Welcoming a new family member into the world is a beautiful adventure, but it can also be an overwhelming time for new parents.
From sleepless nights to regular doctor’s appointments, new moms and dads need all the support they can get. One of the ways you can take a load off and ensure that you’re eating healthily during postpartum is by preparing freezer meals in advance.
With the following 35 easy freezer meal ideas, you’ll nourish your body, mind, and soul during this magical but tiring time.
38 Easy Freezer Meals for Postpartum
1. Vegetable Soup
Soups are versatile and hearty meals that you can prepare in advance and freeze for later.
You can make a vegetable soup by cooking onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes in broth until tender and adding peas or corn for extra nutrients.
2. Baked Pasta
Whether it’s lasagna, cannelloni, or baked ziti, pasta dishes are an excellent freezer meal option. You can use any hearty meat sauce or a vegetarian sauce made with mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach.
3. Meatballs
You can make meatballs with any protein of your choice, but ground chicken, turkey, or beef works best.
Prepare the meat mixture with bread crumbs, onions, garlic, and seasonings, roll them into balls, and cook them in a pan. Freeze them in individual portions so that you can enjoy them with pasta or as appetizers.
4. Chili
A bowl of spicy chili is satisfying and nutritious.
You can use beef, chicken, or turkey, along with beans, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Freeze individual portions for a quick and tasty meal.
5. Fajitas
Who doesn’t love Mexican food? You can prepare fajita meat in advance and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the meat and add in whatever vegetables and toppings you like.
6. Quiches
Quiches are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Use any combination of vegetables, meats, and cheese in a pie crust. Freeze them in portions, and you’ll have a quick meal on hand.
7. Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is a healthy and flavorful meal that you can prepare in advance.
Cook pork, chicken, beef, or tofu with vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, and snow peas. Freeze it in individual portions and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
8. Stuffed Peppers
Peppers are delicious vessels for stuffing.
You can use any protein, such as ground turkey or beef, with rice, cheese, and vegetables. Freeze individual portions, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal.
9. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that you can make in advance and freeze.
Use beef, turkey, or pork with onions, garlic, bread crumbs, and spices. Slice and freeze individual portions, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
10. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts are an easy, nutritious, and delicious freezer meal option.
Stuff boneless, skinless chicken breasts with spinach and feta cheese, wrap them in foil, and freeze them. Reheat in the oven or microwave and serve with your favorite sides.
11. Shepherd’s Pie
This dish is sure to warm your heart and soul. Use ground beef or lamb with cooked vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and corn, topped with mashed potatoes. Freeze individual portions, and you’ll have a meal that’s ready to eat in minutes.
12. Minestrone Soup
Another hearty and nutritious soup you can make in advance is minestrone soup.
Use veggie broth, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and kidney beans. Freeze individual portions, and you’ll have an easy meal during postpartum.
13. Meat Sauce
You can never go wrong with a classic meat sauce, especially if you freeze it in portions.
Use beef, pork, or turkey with canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. You can use it with pasta, as a pizza topping, or on toasted bread.
14. Salmon Patties
These patties are healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Mix canned or fresh salmon with breadcrumbs, green onions, and spices. Shape them into patties, freeze them, and reheat them in the oven or on the stove when you’re ready to eat.
15. Chicken Pot Pie
This classic comfort food is easy to make and freeze.
Use cooked chicken with frozen or fresh vegetables, such as carrots and peas, and a creamy sauce, then top it with a pie crust. Freeze individual portions, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal.
16. Roast Chicken
A whole roast chicken is an excellent freezer meal option if you’re looking for something nutritious and easy to make.
Roast a chicken, carve it, and freeze it in portions. You can use it for sandwiches, salads, and as a protein source for other meals.
17. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are quick, easy, and delicious meals that you can freeze in portions. Cook ground beef, onions, and green peppers with tomato paste, ketchup, and spices. Reheat and serve on buns.
18. Teriyaki Meatballs or Chicken
Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that goes well with meatballs or chicken.
Mix ground beef, turkey, or chicken with bread crumbs, onions, and garlic. Shape them into balls, freeze them, and cook them in teriyaki sauce when you’re ready to eat.
19. Beef Stew
This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for cold days. Use beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in broth with your favorite spices. Freeze individual portions, and you’ll have a tasty meal at your fingertips.
20. Veggie-Packed Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that goes well with various vegetables and sauces.
Cook quinoa, roasted veggies, and your favorite sauce, and freeze it in portions. You can add protein, such as grilled chicken, to your bowl.
21. Enchiladas
Enchiladas are another delicious and easy Mexican meal.
Use any protein, such as chicken or beef, with veggies, such as peppers and onions, and cheese. Roll them up in tortillas, freeze them in portions, and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
22. Chicken and Vegetable Casserole
Create a comforting casserole with chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Freeze it in portions for a wholesome meal.
23. Tacos
24. Beef and Bean Burritos
Prepare burritos with seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and your choice of toppings. Wrap them individually and freeze for a convenient Tex-Mex meal.
25. Eggplant Parmesan
Bake or fry eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese. Freeze them for individual servings and reheat in the oven.
26. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Cook beef and broccoli in a savory sauce and freeze it for quick and delicious Asian-inspired meals. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
27. Chicken Quesadilla
Make chicken quesadillas with seasoned chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Freeze them individually, and reheat for a satisfying snack or meal.
28. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Prepare a creamy tomato and basil pasta sauce to freeze and enjoy with your choice of pasta. Reheat for a comforting Italian meal.
29. Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Fill pasta shells with a mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, then freeze for a delightful Italian dish.
30. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Create a creamy and cheesy broccoli soup that’s perfect for a quick and nourishing meal. Freeze it in portions for postpartum convenience.
31. Lentil and Vegetable Curry
Make a hearty lentil and vegetable curry with your favorite spices. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for an easy and nutritious meal.
32. Teriyaki Salmon
Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce and freeze it in individual portions. Reheat it in the oven for a healthy and flavorful dinner.
33. Cheese Stuffed Shells
Prepare pasta shells stuffed with a cheesy mixture, and freeze them for a comforting Italian meal.
34. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of mushrooms and spinach, wrap in foil, and freeze. Reheat for a delicious and nutritious meal.
35. 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.
36. Classic Vanilla Pudding
Let’s start with a classic recipe for homemade vanilla pudding. This recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch. Once it’s chilled in the refrigerator, you’ll have a creamy and delicious dessert that everyone will love.
37. Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy option, try this fruit salad recipe that uses vanilla pudding as the dressing. Simply mix sliced fruit with chilled vanilla pudding, and you’ll have a refreshing and sweet salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
38. Mashed Potato Bowls
Make and freeze mashed potatoes, and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chives, and bacon. Reheat for a quick and satisfying side dish.
Final Thoughts,
Being a new parent can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice healthy eating. By preparing freezer meals in advance, you’ll have nourishing and delicious meals ready when you need them the most.
From soups to stir-fry, tacos to teriyaki meatballs, there are plenty of freezer meal options to suit your taste buds.
Whether you’re a new mom or dad, these 38 easy freezer meals for postpartum will help you stay healthy and satisfied during this exciting time.
