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15 Make ahead freezer meals your kids will love

Make ahead freezer meals

If you’re not already utilising your freezer to the max, it’s about time you did.

This fabulous invention allows us to cook yummy, tasty, healthy meals at a time that suits … ready to defrost and dig into in a matter of minutes. What’s not to like?

Yet, knowing what freezes well is key. For this reason, we’ve put on our research caps and found the most popular and highly-rated make ahead freezer meals your kids will love.

1. Vegetable lasagne

Make this veggie lasagne ahead of time and freeze the whole thing for an easy, scrumptious dinner. Or slice and freeze for lunches and on the go meals.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Vegetable Lasagne | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Taste.com.au

2. Peanut butter chicken

Peanut butter, chicken and coconut milk make for a sweet tangy burst of flavour. Even the kids will ask for seconds. Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for lunch.

Peanut Butter Chicken | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: BBC Good Food

3. Sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry

This veggie curry by Jamie Oliver is hearty, high in fibre and full of antioxidants. It’s also cheap and easy to make. Freeze leftovers in individual bags for easy lunches.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Sweet potato, chickpea & spinach curry | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Jamie Oliver

4. Instant pot shredded beef fajitas

Try freezer fajitas next time you’re craving meat that’s on the table in minutes. Place all ingredients in a 4L bag and freeze at least 12 hours before thawing and popping in the instant pot.

Instant Pot Shredded Beef Fajitas | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Happy Money Saver

5. Cottage pie

We love how easy this cottage pie comes together. There’s a lot of ingredients, but it’s just a matter of mixing everything together and letting the oven do the rest. Bake right away or store in the freezer.

Cottage Pie | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: BBC Good Food

Make ahead freezer meals (cont.)

6. Five-a-day tagine

Sweet and spicy tagine serves up a day’s worth of nutrients from veggies. Double or triple the recipe and freeze the portions.

5-a-day Tagine | Beanstalk Single Mums

Recipe Source: BBC Good Food

7. Beef and bacon pasta bake

We love freezer friendly casseroles. This one is meaty, hearty and cheesy…guaranteed to please the pickiest eaters. Enjoy it for an entire week by doubling the recipe and freezing.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Beef and Bacon Pasta Bake | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: The Organised Housewife

8. Lamb rissoles

When everyone’s hungry and you want something that’s ready in a flash, try these lamb rissoles. Make a large batch and freeze to save even more time. Serve with prepared gravy and steamed veggies.

Lamb Rissoles | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: The Organised Housewife

9. Easy freezer meatballs

Freezer meatballs are a kitchen staple. All you need is mince, spices and bread crumbs. Triple the recipe and stock in the freezer so you’ll always have something tasty for sandwiches, pasta or eating alone.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Easy Freezer Meatballs | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Happy Money Saver

10. Classic chunky fishcakes

Fish cakes are kid friendly and as easy as 1-2-3. Use your favourite fish (we like salmon) to make a big batch, freeze and defrost as many as you need.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Classic chunky fish cakes | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: BBC Good Food

Make ahead freezer meals (cont.)

11. Chicken and veggie stir fry

Make this for stir fry night or whenever you’re too busy to spend hours in the kitchen. Great for making ahead…put the blanched veggies and cooked chicken in zip top bags and store for up to 2 months.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Chicken Veggie Stir Fry | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Super Healthy Kids

12. Skillet honey lime tilapia

Fish fillets in marinade can be frozen for weeks. This recipe calls for tilapia but feel free to substitute any fish. We like to separate family-size portions in freezer bags for easy thawing.


Skillet Honey Lime Tilapia

Recipe Source: Fabulessly Frugal

13. Tomato broccoli mozzarella pasta casserole

Hide the broccoli in this pasta casserole to fool veggie haters. It’s like a healthier version of pizza that’s irresistible to kids. You can assemble the ingredients together in the baking pan and freeze ahead of time.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Tomato Broccoli Mozzarella Pasta Casserole | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: The Kitchn

14. Mexican fish stew

A healthier alternative to beef stew, Mexican fish stew is perfect for busy nights. No need to thaw already frozen fish, just mix everything in freezer bags and defrost as needed.

Mexican Fish Stew | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: Food Network

15. Easy eggplant parmesan

For no-meat Mondays or any day you feel like eating more veggies, make this freezer friendly easy eggplant Parmesan. Instead of pasta, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make it even healthier.

15 Make Ahead Freezer Meals | Easy Eggplant Parmesan | Beanstalk Mums

Recipe Source: The Live In Kitchen

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Beanstalk Single Mum Team

About the author

Beanstalk is run by a team of single mums who share their expertise about single motherhood to help other women on a similar journey to them. This article was written from experience and with love to help single mothers in Australia and across the world.

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