25 Freezer Meals You Can Make Ahead

Updated on April 23, 2018 by Food Network Canada Editors

Skip the frozen aisle in the grocery store for these healthful meals you can make from scratch ahead of time. From hearty beef stew to comforting butter chicken pizza, here are 25 freezer-friendly dinners that are easy and healthy so you can feel good about eating them.

1 of 25

Grandma Mary’s Pierogies

Intimidated by the thought of making from-scratch pierogies? This recipe is quick and easy, and won’t fail to impress. Keep the pierogies in the freezer and pair them with a side of sour cream for a make-ahead meal that beats takeout any day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grandma-marys-perogies-with-potato-cheese-filling/16335/" target="_blank">Grandma Mary’s Pierogies</a>
2 of 25

Hearty Vegetarian Chili

Fresh vegetables makes a lighter, meatless bean chili that can be made on the stove top or in your slow-cooker. Get a helping hand from pantry staples, including beans and tomatoes, for a healthy meal you’ll revisit all year long. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hearty-vegetarian-chili/14326/" target="_blank">Hearty Vegetarian Chili</a>
3 of 25

Lasagna Rolls

Lasagna noodles are an easy stand-in for cannelloni in this stunning recipe that features spinach, ricotta, prosciutto and alternating ribbons of marinara and béchamel sauce. Plus, you can make a double batch and freeze for later. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lasagna-rolls/15475/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Lasagna Rolls</a>
4 of 25

Chicken Pot Pie

Loaded with veggies, protein and flavour, this flaky pot pie has all the makings of a superstar supper. The best part? You can pretend you whipped it up in minutes and it won't be long before you've earned superstar status, too. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-chicken-pot-pie/15430/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Chicken Pot Pie</a>
5 of 25

Butter Chicken Pizza

There’s nothing wrong with ordering delivery, but one thing’s for sure: it won’t be as delicious as this homemade butter chicken pizza. Prep this Indian-meets-Italian meal in advance and keep it in the freezer for a quick-fix dinner that’s bursting with flavour. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-pizza/13704/">Butter Chicken Pizza</a>
6 of 25

Deep Dish Ham Quiche

Thanks to a pre-made tart shell, making this genius recipe is almost as simple as picking up a quiche in the frozen isle (except it's infinitely more delicious). Fill it with whatever veggies you have on hand and pop it in the freezer until you’re ready to feast. Pair it with a freshly tossed salad for a luxurious meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/deep-dish-ham-quiche/14272/" target="_blank">Deep Dish Ham Quiche</a>
7 of 25

Goat Cheese Enchiladas

Casserole season wouldn’t be complete without comfort food enchiladas, this version made vegetarian with tangy goat cheese. To save time, use a pre-made enchilada sauce, or prepare a double batch of Bobby’s to keep in the freezer for an even quicker meal next time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-enchiladas/16824/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Goat Cheese Enchiladas</a>
8 of 25

Lentil Vegetable Soup

This wholesome lentil soup will ensure you get your daily intake of veggies even when the fridge is empty. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lentil-vegetable-soup/10527/">Lentil Vegetable Soup</a>
9 of 25

Turkey Meatloaf

Having frozen meatloaf on hand makes it easy to serve up a delicious protein-packed dish in a pinch. Ina Garten promises this turkey meatloaf will bring delicious, healthy flavour to the dinner table. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-turkey-meatloaf/15408/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Turkey Meatloaf</a>
10 of 25

Classic Tuna Casserole

Simple to bake and even easier to freeze, this classic tuna casserole is the ideal make-ahead dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-yolks-classic-tuna-casserole/11725/" target="_blank">Classic Tuna Casserole</a>
11 of 25

Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole

A one-pot dish that’s filled with tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, red peppers and smoky, Hungarian paprika. This delicious meal freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-paprikash-casserole/18197/" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole</a>
12 of 25

Wafflet

Waffles get lean and go gluten-free with craving-crusher eggs, and protein-filled ham and cheese. Make them ahead, freeze and pop in the microwave on busy weekdays. Include your favourite veggies and herbs for a flavour-packed, nutritous morning meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/wafflet/18313/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Wafflet</a>
13 of 25

Paleo Turkey-Stuffed Peppers

Turkey provides lean, perfectly spiced protein to these grain-free stuffed peppers. Make extra to freeze and reheat for when you’re craving something light, but packed with bold taste. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/paleo-turkey-stuffed-peppers/16964/" target="_blank">Paleo Turkey-Stuffed Peppers</a>
14 of 25

Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks

Skip the freezer aisle and make your own fresh and crispy fish sticks. Make a double batch to stash in your freezer, so you can bake up a healthy dinner in just a few minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/homemade-frozen-fish-sticks/18382/" target="_blank">Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks</a>
15 of 25

Giada's Pizza Pockets

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these simple homemade pizza pockets are way healthier than their store-bought counterparts, and can still be frozen to enjoy later. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-pizza-pockets/17286/" target="_blank">Giada's Pizza Pockets</a>
16 of 25

White Bean and Chicken Chili

A lighter, springtime chili recipe that combines lean chicken and spring greens all in one family-friendly, one-pot dinner. Take leftovers to work for lunch, or freeze half for a complete dinner in the coming weeks. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-bean-and-chicken-chili/15916/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' White Bean and Chicken Chili</a>
17 of 25

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Try doubling the recipe on this simple casserole dinner for a meal that keeps on giving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-penne-with-roasted-vegetables/15496/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables</a>
18 of 25

Chicken and Rice Soup

A perennial, cold-weather comfort food. Make a double batch of this hearty, freezer-friendly soup, so you’ll always have a bowl on hand when you are feeling under the weather. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-rice-soup/15639/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Rice Soup</a>
19 of 25

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

We can’t get enough of Ree Drummond’s Mexican inspired lasagna. Layers of cheese, salsa verde, rice, corn and beans and juicy chicken breast come together to make a comforting make-ahead dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tortilla-casserole/17686/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortilla Casserole</a>
20 of 25

Freezer Chicken Enchilada Lasagna

Alton Brown takes an Italian classic and gives it a Mexican makeover with this chicken enchilada lasagna. Freeze this directly in the casserole dish for a no-prep weeknight dinner or make individual portions for grab and go meals through the week. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/enchilada-lasagna/15938/" target="_blank">Alton Brown’s Chicken Enchilada Lasagna</a>
21 of 25

Make-Ahead Turkey Meatloaf

Make your meatloaf ahead of time and freeze it for a delicious protein-packed dish you can get on the table in a pinch. Or enjoy it now as sandwiches, pair with roast veggies for quick dinners or break it apart and mix with beans and cheese for a simple stuffed pepper filling. No matter how you enjoy it, Ina Garten’s recipe delivers delicious, healthy flavour to your dinner table, any night of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-turkey-meatloaf/15408/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Turkey Meatloaf</a>
22 of 25

All-Purpose Meatballs

Planning ahead for the holidays? This freezer-friendly, large-batch meatball recipe will do the trick. You can employ these as an appetizer, toss into weeknight pasta or tuck into lunchtime sandwiches. It’s party- and meal-planning in one! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/all-purpose-meatballs/16491/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's All-Purpose Meatballs</a>
23 of 25

Chicken Tacos

Ree Drummond's recipe for chicken taco meat is easy to make in big batches over the weekend and freeze into dinner-ready portions. After a long day, this tasty chicken can be used for tacos, burritos, or pizza. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-taco-meat/16494/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Taco Meat</a>
24 of 25

Stuffed Cabbage

These cabbage rolls are the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Beautiful green cabbage leaves are stuffed with an onion-and-thyme flavoured mixture of ground beef and rice and topped with tangy tomato sauce. You’ll want to double or triple this recipe because it freezes so well. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stuffed-cabbage/17332/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Stuffed Cabbage</a>
25 of 25

Black Bean Rainbow Burger

These healthy, yet filling, black bean burgers can be dressed up any way you love, be that minimalistic with ketchup, mustard and relish, or dressed to the nines with hummus, tomato, pickles and grilled onions. These patties are versatile, freezer-friendly and good for you, too. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/black-bean-rainbow-burger/14720/" target="_blank">Black Bean Rainbow Burger</a>
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