30 Best Freezer Friendly Recipes

Freezer-friendly recipes are one of my favorite things to make since I can make a delicious meal for dinner and then store the leftovers in the freezer for a night when I need something quick. They save me on busy nights when there isn't time to make dinner from scratch. 

When people think about freezer meals, most people just think of basics like soups, casseroles, and stews. But there are so many more options when it comes to freezer-friendly meals. From hearty breakfasts to easy lunches and tasty dinners, you will be surprised by just how many meals can actually be prepped for the freezer.

Additionally, homemade freezer meals are so much better for you than the processed versions in stores. They are full of healthy, wholesome ingredients where you control both the ingredients and flavors. These meals are not only delicious, but they are also nourishing. Trust me, these freezer meals take the stress out of feeding your family on busy nights. 

Freezer Friendly Breakfast Recipes

1. Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: These easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal are made with healthy ingredients and have no added sugar! Bananas, peanut butter, oatmeal, dates, and cinnamon combine to make a hearty, nutrient-packed breakfast or snack. 

Prep Tip: Once the bars have cooled, cut them into individual squares and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours until they are frozen on the outside. Then wrap in freezer-friendly plastic wrap and store in a bag in the freezer. Take out to defrost the night before or pop in the microwave wrapped in a moist paper towel. They also are great for lunches and will naturally defrost in your lunch bag. 

2. Low Carb Flaxseed Meal Pancakes: These fiber-packed pancakes are the perfect alternative to traditional pancakes. Serve them as a traditional breakfast with all the toppings or even use them as a low-carb wrap. 

Prep tip: Cook a large batch of pancakes on a griddle. Let cool completely. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours until frozen. Store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat slowly in the microwave, in a skillet with a touch of oil, or bake in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. The baking method is great for heating up multiple pancakes at the same time. 

3. Healthy Freezer Breakfast Burritos: Make these frozen breakfast burritos for meal prep to make breakfast easy, healthy, and delicious. There really is nothing better than grabbing one of these in the morning to kick off the day.

Prep tip: These are one of our all-time favorite breakfasts and I love having a variety of options in the freezer. To quickly make multiple options, create an assembly line with all the fillings. Then simply assemble and wrap. We love making the black bean and bell pepper combination (from the linked recipe), turkey sausage with spinach and sundried tomatoes, and turkey bacon with zucchini. 

4. Greek Yogurt Pancakes: These healthy Greek Yogurt Pancakes come together in just a few minutes and are packed with protein. Make them with all of your favorite pancake toppings for a quick breakfast that will keep you full all morning. 

Prep tip: Cook up a large batch of pancakes, adding different fruits or flavored yogurt to create different flavor options. Let them cool and then place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave, a skillet, the toaster oven, or reheat a large batch in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. 

5. Chocolate Banana Muffins: Banana Chocolate Muffins made with mashed bananas and white whole wheat flour are a healthier spin on a chocolate muffin that is easy to make and taste incredible. Make up a big batch and enjoy them all week for breakfast or an afternoon treat. 

Prep tip: Once cool, wrap the muffins individually so you can grab one and go for breakfast or a snack. Let naturally defrost in the fridge overnight or pop in the microwave wrapped in a moist towel. For a great lunch or travel snack, pack muffins frozen. They naturally defrost in about an hour. 

6. Frozen Oatmeal Cups: Frozen Oatmeal Cups will be your best friend on busy mornings. They take no time to make and are packed with good-for-you ingredients that will keep you feeling energized all morning. 

Prep tip: These are a great shortcut for oatmeal and healthier than the instant packages. Make up a bunch of different flavors using different fruit, nuts, seeds, and nut butter. You can also mix up regular and steel-cut oats. Then just pop in the microwave or in a small saucepan to reheat with a touch of milk.

7. Banana Quinoa Chia Muffins: These Banana Chia Muffins can be a healthy replacement for your favorite coffee shop treat. These good-for-you muffins have both quinoa and chia seeds for a superfood-packed muffin that still tastes incredible. 

Prep tip: Once cool, wrap the muffins individually so you can grab one and go for breakfast or a snack. Let naturally defrost in the fridge overnight or pop in the microwave wrapped in a moist towel. For a great lunch or travel snack, pack muffins frozen. They naturally defrost in about an hour. 

8. Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal: A simple and delicious Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal free of refined sugar that makes the perfect hearty breakfast that will keep you full all morning. It's a constant in our home for breakfast. 

Prep tip:  For multiple flavors, add strawberries on one side and use another fruit for the other half like blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Once cooked, let the bars cool completely and then cut into individual servings. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Let defrost naturally in about an hour or pop it in the microwave wrapped in a moist towel. Make a great on-the-go breakfast or snack.

9. Frozen Breakfast Quesadillas: Breakfast Quesadillas packed with scrambled eggs, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese are a healthy, filling breakfast that can be prepped ahead and frozen. 

Prep tip: Much like the burritos above, I love having lots of different flavor options in the freezer. Create an assembly line with different filling options and get the whole family to pitch in. Label each quesadilla with the flavor and store it individually in the freezer.

10. Protein Packed Oatmeal Banana Pancakes: Banana Protein Pancakes are a healthy, filling breakfast with 20 grams of protein. Made with natural ingredients in the blender! No protein powder needed. 

Prep Tip: These pancakes use a lot of egg whites so I like to prep them using store-bought egg whites so I don't waste the yolks. Cook a large batch on a griddle and then let cool. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freezer individually. Then store in a freezer bag with parchment between each pancake. Reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, or skillet.

Freezer Friendly Lunch and Dinner Recipes

11.  Chicken Fajita Casserole: This chicken casserole dish is foolproof. The marinade guarantees juicy and tender meat. It’s made up of cream cheese, salsa, and broth. The fajita seasoning adds nice depth and richness. The onions and peppers get perfectly caramelized. The shredded cheese melts beautifully and bubbles at the top. 

Prep tip: This casserole freezes before being cooked. Prepare the dish through the third step in the recipe, making sure not to add the cheese. Use press and seal wrap to create an airtight seal over the casserole and then cover with Foil. When ready to prepare, let defrost naturally overnight in the fridge. Add the cheese and then cook in a 400-degree oven for 25-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

12. Ranch Chickpea Burgers: These easy chickpeas burgers are made with just a few ingredients are the ultimate vegetarian burger. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and so much better than store-bought. 

Prep Tip: Although these burgers can be stored raw or cooked, I prefer storing them after cooking them. Once they are cooked, let them cool completely. Then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours until frozen on the outside. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Heat up each individual patty in a hot skillet like you would a frozen veggie burger. 

13. Slow Cooker Garlic Cuban Pork: Crockpot Garlic Cuban Pork comes out packed with flavor and perfectly tender. This easy Cuban pork dish is made with a combination of orange and lime juice, cumin, and garlic. The ingredients are simple but the flavors are amazing. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the shredded pork, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

14. Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: This easy deconstructed stuffed pepper skillet is a simple, healthy recipe with tons of flavor. After all, what could be better than flavorful quinoa mixed with chopped peppers and ground beef and turkey sausage. 

Prep Tip: This recipe freezer bets after being cooked. Store it as a whole family meal or pack in individual containers. Reheat in the oven for a larger family meal or in the microwave for individual portions. This recipe can be made with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. 

15. Slow Cooker Italian Red Pepper Chicken: This Crockpot Italian Red Pepper Chicken is simple, packed with flavor, and versatile. Serve it over pasta or rice, in a sandwich with melted cheese, layered on a pizza, or even scrambled into your morning eggs. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

16. Baked Zucchini Pasta: Baked Pasta with Zucchini is guaranteed to fill you up and warm you to your core on a cold winter’s day! It one of those perfect dishes that's easy to make, works great for a big family dinner, and can even be frozen for future meals. 

Prep tip: Follow all the steps in the recipe and stop when it is time to put it in the oven. Cover with press and seal wrap to keep out as much air as possible and then add a layer of foil. When ready to cook, let defrost in the fridge overnight. Then cook according to the recipe directions, adding 5-8 minutes 

17. Chicken Feta Meatballs: These light and tasty chicken and feta stuffed meatballs are packed with garlic, onion, feta, and more and are perfect alone or over pasta or veggie noodles. 

Prep tip: Cook the meatballs and let cool completely. Then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen on the outside. This prevents sticking. Then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a skillet for best results. 

18. Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders: Crispy Coconut Chicken Fingers that come out perfectly crispy with sweet coconut flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish! 

Prep tip: Cook the chicken tenders and let cool completely. Then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen on the outside. This prevents sticking. Then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results. 

19. Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken: This easy Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is one of those meals that is so simple to prep but tastes so good, like lick your bowl good. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

20. Easy Turkey and Butternut Squash Chili: Turkey butternut squash chili that is made without beans! This slightly spicy chili made with ground turkey, hearty butternut squash, tomatoes, and spices couldn't be tastier. 

Prep Tip: Think about how you will likely serve this meal when deciding how to freeze it. It can be frozen in a large ziploc bag for a family sized meal or as individual servings for an easy grab and go meal. Defrost overnight in the fridge or directly in a pan when reheating. 

21. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with a sweet and savory Asian sauce couldn't be easier to make and is always a huge hit. It tastes like your favorite sweet and sticky Chinese chicken but is made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

22. Salsa Verde Turkey Tacos: The best ground turkey tacos made with store-bought green salsa and ready in just 15 minutes. Serve them as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or taco bowls. 

Prep tip: Cook this dish completely and let cool. Store in individual or family-sized portions. Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave at reduced power.

23. Healthy Homemade Frozen Burritos: Homemade Frozen Burritos are one of my secret weapons when it comes to easy, quick meals. Packed with all your favorite ingredients, these delicious burritos are so much better than what you can buy in stores and can be popped out of the freezer at any time for a hearty meal that's ready in 3 minutes. 

Prep tip: These are one of our all-time favorite breakfasts and I love having a variety of options in the freezer. To quickly make multiple options, create an assembly line with all the fillings. Then simply assemble and wrap. We love making the black bean and corn combination (from the linked recipe) but there are so many possibilities.

24. Sausage Lentil Soup: This easy lentil soup made with sausage is one of our go-to pantry meals since I always have a bag of dried lentils in the pantry and some sausage in the freezer. It can be made with any combination of sausage, vegetables, and spices you like for a filling, easy meal that feeds a crowd. 

Prep Tip: Think about how you will likely serve this meal when deciding how to freeze it. It can be frozen in a large ziploc bag for a family-sized meal or as individual servings for an easy grab-and-go meal. Defrost overnight in the fridge or directly in a pan when reheating. 

25. Skillet Mexican Brown Rice Casserole: This easy Mexican Skillet meal with brown rice, bell peppers, black beans, corn, and spices is easy to throw together, filling, and a satisfying one-pan meal. Serve it as a main dish, a hearty side dish, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos. 

Prep Tip: Think about how you will likely serve this meal when deciding how to freeze it. It can be frozen in a large ziploc bag for a family-sized meal or as individual servings for an easy grab-and-go meal. Defrost overnight in the fridge or directly in a pan when reheating. 

26. Easy Greek Chicken: Easy chicken recipes are always a favorite and this Lemon Greek Chicken with oregano and garlic is at the top of the list. It can be used for everything from Greek salads to wraps to grain bowls and has so much flavor in every bite. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

27. Picadillo: Picadillo is a traditional Mexican dish that essentially is stewed ground beef with tomatoes, potatoes, and a little or a lot of spice depending on your preferences. It's known as a guisado, which translates to stew, and is a staple in Mexican cooking. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the picadillo, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

28. Slow Cooker Chicken and Cauliflower Tikka Masala: Slow Cooker Chicken and Cauliflower Tikka Masala is an easier way to prepare this classic Indian dish. Packed with warm spices, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the chicken, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

29.  Healthy Zucchini Lasagna: Healthy Zucchini Lasagna is a lightened up version of the classic comfort food that has only 250 calories per serving and packs in extra veggies. 

Prep tip: Cook the lasagna and let cool completely. Cover with press and seal wrap to keep out as much air as possible and then add a layer of foil. When ready to cook, let defrost in the fridge overnight. Then cook until heated through and sides are bubbling. 

30.  Slow Cooker Tuscan Turkey Sloppy Joes: Crockpot Sloppy Joes with an Italian twist. These lightened-up sloppy joes are made with lean ground turkey, tomato sauce, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and plenty of garlic and Italian spices. 

Prep Tip: There are two options for prepping this recipe for freezer cooking. The entire meal can be prepped and then stored in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and then cooking the slow cooker. If you have already cooked the turkey, let it cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. 

What are your favorite freezer friendly recipes?

Looking for more information on freezer cooking? Don't miss these:

• How to Plan A Freezer Cooking Day