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
40 minutes
A healthy version of the traditional chicken pot pie loaded with vegetables but does not contain any cream, butter or milk (Dairy Free) .
Try: Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Pin
Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
30 minutes
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.
Try: Chicken Enchiladas Verdes Pin
Lebanese Baked Eggplant With Beef
1 hour 25 minutes
A healthier version of the popular Lebanese dish that is full of flavor thanks to toasted pine nuts, cinnamon and tender eggplant.
Try: Lebanese Baked Eggplant With Beef Pin
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup
4 hours 10 minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights, this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.
Try: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup 
Sausage and Eggplant Baked Pasta
55 minutes
Sausage and eggplant come together with creamy ricotta and tangy parmesan cheese to create an Italian American comfort dish classic.
Try: Sausage and Eggplant Baked Pasta Pin
Slow Cooked Lebanese Green Beans and Beef
8 hours 15 minutes
Tender beef slowly cooks with green beans, tomatoes and cinnamon to create a delicious Middle Eastern dish served traditionally over rice pilaf.
Try: Slow Cooked Lebanese Green Beans and Beef Pin
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
4 hours 10 minutes
Warm curry flavors and coconut milk add flavor and moisture to lean chicken breasts to make this recipe a delicious one-pot dish.
Try: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Pin
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
1 hour 15 minutes
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.
Try: Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Pin
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lebanese Spices
1 hour 5 minutes
These stuffed bell peppers with Lebanese spices are filled with beef and rice then cooked in a garlic and mint infused tomato broth.
Try: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lebanese Spices Pin
Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
1 hour 15 minutes
Warm, comforting and totally satisfying, chicken and mushroom casserole gets a healthy twist with whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast and creamy plain yogurt.
Try: Chicken and Mushroom Casserole Pin
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
4 hours 10 minutes
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.
Try: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Pin
Baked Kibbeh
1 hour 30 minutes
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.
Try: Baked Kibbeh Pin
Cheesy Enchilada Quinoa Bake
45 minutes
This cheesy, protein-packed enchilada quinoa bake is filled with shredded chicken, black beans and veggies. The ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner recipe!
Try: Cheesy Enchilada Quinoa Bake Pin
Vegetable Beef Soup
1 hour
Warm up with this hearty bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup packed with potatoes, carrots and tender beef.
Try: Vegetable Beef Soup Pin
Slow Cooker Hoisin Pot Roast
8 hours 15 minutes
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.
Try: Slow Cooker Hoisin Pot Roast 
Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas
25 minutes
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.
Try: Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas Pin
Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin
45 minutes
A healthy twist on the comfort food classic, your entire family will love this baked mac and cheese with pumpkin.
Try: Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin Pin
Chicken Enchilada Farro Bake
35 minutes
A flavorful, one-pot dinner the whole family will love, this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Farro Bake is protein-packed and loaded with fresh veggies.
Try: Chicken Enchilada Farro Bake Pin
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
4 hours 5 minutes
Sweet, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy – this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is made with chipotle peppers and juicy peaches.
Try: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Pin
Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeeha’s)
1 hour 5 minutes
These savory Lebanese meat pies (known as sfeehas) get their irresistible flavor from clarified butter, toasted pine nuts and fragrant cinnamon.
Try: Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeeha’s) Pin
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