27 freezer meals when you’re not in the mood to cook

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Freezer meals are a great way to take care of yourself on nights when cooking just isn’t going to happen. We all have those days when the idea of making dinner feels impossible, and that’s okay. These meals are here to make things a little easier, giving you something comforting and simple when you need it most.

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. 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 a comforting dish that combines tender cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. It bakes to perfection and is ready in about an hour, filling your home with a familiar and welcoming aroma. This hearty meal is a perfect solution when cooking sounds like a joke. Make a big batch and freeze it, so you’ve got a backup for those nights when pouring cereal seems like the only option.
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 classic dish that mixes egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and cheddar, then bakes with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a simple, filling meal that brings back memories of home. This freezer-friendly casserole is a no-stress dinner choice for those nights when even boiling water feels impossible.
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 quick and hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes. It features flavorful ground beef, tender cauliflower rice, and earthy mushrooms, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for when you need something filling, but cooking feels like a chore. Freeze it, and when cooking seems as likely as running a marathon, you’ll have a steaming, comforting meal ready to go.
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 hearty, one-pan dish that brings together bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all topped with a layer of melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. It’s a wholesome and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors. Ready in about 45 minutes and perfect for freezing, this casserole has your back on nights when cooking feels impossible. Make it once, and you’ve got dinner sorted for days without extra effort.
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 smooth and creamy soup that blends roasted sweet potatoes and red peppers with flavorful spices and broth. It’s a cozy, nourishing meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Make extra, freeze it, and you’re set for those nights when cooking just isn’t on the table — a great backup for when you’re all out of energy but still want something wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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 hearty main veggie dish that layers steamed frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets with creamy cheese and crispy bacon bits. It’s a perfect mix of textures and flavors that’s both hearty and delicious. This filling casserole can be made in only 30 minutes and is perfect for freezing and pulling out when cooking seems like a bad idea. Stock your freezer, and you’re set for days when you’d rather do anything but cook.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is as easy as it gets. You toss in split peas, ham, veggies, and a handful of spices, and the slow cooker does the rest. The soup comes out thick, creamy, and full of hearty flavors. It’s the kind of dish perfect for freezing because it holds up so well. Just heat it up, and dinner is ready without you lifting a finger.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is the meal that feels like a win on a busy day. You only need sausages, some veggies, and a simple curry sauce. Let it all simmer together, and you’ve got a comforting meal. The garlic, curry, and ginger add just the right amount of flavor, while the veggies bring a bit of sweetness. Once cooled, freeze it for a night when cooking feels too hard. This curry is great to have on hand for when you’re tired but still want something homemade. It’s a quick, hearty meal that takes the stress out of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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 is a rich and comforting dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and fresh green onions. It’s like your favorite baked potato but in casserole form. This dish is perfect for freezing, so when you need a meal that feels homemade without the effort, heat it up and enjoy. It’s a great way to have a comforting meal without lifting a finger. Leftovers can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato 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 when cooking feels like too much work. You’ve got crispy tater tots, juicy shredded chicken, and sweet corn, all covered in melted cheese that bubbles up into a golden, crispy top. It’s a dish that’s perfect for freezing because it reheats well, keeping its texture and flavor intact. On those nights when you’re too tired to even think about dinner, just pop this casserole in the oven, and dinner is served before you know it.
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 make dinner easy and stress-free. Coat chops in mayo and seasoned breadcrumbs, bake them until golden, and they come out with a crispy crust and tender, juicy inside. They’re perfect for freezing because they hold their texture and flavor, making them a great backup for nights when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re serving them with a side of veggies or some mashed potatoes, these pork chops are a reliable way to get a quick, delicious meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken thighs with spinach and cheese. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and bakes up into a dish that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for freezing. On days when you’re running low on energy, this bake is a lifesaver — just slide it into the oven and let it work its magic. Having this in your freezer means you’re always prepared with a meal that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
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 quick and hearty option that brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, cream cheese, and heavy cream in just 30 minutes. This thick and delicious soup is perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It freezes like a dream, too, so you can make a big batch and keep it on hand for those nights when you’re too tired to cook. When you’ve got this soup ready to go, dinner is as simple as reheating and serving.
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 the ultimate quick fix for when you don’t feel like cooking. They’re made with canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan and ground sunflower seed meal that come together in just 20 minutes. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be paired with just about anything — from a simple salad to a pile of mashed potatoes. When your day’s been long, and the last thing you want to do is cook, having these patties in the freezer is like having a safety net.
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 hearty dish perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a mountain too high. It’s packed with ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and plenty of cheddar, giving you a casserole rich in flavor and simple to prepare. This dish is a great candidate for freezing because it reheats so well, making it an easy go-to when you’re just not up for cooking. When you have this casserole ready to go, you’re not just saving time — you’re saving your sanity. With this in your freezer, you can skip the stress and still eat like royalty.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This Fajita Baked Chicken is perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible. Chicken seasoned in fajita spices, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers come together in a simple bake that’s ready in 30 minutes. The dish freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and pull it out when you need a quick, no-stress dinner. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting meal without the hassle. It’s an easy way to take care of yourself when life gets busy.
Get the Recipe: 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 a comforting meal with minimal effort. Just add ground beef, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese to your crock pot and let it simmer away. This soup is perfect for freezing, so you’ll always have something comforting and hearty on hand for those days when cooking feels overwhelming. Make a big batch, and you’ll have meals ready to go whenever you need them. It’s a simple, reliable option that makes dinner one less thing to worry about.
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 hearty, comforting option that takes care of itself while you handle other things. Mushrooms and wild rice simmer together, creating a rich soup with a deep, earthy flavor. It freezes well, so you can stash it away when you really can’t be bothered to cook. This soup is all about making your life a little easier, one meal at a time. And honestly, who doesn’t need that from time to time?
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 bring a bit of flair to your week without adding stress. Ground turkey, coconut, and red curry come together in these flavorful meatballs that are ready in just 30 minutes. On those evenings when cooking feels like too much, thaw and heat them up for a special meal without the extra work. These meatballs are a simple way to make sure you’re eating well, even on your busiest days.
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 practical way to use up leftover chicken thighs. Shredded chicken thighs (leftover chicken also works well here) are mixed with green chilies, cream, and cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful dish. It freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have it ready for those nights when you need something easy and hearty. Just reheat and serve it over rice or in tortillas for a quick, no-stress meal.
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 gives you all the comfort of a hearty Olive Garden soup without the carbs. It’s got Italian sausage for a bit of spice, crispy bacon for a nice crunch, kale for some greens, and radishes instead of potatoes, all swimming in a creamy broth that’s perfect for freezing. Make a big batch, and on nights when cooking feels like a challenge, just pull this out of the freezer, reheat, and enjoy a comforting meal. It’s a simple way to take care of yourself when you need it most, making sure you’ve got something nourishing ready to go.
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 all about getting great flavor in the shortest amount of time. These bites are golden, garlicky, and buttery and cook up in just 20 minutes. You can make and freeze a big batch, so they’re ready to go whenever you need them. Whether you’re tossing them into a quick pasta dish or just snacking on them straight from the dish, these chicken bites are there for you on those nights when cooking feels like too much work.
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 are a lifesaver when you’re just too tired to cook. A quick mix of lemon juice, avocado oil, and spices, these wings are ready for the oven and they come out crispy and full of flavor. Once cooled, freeze them so they’re ready to help you out when you need a quick meal. On those nights when cooking feels impossible, just reheat these wings, and dinner’s done in minutes. They’re a perfect way to always have something ready without the stress of planning.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are a simple way to bring some flavor to your weeknight dinners. The chicken is marinated in a mix of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a touch of cinnamon, giving it a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and bake them until they’re golden. Once they’re done, let them cool and freeze them for later. On those nights when cooking isn’t an option, these kebabs reheat quickly and taste like you spent more time in the kitchen than you 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 a great go-to meal when you want something delicious without much effort. Marinate chicken thighs in a simple mix of cilantro, onion, and citrus juices, then cook them up in about an hour. The result is a flavorful dish that freezes well, making it perfect for those nights when cooking just isn’t going to happen. With this in your freezer, you’ve always got a quick, flavorful dinner ready, even on your 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.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers is a helpful little meal to have stashed in your freezer. Mix chicken, bacon, and cheddar, roll into balls, and bake until golden. Once cooled, freeze them so they’re ready whenever you need them. On nights when cooking feels like too much, just reheat a few of these poppers for a quick and easy bite. They’re perfect for those moments when you need a simple meal that’s still comforting. Having these poppers ready to go means one less thing to worry about when you’re short on energy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

Meatza is a nice way to keep pizza night going without the extra carbs. Instead of a traditional crust, you use ground pork as the base, adding your favorite toppings and baking it all together. The result is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s ready in about 40 minutes. Once cooked and cooled, freeze it for those nights when cooking feels too much. Just reheat, and you’ve got a simple, comforting meal that’s ready to go. Treat yourself to something delicious without the stress of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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