15 Make-Ahead Freezer Meals: Time-Saving Recipes for Busy Cooks
Discover 15 easy freezer-friendly recipes perfect for meal prep. Save time and money with these delicious make-ahead dishes that go from freezer to table effortlessly.
Recent research has revealed the shocking extent of food waste in Britain, highlighting missed opportunities for freezing and future consumption. The study found that UK households discard approximately £450 worth of freezer-friendly foods annually. Over a lifetime, this wastage amounts to a staggering £35,000 per person.
Let's tackle food waste together. This blog post is packed with easy recipes to make the most of your freezer. We'll guide you through which foods freeze beautifully, share clever storage tips, and inspire you with delicious batch cooking recipe ideas. Our practical advice and delicious recipes will help you save money and reduce waste. By transforming today's extras into tomorrow's meals, you'll be doing your part for both your budget and the environment.
Good Meals For Freezing:
Not all dishes freeze well, but many are perfect for make-ahead freezer meals. Here are some excellent options:
- Soups and stews: These liquid-based dishes retain flavour well, even when frozen.
- Casseroles: From lasagna to shepherd's pie, casseroles are freezer-friendly favourites.
- Burritos and wraps: Individually wrap these for grab-and-go meals.
- Pasta dishes: Many pasta bakes freeze beautifully.
- Cooked grains: Rice and quinoa can be frozen in portion sizes.
- Breakfast items: Pancakes, waffles, and breakfast burritos freeze well.
When choosing recipes, avoid dishes with high water content vegetables, cream-based sauces, or fried foods, as these may not maintain their quality after freezing and reheating.
How To Make Freezer Meals:
Making freezer meals is a simple process that can save you time and stress throughout the week. Start by choosing recipes that freeze well, such as casseroles, soups, and stews. Prepare the meals as you normally would, allow the food to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the dish name and date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months (depending on the recipe).
When you're ready to eat, you have two main options for defrosting:
- Thaw the meal in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using your desired method.
- For quicker preparation, use your microwave's defrost function. Transfer the meal to a microwave-safe dish and defrost according to your microwave's guidelines, stirring occasionally for even thawing. Once defrosted, heat thoroughly and serve.
With a little planning, you can stock your freezer with homemade meals ready for busy nights, whether you have time to thaw overnight or need a last-minute dinner solution.
Freezable Breakfast Ideas
Start your day right with these time-saving batch cooking recipes for breakfast freezer meals. These make-ahead options allow you to prepare a variety of delicious, homemade breakfasts in advance. Simply reheat and enjoy on busy mornings. From savoury to sweet, these freezer-friendly ideas will simplify your routine while ensuring you never skip the most important meal of the day.
Sweet Potato Burritos
So easy to make and freezer friendly these veggie packed burritos are perfect on the go and will come very handy during a busy week.
Pear and Berry Nutty Oat Crumble
Make a vegan oat crumble with this easy recipe, perfect for everyday baking and occasions.
Carrot Cake Pancakes
If you are a carrot cake lover then this carrot cake pancakes recipe is for you. The pancake batter used grated carrots, walnuts, raisins and all the spices. Perfect for a delicious breakfast for all the family.
Fruity Breakfast Muffins
A fruit compote is an excellent base for breakfast muffins and this quick and simple muffin recipe is perfect for blueberries, apples, plums and more!
Apple Compote Turnovers
Apple and vanilla compote encased in puff pastry and baked until golden brown. These are hand-sized and can be frozen uncooked. Just pop them in the oven when ready to eat and you'll have warm turnovers for breakfast, dessert or as a tasty snack.
Healthy Freezable Lunches
Elevate your midday meal with these convenient and delicious vegetarian freezable meals. Perfect for busy professionals or anyone looking to simplify their lunch routine, these plant-based recipes are designed to be made in batches and frozen for later. From colourful pasta dishes to hearty veggie-packed soups, these make-ahead options offer a variety of flavours and nutrients. Prepare these vegetarian freezer-friendly lunches in advance and enjoy stress-free, wholesome meals throughout the week.
Savoy Cabbage Saag Paneer
Wilted savoy cabbage in an aromatic curry sauce with golden cubes of paneer. This dish freezes very well and can be enjoyed with rice or as a vegetarian side.
Pea Pod Soup with Potato and Mint
Made from both the peas and the pods this vibrant colourful soup has an intense pea flavour and a creamy texture with potatoes, parsley and mint. Enjoy warm, or cold for a refreshing soup on hot summer days.
One-pan Leek Miso Butterbeans
A simple, nutritious and packed with flavour meal that is perfect for any weeknight or busy lunch time. If you have any on hand we recommend adding mushrooms which pairs beautifully with leeks and miso paste.
Grilled Asparagus & Lemon Pasta
Deliciously grilled asparagus, plenty of fresh basil, and a bit of parmesan or vegan cheese. All tossed together with hot pasta, lemon and garlic oil with walnuts. It’s a simple yet vibrant pasta recipe that is ready in 30 minutes and perfect any night of the week. The leftovers will also make for a delicious lunch the following day, and can be eaten hot or cold.
30 Min Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
You really cannot beat a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. This warming broccoli soup recipe is made with simple ingredients but delivers big flavours.
Freezable Dinner Ideas
Take the stress out of weeknight meals with these convenient freezable dinner recipes. Perfect for busy families or meal preppers, these dishes allow you to cook once and enjoy multiple times. From comforting casseroles to flavorful stir fries, these make-ahead options are designed to maintain their taste and texture after freezing. Stock your freezer with these delicious dinners and enjoy home-cooked meals even on your busiest evenings.
Fennel Lentil Ragu & Potato Shepherd's Pie
A vegetarian ragu is a great staple recipe, and it makes a great base for a delicious shepherd's pie. Cook this at the weekend, eat what you need and freeze any leftovers for later. This is a no-fuss type of recipe but super delicious and versatile.
Butternut Squash Lasagne
This vegetarian lasagne showcases beautiful layers of butternut squash, creamy béchamel sauce, fresh herbs and lasagne sheets. It's a great make-ahead and “cook and freeze” meal as it a be cooked in a glass container, cooled and frozen as it is.
Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pistachio Pesto
A bowl of homemade softy, pillowy cauliflower gnocchi goodness topped with the more decadent pistachio pesto.
Fennel Walnut Bolognese
This hearty and easy one pan fennel walnut lentil bolognese recipe takes your plant-based eating goals to new heights.
Honey Ginger Brussels Sprouts & Pineapple Stir Fry
Soy sauce coated veggies, sweet caramelised pineapple, caramelised cashews, sesame seeds and sticky rice stir fry. Great any night of the week, with any veggies you have on hand.
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Leek & Cheese Scones
Golden cheese and leek scones, perfect served alongside soups, salads, or as part of lunches and they freeze well too.
Crockpot Onion Marinara sauce
All you need are basic pantry ingredients to make this delicious marinara sauce: canned chopped tomatoes, onions from your Oddbox, garlic , dried oregano and salt and pepper. This sauce is simple, but you can add any extras you like – capers, olives, spices, or even a dash of wine. It freezes well, and can be used as pasta sauce, spread on toast, as dipping sauce or even on pizzas.
Frozen Blueberry and Peanut Butter Cups
Try these little chocolate cups with a creamy peanut butter and and a fruity blueberry centre. The little cups are quick to make and kept in the freezer to enjoy whenever. The blueberries are kept whole and add a lovely juiciness and texture to the nutty peanut butter. Make a batch and get the kids involved!
