Freezer Meals 101

Less time cooking, more time living

Spanish Rice Casserole (freezer meal)

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I love it when a meal doesn’t need side dishes. This cheesy all in one Spanish Rice casserole freezer meal is so easy to make. Everything is cooked ahead so it can be on the table quickly.multi coloured plate heaped with cheesy rice casserole. Text reads "Spanish Rice freezer meal"

Spanish Rice Recipe:

  • 1 lb. ground beef, cooked
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups pasta sauce
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, cooked and cooled
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 green pepper, diced
  • 2 1/4 oz. can sliced black olives (or half the can)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Assembly instructions:

  1. Brown the beef.
  2. Cook and cool the rice.
  3. Chop the vegetables.
  4. Place the grated cheddar cheese in a medium resealable bag.
  5. Put all the other ingredients in a large resealable bag and squish to mix together. Remove excess air and seal. Staple the bags together above the seal.
  6. Freeze.

Cooking instructions:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Put the contents of the large bag in a large casserole dish and top with cheese.
  3. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350°.

Variations of the Spanish Rice Casserole:

  • Use veggie ground round in place of the ground beef to make this meal vegetarian.
  • Omit the olives if you’re not a fan of black olives or add the full can if you can’t get enough.
  • Use red or orange peppers in place of the green peppers if you want a milder flavour. 
  • Serve with hot sauce if you like things spicy.
  • You can change up the flavours a bit by trying this recipe with different pasta sauces. Use whichever your favourites are.

You can find this easy freezer meal recipe in our Gluten Free Freezer Meal Menu Plan. It also contains other recipes, prep lists, shopping lists, and printable labels.

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Spanish Rice
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. ground beef cooked
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups pasta sauce
  • 2 cups (cooked) white or brown rice cooked and cooled
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1/2 green pepper diced
  • 2 1/4 oz. can sliced black olives or half the can
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Assembly instructions:
  1. Brown the beef.
  2. Cook and cool the rice.
  3. Chop the vegetables.
  4. Place the grated cheddar cheese in a medium resealable bag.
  5. Put all the other ingredients in a large resealable bag and squish to mix together. Remove excess air and seal. Staple the bags together above the seal.
  6. Freeze.
Cooking instructions:
  1. Thaw.
  2. Put the contents of the large bag in a large casserole dish and top with cheese.
  3. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350°.

Check out these other freezer meal casseroles:

Chicken Asparagus Casserole

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Southern Style Ground Beef Casserole

 

Easy Tuna Casserole Freezer Meal

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I know that tuna isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, a good tuna casserole with noodles is totally comfort food. This make ahead recipe is so easy. steaming hot noodles, sauce, green peas in a baking dish. Text reads "Make Ahead Tuna Casserole"

I know canned tuna sometimes gets a bad rap, but this dish is actually really tasty. And it’s super economical so it’s a great budget meal. I always make several at one time to freeze as that way, I can buy cans of tuna in bulk when they are on sale. This saves even more time and money.

Can you freeze tuna casserole?

Yes, tuna casserole freezes beautifully! Tuna noodle casserole can be frozen 3 ways. 

  1. Freeze the mixture WITHOUT the noodles and then cook the noodles on the day of serving and add them together before baking. This is my preferred method because it ensures the best texture consistency of the noodles.
  2. Cook the noodles to slightly under where you want them cooked, drain and mix into the rest of the mixture before freezing. Then thaw and bake.
  3. Make the full recipe including the noodles and bake and then freeze. Then thaw and reheat. This is my least favourite method as there is the risk of the finished casserole being overcooked or being somewhat dried out. 

Make Ahead Tuna Casserole Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2x 6 oz. cans flaked tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 2x 10 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
  • 1 tsp. pepper

For cooking day:

  • package of egg noodles

Assembly instructions:

  1. Mix everything together in a large bowl.
  2. Put mixture into a large resealable bag.
  3. Remove the excess air and seal. Lay flat and freeze.

Cooking instructions:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions.
  3. Mix the noodles with the contents of the freezer bag.
  4. Put in a casserole dish and bake at 425° for 20-30 minutes.

This recipe is included in our Family Favourites Freezer Meal Plan along with other easy recipes, prep lists, shopping lists, and printable labels.

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Make Ahead Tuna Casserole
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tuna, tuna casserole
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 6 oz. cans flaked tuna drained
  • 1/4 cup onion chopped
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 10 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup red pepper chopped
  • 1 tsp. pepper
For cooking day:
  • 1 package of egg noodles
Instructions
Assembly instructions:
  1. Mix everything together in a large bowl.
  2. Put mixture into a large resealable bag.
  3. Remove the excess air and seal. Lay flat and freeze.
Cooking instructions:
  1. Thaw.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions.
  3. Mix the noodles with the contents of the freezer bag.

  4. Put in a casserole dish.

  5. Bake at 425° for 20-30 minutes.

Some of our other family friendly freezer meals:

Chicken Asparagus BakeCrock Pot Pizza Casserole

Easy Beef Hash

Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

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Lunch doesn’t get any easier than this 3 ingredient Instant Pot vegetable soup recipe. There are lots of ways to personalize this simple vegetarian soup. yellow corn, green beans, orange carrots in a red broth. Text reads "Freezer to Instant Pot Easy Vegetable Soup"

Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups mixed frozen vegetables (your favourite mixture)
  • 1/2 cup tomato passata
  • 3 cups water, or more if you like it more liquidy

Assembly instructions:

  1. Place all the ingredients in a large resealable freezer bag. Squish to combine well.
  2. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.

Instant Pot cooking instructions:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Place the bag ingredients into your Instant Pot. 
  3. Secure the lid and set to soup setting for 8 minutes.
  4. Use the natural or quick release.
  5. Serve. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes if desired. 

You can adapt this recipe in so many different ways. It’s extremely versatile!

Here are just some ideas of things you can add to this recipe:

  • caramelized onions
  • minced garlic
  • sundried tomatoes
  • diced tomatoes
  • macaroni noodles (be sure to add more water if you add noodles or cook them separately before adding)
  • seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, etc.)

What is tomato passata?

Tomato passata is essentially strained tomatoes. It’s a tomato puree that has had the seeds and skins strained out. If you can’t find any passata in your local grocery store, you can purchase it here or you can substitute canned tomato puree. 

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Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
 
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: soup, vegetable soup
Ingredients
  • 3 cups mixed frozen vegetables
  • 1/2 cup tomato passata
  • 3 cups water (more if you like a thinner broth)
Instructions
Assembly instructions:
  1. Place all the ingredients in a large resealable freezer bag. Squish to combine well.
  2. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.
Instant Pot cooking instructions:
  1. Thaw.
  2. Place the bag ingredients into your Instant Pot.
  3. Secure the lid and set to soup setting for 8 minutes.
  4. Use the natural or quick release.
  5. Serve. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes if desired.

Try some of our other freezer to Instant Pot soups:

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Bone Brothketo bone broth made in the Instant Pot in a bowl

Beef Taco Soup

No Bake Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls

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These no bake cranberry pistachio energy balls are a great way to start the day. They are a healthy on-the-go breakfast or snack. Since they can be made ahead and frozen, they are good to have on hand for busy families.two energy bites on a striped towel with the dough in the background. Text reads "Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls"These no bake cranberry pistachio energy balls are easy to make and can be stored in the freezer. The recipe is also very forgiving and can be adapted according to your preferences.

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dates
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raw pistachios
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups instant oats

Directions:

  1. Add the dates, cranberries and shelled pistachios to a food processor. Roughly chop.
  2. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Add the salt, maple syrup and honey and mix well.
  4. Mix in the chia seeds, currants and brown sugar.
  5. Stir in oats and mix very well with a sturdy wooden spoon.
  6. Place the bowl in the fridge for about an hour to firm up the mixture. This will make rolling it into balls
    much easier.
  7. Remove mixture from the fridge. Roll into 1” balls. You can use a 1 inch cookie dough scoop to help make them more uniform if you wish.
  8. Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the freezer or the fridge.

This recipe will make about 15 energy balls. You can double or triple the recipe if you’ll be storing them in the freezer as they freeze well for 3 to 6 months. 

Cranberry Energy Bites Variations:

  • substitute raisins or chopped dried apricots for the dried cranberries
  • if there is a nut allergy in the family, omit the pistachios
  • substitute hemp seed for the chai seeds
Print
Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: energy balls
Servings: 15 energy balls
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dates
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raw pistachios shelled
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 cups instant oats
Instructions

  1. Add the dates, cranberries and shelled pistachios to a food processor. Roughly chop.

  2. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Add the salt, maple syrup and honey and mix well.
  4. Mix in the chia seeds, currants and brown sugar.
  5. Stir in oats and mix very well with a sturdy wooden spoon.

  6. Place the bowl in the fridge for about an hour to firm up the mixture and making rolling into balls easier.

  7. Remove mixture from the fridge. Roll into 1” balls.

  8. Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the freezer or the fridge.

Check out some of our other easy on-the-go make ahead breakfasts:

Make Ahead Everything Bagel Muffins

Scrambled Egg Bites

Cherry Muffins with Crunchy Topping

Pizza Buns (a kid friendly freezer meal)

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Cheesy pizza buns are about as kid friendly a freezer meal as you can get. You’ll be surprised how easy they are to make at home. These can be made as a freezer meal, creating an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.cheesy chunky topping on bread. Text reads "Pizza Buns freezer meal"My kids love pizza in pretty much any form. In an attempt to keep them fed but not have the same thing every day, I’ve come up with a lot of variations over the years such as our Crock Pot Pizza Casserole, Tater Tot Pizza Casserole, and Pizza Stuffed Chicken.

This recipe can be adapted to include your favourite pizza toppings such as:

  • pineapple
  • cooked bacon
  • cooked chicken
  • spinach
  • banana peppers
  • or whatever you like best.

Pizza Buns Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup ham, cubed
  • 1/4 cup salami, sliced or chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced or chopped
  • 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 213 mL jar pizza sauce
  • optional: 10 oz. can mushroom pieces, drained

For cooking day:

  • buns

Assembly instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and place in a large resealable freezer bag.
  2. Remove excess air and seal.
  3. Lay flat and freeze.

Cooking instructions:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Cut buns in half and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Spoon mixture on top of each bun half and bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling.

Print
Pizza Buns
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pizza buns
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup ham cubed
  • 1/4 cup salami sliced or chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepperoni sliced or chopped
  • 1/2 cup green pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 213 mL jar pizza sauce
  • 10 oz. can mushroom pieces drained (optional)
For cooking day:
  • buns
Instructions
Assembly instructions:
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and place in a large resealable freezer bag.
  2. Remove excess air and seal.
  3. Lay flat and freeze.
Cooking instructions:
  1. Thaw.
  2. Cut buns in half and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Spoon mixture on top of each bun half and bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling.

Check out some of our other pizza inspired make ahead recipes:

Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Instant Pot Pizza Casserole

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole