14 Easiest Make-Ahead Freezer Meals for Busy People

This list of 14 Super Easy Make-Ahead Freezer Meals will make it easy to prepare for having a baby or the beginning of the school year. Each recipe can be made ahead of time to put directly in the oven or the freezer! Make dinner preparation easy with these simple make-ahead freezer meals!

One of the most frustrating things we have found with typical freezer meals is that you spend a lot of time prepping them, only to have to turn around and make a regular crock pot for dinner that day because a lot of freezer meals are made for the crockpot or work best if frozen first.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite dinners that can also be frozen! Now, when we make any of these, we make up 2–3 batches eat one for dinner, and freeze the rest! They’re perfect make-ahead freezer meals you can eat on the same day!

We recommend that you purchase tin foil casserole dishes or other disposable food storage solutions so your nice ones aren’t stuck in the freezer (and therefore unavailable to make brownies!).

1. Cheese Sauce for Make Ahead Freezer Meals

While this isn’t a meal itself, we use it all the time in our casseroles, enchiladas, or with pasta. Don’t freeze it on its own or the texture will be funny, but we will reference it several times in this post.

• 1 cube (8 tbsp or 1/2 cup) melted butter
• 8 tbsp flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon or flavor base
• grated cheese

Melt butter on a medium-temperature stove. Mix in the flour to create a very thick paste. Add milk and stir constantly (do not walk away at all, or it will burn on the bottom). Continue stirring and as the sauce thickens, add the bouillon. Keep stirring until all lumps are out, and the sauce begins to boil. Continue stirring constantly while the sauce boils for at least 1–2 minutes (be careful of splashes). Then add as much grated cheese as desired.

2. Simple Tuna Casserole

This delicious tuna noodle casserole is not only a cheap and easy dinner option for a frugal family on a budget but also a comforting classic that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s a go-to meal for those seeking both affordability and taste. Plus, its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short, but hunger is not. Additionally, this versatile dish doubles as a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal, perfect for new moms or anyone needing a quick meal convenient option for those hectic days when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible.

3. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole makes the best freezer meals that adults and kids will love! And the best part? It’s so easy to prepare. Whip it up ahead of time and pop it in the freezer for later, or bake it right away for a satisfying meal. It’s one of those go-to dishes that we just can’t get enough of, especially when we’re looking for convenient make-ahead options. So whether you’re planning your favorite freezer meals for a busy week or simply craving some comfort food, this casserole has got you covered. Give it a try and see why it’s become a staple in delicious freezer meals in our kitchen!

4. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

These ham and cheese roll-up biscuits make a perfect dinner for the entire family! With a delightful homemade cheese sauce drizzled on top, they’re guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and fill your belly with satisfaction. And here’s a handy tip: you can prepare the biscuits ahead of time and then freeze flat them. But hold off on adding the sauce until you’re ready to serve. Simply freeze half of the biscuits flat, and when you’re craving that cheesy goodness, whip up a fresh batch of sauce. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you need a quick and delicious dinner option. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience and flavor!

5. Chicken Enchiladas

Try these delicious chicken enchiladas with tender shredded chicken, a delicious homemade cheese sauce, and a subtle kick of chili peppers. They’re a guaranteed hit with your dinner guests, family-friendly, and even the pickiest of eaters! What’s more, you can easily double the recipe and stash some away in the freezer for future enjoyment. It’s the ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor. So go ahead, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful Mexican-inspired meal chicken enchilada recipe that’s both satisfying and oh-so delicious!

6. Lasagna Make Ahead Freezer Meal

This delicious and easy lasagna is perfect for dinner with family, friends, or on your own! This lasagna recipe is versatile enough to prepare ahead of time and freeze before baking, making it a perfect make-ahead freezer meal for the whole family or anyone in need of a delicious dinner, such as a new first baby mom. With layers of savory goodness waiting to be savored, this lasagna promises to satisfy every craving and bring joy to your table, whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it in solitude. So go ahead and enjoy this delicious make-ahead freezer meal!

7. Chicken Lasagna

This delicious chicken veggie lasagna complete with homemade cheese sauce, is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner lineup! It’s easy to whip up and offers a healthier twist compared to traditional ground chicken or beef lasagna. Packed with wholesome ingredients like tender chicken and assorted veggies, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a comforting meal for yourself, this lasagna fits the bill perfectly. So why not add it to your meal plan and enjoy a delicious and wholesome dinner with minimal effort?

8. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Looking for a delicious recipe for homemade macaroni and cheese that’s made from scratch? This simple, healthy dinner is a favorite of children and adults! With fresh veggies and its creamy cheese sauce made from scratch, this tasty ingredients unique variation on traditional macaroni and cheese makes for a yummy lunch or dinner for your family.

After cooking a full meal, you can stick it in a plastic wrap in a freezer bag in the fridge overnight in the freezer to be warmed up and eaten any time!

9. Pancake/Waffle Recipe

Introducing the ultimate breakfast treat: our family’s secret ingredient pancakes! This easy breakfast recipe for the world’s best pancakes guarantees the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes you’ve ever tasted, thanks to a special ingredient passed down through generations on Tiffany’s side of the family. Perfect for any family gathering or special breakfast occasion, these pancakes will quickly become a favorite among your loved ones. So, why not add a touch of tradition to your morning routine and delight everyone with a batch of these mouthwatering treats? Get ready to create unforgettable memories around the breakfast table with our cherished, family-friendly recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 T white sugar
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 1 t baking powder
• 1/4 t salt

At this point, you can freeze the dry ingredients in a Ziploc bag.  On the outside of the bag, label it and write the needed wet ingredients.

10. Silly Chili Macaroni and Cheese

If you need a kid-friendly dinner that’s both fun and delicious, look no further than this Silly Chili Macaroni recipe!  Loved by both children and adults, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s also a perfect pantry, stockpile, freezer bag, or food storage meal making it a convenient go-to meal for busy days. So, why not add some excitement to your dinner routine and whip up a batch of Silly Chili Macaroni tonight? It’s sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces! 

11. Navajo Tacos

Prepare your preferred bread dough, shaping it into balls and then rolling them out into thick tortillas.

At this stage, you have the option to freeze the garlic bread dough for later use or proceed to make Indian fry bread and then freeze it. To make Indian fry bread, heat oil in a deep fryer or on a griddle. Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil or onto the griddle and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Once fried, top the Indian fry bread with chili, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or any other toppings of your choice. Enjoy your delicious Navajo Tacos!

12. Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish made from ground meat, typically beef, mixed with various seasonings, breadcrumbs or oatmeal, eggs, and sometimes vegetables like onions or peppers. The mixture is shaped into a loaf shape and baked until cooked through. It’s often served with mashed potatoes and gravy or a side of vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal. Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings.

Loaf:

• 2 lb hamburger
• 1 tsp rubbed sage
• 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 small chopped onion
• Dash of salt and pepper
• Canned milk (enough to moisten well)

Mix all ingredients well with your hands. Stick in a loaf pan.

Topping:

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 cup ketchup

Mix and smooth on top of the loaf with a spoon. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350* for one hour.

13. Shepherd’s Pie Make-Ahead Freezer Meal

Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved dish featuring a hearty meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal option, perfect for busy evenings or meal prep. To prepare Shepherd’s Pie for freezing, cook a flavorful filling of ground meat, onions, carrots, peas green beans canned tomatoes, and other vegetables seasoned with herbs and spices. Transfer the filling to a freezer-safe dish, top with mashed potatoes, and cover tightly before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through. It’s a convenient and satisfying option to freeze meals that’s sure to please the whole family.

• Mashed potatoes
• Canned corn
• Canned green beans
• Ground beef
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Grated cheese

Spread cooked mashed potatoes on the bottom of a casserole dish.  Layer corn, green beans, and cooked ground beef.  Spread cream of mushroom soup on top and cover with grated cheese.  Bake in the oven at 350°F.

14. Pot Roast

Pot roast is a comforting dish made by slow-cooking a beef roast with vegetables and broth until tender and flavorful. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. To make pot roast, sear the beef roast in a hot pan to develop flavor, then place it in a slow cooker or Dutch oven along with potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables of your choice.

Pour broth or a mixture of broth and wine over the roast and vegetables, then cook on low heat for several hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Pot roast is a versatile dish that can be customized with different seasonings and vegetables to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite among home cooks.

• Raw roast (we like getting the manager’s special roasts and half-price and freezing them immediately)
• Bag of baby carrots
• Potatoes, chopped
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• Brown gravy powder

Put potatoes, carrots, and onions in a gallon-size Ziploc freezer bag.  Put water and brown gravy powder in a crockpot, then add roast and vegetables.  Set crockpot to low for 10 hours and stir occasionally.  We like to flip the roast over halfway through to increase tenderness.

What are some of your favorite make-ahead freezer meals?

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