More than 59 freezer meals that your family will love, made with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Including instructions on how to prepare, cook, and store. Freezer crockpot meals, chicken marinades, casseroles, and more!
Once you've learned the basics of how to meal prep, and gathered all your pantry staples - it's time to tackle stocking up your freezer with healthy and delicious freezer meals that the whole family will love!
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It can feel impossible to find freezer meals recipes that are easy to meal prep, actually taste good after freeze/thawing, AND are made with healthy ingredients.
With years of experience, I've become much more comfortable with prepping freezer meals. But when I started learning about meal prep, I had so many questions:
- Can I freeze that ingredient?
- Do I cook that before freezing or put it in the freezer raw?
- Can I swap that cream of mushroom soup for something a little healthier?
- Why is this recipe labeled a freezer meal when there are no freezer directions?!
It was confusing and overwhelming.
Luckily, you don't have to figure it out from scratch like I did! I'm sharing all of my freezer meal secrets and tips with you, plus numerous tried and true easy freezer meals. Best of all, you can count on these recipes to taste just as good after freezing as before freezing!
Reasons You'll Love These Recipes
- there are so many delicious recipe options - something for every taste preference! The whole family is sure to enjoy.
- these freezer meals are not only convenient, but homemade with wholesome ingredients
- you're going to save so much time and stress by having a stash of these freezer meals on hand!
How to Prepare Freezer Meals
There are many different types of freezer meals, so below we've broken down 8 different kinds of freezer meals and a quick overview of how they can be prepared.
- Crockpot freezer meals -are assembled raw, then frozen. Thaw completely before cooking up as directed in your slow cooker. See our round-up with 27 crockpot freezer meals for more crockpot ideas.
- Instant Pot freezer meals - are assembled raw, then frozen. Unlike the slow cooker, it is sometimes possible to cook Instant Pot freezer meals from frozen (but consult the recipe first). Check out these 17 Instant Pot meals from the family freezer!
- Casseroles - depending on the casserole, you may cook and cool before freezing. Lasagnas are generally ok to freeze raw, whereas we would reccomend cooking a quiche before freezing. There is no right or wrong rule here, and you'll need to consult each recipe for prep and freezing directions. Our favorite thing about casseroles is that you can often bake them from frozen!
- Chicken marinades - are a staple in my freezer! Simply portion out the chicken + marinade and freeze. Thaw, then bake up as directed.
- Meatballs, meatloaf, burgers - we prefer to freeze these raw because once you thaw & cook, they taste fresh and juicy. Reheating after cooking is fine as well, but we have noticed they are always a littler drier. Freeze raw meatballs and burgers on a sheet pan before transferring to a meal prep container or freezer bag.
- Soups & stews - are very freezer-friendly! We do reccomend to cook before freezing, although you can also store as freezer crockpot or freezer Instant Pot meals. Store cooked & cooled soups in 1 quart jars (leave ¼ of jar empty to allow for expansion, and leave lids ajar until fully frozen), or these resuable plastic freezer jars. Find a ton of soup recipes in this round up with 38 healthy soup recipes.
- Breakfasts - we like to cook breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, steel cut oats, or other breakfast recipes before freezing. This round-up does not include breakfasts, but you can find tons of options in this round-up of 21 healthy breakfast meal prep recipes
- Lunches - you can also pre-cook full meals, portion them out and store as single-serve meals. We like to portion out leftover curries, stir fries and other meals with rice or quinoa, and freeze for a stash of freezer lunches. Check out some of our faves in this round-up of 34 freezer-friendly meal prep lunches.
FAQ
How long do make-ahead freezer meals last once frozen?
The real answer is 'indefinitely', as there are no food safety concerns once frozen, but the quality and taste of your food can decline with time. If you want to avoid your food tasting like freezer, I do advise eating within 3 months. Freezer crockpot meals can be easily frozen for 6 months + without any flavor issues.
Which ingredients can I freeze?
You can freeze more than you might think including raw potatoes (depending on the recipe), sweet potatoes, and more. Be careful about which veggies you freeze as many require a blanching step. When in doubt, use pre-frozen veggies as they have been blanched. I generally avoid freezing anything heavy in milk or cream. Find a full list of ingredients I don't freeze in this freezer meal do's and don'ts post.
How do I store these freezer meals?
It really depends on the type of meal. Check each section for tips and equipment I recommend, and if you are interested in reducing your plastic waste in the kitchen, check out my plastic-free freezer storage ideas.
Quick tips for easy freezer meals
- for max efficiency - pick recipes that have no pre-cooking, use pre-chopped veggies (frozen is great), get an assembly line going
- for best taste - eat within 3 months
- for organization - always label your containers, group similar meals in same location (ie: chicken marinades on one shelf, freezer crockpot on another, etc), upright freezers are 1000x more easy to organize than chest freezers, take stock of your freezer regularly and eat those meals
- for Mother Earth - avoid plastic waste by using large meal prep containers, or reusable silicone bags (the gallon silicone bags are a good size for freezer crockpot meals and the 1.5L silicone bags or stasher bags are great for chicken marinades)
Crockpot Freezer Meals
One of our favorite freezer meal options - because they are so easy! Simply combine the ingredients in a freezer bag or container, freeze, and thaw when you're ready to cook. The ease of dumping your prepped ingredients into the slow cooker, pushing the button, and walking away, is just so amazing!
Meal prep tip - seek out crockpot meals that do not require sautéeing or searing. Meals containing meat must be thawed before cooking. Vegetarian or vegan meals may be cooked from frozen.
How to prepare - chop, measure, and portion out all ingredients. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed in the recipe.
Freezer Containers
- gallon sized freezer bags (get good quality, double zippered ones)
- reusable gallon silicone bags work as an eco-friendly option, but can be tricky to clean
- 3 quart Ikea glass containers work great but are heavy and take up space in the freezer
7 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
SEVEN simple slow cooker chicken recipes that have a lot of flavor for very little effort! Easy to prepare and made with wholesome ingredients, these crockpot chicken recipes are meal prep friendly and can be frozen as crockpot freezer meals!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Chickpea Tortilla Soup (Freezer to Crock Pot)
Slow cooker chickpea tortilla soup which can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer! A great way to stay out of the kitchen this summer.
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Slow Cooker Roasted Red Pepper Chili
Hearty and flavorful, this slow cooker roasted red pepper chili has ground beef, roasted roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. A delicious alternative to classic chili!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Fall apart tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor, this slow cooker sweet chili chicken requires just 6 ingredients! Perfect to use in quesadillas, rice bowls, tacos and more.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken Stew
With roasted red peppers, smoked paprika and a pinch of saffron, this slow cooker Spanish chicken stew is a cozy yet exotic! Works great for a weeknight dinner, or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Tacos
Cilantro lime chicken tacos are full of simple, bright flavors: cilantro, lime juice, garlic and a touch of honey! No sauteeing required (just 15 min prep!), and easy to meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry
This slow cooker butternut squash lentil curry is creamy and flavored with warm spices, butternut squash, coconut milk and lime juice! Works great as a comforting vegan dinner, or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Stew
Hearty, healthy, and filled with delicious southwestern flavor, this slow cooker black bean, quinoa and sweet potato stew is so easy to prep! Works great as a weeknight dinner, and can be meal prepped in multiple ways.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Slow cooker lemon garlic chicken thighs are simmered in a buttery sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables. Low carb and gluten-free. Assemble ahead and freeze as a freezer crockpot meal!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef
A sweet and savory pulled beef recipe that takes only 10 minutes prep time! This beef is very versatile and can be used on sandwiches, salads, stir fries, or tacos!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry (Freezer to Crock Pot)
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry can be assembled ahead and stashed in the freezer for an easy, flavor-packed dinner. When you're ready to serve, thaw and dump in the slow cooker andyou're ready to go!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Ethiopian Chicken & Lentil Stew
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker Ethiopian chicken stew made with Ethiopian spices, lentils and sweet potatoes. Bring some exotic flavors to your dinner table!
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Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These crock pot stuffed peppers are made with 5 simple ingredients and filled with delicious taco flavors. Easy to prep ahead (you can even freeze them), and cook in the slow cooker for a convenient and hands off dinner.
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Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot white chicken chili is creamy, rich, hearty and full of flavor but lightened up a touch! With chicken, white beans, corn and green chiles, this recipe does not require sauteeing, and works great for meal prep.
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Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
Crockpot taco soup recipe is a hearty but healthy soup loaded with your favorite taco ingredients and flavors! No sauteeing and crockpot ready in 15 min.
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Vegan Slow Cooker Tikka Masala
This vegan slow cooker tikka masala is PERFECT for meal prep! It makes an easy freezer crockpot meal, and leftovers keep (and can be frozen) for healthy plant-based lunches.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
EASY slow cooker butter chicken is made with healthy ingredients, and can be assembled and frozen for meal prep! Made with tender chicken thighs, and a creamy coconut tomato curry sauce, it's dairy-free, gluten-free, low carb, and delicious!
Check out this recipe
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
This crock pot pulled pork is made with pork shoulder simmered in clean ingredients (no sodas or pre-packaged ingredients). Makes a great freezer crock pot recipe!
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Slow Cooker Thai Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Thai Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a twist on a classic comfort recipe. Tropical, yet cozy, it's made with butternut squash, Thai red curry paste, and coconut milk!
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The Best Dang Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe is seriously the BEST! With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a sticky sauce that is better than your favorite take out. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!
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Sticky Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Sticky slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs are simple to throw together and have a deliciously sticky sweet and savory sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables. Great as a weeknight dinner or meal prep recipe.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Crockpot Chili
This vegan crockpot chili can be assembled ahead and frozen for an easy slow cooker freezer meal! Made with sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, and spices; it's vegan, gluten-free, and seriously tasty!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Freezer Meals
The slow cooker is great but can be challenging when you work outside the home and can't set your timer for a 4 hour cook time. The perfect solution? An Instant Pot!
Meal prep tip - seek out Instant Pot meals that do not require sautéeing or searing. Some Instant Pot meals may be cooked from frozen, consult recipe directions before cooking this way.
How to prepare - chop, measure, and portion out all ingredients. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed in the recipe.
Freezer Containers
- gallon sized freezer bags (get good quality, double zippered ones)
- reusable gallon silicone bags work as an eco-friendly option, but can be tricky to clean
- 3 quart Ikea glass containers work great but are heavy and take up space in the freezer
Instant Pot Chicken Breast- 7 Flavors
How to cook the most juicy and delicious Instant Pot chicken breast, plus seven flavor options! Using the pressure cooker cooks your chicken breasts quickly, with no need for an oven, and they always come out perfectly.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage
This instant pot cajun rice and sausage is an easy one pot meal made with smoked andouille sausage, basmati rice, carrots, onion, tomatoes, and celery.
Check out this recipe
Freezer Asian Peanut Chicken
This easy recipe can be cooked on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot! No pre-cooking means you just need to toss everything in a heavy duty freezer bag.
Check out this recipe
Crockpot Mexican Chicken Stew (+ Instant Pot)
This healthy crockpot Mexican chicken stew is inspired by tortilla soup. Packed full of delicious Mexican flavors and super simple to prepare, you'll love how easy it is to make this stew recipe in your slow cooker or Instant Pot!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is a party in your mouth, but is so simple to prepare! You can even assemble ahead and freeze as a freezer Instant Pot meal. Low carb, dairy-free and delish.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry
This Instant Pot Thai curry has a creamy, spicy and flavorful sauce, and comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner. Rich, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
Instant Pot quinoa enchilada casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner! Prep freezer packs for a convenient freezer Instant Pot meal. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily made vegan!
Check out this recipe
Moroccan Instant Pot Lentils
Moroccan Instant Pot lentils made with sweet potato, tomatoes, carrots, and warming spices! Vegan comfort food at it's finest, this recipe is gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and delicious.
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Shortcut Instant Pot Chicken Chile Verde Soup
Shortcut Instant Pot Chicken Chile Verde Soup comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and may be assembled as freezer packs for easy freezer Instant Pot weeknight dinners. No pre-cooking, and packed full of delicious tomatillo, jalapeno, lime and garlic flavors!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Asian Lettuce Wraps
These Instant Pot ground turkey lettuce wraps can be cooked from fresh or frozen, and make a delicious, lower carb meal that the whole family will love! A healthy weeknight meal that is ready in 25 minutes or less.
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Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls
These instant Pot fiesta rice bowls are a vegetarian, gluten-free recipe that works great for meal prep! Just dump it all in the Instant Pot, press the button, and you're done!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Freezer Casseroles
Frozen casseroles reheat so well and often taste just as good as a freshly cooked casserole!
Meal prep tip - casseroles are great for bulk prep sessions: double or triple a recipe for maximum efficiency. Store-bought shortcuts will be your hero with casseroles: bottled sauces, no-cook noodles, rotisserie chicken all make prep day so much easier.
How to prepare - assemble and layer your casseroles as directed by each recipe. Some casseroles require cooking on prep day and others may be frozen raw. Consult each freezer meal recipe for directions.
Freezer Containers + Reheating
- disposable aluminum pans are a hero for casseroles, but personally I invested in some metal pans and use them over and over
- cover with plastic, then a second layer of foil to seal the casserole tightly
- we remove the foil and save four our next casserole. To bake up, I cover with these reusable silicone lids.
Bacon mushroom make ahead quiche
Bacon mushroom make ahead quiche is easy to prep ahead and freeze for an easy brunch or lunch. Tips on how to reheat frozen quiche, and how to serve it as a meal prep lunch.
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Cheese Crustless Quiche
With just 5 simple ingredients, this easy crustless quiche is perfect for brunch or dinner! No sautéeing, and ready for the oven with just 10 minutes of prep time. Keto, low carb, gluten-free and vegetarian.
Check out this recipe
Healthier Taco Casserole
This healthier taco casserole is loaded with your favorite taco ingredients, and the convenience of a casserole. Freezer & family friendly.
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Portuguese Freezer Chicken Bake
Portuguese freezer bake is filled with nutritious ingredients: chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, onions and a delicious tomato sauce inspired by Portuguese flavors. Easy to prep ahead and freeze, then thaw and bake for dinner.
Check out this recipe
Eggplant Lasagna
Eggplant lasagna is a low carb alternative to the real thing...you won't miss the traditional lasagna noodles replaced with eggplant! Perfect to stock up the freezer for easy lunches or dinners.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
Chicken caprese pasta bake is an easy freezer-friendly meal that can be baked up fresh, or from frozen! A weeknight dinner that bakes up in 40 minutes, and whole family will enjoy!
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Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Mexican spaghetti squash casserole with ground turkey, black beans, corn and cheese. Simple to prepare, lower in carbs, and leftovers keep amazingly well!
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
This healthy broccoli quinoa casserole is easy to prepare ahead for easy weeknight dinners! Packed with chicken, broccoli, and quinoa, it's meal prep and freezer friendly.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Bolognese
This vegan bolognese is hearty, rich, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with red lentils, mushrooms, walnuts, and a ton of vegetables! Not only is it approved by picky meat-eaters and kids, but it's also perfect for stocking the freezer!
Check out this recipe
Herb Zucchini & Kale Egg Bake (Meal Prep)
Herb zucchini & kale egg bake that you can make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for a healthy meal prep breakfast on the go! Packed full of protein and veggies to give you a healthy start to your day.
Check out this recipe
Meatballs, Meatloaf and Burgers
Another freezer meal staple includes frozen meatballs, meatloaf and burgers. These proteins freeze and thaw well and you often can't tell they have ever been frozen!
Meal prep tip -look for recipes where you don't need to sautee any ingredients to make prep day easier; use pre-minced garlic.
How to prepare - assemble meatballs and burgers as directed, then layer them on a baking dish. Freeze for 3 or so hours (until frozen through), then transfer to a container or bag for longer term storage. Meatloaf can be assembled, then frozen directly in the dish you plan to cook it in.
Freezer Containers
- for meatloaf, I recommend a 9 x 5 inch pan similar tothis one. Cover with plastic, then a second layer of foil to seal the meatloaf tightly
- for meatballs and burgers, use sheet pans to flash freeze
- after flash freezing, transfer to one of these 8 cup glass meal prep containers (layered with some parchment paper to protect from freezer burn)
Southwest Turkey Burgers with Guacamole
Southwest turkey burgers are tender and juicy, with a little kick from jalapeno peppers. Top with guacamoleor chipotle mayo and load them up with your favorite burger toppings!
Check out this recipe
Best Baked Turkey Meatballs (+ 7 Flavors!)
The BEST baked turkey meatballs are juicy and delicious, made with simple everyday ingredients! Bake up classic turkey meatballs, or jazz them up with one of 7 different flavor options. Healthy, freezer-friendly and absolutely delicious!
Check out this recipe
Hoisin Turkey Meatloaf (freezer friendly!)
Tender, moist, and with an Asian flavor twist, this hoisin turkey meatloaf is a tasty remix of a classic. Swapping ketchup for hoisin sauce gives this meatloaf delicious flavor, and it's easy to prepare ahead and freeze.
Check out this recipe
Greek Turkey Burgers
Loaded with lemon, garlic and feta cheese, these Greek turkey burgers are juicy and delicious! Slather with tzatziki and top with red onion slices and cucumber for a lighter but delicious burger.
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Moroccan Spiced Mini Meatloaf Cups
Moroccan mini meatloaf cups are tender and juicy, flavored with a moroccan spice blend and worcestershire sauce. A great choice for weeknight dinner or for meal prep!
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Perfect Juicy Turkey Burgers
Spilling all the details on how to get perfectly juicy turkey burgers! These burgers are never dry, with simple ingredients that allow the natural turkey flavor to shine. So easy to prepare!
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Air Fryer Burgers (Turkey or Beef)
These air fryer burgers come out so juicy and cook through with no oil necessary! A great way to cook your burgers when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
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Instant Pot Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
This recipe does double duty by cooking your Instant Pot meatloaf and mashed potatoes at the same time! With a maple tomato glaze on top, the meatloaf comes out juicy and so perfect each and every time.
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Misc Make Ahead Freezer Meals
These miscellaneous meals are freezer meals that don't really fit a category: stuffed mushrooms, zucchini boats, sheet pan meals and some soups
Meal prep tip-Several of these meals require cooking before freezing, which is best done in bulk.
How to prepare- Follow directions to prepare and freeze as indicated on recipe card as it will vary by recipe type.
Freezer Containers
7 Chicken Marinade Recipes (Freezer-Friendly!)
These 7 chicken marinade recipes make your chicken tender, juicy and so flavorful! You can cook these up in the oven or on the grill. It's so easy to prepare a bunch at once and freeze for later.
Check out this recipe
7 Chicken Breast Marinades (+freezer tips)
These chicken breast marinades will add so much flavor to your chicken using simple pantry staples! Sharing 7 different flavors, plus tips on how to freeze chicken in a marinade for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Pepperoni pizza stuffed portobello mushrooms are a simple low carb dinner recipe. Portobello mushroom pizzas also make a delicious meal prep lunch!
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Stuffed Zucchini Boats
With 3 simple ingredients, these pulled pork stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty low carb dinner idea that is ready in 30 minutes! With juicy pulled pork, tender zucchini and gooey cheese, they are the perfect way to use up pulled pork, you can make extras and freeze.
Check out this recipe
Baked Beef Taquitos
These crispy baked beef taquitos are made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and lots of cheese! With just a few simple ingredients, they are easy to meal prep and so tasty for a weeknight meal served withsalsa verde, fresh veggies, and avocado slices.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Ginger Teriyaki Stir Fry
Vegan teriyaki stir fry is a delicious 30 minute plant-based dinner. Veggies and edamame are cooked up in a sticky sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Works great for meal prep as well!
Check out this recipe
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup with ground turkey, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes! This soup is freezer and meal prep-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free. Easy to prepare with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This cozy butternut squash soup recipe is creamy and rich, with a delicious hint of sage and maple syrup. The perfect blend of sweet and savoury, it's ready in under 30 minutes and is great for meal prep!
Check out this recipe
Chickpea Butternut Squash Fajitas (Freezer-Friendly)
Chickpea butternut squash fajitas are a tasty remix on the classic. With tender roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, red onions and chickpeas tossed in a flavorful homemade fajita seasoning, they're simple to prep and work great as a freezer meal.
Check out this recipe
Hearty Vegetable Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of fully loaded vegetable soup! With a flavorful tomato broth and fresh vegetables, it tastes way better than from a can, and keeps well in the fridge.
Check out this recipe
