23 freezer-friendly meals to pre-cook for hectic days

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When life gets busy, having a stash of freezer-friendly meals can be a lifesaver. Pre-cooking and storing dishes for those hectic days means you always have something great to eat without the stress of starting from scratch. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or family commitments, these 23 recipes are perfect for making sure you have a home-cooked meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

This recipe is great for busy families because it’s quick to make, taking less than an hour from start to finish. The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is not only simple to prepare but also freezes well. This means you can make it ahead of time, store it, and reheat it whenever you need a quick meal solution.
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.

If you’re looking for a meal that doesn’t take much effort but still tastes great, the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a perfect choice. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish skips the extra work of stuffing vegetables and instead combines all the flavors in one pot. It’s a hit with families and freezes beautifully, making it a solid pick for those nights when you’re too busy to cook from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

For a quick and comforting meal, the Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is an excellent option. It only takes an hour to make and can be frozen for future meals. This soup is perfect for those hectic weeks when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Just heat it up for a cozy dinner that’s ready in no time.
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.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a great pick for a filling and creamy dinner. Packed with bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar, it combines all the favorites in one dish. You can prepare it in advance, freeze it, and have it ready for those busy evenings. It’s an easy way to serve a heartwarming meal with minimal effort.
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.

On busy nights, the Spinach Chicken Bake is a lifesaver. It cooks in just 30 minutes and mixes chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a delicious casserole. Great for freezing, this dish is a quick and easy dinner option for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a comforting dinner that’s ready quickly, try the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare and includes Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a rich and hearty meal. Perfect for freezing, this soup is a convenient choice for those hectic nights when you need a filling dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties is ready in 20 minutes, and are perfect for meal prep. Freeze these patties and reheat them for a quick meal with sandwiches or veggies. They’re a smart choice for those busy weeks when you need a decent lunch or dinner without a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is your go-to for busy times. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a dish full of broccoli, cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, and bacon. Freeze it for a no-stress dinner that you can heat up quickly on nights when you’re too swamped to cook.
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 Cheesy Beef Casserole is a fantastic option for those busy weeks, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal that blends beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a hearty dish. Freezing it is easy, so you always have an appetizing and convenient dinner ready for those nights when you’re short on 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.

For a dinner that’s easy to prepare, especially during those busy times, the Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a great choice. It combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese and sweet peppers, baked to perfection. You can make it ahead and freeze it, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready to be enjoyed with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

When you’re looking for a meal that’s easy yet flavorful, the Crock Pot Taco Soup is a smart choice. Spend just 20 minutes browning the beef and tossing everything into the slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner. It’s perfect for making in advance and freezing.
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.

The Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a quick and easy meal, great for busy weeknights. As the rice cooks, you’ll mix in mushrooms for a soup that’s delicious fresh or from the freezer. It’s designed to save you time, perfect for those evenings when you need a comforting meal with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs serves a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for those hectic days. Made with ground turkey, coconut milk, and curry spices, they’re quick to prepare and easy to freeze. When you’re pressed for time, just reheat for a meal that’s rich and creamy without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a lifesaver on busy days, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal that combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms into a filling dish. Easy to prepare and freeze, it delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that’s rich in protein, perfect for when you need something delicious without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 20 minutes, turn leftover chicken into the Green Chile Chicken, a creamy and flavorful dish. Using shredded chicken thighs and green chilies, it’s a breeze to make and freeze. This recipe is a great way to whip up a quick, delicious dinner on those days when time is tight.
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.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Keto Zuppa Toscana on busy weeknights, inspired by Olive Garden’s classic but low on carbs. This soup features garlic, sausage, radishes, and kale in a creamy broth, swapping out potatoes for radishes to keep it keto-friendly. Prepare a batch to freeze and have a toasty, nourishing meal ready for those busy or special nights when you need something delicious with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those hectic days, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come together in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken cooked in a deliciously rich buttery garlic sauce, this dish is quick to become a favorite. It freezes well, providing a hearty and quick dinner option for nights when time is scarce and you’re looking for something good to eat without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

A serving dish of lemon pepper wings with a wedge of lemon.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Lemon Pepper Wings are a great choice for a tangy addition to your dinner lineup, especially on those busy nights. Simply prepare the marinade in advance and cook the wings in about 30 minutes for a quick meal. Serve with your favorite sides for a dinner that’s ready in no time. Freeze and you’ll have a meal ready on hand.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your table, combining sausages with veggies in a creamy sauce, all within 45 minutes. It’s an excellent meal to freeze and have ready for those days when you’re too busy but still crave something hearty and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These Shawarma Kebabs are an easy meal option with minimal hands-on time. Simply marinate, skewer, and bake. They’re perfect for preparing ahead of time and freezing, so you always have a delicious and quick dinner option for those nights when you’re short on time.
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 all about bringing the lively tastes of cilantro, onion, orange, and lime to your dining table. Whether you grill it or bake it, it’s perfect for freezing and reheating. This chicken dish is versatile enough to make any dinner feel special, even on the busiest nights.
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.

Ready in less than an hour, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are perfect for a lighter dinner or a delicious snack. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for those nights when you need a quick and hearty option. It’s a convenient meal solution that’s easy to enjoy, even on the go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

Meatza takes a new spin on pizza, great for those ultra-busy weeknights. Featuring a seasoned pork base instead of traditional bread and requiring only 10 minutes to cook, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. You can freeze it and later add pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mushrooms for a meal that’s comforting and ready without delay.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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