27 freezer meals for zero-cook evenings

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On those days when even chopping vegetables feels like a tall order, knowing you’ve got something waiting in the freezer makes all the difference. These recipes are perfect for giving you a break while still letting you enjoy a great dinner because sometimes, having meals prepped and ready to go can be a true lifesaver.

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 kind of meal you’ll be thankful to have in your freezer on busy days. With layers of cheese ravioli and marinara sauce topped with even more cheese, it bakes up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for when cooking feels overwhelming. It freezes well, so you can keep it handy when cooking feels too much. This meal is great for taking the stress out of dinnertime, giving you something hearty and filling without needing much work.
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 that’s perfect for when you need a break from cooking but still want something good to eat. With egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheese, it comes together fast and bakes in 25 minutes. Toss some breadcrumbs on top for some crunch, and you’re set. It’s great for those nights when you’re not up for much but need a comforting meal. This casserole is a reliable option for making dinnertime easier, especially when cooking feels like a chore.
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 the meal that takes care of you when you don’t have the energy to cook. The ground beef and cauliflower rice makes a light yet filling base, while the creamy sauce pulls it all together without being too rich. It’s done in 30 minutes and freezes well, so you can always have a meal ready. This dish is perfect for when you’re looking for something hearty but simple to prepare. Freezer meals like this make it easier to enjoy a good meal without the stress of cooking.
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 freezer meal that takes the hassle out of dinner. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, combine everything in one dish — peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce — then top with cheese and bake. It’s ready in about 45 minutes and is great for freezing in portions for later. This casserole is perfect when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a comforting dish that’ll make dinner easier when needed.
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 a simple, cozy meal that’s easy to make and freeze for later. Roasted sweet potatoes and red peppers come together in a smooth, comforting soup that feels light but still filling. It’s great for those days when cooking feels like a lot, but you still want something good. You can freeze it in batches and reheat it whenever you need a quick meal. This soup is perfect for keeping things easy while having something nutritious and rich when needed.
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 brings you the comfort of mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions baked into one easy dish. It’s great for those nights when cooking feels like a bit much. You can prepare it in about an hour, then freeze it for later. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon, making it feel like a treat without the extra effort. This dish gives you the perfect excuse to take it easy in the kitchen while serving something great.
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 simple, no-stress meal that still feels hearty and comforting. Chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella come together in this creamy bake that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. This bake helps you keep dinner on track without any stress, making it perfect for when cooking feels like the last thing on your mind.
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 all about comforting meals without making you work for it. Just toss split peas, ham, and veggies into the slow cooker and let it do the job for 4 to 8 hours. This soup is thick, flavorful, and freezes well, so you’ll have something ready for those nights when cooking feels impossible. It’s perfect for using leftovers and pantry staples, stretching your budget while giving you a cozy meal. If you’re looking for a way to make dinnertime easier, this soup has you covered.
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 makes dinner feel effortless. This dish comes together in about an hour with crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and melty cheese. It’s a perfect freezer meal for those days when cooking feels too much. The contrast of the crispy tots with the cheesy filling always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding the family or freezing portions for later, this casserole is there to help you keep dinner simple and stress-free.
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 are here to make your weeknights smoother. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy pork chops that feel like more effort than they take. Coat them with mayo and breadcrumbs, bake, and you’re set. The best part? These chops freeze well, so you can keep them on hand for those nights when cooking feels like a chore. They’re a great way to get a quick, homemade meal without the stress, giving you one less thing to worry about after a long day.
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.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a great option when you want something nutritious and filling without too much effort. It combines broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a cheesy sauce for a hearty meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes and freezes well, so you can have it on hand when cooking feels like a chore. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re eating well without spending much time in the kitchen. This dish can easily become a favorite for busy nights.
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.

If you need a comforting meal that doesn’t take forever, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is just what you’re looking for. It’s rich and filling with Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream while still coming together in about 30 minutes. You can freeze it, making it a lifesaver on nights when cooking feels like more than you can handle. It’s a kind bowl of goodness, always ready when you need it most. Perfect for those who need a quick, hearty meal that’s easy to reheat.
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 the go-to for an easy meal that doesn’t require much time or energy. It’s made with canned chicken, eggs, and Parmesan, which come together quickly and cook up nicely and crispy. The best part is you can freeze them, so they’re always ready for a quick dinner. They’re perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just heat and eat. These patties are simple, comforting, and practical for any night of the week.
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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is perfect when you need something hearty but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking. It’s a mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese, baked in about 30 minutes. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead and pull it out when you need a meal without the hassle. This dish is great for anyone who needs a simple meal to prepare, making life a little easier on those busy nights.
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 want to relax more than cook, this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken will save the day. Layers of chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers come together in a dish that’s easy to throw together, ready in 30 minutes. It freezes well, making it perfect for those nights when cooking feels too much. Pull it out, bake, and enjoy a low-effort, flavorful meal. This dish makes life easier while giving you something delicious to look forward to, especially on those extra 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.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is your go-to when you need something easy and comforting. With beef, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese, you toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work. It cooks for a few hours, but you can forget it until dinner. It reheats perfectly, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep. You can also freeze it for days when cooking feels overwhelming. This recipe is a perfect example of how a simple meal can save you time and stress while giving you something hearty to enjoy.
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.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a kind solution for those days when cooking feels too much. With earthy mushrooms and wild rice, it’s a filling, comforting soup you can let simmer while you take a break. You’ll have a meal ready for dinner in about an hour, and it freezes well for future nights when you need something quick. It’s light enough not to weigh you down but hearty enough to keep you going. Simple and straightforward, this soup will quietly become one of your freezer staples.
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.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are great for nights when you want something different but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. They come together in about 30 minutes, with turkey, coconut, and red curry giving you a flavorful, light dinner that’s also easy to freeze. Whether you’re meal prepping or trying to make life easier, this recipe will help you have something delicious ready without much effort. It’s a helpful way to stay on top when cooking feels like a chore.
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 turns leftover chicken thighs into something comforting and new. Mix shredded chicken with green chilies, cream, and cheese for a simple meal that comes together quickly. Serve it with rice or wrap it in a tortilla for a dinner that feels like you put more effort in than you did. It also freezes easily, making it a great option for busy nights. This recipe helps you make the most out of leftovers while saving time and energy, giving you a delicious meal without the work.
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.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is a comforting, low-carb soup that’s simple and hearty. With Italian sausage, bacon, radishes, and kale in a creamy broth, this soup comes together quickly and freezes well for later. It’s perfect for keto followers, but anyone who wants a comforting meal without a carb overload will love it. You can make a batch, freeze it, and prepare a healthy dinner when you don’t feel like cooking. This recipe makes life easier by giving you something wholesome and filling without much effort.
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 are your best friend when cooking feels too much. These bites cook quickly with rich garlic and butter flavors, giving you a comforting meal in under 30 minutes. They freeze well, so you can always have some ready for those nights when you run low on energy. Eat them as a snack or throw them into a salad for a simple meal. These bites are here to make your life easier, turning a busy day into a more relaxed evening. They’re a great way to keep cooking low-stress.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

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

Lemon Pepper Wings make life easier with their tangy, peppery flavor that doesn’t require much work. Bake for 30 minutes, you’ve got crispy wings ready to eat, and they freeze perfectly for later. When cooking feels like a hassle, pull them from the freezer, pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a fresh meal with almost no effort. These wings help you keep things simple while enjoying a homemade and comforting meal. Perfect for those days when you need a break.
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 a filling and comforting dish that’s easy to make when you need a meal but don’t have the energy. It’s loaded with sausages, veggies, and a flavorful curry sauce. This dish comes together in about 45 minutes. It’s great for meal prepping, too — freeze what’s left and reheat it later when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. This curry is hearty and simple, giving you something filling without much effort. It’s a kind and helpful way to make your mealtime easier.
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 gives you flavorful meal with a quick cooking time. It’s packed with cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, and these kebabs are perfect for freezing and reheating when cooking feels like a hassle. They’re a great way to enjoy something special without much time or effort, and they make meal prep easy. Whether for lunch or dinner, these kebabs help take the stress out of cooking. They’re a kind solution when you need a little help quickly getting a meal on the table.
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 simple yet flavorful dish perfect for those days when cooking feels like a chore. Marinated chicken thighs with cilantro, onions, and citrus bake up easily and freeze well for later meals. When you’re too tired to cook, reheat and enjoy a delicious meal without all the work. It’s a great way to feel like you’ve made something special, even when you didn’t have much energy to spare. Pollo Asado makes meal planning easy and kind to your schedule.
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.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a lifesaver when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. Packed with chicken, bacon, and cheddar, they bake up in about an hour and freeze perfectly for later. Just reheat them when you need a quick snack or dinner. These poppers help take the pressure off on busy nights, giving a simple and reliable meal that feels good without being complicated. They’re a kind way to treat yourself when you need a break.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

Meatza makes dinner easy when you’re not in the mood to cook. It uses ground pork instead of dough, and this low-carb meal is perfect when ordering pizza feels like too much work. It’s ready in about 40 minutes and freezes well, so you can reheat leftovers whenever you need a quick meal. Meatza is a simple, filling option that helps you take a break from takeout while still enjoying something great. It’s a kind way to keep your meals both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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