16 make-ahead freezer meals for quick and easy family dinners

Stocking up on freezer meals is a great way to save time, but not every dish freezes well. Stews, soups, casseroles, mince dishes, and pies keep beautifully, while stir-fries, salads, and roasts are best made fresh. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to stress-free mealtimes.

How to store freezer friendly meals:

Cooked meats, stews, soups, and even takeaway pizza are best eaten within 3–4 days from the fridge. Once frozen, cooked meat can last 2 to 6 months, depending on the type. Labelling your freezer meals with the date before popping them in the freezer is a great way to keep track and avoid any waste.

When reheating frozen leftovers, always make sure they are thoroughly heated through before serving. If you’re ever unsure whether something is still good to eat, it’s best to be cautious—if in doubt, throw it out. A little planning and good storage habits can help make the most of your meals while keeping them safe and tasty!

Need some ideas for freezer-friendly meals? You’ll find plenty of simple and tasty freezer-friendly recipes below.

Japanese beef curry

Pure comfort in a bowl, tender beef is slowly simmered in a rich curry, making for the ultimate cosy meal. This can be made in large batches and frozen for easy and convenient meals.

Lamb and lentil moussaka

Lentils make any meal more nourishing, and this easy lentil moussaka is no exception! A lighter take on lasagna, this dish layers roasted aubergines with a rich, flavourful lentil filling.

Lamb shank in satay sauce

Tender lamb shanks, slow-cooked in the rich, nutty flavours of Sone’s Satay Sauce—sounds good, doesn’t it? This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining or a comforting dinner at home.

Mince Spinach and Mushroom Lasagne

This recipe makes a big batch, so it is a great dish to make to feed a crowd, but it is also a good option for meal prepping as it freezes well and everyone loves it.

Sausage rolls

Few folks will say no to a hot sausage roll straight from the oven but also these freeze really well for the ultimate have-on-hand snack.

Beef Barbacoa

This chipotle barbacoa beef is slow-cooked until melt-in-the-mouth tender and packed with smoky, spiced flavour. Whether you tuck it into tacos, roll it up in burritos, or pile it onto a jacket potato, it’s a simple way to bring bold Mexican-inspired flavours to your plate!

Slow cooked teriyaki beef

This Japanese dinner is a staple in our house as it freezes so well, making it perfect for poke bowls, sushi or tossing through noodles on a whim. Use bolar roast or gravy beef for the ultimate low and slow texture.

Beef bourguignon

Beef, red wine, and garlicky mushrooms—French cooking at its finest! Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is rich, hearty, and packed with deep flavour. Make double and freeze so this classic is always on hand.

Breakfast Frittata

Eggy dishes freeze beautifully and if you’re making one of these, a second in the oven at the same time isn’t tricky. Just make sure you cool it completely before wrapping and storing.

Slow cooker beef rendang

If you’ve taken the time to make the paste, it’s not much more difficult to double or triple the recipe and freeze the curry paste into portions. That way you’ve got a rich rendang curry on hand anytime you like.

Beef pies with cauliflower mash

Make one, make individual ones, make double and you've got a stash of these warming, healthy pies in the freezer. Just reheat gently in the oven with some foil over the top to prevent burning.

Easy Mexi mince

This is the ultimate foundation meal – we love having this on hand for pretty much anything – burritos, crispy filled buns, tortilla cups, even on pizza… the list goes on.

Mulled wine lamb stew

Don’t include the rice and you’ve got something easy to freeze. The low and slow combo with the warming spices of mulled wine, is perfect. We love it frozen into portions for quick lunches on the go.

Lamb shank and kale ragu

Tender lamb shank ragu, slow-cooked with winter vegetables and tossed through silky pappardelle—now that’s a proper cosy meal! This dish is perfect for chilly evenings but just be warned… one bowl might not be enough!

Osso Bucco with white beans, figs and cinnamon

Transport yourself to the Middle East with this richly layered stew. The beans and beef combo is high in protein and perfect for stocking the freezer for busy weeks ahead.

Beef and chive dumplings

Dumplings are the perfect freezer friendly dish. Make a double batch, line a baking tray with non stick paper and place the second batch on. Freeze for an hour or so and then put into a free-flow freezer bag. Perfect for weekend lunches, or busy weeknights.