14 Freezer Friendly Dinners for Busy January Weeks

When life gets busy, freezer-friendly dinners offer a convenient way to eat well without spending too much time in the kitchen. They’re perfect for freezing in advance, so you can grab a meal whenever needed. These meals are designed to be stored and reheated without losing flavor or texture. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, they’re a simple way to make sure you always have something delicious on hand.

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Beef and Vegetable Stew

Beef and vegetable stew is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for freezing. It takes about 2 hours to cook, including time for simmering, and it can be stored in individual portions for easy reheating. This stew combines tender beef, flavorful broth, and a mix of vegetables, making it an ideal meal for cold January nights. It’s a filling and nutritious option that provides warmth on busy evenings. You can easily prepare a large batch and freeze it for future use.

You will need 1 pound of beef stew meat, 3 cups of beef broth, 3 carrots sliced, 3 potatoes diced, and 1 cup of frozen peas. Include 2 cloves of garlic minced, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the beef, and thyme and rosemary for flavor.

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot and browning the beef stew meat. Once browned, add the onions and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, peas, salt, pepper, and herbs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. After it cools, transfer the stew to freezer-safe containers and freeze for later use.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo bake is a creamy, cheesy dish that freezes well and is easy to prepare. It takes about 45 minutes to cook, including the baking time, and it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, making it a filling and comforting meal. You can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it, so you have a satisfying dinner whenever you need it. Just reheat it in the oven for a quick, delicious meal.

Use 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 pound of pasta such as penne or rigatoni, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Fresh parsley can be added for garnish after baking.

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions and setting it aside. In a large pan, melt the butter and combine it with the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens. Once combined, mix in the cooked chicken and pasta, then transfer everything into a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Vegetable Chili

Vegetable chili is a hearty, healthy meal that freezes beautifully for later use. It takes about 1 hour to cook and can be enjoyed as a satisfying dinner or lunch. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices, this dish is full of flavor and is great for staying warm during chilly months. Once prepared, you can store it in the freezer for up to a month. It’s an excellent option for busy days when you want something comforting without much preparation.

For the chili, gather 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 onion chopped. Add 2 bell peppers chopped, 1 zucchini diced, 2 cloves of garlic minced, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot and sautéing the onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic until softened. Next, add the diced tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes. Let the chili cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat and enjoy whenever you need a comforting meal.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is an easy, freezer-friendly Italian dish that can be made ahead and stored for later use. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, and it’s a satisfying meal that combines pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. This dish is perfect for those who want a quick and comforting meal with minimal effort. You can freeze it either before or after baking, making it a flexible option for busy weeks. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a warm, filling dinner.

Use 1 pound of ziti pasta, 4 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and one-half cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil can be used as a garnish after baking.

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions and drain it. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a baking dish, layer the pasta, ricotta mixture, vegetables (if desired), and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake at 375 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, you can slice it and freeze it for future use.

Beef and Rice Casserole

Beef and rice casserole is a simple, hearty meal that can be frozen for later use. With a cook time of about 1 hour, it’s an easy dish to prepare when you need something filling. This casserole combines ground beef, rice, and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. It’s great for meal prepping and ensures you always have a homemade option on hand. After baking, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Use 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, one-half cup of beef broth, 1 cup of frozen peas, and 1 small onion chopped. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and one-half teaspoon of black pepper.

Begin by browning the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the rice according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, peas, and seasonings. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes until bubbly. Let it cool and store it in freezer-safe containers for later use.

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a flavorful, freezer-friendly dish that can be made ahead of time. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, including baking time, and is a great option for busy weeks. These enchiladas can be frozen either before or after baking, making them an easy option for meal prep. Filled with chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce, they are perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. Just reheat and enjoy a delicious meal whenever you need it.

You will need 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 10 corn tortillas, 2 cups of enchilada sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and one-half cup of diced onions. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh cilantro can be added for garnish.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to soften. Fill each tortilla with chicken, cheese, and a sprinkle of onions, then roll them up and place them in the baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is an easy, healthy meal that can be frozen for later use. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and the combination of vegetables and lean chicken makes it a nutritious option. You can make a large batch and freeze it for a quick meal later on. The dish is full of flavor and keeps well after being frozen, making it an ideal option for busy nights. When you’re ready, just reheat in a pan or microwave for a tasty dinner.

Use 1 pound of chicken breast, 2 cups of mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 cloves of garlic minced. Add 1 teaspoon of ginger, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in olive oil over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender. Pour in the soy sauce and honey, and stir everything together. Once cooled, transfer to freezer bags or containers and freeze for later use.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are ideal for freezing and make an easy, satisfying meal. The pork takes about 5 hours to cook but can be frozen for future use. This dish provides tender, flavorful pork that pairs perfectly with soft buns. Once prepared, it’s easy to reheat and enjoy a hearty sandwich whenever needed. It’s a great option for anyone craving barbecue without spending too much time cooking.

Prepare 3 pounds of pork shoulder, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. 6 hamburger buns will be needed for serving.

Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add a bit of water or broth if needed, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. Shred the pork with a fork and mix with barbecue sauce. Let it cool and transfer to freezer bags or containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat and serve on buns.

Vegetable Lasagna

Vegetable lasagna is a healthy, meatless dish that freezes well for later use. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, offering layers of noodles, ricotta cheese, and vegetables. This dish is an excellent option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. After baking, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just bake or reheat it for a delicious, filling meal.

Use 9 lasagna noodles, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 3 cups of mixed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Layer the noodles in a baking dish and spread the ricotta mixture, followed by the vegetables and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. Let cool, slice, and freeze for later.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a quick, flavorful meal that works well for freezing and reheating. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and makes use of leftover rice and chicken. This dish is light, filling, and perfect for busy nights when you need something quick. Once cooked, you can freeze individual portions for later use. It’s a great meal prep dish that can be customized to fit your taste.

You’ll need 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 pound of cooked chicken, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and one-half teaspoon of black pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and scramble the eggs. Add the cooked chicken and frozen vegetables, stirring to combine. Stir in the rice and soy sauce, then cook for another 5-7 minutes. Add garlic powder and pepper, mixing well. Let cool and freeze in portions for later use.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked chicken Parmesan is a classic meal that freezes well and makes for an easy dinner. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, including baking time, and provides crispy breaded chicken with marinara sauce and melted cheese. You can freeze the dish either before or after baking, making it flexible for meal prep. It’s a great dish to make ahead for busy evenings when you want something comforting and delicious. Just reheat it from frozen or bake it when you’re ready.

Use 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and one-half cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Dip the chicken breasts in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Let cool and freeze for later use.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a great option for meal prepping and freezing. It takes about 1 hour to cook, and the peppers are filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and vegetables. Once baked, these peppers freeze well and can be reheated quickly for a satisfying meal. They’re perfect for meal prep and can be served with a side salad or rice. This dish can be customized with your favorite filling ingredients.

Use 4 large bell peppers, 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of marinara sauce, and one-half cup of shredded cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, cook the ground meat with garlic and onion powder, then mix in the rice and marinara sauce. Stuff the peppers with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool and freeze for later use.

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Turkey meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs and freeze well for later use. They take about 1 hour to prepare, including simmering the marinara sauce. These meatballs are flavorful and perfect for pairing with pasta or serving on their own. Once prepared, they can be frozen and reheated in no time. This dish makes for a delicious, quick dinner when you’re short on time.

Prepare 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 egg, one-fourth cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. 1 jar of marinara sauce and 6 hamburger buns will be needed for serving.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then simmer in marinara sauce for 10 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers and store.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting meal that freezes well and can be enjoyed for weeks. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, and the creamy filling with a flaky crust makes it a favorite for many. This dish is great for freezing and can be reheated directly from the freezer. It’s a perfect option when you want a homemade meal without too much effort. You can make it in advance and have it ready for a quick, delicious dinner.

Use 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, one-fourth cup of flour, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, and one-half teaspoon of salt. one-fourth teaspoon of pepper and 1 package of pie crusts will be needed.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a pan, melt butter and stir in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add chicken broth and milk to make the sauce. Stir in the chicken and vegetables, then remove from heat. Roll out the pie crusts and fit one into a baking dish, then pour the filling in and cover with the second crust. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.