Make-Ahead Freezer Meals for Busy Families

For busy families, make-ahead freezer meals are a lifesaver. They take the stress out of meal planning, save time during hectic evenings, and ensure everyone gets a healthy, home-cooked meal. With a little preparation, you can stock your freezer with delicious meals that are easy to reheat, making dinnertime a breeze.

Here are some simple and tasty make-ahead freezer meals that will keep your family well-fed and happy.

1. Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a flavorful, comforting meal that freezes beautifully. This recipe makes enough for two trays—one for now and one for the freezer.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until done. Shred the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until softened. Add the diced green chilies and mix well.
4. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion mixture, and half of the shredded cheese.
5. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it in the dish.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
7. Cover tightly with foil. Bake one tray for 20 minutes, and freeze the other for later.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the tray of enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

2. Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic freezer meal that everyone loves. You can easily make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese.
5. Cover tightly with foil. Bake one for 40 minutes and freeze the other.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.

3. Beef and Vegetable Soup

A hearty beef and vegetable soup is perfect for cold days and can be made in large batches for freezing. It’s an easy, nutritious meal for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the stew beef over medium heat. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef back to the pot, along with the potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in individual or family-sized portions.

Freezer Instructions: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

4. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is an easy, cheesy pasta dish that freezes well and is always a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers and finish with Parmesan.
5. Cover tightly with foil. Bake one dish for 25 minutes and freeze the other.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To cook, thaw in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

5. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting, family-friendly meal that can be made ahead and frozen for later. This recipe makes two pies—one to bake now and one to freeze.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 pre-made pie crusts (gluten-free if necessary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
2. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen vegetables.
4. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, then top with the second crust. Seal the edges and cut a few slits in the top.
5. Bake one pie for 30-35 minutes and freeze the other.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the unbaked pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw overnight and cook at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.

Conclusion

Make-ahead freezer meals are the perfect solution for busy families. With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy stress-free dinners and ensure that everyone has a healthy, satisfying meal. From comforting casseroles to hearty soups, these freezer-friendly recipes will help you keep your family well-fed, even on the busiest nights.