Looking for freezer meals that aren’t casseroles? These ideas are perfect for people with a new baby, recovering from illness, grieving a loss, or anybody who just wants to have a few meals tucked away for a busy weeknight!

A collage of 8 recipe images with an overlay that says 24 FREEZER MEALS that aren't casseroles!

“Love this post! I’m expecting baby #3 and know that life will be insane so I look forward to freezing some of these meal ideas ahead of time.”

—Amanda

Freezer Meals – So Much More Than Casseroles!

I became an expert on make ahead freezer meals in my 30’s. It’s a decade of life in which pretty much everybody you know is having babies. And the joyous occasions are also mixed with illnesses and losses and grief and hectic lives, so really no matter what, the best thing you can do is take somebody a home-cooked meal.

My goals for make ahead meals are always quite simple: delicious meals that offer comfort, while trying to stay away from too many casseroles and packaged ingredients.

If you love casseroles, I love that for you, but they’re not my favorite, so this guide will focus on make ahead meals that AREN’T casseroles. I mean, we can debate whether a lasagna is a casserole or not, but I did my best here.

And keep in mind that there doesn’t even need to be a life event for a freezer meal. I’ll often make a double or triple batch of a recipe we love that I know freezes well, like meatballs or sloppy joes, just SO I can freeze it for future meals. What’s better than a weeknight where you just pop something into the oven and eat?

I’d love it if you shared this freezer meal ideas guide with anybody preparing meals for new parents, somebody grieving a loss or recovering from illness or injury, or anybody who just wants to have a few meals tucked away for a busy weeknight!

A gallon ziploc bag filled with foil-wrapped burritos, labeled "Breakfast Burritos."

How to Make Make Ahead Meals

Creating the best make ahead meals starts with a solid plan. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Choose Meals that Freeze Well. Sounds like a no brainer, but not all meals are freezer-friendly. Focus on hearty dishes like soups, stews, braised meats and baked pasta dishes.
  • Just Use Disposable! Re-usable containers are always my choice at home, but when taking meals to others, I don’t think it’s cool to ask them to wash the container, keep it around their house and remember to give it back to me. Disposable is way easier.
  • Partially Cook Before Freezing. Most meals should be at least partially cooked before freezing. This helps keep the texture perfect when the item is reheated.
  • But Undercook Pasta a Bit. I’ll often freeze small trays of homemade mac and cheese for future meals, and I always undercook the noodles by about 2 minutes compared to what the box recommends for al dente. This way, when the mac and cheese is baked to reheat, and the noodles get cooked again, they won’t be mushy.
  • Cool Completely Before Freezing. Probably my #1 tip. Whatever you do, DON’T put a lid on hot food and put it right in the freezer. The hot food will steam and cause condenstation, which is going to form ice crystals and freezer burn all over the food. Allow food to cool completely (uncovered!) in the fridge first, THEN cover and freeze it.
  • Label and Date Everything. It’s easy to forget what’s what, especially if you’re a sleep-deprived new parent or something. Proper labeling ensures everything is used up before it loses flavor and quality. It’s also super helpful to write the cook time and temperature directly on the package.
Plastic takeout containers to be used for freezer meals, on a wooden surface.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox.

How to Freeze Meals

This section contains affiliate links.

Freezing meals is simple, but here are a few tips to ensure the best results:

  • Portion Meals Out. Depending on the situation, divide larger meals into single or family-sized portions before freezing. This way, people can defrost exactly what is needed without waste.
  • Use the Right Packaging. I’ve found that gallon freezer bags almost always leak while thawing after food is frozen in them so I skip them (except for being a container for aluminum foil wrapped things like burritos). Instead, I use:
    • Pint + Quart Sized Deli Containers (takeout containers) – I usually buy these at my local Gordon Food Service. These are the best choice for liquidy things like soups and stews.
    • Foil Pans with Lids – I use these exact ones from Amazon. I’ll freeze trays of mac and cheese with these, and also build lasagnas directly in these pans! You can fit about 2 to 3 servings of lasagna in one pan, depending on if it’s being served with side dishes or not, so err on the side of two pans for a family of 4.
  • Leave Room For Expansion. No matter what container you use, don’t fill it to the tippy top. Liquids expand when frozen, so leave a bit of extra space for this to happen.

Home Chef Tips for the Best Freezer Meals

  • Be Generous with Portions. Especially if the meal is for new parents. Mom might be absolutely ravenous if she’s nursing, and heck, Dad might be extra hungry, too. If not, and they end up with leftovers, they can always eat them for lunch the next day, but better to have a bit too much than not enough, right?
  • Consider Side Dishes. I’ve found that this is a thoughtful touch that a lot of people overlook. Bringing somebody frozen soup? Grab a loaf of frozen garlic bread to pair with it. Offering meatballs? Grab a pouch of microwave quinoa or wild rice in a flavor that might pair well. Add a can of black beans to a tray of enchiladas. Grab some cornbread muffins to go with chili. Even a few boxes of frozen vegetable medleys that you just have to microwave are often very helpful!
  • Don’t Forget Dessert! This is another thoughtful touch that goes a long way. Chocolate chip cookie dough can be scooped and frozen in balls. Then, they can be baked from frozen for fresh cookies on demand, basically.

Make Ahead Freezer Meals FAQs

How long do freezer meals last?

A good rule of thumb is 3 months, stretching to 6 months if necessary. It’s important to remember that if stored properly, the meals will still be safe to eat beyond this period, but the quality of texture and flavor may begin to deteriorate.

What is best to freeze prepared meals in?

The best materials for freezer meal recipes including airtight, freezer-safe containers like glass or BPA-free plastic containers.

Which food is not okay to freeze?

Food with high water content, like lettuce and cucumbers, doesn’t freeze well. Creamy soups and sauces will sometimes separate after freezing (but may come back together when reheated and stirred), so you may need to experiment a bit.

Is it better to freeze meals raw or cooked?

It depends on the meal. Some dishes, like marinated chicken or meatballs, can be frozen raw for cooking at another time. But dishes like soups, stews and casseroles should generally be fully cooked before freezing.

24 Freezer Meal Recipes That Aren’t Casseroles

Easy Freezer Meals

1
A stack of the best breakfast burritos in front of a light tile background.

Best Breakfast Burrito Recipe (Great for Freezing)

This Best Breakfast Burritos recipe is customizable and can be refrigerated or frozen for future busy mornings. Reheat these savory egg, meat and cheese wraps in the microwave, air fryer or oven!
Get the Recipe
2
Chicken Tinga Tacos (Meal Prep, Freezer Friendly)

Chicken Tinga Tacos (Meal Prep, Freezer Friendly)

Chicken Tinga Tacos are tender, saucy, and teeming with BIG flavors! You’ll have on the table in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe
3
How to Make the Easiest Shortcut Brunswick Stew

How to Make the Easiest Shortcut Brunswick Stew

Discover this easy Brunswick stew, packed with veggies, pulled pork, and chicken. Thanks to some shortcuts it’s ready in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe
4
Freezer-Friendly Croissant Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Freezer-Friendly Croissant Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

The BEST Breakfast Sandwich Recipe! Made with egg, cheese, and ham piled between a soft butter croissant, these warm and delicious breakfast sandwiches are freezer-friendly and perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe
5
Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

These Baked Chicken Chimichangas are easy to make and healthier than the typically fried Tex-Mex dish.
Get the Recipe

Healthy Freezer Meals

6
Tofu Curry

Tofu Curry

This curry without coconut milk features chewy tofu coated in a creamy & fragrant tomato gravy. It’s made with simple ingredients and is vegan.
Get the Recipe
7
A stack of four canned salmon patties on a small white plate.

Salmon Patties from Canned Salmon

These Easy Salmon Patties use lots of dried spices and lemon zest to turn canned salmon into a flavorful, nutrient-rich weeknight meal or appetizer.
Get the Recipe
8
Lamb and barley soup

Lamb and barley soup

A hearty, comforting lamb and barley soup filled with flavor and nutritious ingredients. An easy family dinner, perfect for the colder weather.
Get the Recipe
9
Red Lentil Curry

Red Lentil Curry

Red lentil coconut curry is flavorful, made with pantry staple, cooks in 30 minutes. Lentil Curry is great for meal prep & freezer friendly.
Get the Recipe
10
Green Olive Soup with Olive Oil

Green Olive Soup with Olive Oil

The ULTIMATE green/black olive soup that will soon become your go-to comfort food. With an option to make herb-infused olive oil, this one’s flavor-packed!
Get the Recipe

Crockpot Freezer Meals

11

Taco Soup in Slow Cooker

This Crockpot Taco Soup recipe has layers of flavor, and isn't just one-note like many other slow cooker recipes. Includes variations for large batch, small batch, freezing and stovetop.
Get the Recipe
12
Bowl of vegetable soup with beef, with piece of white bread dunked into it.

Beef Vegetable Soup (Slow Cooker)

This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is a simple, comforting and delicious Midwestern classic. A hearty meat and potatoes dinner in a bowl, this soup simmers to perfection while you're at work!
Get the Recipe
13
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Meatballs

These slow cooker butter chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and so easy to make! Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce – perfect over rice!
Get the Recipe
14
Blue ceramic bowl filled with slow cooker beef stroganoff served over egg noodles.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Cream cheese is the secret weapon for EXTRA creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Prep it the night before, let it cook in your crock pot all day, then serve the fall-apart tender beef with egg noodles.
Get the Recipe

Instant Pot Freezer Meals

15
Instant Pot Chili

Instant Pot Chili

This Instant Pot Chili is comforting and delicious. You can easily double the recipe by using a 10qt instant pot, which is perfect for this freezer-friendly chili recipe.
Get the Recipe
16
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Beef

Instant Pot Salsa Verde Beef

Instant Pot salsa verde beef is tender, flavorful beef that can be made with almost no prep. This tasty beef makes a great burrito filling!
Get the Recipe
17
Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas

These Instant Pot carnitas are tender, juicy, and fall apart tender! They are great for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and salads.
Get the Recipe
18
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal and great for meal prepping. Cook once, and freeze the leftovers!
Get the Recipe

Kid Friendly Freezer Meals

19
Authentic Italian Meatballs

Authentic Italian Meatballs

These authentic Italian meatballs combine beef, pork, and veal with breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, and spices. A secret family recipe!
Get the Recipe
20
Instant Pot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Instant Pot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Super easy dump and start Instant Pot chicken and broccoli dinner made in 20 minutes from start to finish!
Get the Recipe
21

Lasagna Recipe (Cottage Cheese version)

Lasagna with Cottage Cheese has been an affordable and delicious favorite of Midwestern families for generations. Layers of rich meat sauce, pasta, creamy filling and cheese make this the best meal!
Get the Recipe
22
Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper takes your favorite weeknight comfort dinner and transforms it into a better tasting, healthier, version that’s great for any day of the week. Best of all, it is simple.

Get the Recipe
23
Sausage Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Sausage Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Stuffed pasta shells bursting with spinach and ricotta cheese, layered Italian sausage, veggies and baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
Get the Recipe
24
A grey bowl filled with easy chicken fried rice.

Best Recipe for Chicken Fried Rice

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a homemade version of a takeout classic, with fresh ginger, crunchy cashews and spicy sriracha giving it a little attitude.
Get the Recipe