School is back in session, sports are back in session, homework is happening, everything is going on right now. I love the hustle and bustle, but there are times that dinner gets put on the back burning and this family starts eating a lot more frozen pizza and take out than we should. How great would it be to pull an actual meal out of your freezer, maybe even one with some vegetables in it, instead of that frozen pizza?? The one thing that has deterred me from frozen meals is that my family doesn’t love pasta and it seemed that the majority of them were heavy on the pasta. I did a deep dive into “light on the pasta” freezer meals and came up with 16 Delicious Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights.
16 Delicious Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights
Turkey and Veggie Mini Meatloaves from Thriving Home
These mini meatloaves would work perfectly for my family. My daughter would think they are cute, my son would think that they might be a hamburger and my husband would think, “ball of meat, get in my belly!” and none of them would have to know that there are undercover veggies hidden inside. Also, it’s turkey, not ground beef!
Chicken Broccoli and Bacon Potato Bake from Kylee Cooks
Somehow I’ve managed to get both of my children to like broccoli. I know, it’s probably my biggest parent win. And if I tell them there’s also bacon in this dish, then I know they will happily clear their plates. Perhaps not the healthiest meal in the world, but, BROCCOLI!
Friendship Casserole from the Happy Home Fairy
I know I said I was trying to steer clear of pasta heavy dishes, but this one is made with egg noodles, which I adore. They are not nearly as heavy as regular pasta. I also love the idea behind this recipe where you make two and give one to a friend or neighbor.
Baked Meatballs from Thriving Home
There’s something very comforting about knowing that there is a bag of homemade frozen meatballs in the freezer. Like we are always just mere moments away from a meatball sub. That brings me joy.
Freezer Friendly Chicken Broccoli and Rice from Money Saving Mom
There is a lot of cheesy goodness happening here. And, again, broccoli to make you feel not so bad about all of the cheese!
Chicken Enchiladas from Live Craft Eat
The one teeny tiny problem with this recipe is that I would probably eat all of the enchiladas before they made it to the freezer. Will power is not my strong suit.
Spinach Mozzarella Meatloaf from Simplify Live Love
I don’t know why Meatloaf gets such a bad rap. I love a good meatloaf. And if it’s got spinach in it, then you’ve snuck another green leafy vegetable into your children’s diet.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Butternut Squash and Cranberries from Well Plated
This is a gorgeous looking meal. And if it has butternut squash in it, then I know I will love it. I love the color the cranberries add, too. If I were giving away freezer meals, I would probably give away this one because it’s so darn pretty.
Chicken Pot Pie from Meal Planning Magic
I think that Chicken Pot Pie is the essential comfort food meal. It’s a pie and also sort of a thick soup at the same time. I almost want to get a cold so I can make my husband make this for me and eat it while sitting on the couch watching reruns of Law & Order. Or all of the Lifetime movies.
Shepherd’s Pie from Simply Frugal
Hang on guys, Shepherd’s Pie just called and is not happy that I called Chicken Pot Pie the essential comfort food meal. When I look at this objectively, Shepherd’s Pie is also a pie AND sort of like a stew at the same time. But Shepherd’s Pie has the secret weapon known as Mashed Potatoes. I don’t know. It’s very close. I have to say, tie goes to the mashed potatoes meaning Shepherd’s Pie is your new comfort food champion.
Mediterranean Shrimp from Thriving Home
I did not imagine that a shrimp dish would end up on my list of Freezer meals, but hey, this looks amazing and everyone in my house eats shrimp. So, it’s on the list.
Buffalo Chicken from Recipe Book and More
Buffalo Chicken is awesome and totally deserves a spot on the list for it’s own merits, but I also picked this recipe because I love how the meal is stored in a bag with instructions on how to eat it written on it. Because I can totally see myself pulling a frozen bag of orangey colored meat from the freezer three months after I made it and thinking it was some kind of science experiment the kids attempted. This is also great for husbands who tend to do well with specific, bulleted instructions.
Bacon Chicken Caesar Casserole from Joy Filled Eats
This meal wins the award for most creative. I think this sounds totally amazing and I did not see one other recipe that was anything like it. Kudos, Joy Filled Eats.
Pot Roast from Organizer By Day
Here’s a tip for when you’re making freezer meals. Maybe don’t tell everyone that their pot roast came out of a bag. They don’t need to know that. They also don’t need to know that all you did was pour the contents of that bag into the crock pot. Let them think you’ve slaved all day, okay?
Homemade Frozen Pizzas from Intentional By Grace
I said at the top that I didn’t want to be eating so many frozen pizzas, but if they are home made pizzas and I can manage to get a few veggies on top, then I don’t feel so bad.
Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese from Lifestyle for Real Life
If you haven’t tried my Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese yet, you are missing out. If I do say so myself. It’s really, really good. And freezer friendly if you store it properly.
I’m thinking I might do a massive meal prep this weekend! Which are your favorites? I’m dying to try the Chicken Caesar and the Shepherd’s Pie.
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