Let’s face it. Drive-thru may make our lives easier, but they can certainly make our wallets thinner. Think about how much you spend at your favourite fast food place each evening and multiple that by the number of times you eat out each week and then by 52 weeks. The numbers can be staggering. But how else can you get a meal on the table when you’re swamped? Simple. You make freezer meals.
Make ahead freezer meals have been a secret weapon for moms for decades. All you need is a bit of time on the weekend to make meals to feed your family throughout the week. Some people even double or triple the recipes to have make ahead freezer meals for the entire month. This can take an entire afternoon, but is well worth it.
Another great suggestion to get together with other moms and swap your make ahead freezer meals. Each week, everyone in the group makes a large batch of one recipe, divides it up into disposable containers, and then swaps it with other members of the group. That way, each person only needs to cook one meal, but ends up with enough meals for the entire week. This is a great way to find new favourites for your family.
Whether your family loves Mexican food or homestyle dishes, make ahead freezer meals can be a lifesaver. There’s nothing like being able to open the freezer and find something to throw in the oven. Best of all, if you have to be out of town for a while, your husband will be able to keep the family fed without feeding them pizza or burgers every night. And, did I mention cleanup? Cleanup is a breeze. Just place your casserole dish in the dishwasher and you’re done.
Here are 20 make ahead freezer meals for busy moms!
20 Make Ahead Freezer Meals for Busy Moms
- Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
- Simple Meatloaf
- Chicken Enchilada
- Carbonara Stuffed Shells
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
- Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Taco Casserole
- Italian Turkey Soup
- Homemade Frozen Pizzas
- Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Baked Ziti
- Salisbury Steak
- Bean and Cheese Burritos
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Homemade Hot Pockets
- Black Bean and Rice Casserole
- Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells
Having a freezer full of meals and dinner on the table each night might be easier than you think! These make-ahead freezer meals are perfect for busy moms who don’t have time to spend in the kitchen each night. You can spend the whole day cooking, or just double these recipes whenever you make them add to your freezer!
I keep telling myself I’m going to try doing this . These recipes look really good . Would save a lot of time during the week that’s for sure .
I am a foodie at heart, but honestly don’t have enough time during the week. My go to freezer foods are shepherds pie, meat pie, spaghetti, soup, meatballs and fish!
Great choices! Some of mine too!
Great list. I always freeze chili, spaghetti, turkey and gravy cod au gratin and homemade soups. I like to know what actually goes into my food.
Thank you for including some vegetarian options! We don’t eat meat, and usually freezer lists are only meat!
Ny pleasure!
Got to love these, freezer meals usually are bland but not if you make them yourself. Also healthier.
I totally agree!
Some really good ideas here, love having freezer meals on hand for those busy nights!
I love the idea of make ahead meals to take out of the freezer. The enchilada stuffed sweet potatoes sounds especially yummy.
I have to make freezer meal for the day I don’t know what to cook! Having food in the freezer ready to serve would be nice. I don’t buy frozen dish way to much salt and who knows what!
Having food ready in the freezer is much better than those store bought frozen meals!
I used to be so diligent in making all kinds of meals to keep in the freezer for busy weeknights. I have fallen off the wagon, though, and should use some of these recipes to inspire me again.
Yes, sometimes life can be hectic and we lack time for meal prep. It’s never too late to get at it again!
This is so great. Thank you for sharing! I love getting all of my cooking done in one shot when I have the motivation 😛 These recipes look so good.
I often freeze meals that I’ve prepared for myself since I often make for more than one meal. This list adds new ideas to my routine, thanks for sharing.
I love make ahead meal and make many over the winter months,would love to try making the Carbonara Stuffed Shells!
I love make ahead meal and make many over the winter months,would love to try making the Carbonara Stuffed Shells! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never done freezer meals before because I’m not a big fan of leftovers but I should try some on your list.
These would be so helpful and I can’t wait to try them!
We all have at least one night of the week that is stressful with so much to do. Having to make dinner sounds so daunting. These are some great recipes to keep you for getting fast food.
So true!