27 freezer staples for nights when cooking’s the last thing on your mind

Photo of author

| Published:

Whether you’ve had a long day or you’re simply not in the mood to deal with the kitchen, having something ready to go in the freezer makes things so much easier. These freezer meals can be a real lifesaver when cooking just feels like too much. No stress, no effort — just a great meal waiting to be heated up. It’s the perfect way to give yourself a break while still enjoying a comforting, homemade dinner.

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 a great choice when cooking feels like a chore you’d rather avoid. With tender cheese ravioli baked in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that hits the spot without much effort. Ready in about an hour, this dish fills your home with a smell that says “comfort.” The best part? You can make a big batch, freeze it, and have it on standby for those busy, crazy nights.
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 the kind of meal you can count on when cooking feels impossible. Egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheddar come together in a simple but comforting dish. In 30 minutes, it’s ready to serve, or you can freeze it for later. When you’re too tired to even think about dinner, just pull it out, heat it up, and enjoy a meal that brings back that feeling of home.
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 one of those freezer-friendly meals that’s great when you’re short on time and energy. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines flavorful ground beef, tender cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Once frozen, this meal becomes a go-to for nights when cooking feels like running a marathon. It reheats well, so you don’t have to worry about losing any flavor.
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 dish that’s great for freezing when you want to plan ahead. With bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready in about 45 minutes. Freezing this casserole makes weeknights a lot easier because when you’re not up for cooking, you only have to heat it up. This dish gives you a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal 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 the perfect option for those nights when you’re tired but still want something that feels and tastes good. Roasted sweet potatoes and red peppers blend with spices to create a smooth, creamy soup that’s flavorful and easy to whip up. It’s light but still filling, and when cooking just isn’t happening, you can heat it up in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, this soup is a great backup plan in your freezer.
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 lifesaver when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. It’s ready in 30 minutes and uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower, so you don’t even have to chop anything. Creamy cheese and crispy bacon bits make this dish hearty enough to work as a main course. The best part? You can freeze it, and on nights when you just don’t want to deal with dinner, you’ve got a filling meal waiting for you. It’s great for making ahead, especially if you want to keep something handy in the freezer for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage Curry

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

Sausage Curry is a great freezer meal when you’re not feeling up to cooking. You only need sausages, some veggies, and a curry sauce. The garlic, curry, and ginger bring comforting flavor, while the veggies add a touch of sweetness. It all comes together in about 30 minutes, and then you can freeze it for when you need a meal that feels homemade but without the work. On those tired nights, this curry will be a lifesaver — easy to heat up and enjoy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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 one of the easiest meals you can make. You throw split peas, ham, veggies, and a few spices into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The result is a thick, comforting soup that’s great for freezing. Once it’s done, you have a meal ready for those nights when you’re not in the mood to cook. It reheats well, so you don’t lose any of that thick, hearty texture. Make a big batch, freeze it, and you’ve got a no-stress dinner that’s as simple as heating it up when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re craving comfort but don’t want to cook, Twice Baked Potato Casserole is perfect to have stashed in the freezer. It’s mashed potatoes combined with crispy bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions — basically a baked potato turned into an easy, rich casserole. You can have this prepped in about 40 minutes, and it freezes well. When you’re too tired to cook, heat it up, and you’ll have a hot meal in just minutes. It’s a simple way to have something comforting on hand when you need it.
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 perfect when cooking is not on your agenda tonight. Crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn are covered with melted cheese, making this casserole hearty and easy to love. You can put it together in about 45 minutes, then freeze it for later. When dinner seems overwhelming, just pop this in the oven, and you’ll have a comforting meal. It reheats well, so you won’t lose out on flavor or texture.
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 a great freezer option for nights when cooking is challenging. Coat the chops in mayo and breadcrumbs, bake until crispy, and freeze them for when you need a quick, homemade meal. They reheat well, and in just 25 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table without much effort. Serve them with whatever sides you like — veggies, potatoes, or even a salad. Having these pork chops ready to go means you’ll always have a reliable, comforting meal on hand.
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 kind and simple meal to keep in your freezer for when you’re low on energy. It’s a creamy casserole of chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese that bakes up in just 30 minutes. Once you freeze it, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go whenever you need something homemade without much work. It reheats well and will take care of yourself even on your most tiring days. Just slide it into the oven, and dinner will be ready without extra effort, leaving you more time to relax.
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 perfect for freezing and pulling out on nights when cooking just isn’t an option. It comes together in 30 minutes with Italian sausage, tomatoes, cream cheese, and heavy cream, creating a rich, comforting soup. When you freeze it, it holds up well and is easy to reheat, so you’ve always got something ready when you’re too tired to cook. This soup is easy, comforting, and still feels like you’ve put in some effort, even when you haven’t. Heat it up, serve it, and you have dinner without any stress.
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 a simple and kind option for an easy dinner without the hassle. Made from canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and sunflower seed meal, they come together in 20 minutes. They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, and you can pair them with anything from a salad to mashed potatoes. Having these patties on hand means you’ll never have to worry when you’re not in the mood to cook.
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.

When cooking feels like too much, Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is a great freezer meal to have handy. This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for a dish that’s hearty without being complicated. The cauliflower rice keeps it light, while the cheddar adds richness, perfectly balancing it. It freezes perfectly, so you can prep it in advance, and on a night when you can’t cook, all you need to do is reheat.
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.

If you’re looking for a quick meal for those nights when cooking is just not happening, Fajita Baked Chicken is the answer. This dish mixes fajita-seasoned chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sweet peppers for a meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s freezer-friendly too, so you can prepare it ahead of time and pull it out when needed.
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 perfect for those days when cooking feels overwhelming. This soup is comforting and easy with ground beef, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese. Toss everything in the crock pot, let it cook on its own, and you’ve got a rich, hearty meal. Plus, it freezes well, so you can save some for later. On those nights when dinner feels like a chore, having this soup ready to go will take a load off your mind.
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 great freezer-friendly option when you’re not up for cooking. The earthy flavors of wild rice and mushrooms come together to create a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect to have stashed away for those lazy nights. It’s the kind of meal that simmers on the stove while you handle everything else. The best part is it freezes really well, so you can make a big batch, portion it out, and pull it from the freezer when needed.
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.

When you’re looking for something a little different but still easy, Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are a great option. Ground turkey, coconut, and red curry come together to create flavorful meatballs that you can have ready in about 30 minutes. They freeze well, so make a batch and save them for later. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy when dinner seems too much work.
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 with Shredded Chicken Thighs is the perfect way to turn leftovers into a comforting meal. Leftover chicken thighs, green chilies, cream, and cheese make this dish flavorful and creamy. You can freeze it in portions, and when dinner feels like too much work, just reheat and serve over rice or in tortillas. It’s quick, simple, and exactly what you need on those busy nights.
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.

When you’re not up for cooking, Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great freezer meal to have waiting for you. It’s a low-carb take on the classic soup, packed with Italian sausage, crispy bacon, kale, and radishes in a creamy broth. It’s filling without being too heavy, and the sausage and bacon add a nice, flavorful touch. This soup freezes perfectly, so make a batch, portion it out, and have dinner ready to go when you need it most.
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.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for nights when cooking feels like a mountain to climb. They come together in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and butter. Cook a batch, freeze them, and you’ll always have a quick, flavorful meal ready to go. They’re easy to add to pasta or rice or even just enjoy on their own. When you’re tired and need something comforting without much effort, these bites will help you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

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

If you’re looking for an easy freezer meal for those long days, these Lemon Pepper Wings are a great option. The recipe uses lemon juice, avocado oil, and a few spices, making it quick to prepare. Once baked, they freeze really well. When you’re too tired to even think about cooking, reheat the wings and have a flavorful meal in minutes. They’re great for dinner or even just a snack when you want something filling without the hassle.
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 perfect for those nights when cooking seems like too much effort. The chicken is marinated in cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon, which gives it a nice, balanced flavor. Bake them, freeze them, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal when you need something fast. Reheat them and serve them with rice and veggies or even just on their own.
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 choice for your freezer stash. The chicken gets its flavor from a marinade of cilantro, onion, and citrus. After a quick bake, it’s ready to freeze. On nights when you just don’t have it in you to cook, this dish will be ready to help out. Just reheat it and serve with whatever you have on hand. Whether it’s rice or veggies, this dish is a perfect, no-stress dinner that still feels like you’ve put in the effort, even when you haven’t.
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 perfect when you need a quick meal but don’t have the energy to cook. They’re made with chicken, bacon, and cheddar, baked until golden, and freeze perfectly. Once they’re cooled, toss them in the freezer, and when you’re too tired to cook, just reheat a few for an easy, no-stress meal. These poppers are great for snacking or even as a light dinner, giving you comfort food without the hassle of cooking.
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 great way to keep pizza night alive without worrying about carbs or long prep times. Instead of a traditional pizza crust, this dish uses ground pork as the base, topped with your favorite pizza ingredients. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and then freezes well. When you don’t feel like cooking but still want that pizza fix, just reheat it, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.