15 Prep-Ahead Freezer Meals That Save Time During Holiday Week
The holiday season can be hectic, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen when there are gifts to wrap and festivities to enjoy. That’s where prep-ahead freezer meals come in handy. These meals allow you to plan ahead, so you can spend more time with loved ones and less time cooking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply need something quick for a busy week, having pre-made meals in the freezer is a game changer. From comforting casseroles to savory soups, the options are endless and can be easily reheated.
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Beef and Bean Chili
Beef and bean chili is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for preparing ahead of time during the busy holiday week. The chili is made with lean ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes, along with a variety of spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic for flavor. After cooking the chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove for 15-20 minutes over medium heat. If you’re short on time, the microwave will work too, just reheat for about 5-7 minutes. The chili is a filling meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, sour cream, and shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a flavorful and versatile dish that can easily be made ahead of time for a busy holiday week. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts, mixing it with cheese, onions, and enchilada sauce before rolling it up in soft tortillas. After assembling the enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil and freeze them for later.
To reheat, thaw them overnight and bake them at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake them from frozen, but increase the cooking time to about 45 minutes to ensure they’re heated through. These enchiladas are perfect for a family meal, and you can top them with fresh cilantro, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic, comforting pasta dish that works wonderfully as a make-ahead freezer meal. This dish is made by combining cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor. Once the dish is assembled, cover it with foil and freeze for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw the ziti overnight and bake it in the oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. If you are baking it directly from frozen, you will need to extend the baking time to 60 minutes. You can also add meatballs or cooked sausage for extra flavor, making it a filling and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a family favorite that’s perfect for preparing in advance and freezing for a stress-free holiday meal. To make it, simply mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings. Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Once the meatloaf is formed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to three months.
When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook it at 350°F for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For extra flavor, you can top the meatloaf with ketchup or barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a comforting, hearty meal.
Vegetable Soup
A vegetable soup is a light and healthy meal that can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for quick meals during the holiday season. The soup is made by combining a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes with vegetable broth. After simmering the vegetables with seasoning, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight and reheat it on the stove for 10-15 minutes. For a heartier soup, you can add beans, lentils, or pasta. This vegetable soup is easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile and healthy option.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a delicious and simple freezer meal that can be prepared in advance for those busy holiday days. To make it, cook a pork shoulder in a slow cooker with your favorite seasonings for 8-10 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds. After cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with forks, then return it to the juices to soak up all the flavor.
Once it’s fully cooled, store it in freezer-safe containers with the cooking liquid for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Pulled pork is incredibly versatile, serve it with buns for sandwiches or alongside baked beans and coleslaw for a complete meal. This meal is a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a group.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for later use. To prepare, cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, tomatoes, and seasonings, then top with cheese. Wrap the stuffed peppers tightly in foil and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to cook, thaw the peppers overnight and bake them at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. If baking from frozen, extend the cooking time to 45 minutes. These stuffed peppers are flavorful, and you can easily customize the filling by adding beans, corn, or extra vegetables.
Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic, comforting meal that’s perfect for freezing and baking later. This dish consists of layers of cooked lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and ground beef or sausage. After assembling the lasagna, cover it with foil and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. If baking from frozen, you will need to increase the baking time to 60-70 minutes. Lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or to serve at a holiday gathering, and it pairs well with a simple salad and garlic bread.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Chicken Alfredo casserole is a creamy and filling meal that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer. The dish combines cooked chicken, pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a mix of cheeses, all baked together for a comforting casserole. After preparing the casserole, cover it with foil and freeze it.
To reheat, thaw it overnight and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If baking from frozen, you’ll need to extend the baking time to 45 minutes. This dish is rich and indulgent, and you can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner after a busy day.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a warm and comforting option that is perfect for freezing and reheating during the holiday season. The soup is made by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding broccoli, vegetable broth, and seasonings. After the broccoli has cooked until tender, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy and cheesy finish. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
To reheat, thaw it overnight and heat it on the stove for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup or add more cheese. This soup is a rich and satisfying meal, perfect for pairing with a slice of crusty bread.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that can be prepped in advance and frozen for a busy holiday week. To make the filling, sauté chicken, onions, carrots, peas, and celery, then mix with a creamy sauce made from broth, milk, and seasonings. Place the filling in a pie crust, top with another layer of dough, and seal the edges.
After preparing the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If baking from frozen, extend the cooking time to about 60 minutes. This meal is comforting and filling, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a great way to save time during the holiday season, and they can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. Scramble eggs and mix them with cooked sausage, bacon, or vegetables, then wrap them in flour tortillas with shredded cheese. After rolling them up, wrap the burritos in foil and freeze.
To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or heat them in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. These breakfast burritos can be made in bulk, making them a quick grab-and-go meal for busy mornings during the holidays. You can add salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor, or serve with a side of fresh fruit.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for making ahead and storing in the freezer. The dish consists of a savory ground meat filling (usually lamb or beef), mixed with vegetables like peas and carrots, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Once assembled, wrap the pie tightly with foil and freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight and cook at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If baking from frozen, extend the cooking time to 45 minutes. Shepherd’s pie is a filling meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and you can use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker prep.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that is easy to prepare and freeze ahead of time. To make the meatballs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and seasonings, then roll them into balls and bake. Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in marinara sauce and cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatballs overnight and heat them on the stove for 15-20 minutes. Cook your pasta while the sauce is heating up, then combine the meatballs with the spaghetti. This meal is perfect for a family dinner and can be served with a side salad and garlic bread.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for a quick holiday meal. To make it, bread chicken cutlets with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then pan-fry them until golden. Afterward, top each cutlet with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then freeze them individually on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish is flavorful and pairs well with pasta or a green salad.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.