20 Make Ahead Dinners and Meals You Can Freeze For Later

Introduction

A busy week doesn’t have to mean hurried or unhealthy meals. With make ahead dinners and freezer-friendly meals, you can eat well with minimal effort—even on your most chaotic days. These 20 make ahead dinners are not only delicious but also ideal for prepping in large batches and freezing, so you always have a hearty, home-cooked meal just a quick reheat away.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the whole family or just want to cut down on takeout, these time-saving recipes ensure you have nourishing options stocked and ready to go.

Why Make Ahead Freezer Meals are a Gamechanger

Freezer meals offer unbeatable convenience, but they shouldn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. By investing a little extra time on the weekend, you can create a variety of flavorful dishes that reheat like a dream—perfect for dinners, lunches, or feeding unexpected guests. These are crowd-pleasers that work for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone looking for simplicity without compromise.

Top 20 Make Ahead Dinners and Freezer Meals

Below are 20 proven make ahead dinners to stash in your freezer, each with handy tips for perfect prep and storage. Integrated throughout are products that genuinely make prepping, storing, and serving an absolute breeze.

1. Classic Beef Lasagna: Rich, cheesy layers freeze beautifully. Use a 9×13 pan lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy clean-up and quick serving.
2. Chicken Enchiladas: Rolled tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and smothered in sauce. Quickly shred cooked chicken using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black before assembling.
3. Vegetarian Chili: Loaded with beans and veggies. Dice onions and peppers swiftly with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform pieces and faster cooking.
4. Turkey Meatballs: Form and bake a double batch—freeze cooked. Store in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn.
5. Chicken Pot Pie: Classic comfort, perfect portioned in ramekins and ready to bake from frozen.
6. Sausage & Peppers Pasta Bake: Pre-assemble, then freeze. Simply thaw, top with cheese, and bake.
7. Beef Stew: Let your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart do the work. Makes big batches and the flavors deepen when reheated.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: A hearty, portion-controlled dish that reheats perfectly.
9. Baked Ziti: Assemble with layers of sauce, cheese, and pasta—bake straight from the freezer.
10. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: Creamy, satisfying, and quick to warm up on the stove or in the microwave.
11. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: Chop veggies ahead with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper, freeze sauce separately for optimal texture.
12. Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Assemble and freeze in a single layer for easy meal portions.
13. Vegetable Curry: Batch made easy with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender to puree sauces smoothly.
14. Breakfast Burritos: Wrap in foil, freeze, and reheat for a grab-and-go morning meal.
15. Pulled Pork: Slow-cook and divide into food storage containers for easy sandwich assembly.
16. Lentil Soup: Freeze in individual portions—quick and healthy lunches await.
17. Moroccan Chickpea Stew: Packed with spices, this vegan option gets better after freezing.
18. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: Make a big batch and use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for healthier crispiness without oil.
19. Beef & Cheese Burritos: Wrap each individually to customize fillings and make after-school snacks.
20. Minestrone Soup: Chop and blend veggies efficiently. Divide into servings for a satisfying soup night any time.

How to Prep & Store Make Ahead Dinners

• Allow cooked dishes to cool completely before sealing and freezing.
• Use airtight Rubbermaid containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• For meals like stews and soups, freeze flat in zip bags for space-saving storage that thaws quickly.
• Label each meal with contents and date using masking tape or freezer-safe labels.
• To reheat most casseroles, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake covered at 350°F until hot. For air fryer items, go straight from freezer to air fryer for convenience and crunch.

Tips for the Best Freezer Meals

• Always undercook pasta and veggies slightly so they don’t become mushy after reheating.
• For best flavor, freeze meals without delicate toppings (lettuce, fresh herbs), and add those fresh after reheating.
• Bread-based dishes reheat beautifully if wrapped in parchment or foil.

Summary: Make Ahead Meals for Every Schedule

With these 20 make ahead and freezer-friendly dinners, you can enjoy delicious, comforting meals even on the busiest nights. Invest a few hours up front and enjoy stress-free homemade dining all week—while saving money on takeout. Stock your freezer with these easy recipes, made even simpler with clever tools like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper and Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, and meal prep will never feel like a chore again.

Ingredients (Example for Classic Beef Lasagna)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions (Example for Classic Beef Lasagna)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line your baking dish with Reynolds parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more, then stir in marinara. Simmer 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella in dish. Repeat layers. Top with parmesan.
5. Bake 45 minutes uncovered. Let cool, then slice, wrap, and freeze.
6. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.

Prep and Cook Times

Prep Time: 1 hour (large batch of multiple meals)
Cook Time: 30–60 minutes per dish, depending on recipe
Total Time: 1.5–2 hours (for batch prep of several meals)

With these tips, recipes, and must-have tools, your freezer will become your most powerful ally in the kitchen—ensuring you always have a delicious dinner close at hand.