Goodbye Stouffers and Swanson. When you’re in the mood for frozen dinners, reach for these awesome dishes. They freeze well, reheat beautifully and delight everyone.
When I grew up I asked –asked– my mother so that I can eat frozen meals. Every kid I knew at school devoured their tuna and pasta casserole, meatloaf, or rotisserie chicken with the decent blueberry pie on a folding tray in front of the TV. Me? I had to sit at our kitchen snack bar that my dad built and stare at a plate of squid stew.
The concept of frozen food was alien to my mother. She cooked every day and we ate what she cooked. Period. And if it was too much food, tubs of Tupperware would be taken to aunts, uncles, cousins, or my grandparents.
To this day, I can’t remember a single meal she made and froze for later.
The one and I, on the other hand, use our freezer so often that we have to put dumbbells from the never-used weight set on the lid to keep it closed.
Made extra chicken in red wine? freeze it Saved a bundle on the pig’s shoulder? Braised with beans and sausage and freeze. Bake a white chocolate cake? Make three and freeze two.
These 11 easy meals are big enough and hearty enough to freeze so you and your family can have a delicious dinner in the time it takes to whip up a cocktail or three, an episode of The White Lotus” or picking up the kids from soccer practice.
(No squid included.)
xo,
These Homemade Potato Gnocchi are honestly the best version of this Italian classic we’ve ever had. Made with russet potatoes, flour, egg and salt, they’re like little pillows from potato heaven. Four ingredients. Ridiculously easy. Wonderfully cheap.
Recipe
Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Recipe shows just how easy it can be to make a lasagna that appeals to audiences (and kids). No unusual ingredients, just meat, cheese, pasta and more cheese. It’s damn delicious.
Recipe
This is the lasagna I’ve been making for about 10 years. It is hands down my favorite lasagna! It’s always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks.–Jennifer v.
This frozen tomato sauce is an easy homemade spaghetti sauce made with this abundance of garden tomatoes. Put it in the freezer now and say thank you later.
Recipe
This easy chili recipe is quick and makes a large batch that you can store in the freezer and thaw whenever you have a crazy craving.
Recipe
Five stars for this versatile chili recipe! I made a half batch and had 3 packs to freeze after serving them with sweet potato cornbread for dinner. I kept it thick and used the masa because I can always add liquid to thin out leftovers. I look forward to future Chili Dogs and Nachos.– Deb L
These easy America’s Test Kitchen Chicken Enchiladas are made right in your toaster oven. Roast chicken, cheese, spices and tomato sauce come together in the fastest and most irresistible way.
Recipe
This butternut squash soup, made easy by tossing roasted winter squash with sage and drizzled with heavy cream or crème fraîche, is quick, easy, and healthy. Not to mention delicious. Consider yourself warned.
Recipe
This butternut squash soup is so easy it feels like “cheating” because it’s so elegant. Roasting the squash adds a slightly nutty flavor that gently balances the sweetness of the pulp inside. A great starter for autumn menus.–Karis V
There’s no reason to cook something a certain way just because that’s the way it’s usually done. When I think back to all the burgers I’ve hand formed, mindlessly banging ground beef back and forth, back and forth, I cry with shame. Then I salt the pork belly in these hot bitter tears.
Recipe
These BBQ meatballs are tossed in the crockpot or oven (translation: no spatters from the stovetop to clean) and brushed with a homemade molasses barbecue sauce. Here’s how to make them.
Recipe
I made these last night, they were juicy and not dry! I’m so bad at meatballs but this turned out perfect and I’m not a very good cook. They were so easy and delicious that everyone liked them, which is difficult in this house! I will definitely make them again.–Kathryn T.
An authentic Mexican dish, pork tinga is a slow-cooked pork stew made with roasted tomatoes, chipotle chili, chorizo and onions. When topped with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, queso fresco, and lime, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Recipe
The beauty of these hand pies is that you can fill them with anything that suits your tastes and it’s perfectly acceptable to eat them with your hands.
Recipe
Dead easy! I cheat a bit with the filling though. . . I use frozen peaches, cherries, etc. instead of fresh because it’s sooo much easier to toss them together. I make my small (3 inch cakes) so we don’t feel so guilty. I also use the drained peach (or cherry) juice to make the thin glaze on top, along with a 1/4 tsp almond extract. They are sooo good and freeze very well.– grammar
This frozen chocolate chip cookie dough ensures you can have a warm cookie or a dozen whenever you want. Freezing only adds a few minutes to the original bake time, so you’ll be satisfied almost immediately.
Recipe
frequently asked Questions
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Food for Long Term Storage?
To avoid freezer burn, we recommend storing your food in airtight containers. If this is not possible, wrap the food in freezer wrap and then back in foil, being careful not to expose the food to air. Resealable bags are also a great option for homemade soups.
How should I thaw my frozen food?
Many frozen foods need to be thawed before cooking. For best results, thaw your meal in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing food on the counter as this can lead to spoilage or bacterial growth.
How long do frozen meals last in the freezer?
When stored in an airtight container or bag, most foods can be safely frozen without developing freezer burn for 3 to 6 months.
What are your favorite dishes that you keep in the freezer on busy weekdays or lazy weekends? Let us know in a comment below.
© 2023 Leite’s Culinaria. All rights reserved. All materials used with permission.