40 Time-Saving Freezer Recipes for Quick Meals, Sides, and Snacks
If you’ve ever wished dinner could just make itself, freezer meals are the next best thing. This fall, I spent an entire weekend cooking up 40 time-saving freezer recipes for quick meals, sides, and snacks that are cozy, nourishing, and easy to reheat.
Below you’ll find every single recipe from my Freezer Meal Prep Marathon video, complete with links, photos, and a short description of each. These recipes make family dinners a breeze and are perfect for busy weeknights when you just don’t feel like cooking.
1. Turkey, Black Bean, and Pumpkin Chili
Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen→
A hearty slow cooker chili made with pumpkin purée, lean turkey, and black beans. It’s slightly sweet, a little smoky, and full of fall flavor.
2. Cauliflower Squash Curry
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
This Instant Pot curry is cozy and bright, made with cauliflower, butternut squash, and creamy coconut milk. It freezes beautifully for quick meatless dinners.
3. Lentil Stew
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
A simple, budget-friendly slow cooker meal packed with lentils, vegetables, and herbs. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect with a slice of homemade bread.
4. Mexican Instant Pot Chicken Chowder
Recipe from Against all Grain →
Creamy and flavorful chicken chowder with green chiles, lime, and salsa verde. This one reheats perfectly straight from frozen.
5. Honey Chipotle Chicken
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of heat. The honey-chipotle marinade makes this chicken perfect for tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
6. Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Recipe from Giadzy →
Tender, cheesy meatballs stuffed with smoked mozzarella. Bake them ahead and freeze for easy pasta nights.
7. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Shredded chicken, creamy salsa verde sauce, and melty cheese rolled in soft tortillas. These freeze and reheat perfectly.
8. Beef Stroganoff
Recipe from RecipeTin Eats →
A cozy classic made easy in the slow cooker. Tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that’s perfect over noodles.
9. Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels
Recipe from What Molly Made→
High-protein bagels made with cottage cheese. They are soft, chewy, and freezer-friendly. Great for breakfast sandwiches.
10. Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
Tender beef with sweet and savory Korean-inspired flavors. Serve with rice, cabbage slaw, and spicy mayo.
11. Honey Mustard Chicken
Recipe from Scratch Pantry →
Juicy baked chicken thighs coated in a tangy honey mustard glaze. A family favorite that freezes great.
12. Amazing Green Rice
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
A vibrant, herby rice side dish blended with spinach, cilantro, and lime. Delicious with tacos or grilled chicken.
13. Chicken Tinga Tacos
Recipe by Pinch of Yum →
Smoky chipotle chicken cooked until tender and shredded. A freezer staple for easy taco nights.
14. Hawaiian Chicken Tacos
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
Sweet pineapple and savory shredded chicken meet in these tropical tacos. Just add lime and slaw.
15. Life-Changing Beef Stew
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
Ultra-tender beef in a rich, savory broth with potatoes and carrots. The name says it all.
16. Honey Sesame Chicken
Recipe from Skinny Taste →
A lighter take on takeout — sweet, savory, and perfect over rice or noodles.
17. Spicy Turkey & Lentil Sloppy Joes
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook → Hearty, protein-packed sloppy joes made with ground turkey and lentils in a zesty tomato sauce.
18. Instant Pot Italian Pot Roast
Recipe from the Wellness Mama Cookbook →
From The Wellness Mama Cookbook — melt-in-your-mouth pot roast with Italian herbs and tender vegetables.
19. My Favorite Lasagna
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Layers of noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta. Perfect for freezing and baking later.
20. Turkey Ricotta Meatballs
Recipe from Pinch of Yum →
Moist, flavorful turkey meatballs with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Delicious with marinara or pesto.
21. Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Recipe from The Pioneer Woman →
Classic comfort food with ground beef, noodles, sour cream, and cheese. Freezes beautifully for busy nights.
22. Beef Ragu
Recipe from Joshua Weissman →
Slow-cooked short rib ragu with rich tomato and red wine sauce. Fancy enough for company, easy enough for a weeknight.
23. My Favorite Enchiladas
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Cheesy, saucy, and full of shredded chicken — these enchiladas are a freezer essential.
24. French Dip Sandwiches
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Tender beef simmered in a rich au jus, perfect for dipping. A crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully.
25. No-Bake PB&J Energy Bites
Recipe from Minimalist Baker →
Sweet, nutty, and full of energy — these bites are perfect for snacks or lunchboxes. I always omit the craisins in this one.
26. Chewy Seedy Granola Bars
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Homemade granola bars with seeds, oats, and honey. Soft, chewy, and customizable.
27. Copycat RX Bars (Christine’s Recipe)
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Protein-packed bars made from dates, nuts, and egg whites. Just like store-bought RX Bars, but fresher and cheaper.
28. Copycat Oatmeal Cookie Z Bars
Recipe from Fly Peach Pie →
Sweet, cinnamon-flavored snack bars that kids love. Perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks.
29. Carrot Applesauce Muffins
Recipe from 100 Days of Real Food →
Moist, naturally sweetened muffins made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and grated carrots.
30. Oven-Braised Beef Stew
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Fall-apart tender beef with carrots and potatoes in a rich, savory sauce, a classic comfort food.
31. White Chicken Chili
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Creamy, mild, and full of white beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Ideal for fall meal prep.
32. Classic Hearty Chili
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
A no-fail chili recipe that feeds a crowd and freezes perfectly.
33. Fresh-Milled Flour Tortillas
Recipe from Grains in Small Places →
Soft, chewy homemade tortillas made with fresh-milled flour. Perfect for tacos and wraps.
34. Bagels with Fresh-Milled Flour
Recipe from Generation Acres Farm →
Yeasted bagels with a wholesome, chewy texture and nutty flavor.
35. Sourdough Pizza Dough
Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen →
Crispy on the outside and soft inside — this dough makes restaurant-quality pizza at home.
36. Chicken Pot Pie Rice Skillet
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
All the flavors of chicken pot pie in a simple, one-pan rice dish.
37. Easy Sandwich Bread for Uncrustables
Recipe from Christine’s Notebook →
Soft, fluffy sandwich bread that’s perfect for homemade Uncrustables.
38. Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Recipe from The Perfect Loaf →
Keep a stash in the freezer for quick breakfast sandwiches or snacks. I use a recipe from The Perfect Loaf cookbook.
39. Brioche Sourdough Burger Buns
Recipe from The Perfect Loaf →
I love to have these on hand for burger nights! I pull them out of my freezer and warm them up in the microwave, slice, top, and serve!
40. Sourdough Tortillas
Recipe from The Perfect Loaf →
Another sourdough recipe from The Perfect Loaf book. When I have the time, I love to prep these ahead of time. They are soft, elastic, and don’t fall apart.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re stocking your freezer before a busy season or just want stress-free dinners, these recipes are simple, cozy, and nourishing. I recommend doubling your favorites to make the most of your prep day — you’ll thank yourself later.
