham, and veggies, and let the slow cooker do the work. The result is a thick, hearty soup that freezes well, so you’ll always have something comforting on hand when cooking feels like too much. It’s simple and budget-friendly, too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

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.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great choice when you need a comforting meal without the effort. In about an hour, you can have crispy tots, shredded chicken, corn, and melty cheese all baked together. It’s perfect for freezing and always ready when you need something easy and filling. This dish makes busy nights easier, especially when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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 serve crispy, juicy pork chops with hardly any work in just 25 minutes. Instead of traditional frying, this recipe uses a coating method with mayonnaise and a seasoned breadcrumb mix before the chops are baked. The crispy, juicy pork chops freeze well, so you can keep them on hand for nights when cooking feels too much. You spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great option for those busy days when cooking isn’t in the cards. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese into a dish ready in 30 minutes. Plus, it freezes well, so you can have it ready to reheat and eat for those busy nights. It’s an easy way to eat well without spending much time and effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is perfect when you need something rich and comforting but don’t have the time. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream, it comes together in just 30 minutes. This soup freezes well, so you can keep it on hand for those nights when cooking is just too much. It’s easy to reheat and makes for a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are a homemade meal with no hassle. Perfect for busy days, they take only about 20 minutes from start to finish. Made with canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, these patties are pan-fried to a crispy golden brown on the outside while staying juicy inside. These patties cook up crispy and are freezer-friendly. Just heat them up, and you’ve got a quick, comforting meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

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

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is a perfect meal when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese and is ready in about 30 minutes. It also freezes well, so you always have a meal ready to reheat whenever the hunger hits. This casserole is a simple way to get dinner on the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is the answer when you’d rather skip cooking. It’s a simple, comforting dish where chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers bake together, bringing you plenty of flavor with minimal prep. This dish freezes well, making it a great choice when you need something easy in a hurry. Just heat it up, and dinner is served. Ready in just 30 minutes, this bake is a real helper on busy nights.
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.

For those times when cooking feels like too much, Crock Pot Taco Soup is ready to help. Add ground beef, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese to the crock pot, and let it cook while you go about your day. In a few hours, you have a comforting, hearty, freezer-friendly soup that heats up perfectly for future meals. It’s a meal that gives you time back and a bowl of soup to look forward to.
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.

On days when cooking feels like a tall order, Wild Rice Mushroom Soup makes things simple. Earthy mushrooms and wild rice come together in a soup that simmers away for several minutes, letting you step away while it cooks. It’s light but filling and freezes well, so you’ll always have a backup meal ready. This soup brings comfort with no extra hassle — a practical, cozy option ready when needed.
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.

When you’re looking for something different that doesn’t take much time, Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a smart choice. With turkey, coconut milk, and red curry, this meal gives you a flavorful and light dinner in just 30 minutes. These meatballs freeze well, making them perfect for quick dinners on busy nights or as a meal prep option. They’re here to make your week easier, giving you a simple dinner ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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.

Green Chile Chicken is a great way to make the most of leftover chicken, especially when you’re short on time. Shredded chicken mixed with green chilies, cream, and cheese makes for a comforting meal ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or wrapped in a tortilla. Plus, it freezes easily, so you’ve got an easy dinner waiting for those extra busy 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.

For low-carb comfort without much effort, Keto Zuppa Toscana fits right in. Italian sausage, bacon, radishes, and kale come together in a creamy, filling soup that takes only a little time to prepare. It’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch to save for nights when you want something wholesome without cooking. Whether you’re following keto or just looking for a simple and hearty meal, this soup is a great option.
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.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites make things easier when cooking feels like a lot. These juicy bites come together in under 30 minutes with plenty of garlic and butter flavor to enjoy. They’re freezer-friendly, too, so you’ll always have a backup plan ready to go. Enjoy them on their own, in salads, or tossed into pasta. These chicken bites help make dinner less stressful, especially on your busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

In FDL library.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

When you’re just not in the mood to cook, Lemon Pepper Wings make a quick, easy meal that feels like a treat. With a bright lemon tang and a peppery kick, these wings bake in 30 minutes and can be frozen for later, so you’re covered on nights when you need something fast. Reheat, and you’ve got a great snack or light meal in no time. They get dinner on the table without the usual kitchen work. Simple, flavorful, and ready to go whenever you need.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry steps up when cooking seems like too much. This hearty dish combines sausage, vegetables, and a flavorful curry sauce, coming together in about 45 minutes. It’s great for meal prep because it freezes well, giving you an easy meal to pull out on those busy nights. Just reheat, and you’re all set. This dish is easy without cutting back on flavor or comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

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

On days when cooking feels like a big ask, Shawarma Kebabs come to the rescue with a quick, flavorful option. Packed with cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, these kebabs have a comforting taste that’s easy to enjoy. They freeze well, too, so you can make a batch, pop them in the freezer, and have a meal ready to reheat anytime. Pair them with rice, a salad, or in a wrap, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is a kind option when cooking feels overwhelming. With marinated chicken thighs infused with citrus, cilantro, and onions, this dish bakes fast and keeps well in the freezer. On nights when you’re too tired to cook, just reheat and have a comforting meal without the usual effort. This recipe helps you feel like you’ve made something special even when time or energy is low.
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.

For an easy bite when you need it, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a practical choice that’s ready in an hour. Made with chicken, bacon, and cheddar, these poppers bake to golden. They’re perfect for freezing, so you can keep them ready whenever hunger hits. They work well as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner, and when you’re short on time, reheat and enjoy a bit of comfort without the kitchen work. These poppers bring familiar flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

When cooking feels like a tall order, Meatza is a great way to keep things simple. Using ground pork instead of pizza crust, it’s a low-carb choice that’s ready in 40 minutes and freezes perfectly. Just reheat it for a quick meal whenever you want. Topped with whatever ingredients you like, Meatza is comfort food without the usual kitchen time. When even takeout feels like a stretch, this recipe lets you enjoy a pizza-inspired meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.