Perfect for prepping and stashing in your freezer, here is a list of 20 freezer friendly dinner recipes that are healthy and delicious.
Whether it’s the busy holiday season, school starting, or other extra-curricular activities going on, we all need an easy pre-made dinner once in a while! While you can buy a freezer meal from the grocery store, they aren’t always the healthiest of options. That’s why I’ve compiled 20 Freezer Friendly Dinner Recipes that are both delicious and healthy. From soups and chilis, to casseroles and enchiladas, you’ll find an easy freezer meal that’ll please your family. I like to just make a double batch of any of these recipes and freeze half of it for another night. Taking the time to stash a few meals in the freezer is like having money in the bank that you can cash out at any time!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you freeze freshly prepared meals?
Yes you can, but you want to keep food out of the Temperature Danger Zone which is between 40 and 140 degrees. In other words, you want to keep cold foods cold, and hot foods hot. The secret is to cool food down quickly. Once you’re done cooking the dish, remove from the heat and pour it into freezer-friendly, resealable containers. Leave the lid off to let it cool down faster. Next, place it in the freezer within 2 hours. If you have limited space in your freezer you can also freeze soup in gallon-sized freezer-safe bags. This is a nice option because you can lay them in the freezer flat for easier storage in smaller (packed!) freezers.
What’s the Safest Way to Defrost Freezer Meals?
Depending on time, you have two options. The ideal option would be to place the frozen meal in the refrigerator the evening before and let it slowly defrost over time in the refrigerator. If it’s the day of, place the meal in the sink in a bowl of cold water or under a slow trickle of cold water, and allow it to come to room temperature a bit more quickly.
What’s the proper way to store food in the freezer?
The secret to keeping food fresh in the freezer is to eliminate as much air as possible from the food, this is why using freezer safe resealable bags is my go-to method. Another tip is to use the right-sized container. For example, instead of using one large container try using several smaller, single-serve containers. Know that in an averge freezer, food is usually good for up to 3 months. But if you own a deep freezer, food can be kept for up to 6 months.
Eat It, LIke It, Share It!
Did you try any of these freezer meals and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
20 Freezer friendly Dinner recipes:
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie
A healthy version of the traditional chicken pot pie loaded with vegetables but does not contain any cream, butter or milk (Dairy Free) .
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Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
Made with white corn tortillas, poached chicken breasts and a light coating of queso fresco, this dish is satisfying but won’t weigh you down.
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Lebanese Baked Eggplant With Beef
A healthier version of the popular Lebanese dish that is full of flavor thanks to toasted pine nuts, cinnamon and tender eggplant.
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Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup
Perfect for busy weeknights, this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.
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Sausage and Eggplant Baked Pasta
Sausage and eggplant come together with creamy ricotta and tangy parmesan cheese to create an Italian American comfort dish classic.
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Slow Cooked Lebanese Green Beans and Beef
Tender beef slowly cooks with green beans, tomatoes and cinnamon to create a delicious Middle Eastern dish served traditionally over rice pilaf.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Warm curry flavors and coconut milk add flavor and moisture to lean chicken breasts to make this recipe a delicious one-pot dish.
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Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a flavorful twist with whipped sweet potatoes scented with maple and orange zest. Comfort food you can feel good about eating.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lebanese Spices
These stuffed bell peppers with Lebanese spices are filled with beef and rice then cooked in a garlic and mint infused tomato broth.
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Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Warm, comforting and totally satisfying, chicken and mushroom casserole gets a healthy twist with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast and creamy plain yogurt.
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This easy slow cooker chili combines chicken, white beans, diced green chilis, and all of your favorite Mexican spices into a delicious, protein-packed dinner – perfect for busy weeknights.
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Baked Kibbeh
Baked kibbeh or kibbie, a traditional Lebanese dinner recipe, is made with ground beef or lamb combined with bulgur wheat, pine nuts, cinnamon and allspice.
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Cheesy Enchilada Quinoa Bake
This cheesy, protein-packed enchilada quinoa bake is filled with shredded chicken, black beans and veggies. The ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner recipe!
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Vegetable Beef Soup
Warm up with this hearty bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup packed with potatoes, carrots and tender beef.
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Slow Cooker Hoisin Pot Roast
Chuck roast cooks in a sweet and sour liquid bath all day, delivering meat that shreds like butter, alongside tender vegetables making the meal complete.
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Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas
This easy, 20 minute pasta recipe is made with Italian sausage, basil pesto, caramelized onions, and sweet green peas. Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this sausage pasta recipe is sure to be a new favorite.
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Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin
A healthy twist on the comfort food classic, your entire family will love this baked mac and cheese with pumpkin.
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Chicken Enchilada Farro Bake
A flavorful, one-pot dinner the whole family will love, this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Farro Bake is protein-packed and loaded with fresh veggies.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Sweet, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy – this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is made with chipotle peppers and juicy peaches.
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Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeeha’s)
These savory Lebanese meat pies (known as sfeehas) get their irresistible flavor from clarified butter, toasted pine nuts and fragrant cinnamon.
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