27 freezer meals for when cooking is just not happening tonight

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We’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM, your stomach is growling, and the thought of cooking is about as appealing as a root canal. Enter freezer meals so reliable, they’ll make you question why you ever bothered with fresh ingredients in the first place. Whether you’re feeling lazy or just need a break from the kitchen, these recipes are your go-to solution for a filling dinner without lifting a finger.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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 perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a Herculean task. With layers of cheese ravioli, marinara, and melted cheese, it’s like lasagna’s laid-back cousin. The best part? It’s freezer-friendly, so you can make extra for another night when cooking is just not happening. Ready in just an hour, this dish saves you from the ordeal of starting from scratch after a long day.
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 your go-to for when you need dinner to practically cook itself. Slap on a thin layer of mayo, give those chops a good shake in a bag of breadcrumbs and seasoning and toss them in the oven. In just 25 minutes, you’ve got crispy, flavorful pork chops without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can prep ahead for those nights when cooking is just not happening. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe keeps things simple and your sanity intact.
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 the definition of easy meal prep. Just toss split peas, carrots, celery, ham, and some spices into the pot, set the timer, and let your slow cooker handle the rest. It’s so straightforward, you could practically do it in your sleep. Perfect for freezing, this soup ensures you’ve got meals ready for those nights when cooking is just not happening. Because sometimes, even reheating feels like a win.
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.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole combines egg noodles, canned tuna, cheddar cheese, peas, and a breadcrumb topping into a budget-friendly, no-brainer meal. Whip up a big batch, freeze the portions, and reheat for a dinner that practically serves itself. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for those nights when you need a filling meal without much effort. When cooking is just not happening, this casserole has your back.
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.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole combines the flavors of stuffed peppers without the complicated steps. Mix bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce on the stovetop, top with cheese, and bake. Want to spice things up? Toss in some diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy meal is perfect for freezing, so you can have a quick dinner ready when cooking is just not happening. 
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 is your ticket to feeling like a culinary superstar without much effort. Made with sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, broth, and spices, it’s all sautéed, simmered, and blended into a hearty soup. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped parsley to pretend you’ve got it all together. Ready in an hour, it’s perfect for making ahead and freezing, so you have a nutritious meal ready for those nights when the kitchen is closed for business.
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 packs all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into an easy, no-fuss dish. Made with mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions, it’s all baked together for a meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful. Make this ahead, freeze in portions, and you’ll have a quick meal ready for those nights when cooking is just not happening. Perfect for anyone who loves the taste of a loaded potato but can’t be bothered with all the work.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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 the ultimate veggie-packed comfort dish. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, baked until golden. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s also customizable—add cheddar or mix in shredded chicken for extra protein. Plus, it’s great for freezing, so you have a nutritious meal ready for those nights when you just can’t be bothered. 
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower 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.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food shortcut. Loaded with crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and corn, all topped with cheese and green onions, it’s a dish that’s quick to assemble and budget-friendly. Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for busy families who need dinner on the table fast. Plus, it bakes in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Leftovers? They only get better the next day — just the thing for those nights when the kitchen feels like a distant memory.
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.

Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for freezing. Marinate the chicken, top with the rest of the ingredients, and bake until golden and bubbly. Ready in just 30 minutes, you can serve it over pasta or crusty bread. Freeze in portions and then reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy meal on busy evenings. Perfect for those nights when you’d rather do anything but cook.
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.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty one-pot meal ready in just 30 minutes. Made with Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream, this dish boasts a rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor. Just brown the sausage, simmer everything together, and it’s good to go. Great for freezing, this soup is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting without the hassle. Dinner that practically cooks itself — what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These Canned Chicken Patties are your shortcut to a quick and easy meal. Made from canned chicken, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, they’re a total time-saver. Just mix, form into patties, and cook right on the stovetop. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast. Serve on buns, over salads, or alongside veggies to complete the meal. Plus, they freeze well, so you can always have a quick meal on hand when time is not on your side.
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 your go-to for a quick and easy meal. This dish is baked until golden and ready in just 30 minutes, featuring beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It’s a complete meal you can serve straight from the oven and is also freezer-friendly for quick reheats. Perfect for those evenings when the idea of cooking feels like a cruel joke.
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.

When you’re running on empty, Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is your saving grace. This recipe features seasoned chicken breasts layered with cream cheese, mozzarella, and sliced sweet peppers, baked until the top is bubbling and golden. It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with rice or tortillas. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for those nights when you need dinner fast. Let it cool, freeze, and reheat when you need something comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is your answer to an effortless, delicious dinner. The recipe starts with browned beef, combined with diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and seasonings, all tossed into a Crock Pot to cook slowly into a hearty soup. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for those nights when you need a “set it and forget it” meal. You’ll look like you went all out without actually lifting a finger.
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.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a hearty, nutty meal that’s perfect for busy nights. While the rice cooks, you can prep the other ingredients simultaneously, making it surprisingly efficient. Ready in just a little over an hour, this soup combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the chewy texture of wild rice. It’s also customizable, so you can add chicken or turkey for extra protein if you’re in the mood. Portion the soup, store in freezer-safe containers, and reheat in a pot when needed. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even when you don’t.
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.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a refreshing change from your usual dinner routine. They feature ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste. The secret to their moist and filling texture is the homemade coconut curry sauce that comes together in minutes on the stovetop. Ready in just 30 minutes, these meatballs pair well with rice or noodles. Plus, they freeze well, so you can reheat them for a quick meal when time is tight. Packed with flavor, these meatballs let you break free from the ordinary — because who said weeknight meals have to be boring?
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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 your answer to a quick, hearty meal. This filling recipe features ground beef mixed with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese, all cooked in a single skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table fast. It also stores perfectly for leftovers tomorrow and freezes well for those nights when you need something quick. Nutritious and easy to make, it’s a straightforward way to keep things simple yet delicious, making dinner feel like less of a chore.
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.

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs is a delicious and easy way to use up the cooked chicken you have on hand. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines shredded chicken thighs with green chilies and cream, topped with shredded cheese and cooked in a single skillet. Serve it over rice or wrap it in a tortilla for a quick meal. It also freezes perfectly, making it a great go-to for those nights when you’d rather do anything but cook.
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: Real Balanced.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is an Olive Garden copycat that cleverly swaps potatoes for radishes, which mimic the flavor and texture perfectly. Italian sausage, crispy bacon, fresh kale, and a bunch of spices all simmer together with radishes in a creamy broth, ready in just 1 hour. This soup freezes well, so you can reheat it on those nights when the couch is calling your name louder than the kitchen.
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 Chicken Bites are your answer to those “I-don’t-feel-like-cooking” nights. These chicken bites are cooked until golden and tossed in a garlic butter sauce, all in just 20 minutes. You can store these in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months, making them a lifesaver for those nights when cooking feels like a monumental task. They pair well with veggies or over pasta, giving you the flexibility to mix things up and keep dinner interesting. If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine without much effort, this dish is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

In FDL library.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Lemon Pepper Wings are a no-brainer for easy dinners. With lemon juice and pepper, this recipe gives you juicy, crispy wings with zesty flavors. After marinating the chicken, bake the wings for 30 minutes, and you’re done. They also make perfect freezer meals — just reheat them in the oven or microwave until they’re hot and crispy. Pair them with some veggies or a salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the easy cleanup after a busy day. Sometimes, the freezer is your best friend in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is great for easy freezer meals that make your life simpler. This recipe features sausages and vegetables in a rich, creamy curry sauce, ready in just 45 minutes. Cook it up, let it cool, and freeze in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick dinner that everyone will love. It’s the kind of meal that makes you grateful for your freezer.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are perfect for a Middle Eastern-themed dinner that saves your evenings from the mundane. Chicken pieces are marinated with a mix of spices and skewered before baking to golden perfection in the oven. To freeze, simply cool the kebabs, then arrange them in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat, and enjoy a meal that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
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 what you whip up when you can’t handle another kitchen disaster. The dish features marinated chicken thighs infused with a mix of cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or cooking indoors, this dish is a winner. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, perfect for when you want to keep things simple. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, keeping well for up to three days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. Because sometimes, the freezer really does save the day.
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.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are another freezer-friendly meal that’s sure to save your evenings. Ready in just an hour, the dish combines chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese, formed into balls and then baked until golden. Served with homemade ranch seasoning, this dish is a fun and delicious option. They also freeze well and are easy to reheat in an oven or microwave, making them perfect for quick snacks or dinners when you’re short on time. After all, sometimes the microwave is the only thing standing between you and a bag of chips.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

Meatza is your answer to pizza night without the carbs. It uses a ground pork base instead of a traditional bread crust, making it a great option for those avoiding grains or gluten. Ready in just 40 minutes, the dish is easy to prepare and perfect for when you want something different for dinner. Just bake the meat base first, add your toppings, then bake like you would traditional pizza. It’s a great option for anyone watching their carb intake or looking for a delicious and affordable meal that’s easy to customize. Plus, it freezes well, so you can reheat it in the oven for a quick meal when you just can’t face another boring dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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