15 freezer-friendly meals you’ll be thankful you made

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Freezer meals are a lifesaver when you need dinner ready without the effort. Having a stash of hearty, flavorful dishes on hand means no scrambling for takeout or settling for bland leftovers. These recipes are packed with the kind of flavors that hold up beautifully in the freezer, so you’ll actually look forward to pulling them out. From casseroles that check every comfort box to soups and stews that warm you up fast, these meals make busy nights feel a little less hectic.

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: cheesy, easy, and perfect for busy nights. Toss in leftover rotisserie chicken, bake, and you’ve got dinner covered. Freeze it and you’ll thank yourself later when dinner is already sorted.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Layers of breaded chicken, prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese baked in tomato sauce—what’s not to love? It’s a total winner for when you want something hearty without much hassle. Bonus: it freezes like a champ.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A no-frills, veggie-packed meal that’s as simple as throwing everything in one pot. Serve with your favorite grain or freeze it for a great meal ready when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Turkey Stew

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shredded turkey, veggies, and potatoes simmered with garlic and herbs make this a rock-solid comfort meal. The tomato paste and balsamic give it a little extra something that keeps you coming back. Cook, freeze, reheat—repeat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Loaded with ground beef, black beans, and peppers, this casserole keeps it easy with cauliflower rice. Great for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Freeze some for those “I forgot to cook” moments.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

A skillet full of meat and beans in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chili, but make it interesting. Turkey and hummus come together for a creamy one-pot dinner that’s perfect for cold nights. Freeze it and have a hot meal on standby whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe that’s full of wholesome ingredients in a flavorful tomato base. It’s perfect for freezing, making it a great grab-and-go meal option.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one’s all about big flavors. Short ribs, porter beer, and spices make this chili rich and satisfying. Cook a big batch because the leftovers freeze like a dream.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This chili breaks the rules in the best way. White beans, chicken, apples, and cheddar come together for something different but completely comforting. Perfect for freezing, too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy chicken with a honey dijon yogurt sauce that’s downright addictive. This easy dinner feels a little fancy without being over the top. Make extras—they reheat like a dream.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans in a white bowl with red pepper flakes on the side.
Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole and beans might sound simple, but it’s pure comfort food. A quick, hearty vegetarian option that’s even better when frozen and reheated for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This is Marsala, but better. Chicken stuffed with mozzarella and basil, cooked in tomato butter sauce—hard to beat. Freeze individual portions to keep it easy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got leftover brisket? Toss it in this chili loaded with beans, peppers, and corn. The thick tomato base makes it great for freezing, so none of that brisket goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef and mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for cold nights. The Instant Pot does all the work, and it’s just as good reheated from frozen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Pumpkin tortilla casserole in a baking dish with wooden serving spatula topped with jalapenos.
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pumpkin and tortillas might sound like an odd duo, but trust us—it works. Creamy, cheesy, and just a little spicy, this casserole is great for fall and freezes like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

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