We’ve all reached for frozen dinners at the grocery store because we didn’t have time to cook, but this is rarely ever a healthy option. Instead, why not try making your own freezer meals? Freezer meals can be absolute life-savers during a busy week and if you make them yourself, you know that they’re healthy and nutritious. We’ve rounded up some recipes that are super easy to freeze so you can make them on a slow day and enjoy them on a busy night.
Pecan-Crusted Tilapia
This healthy, simple recipe is a great option for a light freezer meal. The flavors from the garlic, hot sauce and pepper add a kick to the crunchy crust surrounding the tender Tilapia.
To freeze this dish, let the Tilapia cool after cooking and then individually place the fillets in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, simply pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees, place the fish on a baking sheet and bake for about 14 minutes.
Try the recipe: Pecan-Crusted Tilapia from Regal Springs.
Greek Baked Ziti
This Greek-inspired pasta casserole is a delicious comfort food that uses fresh and flavorful ingredients. A tasty medley of cheese, onions, ground beef, tomatoes and spices come together in this easy-to-freeze meal.
To freeze this dish, cover tightly with a casserole dish lid or tin foil and place in freezer after cooling. To defrost, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, let the dish stand 30 minutes before baking and then bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Try the recipe: Greek Baked Ziti from My Recipes.
Chicken Pot Pie
This chicken pot pie recipe is filled with chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, so it’s sure to satisfy. This is the perfect frozen meal to keep on hand for the times that guests come over unexpectedly and you don’t know what to cook. Plus, this recipe makes two chicken pot pies, so it saves you even more time!
To freeze this meal, cover the pies tightly in tinfoil after they’ve cooled. When you’re ready to eat them, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Remove the pies from the freezer 30 minutes before baking, then place on baking sheets with the edges covered loosely in foil. Bake for 30 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees to cook for another 70–80 minutes.
Try the recipe: Chicken Pot Pie from A Taste of Home.
Mexican Fish Stew
This hearty stew features all sorts of delicious ingredients, including potatoes, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes and cilantro. It’s a great dinner that will keep you full throughout the night without weighing you down with heavy meats or lots of carbs.
To freeze this delicious dinner, let the stew cool and then pour it into either a container (such as a washed yogurt container) or a few pint-sized freezer bags. To defrost the stew, fill your sink with cold water and put the containers or bags of stew in the sink. Once the stew has become liquid, reheat it on the stove until it has reached your desired temperature.
Try the recipe: Mexican Fish Stew from Food Network.
Finding time to cook when you’re trying to balance your family, friends, work life and relaxation time can be tough, which is why these freezer meals are a great way to save you from stress. The best part is, since you made them, you know that they’re delicious and good for you!
Photo Credits: Ezume Images / Shutterstock Inc., Regal Springs, Aimee M Lee / Shutterstock Inc., sarsmis / Shutterstock Inc., Geka / Shutterstock Inc.