These 24 freezer-friendly meals are meant for busy families

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Freezer-friendly meals are a total lifesaver for busy families, hitting the spot when you’re juggling a million things and still want to put a great meal on the table. These 24 recipes are all about making your life easier — perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but not willing to compromise on eating a good dinner. They’re the secret for whipping up something good with minimal effort so that you can keep everyone happy and fed, even on your busiest days.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It stores and reheats well, so you can freeze it for later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a hassle-free meal that’s ready in 45 minutes, try the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy enough for cooking beginners and doesn’t require stuffing any veggies. Hearty and family-friendly, it’s also perfect for freezing, so you can pull it out and heat it up on particularly busy days.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a lifesaver during those super busy weeks. Ready in just an hour, it’s a smooth mix of sweet potatoes and red peppers that you can cook, freeze, and have ready to go. It’s great for those times when you need a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just heat it up for a comforting dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Check out this Twice Baked Potato Casserole for a filling and creamy dinner option. With bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar, it’s got all the good stuff. You can make it ahead, freeze it, and then it’s ready to go on those crazy evenings. It’s a great way to get a heartwarming meal on the table fast, with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake simplifies dinner on busy evenings. With a 30-minute cook time, it blends chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a hearty casserole. It’s super for freezing, delivering a quick and easy dinner solution for nights when you’re rushing.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need a quick and comforting dinner? This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is ready in 30 minutes and packs in Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for freezing and pulling out on those hectic nights when you’re pressed for time but still want a filling dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned chicken patties on a plate with broccoli.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are quick to make, ready in 30 minutes, and a smart pick for meal prep. These patties are great frozen and then reheated for a fast meal with sandwiches or veggies. They’re perfect for those weeks when you’re juggling too much but still want a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a go-to for when you’re swamped. It takes just 30 minutes to whip up a dish filled with broccoli, cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, and bacon, making it a comforting meal for any night. Freeze it, and you’ve got a no-stress dinner ready to heat up on those nights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for crazy weeks. Made in one pan, it combines beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a hearty meal. It’s easy to freeze, ensuring you have a flavorful and easy dinner option on hand for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Try this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken for a dinner that practically makes itself, especially during hectic weeks. It features seasoned chicken breasts under a layer of cream cheese and sweet peppers, all baked until golden. Freeze it ahead of time, and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready to go whenever you’re too busy to think about cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is a smart pick for those super busy weeks. With just 20 minutes needed to brown the beef and get everything into the slow cooker, it’s a hassle-free dinner that delivers big on flavor. Perfect for making ahead and freezing, this soup is a cozy, appetizing option for any day you’re too busy to cook.
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.

The Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a time-saver, designed to cook quickly and effortlessly. As the rice cooks, you’ll prepare the other ingredients, blending mushrooms and wild rice into a soup that’s great even after freezing. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, ready to heat and serve whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai turkey meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are ready in 30 minutes and are perfect for freezing. With ground turkey, coconut milk, and a mix of curry flavors, they’re a quick, delicious meal for those hectic days. Just freeze and reheat for a flavorful meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is easy to make in just one pan. Combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it’s a filling meal perfect for those busy days. Prepare, freeze, and then enjoy a hearty meal that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform leftover chicken into a delicious meal in just 20 minutes. This Green Chile Chicken dish uses shredded chicken thighs and green chilies for a creamy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and freeze. Perfect for those days when time is short and you need a quick, delectable dinner.
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.

Inspired by Olive Garden, this Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great low-carb choice for busy weeknights. With garlic, sausage, radishes, and kale in a creamy soup, it replaces traditional potatoes with radishes for a similar texture and flavor. Freeze a batch and you’ve got a warming, nutritious dinner ready for hectic days or special nights when you need something comforting without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a game-changer for busy days, ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich buttery garlic sauce make this dish a hit. It’s great for freezing, giving you a quick, hearty dinner option for those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Lemon Pepper Wings

A serving dish of lemon pepper wings with a wedge of lemon.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Lemon Pepper Wings are perfect for adding a tangy kick to your meal plan, especially on nights when time is scarce. Prepare the marinade ahead, and cook the wings in about 30 minutes for a delicious meal. Pair with your favorite side for a dinner that’s ready without any wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sausage Curry

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

This Sausage Curry, inspired by Indian cuisine, mixes sausages with veggies in a creamy curry sauce, all ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for freezing and pulling out on those days when you’re stretched thin but still want a flavorful, filling meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs is a simple meal solution, requiring little active cooking time. Just marinate, skewer, and bake. They’re perfect for making ahead and freezing, ensuring you have a fast and appetizing dinner ready for those nights when time just slips away.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado brings the vibrant flavors of cilantro, onion, orange, and lime to your dinner table. Grill it or bake it, then freeze for later. This versatile chicken dish can be reheated and served in a variety of ways, making any dinner feel special, even on the busiest of 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.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are ready in under an hour and are just right for a light dinner or a flavorful snack. Freeze a batch and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner for those evenings when you need something quick and filling. They’re perfect for enjoying a hassle-free meal on the go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Meatza

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

For those super busy weeknights, this Meatza is a different take on traditional pizza. With a seasoned pork base instead of bread and only 10 minutes of cooking time, it’s a snap to put together. Freeze it for later, and then top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and mushrooms for a comforting dinner that’s ready in no time, making your long day end on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a hit for a quick, fancy dinner, ready in 30 minutes. Using canned chicken for ease and coated in crunchy pork rinds, they come out crispy outside and tender inside. Freeze them and you have a go-to dinner that’s sure to please everyone, perfect for those nights when you’re all running in different directions.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

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