11 Frozen Foods That Make Weeknight Dinners Easier

Some nights, dinner needs to be quick, filling, and easy to pull together. Frozen foods can help take some of the pressure off when time is short. They are great for keeping meals simple without making dinner feel boring. So let us look at a few freezer picks that can make weeknights run a little smoother.

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Meatballs

Frozen meatballs are handy on busy nights because they skip the mixing, shaping, and browning that usually take extra time. A quick dish with them often takes about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish, which is a big help after a long day. They work well in pasta, subs, rice bowls, or even soup, so one bag can cover several dinner ideas. Since they are already portioned, it is also easier to cook only what you need.

For a fast meatball pasta dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti in salted water while you heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet and warm 12 frozen meatballs with 2 cups of marinara sauce over medium heat for about 12 minutes. Stir in one-half teaspoon garlic powder and one-fourth teaspoon black pepper, then let the sauce bubble gently until the meatballs are hot all the way through. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce and meatballs, then top with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Serve the pasta hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Ravioli

On nights when time feels short, frozen ravioli can turn into dinner with very little effort. Most ravioli dishes take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook, which makes them one of the fastest freezer staples to keep around. Since the pasta and filling are already together, you do not have to plan a separate protein for the meal. A bag in the freezer can be a real help when dinner ideas are running low.

To make a creamy ravioli skillet, boil 1 package frozen cheese ravioli according to the package time, usually about 4 to 6 minutes, then drain it well. In a large pan, warm 1 tablespoon butter with 1 cup marinara sauce, one-half cup heavy cream, and one-fourth teaspoon Italian seasoning until smooth and hot. Add the cooked ravioli to the sauce and stir gently so the pasta stays whole, then sprinkle in one-fourth cup of grated Parmesan. Spoon it into bowls and top with chopped basil if you have some on hand.

Mixed vegetables

Frozen mixed vegetables help weeknight dinners because they cut out washing, peeling, and chopping. A dish using them can be ready in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on what else goes into the pan. They also add color and variety to meals without much planning, which helps dinner feel more balanced. Keeping a bag nearby makes it easier to round out rice, noodles, or chicken dishes.

For a vegetable fried rice meal, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and cook 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Add 3 cups cooked cold rice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 2 beaten eggs, then stir until the eggs are fully cooked and everything is hot. Mix in 2 sliced green onions and one-fourth teaspoon black pepper, then cook for 2 more minutes. Serve it on its own or with cooked chicken or shrimp.

Shrimp

Frozen shrimp can save dinner because it thaws and cooks much faster than many other proteins. A full meal with shrimp often takes only 15 to 18 minutes, which makes it a good pick for rushed evenings. It works in pasta, rice, tacos, and stir fry, so it gives you plenty of ways to change up dinner. Since shrimp cooks quickly, it is best to watch it closely so it stays tender.

For a quick garlic shrimp rice bowl, thaw 12 ounces frozen shrimp under cold running water, then pat it dry and season it with one-fourth teaspoon salt and one-fourth teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, cook 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds, add the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 cups cooked rice, then toss until the rice is warm. Top with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and serve with steamed broccoli or cucumber slices.

Chicken tenders

Frozen chicken tenders are popular for weeknight meals because they cook with very little prep and work in many different dishes. Most take about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven or air fryer, which gives you enough time to put together the rest of dinner. They can become wraps, salads, sandwiches, or rice bowls without much extra thought. Their crisp coating also helps dinner feel more filling with little effort.

For a chicken tender wrap, bake 4 frozen chicken tenders according to the package directions, usually at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Warm 2 large tortillas, then fill each one with sliced cooked chicken tenders, 1 cup shredded lettuce, one-half cup diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, and one-fourth cup shredded cheddar. Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them in half if you want easier serving. Pair them with chips, fruit, or a simple salad.

Hash browns

Frozen hash browns can turn into dinner much faster than peeling and shredding fresh potatoes from scratch. A skillet meal using them usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, and that is often quicker than many other potato dishes. They work well as the base for breakfast, dinner, casseroles, or skillet suppers with sausage and vegetables. Because the prep is already done, cleanup feels easier, too.

For a hash brown skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick pan and cook 3 cups frozen hash browns for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until lightly browned. Add 1 cup cooked crumbled sausage, one-half cup diced bell pepper, and one-fourth cup chopped onion, then cook for 5 more minutes until hot. Make 3 small spaces in the mixture, crack in 3 eggs, cover the pan, and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Sprinkle one-fourth cup of shredded cheddar on top before serving.

Broccoli florets

Few freezer items are as useful as frozen broccoli because it adds a vegetable side or main dish ingredient in minutes. A meal built around it can be done in about 15 to 20 minutes, especially if you pair it with pasta or rice. It is already cut and ready to cook, which saves time during the busiest part of the evening. It also works well in creamy sauces, casseroles, and quick stir-fries.

Boil 8 ounces of penne according to the package directions and add 2 cups of frozen broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return them to the pot with 1 tablespoon butter, one-half cup heavy cream, one-fourth teaspoon garlic powder, and one-fourth cup grated Parmesan. Stir over low heat until the sauce coats everything evenly. Finish with black pepper and serve hot.

Fish fillets

Frozen fish fillets are a good freezer staple because they can go from freezer to oven without much trouble. Many cook in about 20 to 25 minutes, which keeps dinner moving without a lot of hands-on work. They pair easily with rice, vegetables, potatoes, or tortillas, so they can fit many types of meals. Their mild flavor also makes them a useful option for households with different tastes.

Bake 4 frozen fish fillets according to the package directions, which is often about 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While they cook, mix 2 cups shredded cabbage with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a small pinch of salt. Warm 8 small tortillas, break the cooked fish into pieces, and fill each tortilla with fish and slaw. Add sliced avocado and salsa before serving if you like.

Cheese pizza

Frozen cheese pizza makes dinner easier because it gives you a fast base that can be changed with whatever toppings you have at home. Most pizzas bake in about 12 to 18 minutes, so they are one of the quickest ways to get dinner on the table. Adding a few toppings can help it feel more like a meal than a backup plan. It is also a useful choice for nights when everyone wants something familiar.

Place 1 frozen cheese pizza on a baking sheet or oven rack and top it with one-half cup sliced mushrooms, one-fourth cup sliced bell pepper, and one-fourth cup cooked crumbled sausage. Bake it according to the package directions, usually at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 18 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted. Let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing. Serve it with a green salad or carrot sticks for an easy meal.

Pierogi

Frozen pierogi help with dinner because they bring starch and filling together in one easy package. Most meals using them take about 20 minutes, which makes them useful for evenings when cooking needs to stay simple. They taste good with onions, sausage, butter, or sour cream, so there are several ways to serve them. Since they are hearty, they can carry dinner with just one vegetable on the side.

For a skillet pierogi supper, boil 1 package frozen potato and cheese pierogi for 3 minutes, then drain them well. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook 1 sliced onion for about 5 minutes until soft, then add 8 ounces sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4 minutes. Add the pierogi and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned on both sides. Serve with 2 tablespoons sour cream and a side of steamed green beans.

Corn

Frozen corn is useful because it cooks fast and adds sweetness and color to weeknight meals with very little effort. A dinner built around it can be finished in about 15 to 20 minutes, especially in soups, skillets, or taco rice bowls. Since it is already cut off the cob, there is nothing messy to clean up. It also pairs well with beans, chicken, beef, and pasta.

For a corn and black bean taco rice bowl, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet and cook 1 cup of frozen corn with 1 cup of black beans for about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups cooked rice, one-half teaspoon chili powder, one-fourth teaspoon cumin, and one-half cup salsa, then cook until everything is hot. Spoon the mixture into bowls and top with 1 diced avocado and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges or shredded cheese if you like.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.