It’s hard having to juggle work, family, and life responsibilities so having a stash of freezer meals you can make ahead of time is a game-changer. By prepping meals in advance using fresh ingredients that would otherwise be wasted, you can enjoy home-cooked goodness even on your most hectic days. Below are some tasty and easy-to-make freezer meal ideas that will keep you (and your family) satiated all week.
Veggie-Packed Lasagne
Ingredients: Fresh lasagne sheets, a variety of vegetables (such as courgettes, spinach, and peppers), ricotta cheese, mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of hard cheese.
Recipe: Sauté the vegetables until tender. Layer the lasagne sheets, vegetables, ricotta, and tomato sauce in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and hard cheese. Cover with foil and freeze. To serve, bake from frozen at 180°C for 45 minutes, or until heated through.
Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup
Ingredients: Carrots, onions, celery, mixed beans, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, and a handful of fresh herbs.
Recipe: Chop and sauté the vegetables until softened. Add the beans, tomatoes, and stock, then simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool, portion into containers, and freeze. Reheat on the hob or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake
Ingredients: Broccoli, cauliflower, a blend of cheeses (such as cheddar and parmesan), breadcrumbs, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
Recipe: Blanch the broccoli and cauliflower until just tender. Arrange in a baking dish, pour over the béchamel sauce, and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake at 190°C for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Fruit-Loaded Breakfast Muffins
Ingredients: Wholemeal flour, oats, fresh berries (such as blueberries and raspberries), honey, eggs, and a dash of cinnamon.
Recipe: Mix the dry ingredients together, then fold in the eggs, honey, and berries. Spoon into muffin cases and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Chunky Vegetable and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients: Ready-made shortcrust pastry, eggs, milk, a variety of vegetables (such as leeks, mushrooms, and peppers), and your favourite cheese.
Recipe: Line a quiche tin with the pastry, then fill with sautéed vegetables and grated cheese. Pour over the egg and milk mixture, then freeze. To serve, bake from frozen at 180°C for 35-40 minutes, until the quiche is set and golden.
These make-ahead meals are not only convenient but also a great way to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet and save on waste for things that would have otherwise gone bad later in the week. Whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who loves to have a backup plan, these recipes will ensure you’re always ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.