Cooking for one can be tough, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating out or ordering in all the time. However, there’s a solution that can save you time, money, and stress: preparing freezer meals.
Freezer meals allow you to cook once and eat multiple times, without having to worry about portioning or cooking every day. In this blog post, we’ll share 35 easy freezer meals for one, that are both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you’re a busy student, a single professional, or anyone in between, these meals can help you save time and money, while still eating well.
35 Easy Freezer Meals for One
1. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Cut the tops off of four bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Mix together cooked quinoa, canned black beans, salsa, and shredded cheese, and stuff the peppers with the mixture.
Wrap each pepper in foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to cook, place the foil-wrapped peppers in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup
In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add a can of diced tomatoes, a can of tomato sauce, a cup of vegetable broth, a tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.
Simmer for 20-30 minutes, then let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cook one serving of spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and add a tablespoon of pesto and a tablespoon of butter.
Top with 4-6 ounces of grilled chicken and grated parmesan cheese. Let cool and freeze in a small container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw and microwave or reheat on the stove.
4. Beef Stew
In a slow cooker, combine 1-2 pounds of cubed beef, a chopped onion, chopped celery and carrots, and a can of diced tomatoes.
Add a cup of beef broth and a tablespoon of cornstarch and mix well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
A slow cooker sweet potato black bean chili sounds delicious and perfect for a cozy winter day! This hearty chili is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s so easy to make in your slow cooker.
6. Lentil Soup
In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add a cup of dried lentils, a can of crushed tomatoes, a tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
7. Turkey Chili
In a large pot, cook a pound of ground turkey until browned and no longer pink. Add a can of kidney beans, a can of diced tomatoes, a cup of chicken broth, and chili powder to taste.
Simmer for 30 minutes, let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
8. Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
Form meatballs using ground beef, pork, or turkey, breadcrumbs, an egg, and Italian seasoning. Brown the meatballs in a pan and add a jar of marinara sauce.
Cook for another 10-15 minutes, then let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or on the stove.
9. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Butterfly a chicken breast and top with steamed broccoli and shredded cheese. Roll the chicken breast and use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, let cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
10. Vegetable Stir Fry
Cut up your favorite vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms) and sauté in a pan with olive oil and garlic.
Add cooked rice or noodles and your favorite sauce (such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce). Let cool and freeze in a container or bag. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
11. Chicken Enchiladas
Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, grated cheese, and enchilada sauce. Roll up the tortillas and place in a baking dish.
Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese. Let cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
12. Greek Salad
Combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives in a container or bag. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. To serve, simply thaw and add dressing.
13. Beef and Broccoli
In a large skillet, cook sliced steak until browned. Add sliced broccoli and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Mix together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, and add to the skillet. Let cool and freeze in a container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
14. Spinach and Feta Quiche
Mix together eggs, milk, chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, salt and pepper.
Pour into a pie crust and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. Let cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
15. Chicken Teriyaki
Cook chicken in a pan with teriyaki sauce until browned and cooked through.
Let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
16. Black Bean Burgers
In a food processor, combine black beans, breadcrumbs, egg, spices, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Form into burgers and cook in a skillet or on a grill, until browned and cooked through. Let cool and freeze in a container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
17. Veggie Quesadillas
Fill a tortilla with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. Fold in half and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is browned.
Let cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
18. Minestrone Soup
In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add assorted vegetables, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans, and cook until tender.
Add a can of diced tomatoes, a can of kidney beans, and a cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
19. Sloppy Joes
Make-ahead sloppy joes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Made with ground meat, a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and piled high on a toasted hamburger bun, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. The messy, delicious mixture is sure to bring back childhood memories for many.
20. Baked Ziti
Cook ziti according to package instructions. Add marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Let cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat in the oven or the microwave.
21. Vegan Curry
In a large pot, sauté a chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft. Add diced sweet potato, cauliflower, and chickpeas, and cook until tender.
Mix together coconut milk, tomato paste, curry powder, and salt and pepper, and add to the pot. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, let cool and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
22. Chicken Noodle Soup
Cook a batch of chicken noodle soup and portion it into individual servings for a comforting and quick meal on busy days. Freeze in microwave-safe containers.
23. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prepare meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce and freeze them for a convenient Asian-inspired dinner. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
24. Eggplant Parmesan
Bake or fry eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese. Freeze them for individual servings and reheat in the oven.
25. Mushroom Risotto
Make a creamy mushroom risotto and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a gourmet meal.
26. Shrimp Fried Rice
Cook shrimp fried rice and freeze it in portions for quick and flavorful Asian-inspired meals. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
27. Baked Chicken Breast
Prepare baked chicken breast and freeze them for protein-packed meals. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
28. Veggie Chili
Create a hearty vegetable chili with beans, vegetables, and spices. Portion it into containers for a vegetarian-friendly meal. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
29. Lemon Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a lemon butter sauce and freeze them for a quick seafood dinner. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
30. Curry Lentil Stew
Make a flavorful lentil stew with curry spices and freeze it for convenient and nutritious meals. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
31. Pierogies with Onions
Cook pierogies with caramelized onions and freeze them in individual servings for a tasty and easy meal. Reheat in the oven or on the stove.
32. Cauliflower and Broccoli Bake
Create a cheesy cauliflower and broccoli bake, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
33. Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Make turkey and cheese quesadillas, cut them into portions, and freeze for quick and savory meals. Reheat in the oven or on the stove.
34. Pasta Carbonara
Cook pasta carbonara and freeze it in portions for a creamy Italian-inspired meal. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
35. Black Bean Soup
Prepare a hearty black bean soup and freeze it in individual servings for a warm and satisfying dinner. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts,
Preparing freezer meals can be a lifesaver for those who are busy or live alone.
By preparing these easy and delicious freezer meals, you can enjoy tasty and healthy meals without the effort and expense of cooking every day.
Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, soup, chicken, or tofu, there’s a freezer meal recipe that’s perfect for you. So take some time to plan and prepare your meals in advance, and enjoy the benefits of freezer cooking!
