We all know how hectic family life can get, especially when balancing work, school, and extracurricular activities. That’s where these 27 incredible make-ahead meals come in handy.
These dishes aren’t just delicious; they’re designed to be prepared in advance, frozen, and reheated whenever you need them. Now you can enjoy home-cooked meals without the last-minute rush. Dive into these recipes, and discover the joy of stress-free cooking even on the busiest of days!
Slow Cooker Chili
Chili made in the slow cooker is a soul-satisfying meal that tastes even better after freezing and reheating. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture of the meat remains perfect.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs are not only quick and tasty but also freeze like a dream. Their firm exterior and juicy inside are preserved in the freezer, making them ready to toss into a sauce or enjoy as appetizers. You’ll love having these on hand for easy entertaining or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs
Amish Cinnamon Bread
Sweet and fragrant, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that you can freeze and enjoy later with the same fresh-baked taste. Its moist texture and cinnamon swirl keep well in the freezer, making it a wonderful breakfast or dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Brea
Vegetable Soup
A classic for good reason, Vegetable Soup freezes beautifully, retaining the fresh flavors and nutrients of its various veggies. Prep a big batch, portion, and freeze, and you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying meal ready to be heated at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup
Blackberry Muffins
Stash these sweet and tangy Blackberry Muffins in your freezer, and you’ve got a delightful breakfast or snack ready in no time. They maintain their moist crumb and fruity flavor, bringing a taste of summer to your table whenever you wish.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Muffins
Air Fryer Egg Cups
These protein-packed Air Fryer Egg Cups are not only tasty but freeze exceptionally well. They reheat evenly, maintaining their fluffy texture and delicious flavors, ensuring a nutritious breakfast is always ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Cups
Mini Lasagna Cups
Mini Lasagna Cups are the perfect bite-sized way to enjoy a classic comfort food. You create individual servings that are easy to freeze and reheat for a quick meal later. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a freezer-friendly meal prep, these little delights are a fantastic solution!
Get the Recipe: Mini Lasagna Cups
Cheeseburger Casserole
You know what’s better than a cheeseburger? A Cheeseburger Casserole that you can freeze and enjoy later! This dish combines all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into a satisfying casserole. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as you can simply freeze portions and reheat them for a quick and delicious dinner down the line.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
This Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup recipe combines warming broth, rich, salty bacon, hearty navy beans, celery, carrot, and fresh herbs for an easy, delicious dinner everyone will love! Freeze any leftovers for an easy meal another night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Instant Pot Marinara Sauce
Make a large batch of this Instant Pot Marinara Sauce, and you’ll have the foundation for countless Italian dishes just a thaw away! Its fresh tomato goodness, combined with herbs, is only enhanced when frozen and reheated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Marinara Sauce
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole features ground Italian sausage, eggs, and shredded cheese and is ready in 50 minutes. It stores well and is a great choice for meal prepping for breakfasts on busy weekdays. It’s protein-packed, flavorful, filling, and perfect for family breakfasts!
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Pizza Rolls
Craving a snack that’s freezer-friendly and incredibly tasty? Look no further than our
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Spinach Frittata
Spinach Frittata is a classic and versatile dish that’s just as delicious after being frozen and reheated. The combination of tender spinach, fluffy eggs, and cheese comes together in a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Frittata
Wonton-Less Soup
This low-carb Wonton-less Soup is sooo good, you’ll never miss the carbs! Loaded with flavor, this soup is an easy fix and a perfect choice for meal prepping. It reheats and freezes well, so that you can have a bowlful of goodness whenever you’re in the mood for it!
Get the Recipe: Wonton-Less Soup
Easy Black Bean Burger
Looking for a freezer-friendly meal that’s both delicious and nutritious? Our Easy Black Bean Burger recipe is a perfect choice. These homemade veggie burgers can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for quick and convenient meals. Packed with protein-rich black beans and flavorful spices, these burgers are a satisfying and healthy option for any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Burger
Meatball Soup
Meatball Soup is a satisfying meal that transitions wonderfully from pot to freezer to bowl. The meatballs maintain their texture, and the rich broth keeps its flavors intact, allowing you to enjoy a comforting bowl whenever the craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Soup
Thai Chicken Chili
Craving something different but don’t have time to cook every night? Enter Thai Chicken Chili! This flavorful chili blends Thai spices with tender chicken, and the best part? It freezes like a dream! Make a big batch, portion it out, and pop it in the freezer. Whenever you need a taste of Thailand, just reheat and enjoy a bowl of this warming chili.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Banana Coconut Muffins
The tropical flavors of banana and coconut shine in these muffins that are freezer-friendly and perfect for breakfast on the go. Freezing locks in the moisture, so they’ll taste just as fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Banana Coconut Muffins
Beef Stew
This rich and hearty Beef Stew is perfect for freezing and having a flavorful meal ready on demand! The robust flavors and tender chunks of beef meld together in the freezer, making it just as delicious when reheated.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Easy Egg Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole
Prepare this family-favorite freezer casserole to have on hand next time you are in a time crunch or just don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole
Chicken Tinga
Chicken Tinga is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a freeze-pleaser! This smoky, spicy shredded chicken is ideal for tacos, burritos, or even salads. What makes it even better is its ability to freeze well, retaining its flavors and textures. Prepare in bulk and freeze in portions for those busy nights when you still want a tasty, homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
The juiciness and flavors of Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken are locked in when you freeze it, making it an excellent choice for those busy days. Whether you’re craving sandwiches, salads, or tacos, having this versatile protein ready to go is a lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
This slow cooker lamb ragu is the ultimate Italian comfort food and freezes so well! The lamb is braised for hours to create a delicious, rich sauce. Serve over your favorite pasta for a warming dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
Pepper Jack Sausage Balls
These Pepper Jack Sausage Balls are not just a perfect appetizer, but also an excellent freeze-ahead option. Infused with the flavors of savory sausage and spicy pepper jack cheese, these little delights can be frozen before or after baking. When you’re ready for a treat, just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a tasty snack in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Jack Sausage Balls
Peanut Butter Bread
If you’re a peanut butter lover, this bread is a must-freeze item! Freezing doesn’t compromise its moist and nutty goodness, and it’ll be as if it was freshly baked once you warm it up. Great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Bread
Corn Fritters
Fritters are so tasty, and these pan fried corn fritters are easy to make and have a lightly sweet flavor from the kernals. You can use fresh or frozen corn, which means this isn’t limited just to a summertime appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping
Make a batch of muffins to reheat for easy breakfasts. Topped with a delectable crumbly topping, these bakery-style blueberry muffins are perfect for freezing for later.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping