Get the most out of your meal planning—and your freezer—by packing freezer meals the right way.
How to Pack Your Freezer Meals Like a Pro
Updated on Dec. 19, 2019
Make-ahead freezer meals are often the perfect solution when the need for a homemade dinner meets the reality of a busy life. But if you’re going to take the time to plan, prep and cook a freezer full of convenient, nutritious meal options for your family, make sure you pack them correctly. With a little extra care, you can make sure they’re as tasty coming out of the freezer as they were going in.
Make your own slow cooker kits
We love our slow cooker for easy, no-fuss meals. You can take even more fuss out of slow cooking by making your own freezer-ready kits. Load up freezer bags with the ingredients of your favorite slow cooker recipes and then store flat in the freezer. You can then defrost and pop in the slow cooker when you’re ready. Just remember, load the freezer bag in reverse order so when you pour the contents into the slow cooker, everything will be right side up.
Stock up on freezer bags
When space is limited in the freezer—and when isn’t it?—zip-top freezer bags are the best option, especially for freezing soup. Smaller bags can be used for single servings, while the larger ones will fit a meal for the whole family. Put the filled bags on a tray in the freezer to be sure that they freeze flat, making them a lot easier to stack as you stockpile. Keep a marker handy to label them all, including the date they went in the freezer.
Use foil pans
Disposable foil pans are a great way to store frozen dishes like casseroles and lasagna. Build these favorites just like you would in your trusty 13×9 pan, then seal and freeze. You can find these pans—and a wealth of other cooking supplies at dollar stores. These pans are especially convenient when gifting freezer meals to friends and family—you never have to worry about getting your dish back!
Glass containers are your friends
If you’re packing single servings to pop into the microwave at work, small airtight glass containers are easy to transport and tuck into the crowded office fridge. Start your meal planning and freezer meal journey fresh with a new set of freezer-friendly food storage containers. The stackable sizes will help keep everything tidy (and help portion control).
Invest in a vacuum sealer
If you want to take your meal planning and freezing to the next level, consider investing in a vacuum sealer. Since the vacuum takes out all the excess air from the package, it can extend the life of your frozen food. If you’re looking for a good model to start with, try this vacuum sealer.
With the right tools for the job, you’ll have a freezer full of homemade meals in no time!
Ready to freeze? Try our best freezer-ready recipes.
New England Lamb BakeThis dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Greek Tomato Soup with OrzoMy recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Macaroni and Cheese with ChickenPrep once and feed the family twice with this comforting, hearty macaroni and cheese with chicken. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for another time.
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Crispy Sriracha Spring RollsWhile in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada SoupThis crockpot chicken enchilada soup is inspired by the Mexican dish and loaded with southwestern flavors from poblano peppers and enchilada sauce to juicy shredded chicken.
Bavarian Pot RoastSince all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Crab CakesThere's no need to travel to the shore for crab cakes. Our easy crab cake recipe makes crispy cakes that show off the rich, sweet flavor of crab without deep-frying.
Chipotle Chili Sloppy JoesMy husband didn't like sloppy joes until he tried my rendition with its smoky heat. If you need to dial down the fiery zip, cut down on or eliminate the peppers. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Jamaican Beef StewJamaican-style beef stew, a dish that's also called stew beef, is a rich braise of beef and vegetables in a sauce seasoned with caramelized sugar and allspice. A few shortcut ingredients in this version help build a sauce that will perfume your house as it cooks with sweet, savory and spiced flavor.
Barbecue Pork and Penne SkilletWhen you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut; it tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.
Bacon-Cheddar Potato CroquettesInstead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Cranberry ChickenLearn how to make cranberry chicken, an easy yet elevated dish brimming with sweet, tangy flavor.
Scalloped CornThis comforting scalloped corn casserole features sunny corn kernels blended into a creamy custard. By the time the serving dish leaves the table, it will be scraped clean!
Moroccan EmpanadasMy family goes for Moroccan flavors, so I make empanada pastries using beef and apricot preserves. It's a flaky hand pie with a spicy dipping sauce. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Buffalo Turkey BurgersCelery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Italian-Style Lentil SoupA nutritious, inexpensive source of protein, lentils are low-fat, lens-shaped seeds that are delicious in salads, sides and soups, like our Italian-style lentil soup that's cozy, comforting and packed with nutrients.
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Freezer BurritosMake-ahead freezer burritos are fully loaded with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese for an easy, delicious meal ready when you are.
Saucy Chicken & TortelliniThis heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Chiles Rellenos QuicheTo me, nothing sparks up a meal more than the smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This is a quick and easy recipe, and I usually have the ingredients on hand, so when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, I make this quiche. —Linda Miritello, Mesa, Arizona
Barley Corn SaladA terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
Quinoa Turkey ChiliThis heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Chile Verde PorkThis minimal-effort chile verde pork is a little spicy and very versatile, so you can transform one batch into a multitude of dishes.
Italian Sausage CalzoneMy teenage daughter and I have been experimenting in the kitchen to re-create some old-time family dishes. This calzone with spinach and sausage is definitely a favorite. Using a refrigerated pizza crust, it’s a cinch to prepare one for us or several for a crowd. —Terri Gallagher, King George, Virginia
De-Lightful Tuna CasseroleThis mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Asian Chicken ThighsWe're always looking for new Asian chicken thigh recipes, and this one doesn't disappoint. The bone-in chicken thighs simmer in a delightful sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce and Chinese five-spice powder.
Hearty Butternut Squash SoupThe comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Egg BurritosEgg burritos are a fusion between Mexican and American cooking styles. This recipe isn't quite as stuffed as a traditional burrito, so it's lighter on the stomach.
Spicy Bean and Beef PieMy daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
Wintertime Braised Beef StewThis easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it's even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
Chicken Cordon Bleu CasseroleChicken cordon bleu casserole is made with all the same great flavors of the classic dish but with half the fuss. It'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Grilled Pork TenderloinMeat. Fire. Flavor. Do we have your attention? We're talking all about the art of grilling perfectly juicy pork tenderloin.
Kielbasa CasseroleKielbasa casserole is cozy and hearty, highlighting the rich, creamy flavors of Polish sausage and a mushroom-and-cheese sauce.
Dijon Veggies with CouscousCoated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
Pork, Bean & Rice BurritosGet ready for tailgate season with these slow-cooker pork burritos, featuring tender spice-rubbed pork wrapped up with rice, beans, and your choice of toppings. They're an easy and satisfying meal well-suited for any casual occasion.
German MeatballsEasy to make and tasty beside favorite sides like pretzels, potatoes and a fresh green salad, these German meatballs will be a new protein-rich staple in your home.
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon GritsIn the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Slow-Cooker Split Pea SoupSlow-cooker split pea soup is so easy, all you have to do is dump everything into the cooker. This soul-warming soup comes together in a snap!
Creamy Hash Brown CasseroleThis versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma
Italian Turkey SandwichesI hope you enjoy these tasty turkey sandwiches as much as our family does. The recipe makes plenty, so it's great for potlucks. Plus, the leftovers are just as good. —Carol Riley, Ossian, Indiana
Chicken and Andouille GumboChicken and andouille gumbo is a hearty one-pot-meal that's packed with bold flavor. It's the perfect dish for dinner parties, holidays or even weeknight dinners.
Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef PiesMy kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give the kids their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachWhat could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Kalua PorkCraving juicy, smoky kalua pork on the mainland? Make the Hawaiian staple at home with this five-ingredient recipe.
Broccoli Beer Cheese SoupWhether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop individual servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
Mini Shepherd’s PiesI’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Barbecue Chicken SandwichImagine a barbecue chicken sandwich so delicious you can hardly wait to have it again. Well, here it is: Our recipe features a delightful homemade sauce and uses shredded cooked chicken to save you time.
Mozzarella Baked SpaghettiThis satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Ham & Collards QuicheI love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collard greens in a flaky crust, it’s a complete meal. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Loaded Chicken & Gouda CalzonesWhen I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
JambalayaThis low-effort slow-cooker jambalaya recipe features chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, various vegetables, bold flavors and plenty of spice. It's the ultimate one-pot meal any time of year.
BurritosPacked with beans, your choice of protein and a myriad of other potential fillings, this easy burrito recipe is your launchpad to unlimited flavor combinations.
Chicken Enchilada CasseroleChicken enchilada casserole is melty, cheesy comfort in a pan. Made with rotisserie chicken and store-bought sauce, it's a weeknight dinner that you can pull together quickly without a lot of heavy lifting.
Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Penne and Smoked SausageThis pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Buffalo Chicken CalzonesCraving a spicy treat? Our buffalo chicken calzone is the answer. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and bold flavors in this pizza turnover with a comfort food twist.
Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Buffalo Chicken PizzaOur easy Buffalo chicken pizza lets you crank up the heat for pizza night! Just add crunchy veggies and your fave dipping sauces.
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Beef and Sausage ChiliThanks to multiple meats, a generous helping of beans and the classic chili trifecta of tomatoes, onions and peppers, this slow-cooker beef and sausage chili is tender, filling and oh-so tasty.
Vegetable StrataWe always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Pepperoni PizzazzI've fixed this hearty main course for buffets, potluck dinners and even for company at my home. Keep the recipe handy, because you'll certainly be asked for it when you contribute it to an event. —Marge Unger, La Porte, Indiana
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Potato Chip Chicken StripsThis novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
West Coast Snappy JoesMeet my California-inspired sloppy Joe. Load it up with whatever toppings you like, or pour the filling over noodles. It's incredible on mac and cheese. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Sausage & Swiss Chard LasagnaRustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Korean Beef and RiceIf you like bulgogi, think of this Korean beef and rice recipe as the quick-and-dirty version. Using ground beef instead of sliced steak, it's ready in just 15 minutes, start to finish.
Simple Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn SoupA seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Chicken Tater Tot CasseroleThis yummy chicken Tater Tot casserole makes a filling dinner everyone in the family will enjoy.
Pizza MuffinsThese mini pizza muffins packed with cheese, sauce and an unlimited choice of toppings will be a new favorite snack for kids and adults alike.
Three-Cheese Kielbasa BakeMy aunt originally made this hearty casserole for family gatherings, and now I enjoy fixing it for my family any night of the week. What a perfect way to sneak in some garden veggies. —Kate Beckman, Hemet, California
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla SoupI'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
Chicken Broccoli ShellsThis cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Chicken NeapolitanI often prepare a weeks worth of recipes on the weekend and freeze them so I can quickly have dinner ready for our hungry teenage boys after one of their many sports activities. Served over noodles, this moist chicken with a flavorful sauce is a favorite.—Joan Williams, Baltimore, Maryland
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Ham & Swiss StromboliThis is an excellent dish to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, AL
Country Ribs in the OvenThis country-style ribs recipe is a delicious and foolproof meal to keep the whole family happy. Barbecue guests will eat them up too!
Chicken Cornbread CasseroleWhy not use your leftovers to create a delicious chicken cornbread casserole? The crispy topping and creamy center will make for a comforting and nostalgic dinner.
