Benefits of freezing your meals
There may be times where your upcoming days will be hectic and you know you will be in a rush so prepping meals ahead of time and keeping them in the freezer is the best strategy you can do for your future self. And before you start being discouraged with your meals because you think your frozen foods won’t be as tasty or as healthy as the fresh ones, then think again. When food is snap-frozen immediately after cooking, all the freshness, flavor, and nutrients in the food are actually “locked-in” while they are at their peak. This means your food will stay the way you cooked them until you defrost it. Another thing is fresh foods will start to break down or get spoiled as soon as they are prepared or picked on. Fresh foods will usually spoil within a week or two. On the other hand, depending on the ingredients, frozen foods can stay nutritious up to 3 to 6 months!
What meals can you make ahead and freeze?
Now you may be tempted to actually just freeze every meal you make or every food you see in your pantry. However, do know that there are dishes that freeze well and others that do not.
Meals that freeze well:
Generally, meals that are centered around meats, grains, or cooked veggies can freeze well. But here are more food choices that you can consider:
- Creamy casseroles. But only those where cream is not the main ingredient in the recipe. It’s preferable that it’s mixed into a casserole or pot pie.
- Soups and stews: Soups, stews, braises and pulled meat dishes tend to freeze well because the sauce prevents the meat and goodies inside from drying out.
- Stock: Homemade stock freezes quite well. If you don’t have time to make it, chicken carcass and vegetable scraps also freeze well.
- Fully cooked grains and pulses. Grains and pulses like lentils, beans and chickpeas last well in the freezer once they’re cooked.
- Dough. Bread dough, pizza dough, pie dough, and cookie dough can last long in the freezer.
- Desserts. Your favorite desserts like cookies, muffins, cakes, and scones can last well in the freezer.
You may think placing your make-ahead meal in a plate or container is enough to be stored in the freezer, but there are actually recommended ways on how to store your food for freezing. First, your container must be as airtight as possible. Air causes freezer burn, which isn’t harmful, but destroys flavor and texture. Second, they must save as much space as possible so you can store more containers if needed.
Healthy make ahead freezer meals
Making a meal each time takes time which you probably don’t always have especially if you are in a rush. That is why preparing make-ahead meals to freeze will be your best option – without sacrificing the food quality! With that said, here are 15 healthy make ahead freezer meal recipes you can try!
15. Beef and Broccoli Slow Cooker Recipe
If you are time poor but you still want to eat well, then this beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe that you can freeze and use when you need it is the way forward! Better than takeaway this recipe is a great winter warmer for time poor parents that need to feed a hungry family!
Check it here.
14. Homemade Meatballs in Marinara Sauce {Italian Style Recipe}
This Italian meatball marinara recipe includes a delicious balance of ground beef, Italian sausage, bread crumbs, buttermilk, cheese, onion, garlic, and tons of Italian seasoning.
Check it here.
13. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos are richly flavorful and simple to make. This recipe makes enough for plenty of leftovers that you can use throughout the week or freeze.
Check it here.
12. The Best Keto Meatloaf Muffins Ever!
These keto meatloaf muffins are the best thing since sliced bread and I’m happy to share this delicious ground beef recipe with you.
Check it here.
11. Moroccan Lamb With Slow Cooker Or Pressure Cooker Method
In winter time there is nothing better than cooking dinner in the slow cooker or pressure cooker. It means that you can come home to a delicious warming, slow cooked (or pressure cooked) meal full of flavour! And this moroccan lamb is packed full of flavour.
Check it here.
10. Hungarian Meatballs
This delicious Hungarian meatballs recipe is one of our favourites in the winter. It is deliciously tasty and easy to make.
Check it here.
9. Best Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Enjoy a cheesy, delectable recipe that you can serve as a side dish or main entree for the family. The Best Macaroni and Cheese Casserole contains assorted cheeses, breadcrumbs, and additional ingredients to create the perfect creamy texture with a bubbly, crisp topping.
Check it here.
8. Healthy Stuffed Jacket Potatoes – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Healthy Stuffed Jacket Potatoes (or JACK POT as Mrs Hinch would say) are the most perfect, quick, easy and get ahead supper you could ever wish to meet :-).
Check it here.
7. Healthy Chilli Con Carne
An easy twist on a classic recipe, this healthy chilli con carne is simple, healthy and totally delicious. And, it can be made in less than 20 minutes! Try it with beef, chicken or turkey mince for a healthy meal that everyone will love.
Check it here.
6.
Hearty and Delicious, this chicken broccoli and rice bake will satisfy all appetites! Plus it’s perfect for a make-ahead dinner or freezer meal.
Check it here.
5.
These green chile chicken taquitos have been a huge hit. They’re spicy, satisfying and crunchy, but baked instead of fried with about 300 calories each.
Check it here.
4. Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
This is really probably my favourite authentic Indian chicken curry recipe of all time because it is so easy to make and so delicious.
Check it here.
3.
This easy to make, one-pot meal is perfect for warming up around the campfire or a cozy night at home. Ready to serve in about an hour.
Check it here.
2. Baked Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
This is an outstanding spinach and ricotta cannelloni recipe! Classic and fool-proof – packed with fresh spinach, parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon, topped with a rich, homemade tomato sauce and oozy mozzarella. You cannot go wrong with this recipe! It is quick, easy to make and perfect as a midweek meal.
Check it here.
1.
Easy Mexican Instant Pot rice and beans makes a delicious and quick vegetarian lunch, dinner, or side dish. Loaded with the bold flavor of salsa and spices, this hearty dish is a delicious addition to taco night.
Check it here.
Make-Ahead Meals to Freeze and Reheat - 15 Easy Freezer Meals
There may be times where your upcoming days will be hectic and you know you will be in a rush so prepping meals ahead of time and keeping them in the freezer is the best strategy you can do for your future self. And before you start being discouraged with your meals because you think your frozen foods won’t be as tasty or as healthy as the fresh ones, then think again. When food is snap-frozen immediately after cooking, all the freshness, flavor, and nutrients in the food are actually “locked-in” while they are at their peak. This means your food will stay the way you cooked them until you defrost it. Another thing is fresh foods will start to break down or get spoiled as soon as they are prepared or picked on. Fresh foods will usually spoil within a week or two. On the other hand, depending on the ingredients, frozen foods can stay nutritious up to 3 to 6 months!
Ingredients
- Beef and Broccoli Slow Cooker Recipe
- Homemade Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
- Slow Cooker Carnitas
- The Best Keto Meatloaf Muffins Ever
Instructions
- Choose any Freezer Meals from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Freezer Meals and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.