18 tasty recipes to help clean out your freezer

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Ever opened your freezer and been met with a jumble of ingredients you’d forgotten about? I’ve been there! Grab that frozen meat or bag of veggies and dig into some fantastic recipes that’ll help you transform those frozen odds and ends into delightful dishes, making room and reducing waste. It’s time to rediscover the treasures you’ve been chilling!

Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Properly cooked pork chops are a thing of beauty, and not only do these chops cook up moist and tender, but they’re pretty and flavorful, too! Grab a fork and dig into this easy dish you make with frozen and thawed pork chops.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In the mood for seafood? There’s nothing faster, easier or tastier than garlicky Shrimp Scampi! Ready in minutes, this classic restaurant dish is so good there won’t be any leftovers! And when you use the frozen shrimp, you make room in your freezer, too!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made in 1-dish and baked in the oven, this delish dish features juicy chicken breasts, tons of veggies, and tangy feta. It’s about as easy and good as dinner can get, and you get to use up that package of frozen chicken breasts!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whip up a batch of mouthwatering turkey meatballs using that frozen ground turkey you’ve got stashed away. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are the perfect blend of savory spices and lean protein, and they’ll become the star of any dish. It’s a simple and delicious way to transform your frozen ingredients into a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make this dish with frozen sausage. It’s crumbled up as it cooks, so it infuses the dish with plenty of flavor, and with sausage in every bite, no one will know this was made with frozen sausage.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Blueberry Grunt

Blueberry Grunt on a blue plate with ice cream.
Blueberry Grunt. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blueberry Grunt might have a funny name, but there’s nothing funny about the flavors in this easy and delicious stove-top dessert that you can totally make with frozen blueberries. Pass the ice cream and dig in!
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you only make one soup, make it this one! Better than the Olive Garden restaurant original, this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi soup has a few twists that makes it even MORE flavorful and delicious! Use up that package of frozen gnocchi in this delish soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Discover the magic of Chicken Paprikash, a comforting dish that’s perfect for emptying the freezer. Start with frozen chicken thighs, thawed to perfection, and let them simmer in a rich paprika-infused sauce. The result? A tender and flavorful meal that warms the soul and makes the most of those stored ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meaty pork tenderloin on top of a crispy round of bread with a creamy lime crema on top? You betcha, and these are so good, one bite just won’t be enough! And, when you make them with frozen pork tenderloin, you’ll have one less thing taking up room in the freezer!
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh, flavorful, and with big, bold spices, Baja Fish Tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday – or any day of the week! Start with those frozen cod filets that have been stuck in your freezer, then before long dinner is ready!
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into a bowl of hearty Hungarian goulash, a comforting stew that’s perfect for chilly days. Using frozen stew beef, this dish comes together with rich flavors and tender meat. Paprika and other spices meld beautifully, creating a warm and inviting aroma. It’s a fuss-free way to turn your frozen beef into a delectable, soul-warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Tortellini Soup with Sausage in a white bowl.
Tortellini Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Thick, rich and creamy, Tortellini Soup with Sausage is perfect for meal prepping. Use up that bag of frozen tortellini and turn it into an amazing soup everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got brisket in the freezer from your last BBQ? With a Southwestern spin, Brisket Fried Rice is bold, sassy, and full of big flavors – oh, and your leftover brisket!
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making Chicken Cordon Bleu in your air fryer is super easy, especially when you take a few shortcuts, like using leftover frozen chicken patties or breaded filets!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into a refreshing Salmon Pasta Salad that’s both hearty and light. Start by thawing and baking tender salmon filets until they’re perfectly flaky. Toss them with al dente pasta and crisp veggies for a delightful mix of textures. It’s a dish that promises a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whip up delightful Sausage Rolls using puff pastry for a flaky, golden finish. Simply thaw frozen puff pastry, wrap around savory sausage, and bake to perfection. The result? A mouthwatering treat that’s both crispy and juicy, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the magic of Bacon Fried Corn using frozen corn niblets. In just minutes, transform these icy kernels into a golden, crispy delight. The savory bacon adds a smoky touch, making this dish irresistibly delicious. It’s an easy side that’s sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: .

Elevate your morning with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Start by thawing a frozen English muffin, then pile on juicy pulled pork and a perfectly poached egg. Drizzle with creamy hollandaise for a finishing touch. This delightful dish turns a simple muffin into a brunch masterpiece!
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

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