Mamas, if you’re tired of cooking day in and day out, it’s time to get to know these meals and foods that freeze well.

I can’t tell you how many people have complained to me that their meals never taste as good after being frozen as they do when they’re freshly made, and I think that’s a valid concern for some foods.

But if you choose foods that freeze well, wait for them to cool completely, remove as much air as possible, and package them up tightly, it’s quite possible no one at the table will be able to tell you actually cooked the dish a few weeks ago!

Here’s a look at 10 meals you can batch cook and keep on hand for those busy days when making dinner is the last thing you feel like doing, as well as for those days you know well in advance that there’s no time to cook.

1. Chili

When I think of freezer meals, this is the first one that comes to mind. I always double, triple r quadruple chili when I’m making it in my slow cooker, and I love knowing I have some meals ready for those days when I just can’t spend any time on dinner. Freezing it flat in ziplock bags helps maximise space in my freezer.

2. Baked pastas

Pasta bakes and lasagnes are one of the quintessential freezer foods for a good reason. Easy to make, affordable, super kid-friendly, and highly flexible, it’s hard to go wrong with baked pasta. When you’re cooking pasta that will be frozen, make sure you just cook it to al dente or you’ll have a soggy, limp mess on your hand when it thaws.

3. Lentils

Lots of freezer meals are loaded with cheese and carbs, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but sometimes you want something healthier. Lentils are packed with fibre and protein, making them super filling, and there are about a million different ways you can make them. You can go fully vegan and cook with your family’s favourite vegetables, or you could add some sausage or ham for a meatier flavour. Have you ever made a lentil curry with ginger and coconut milk? If not, do yourself a favour and try it!  

4. Burritos/enchiladas

Continuing with the bean theme, let’s not forget burritos and enchiladas. Whether you add shredded chicken or ground beef or you stick to beans, these family favourites freeze beautifully and won’t leave anyone asking for a snack half an hour later. Best of all, you can pack and pull them out individually if not everyone is eating together.

5. Hearty soups and stews

Nearly every type of soup freezes nicely, and it’s hard to beat a hearty soup or stew on a cooler day. Whether you’re making a classic beef stew in the slow cooker, a black bean soup with a Mexican flair, or pasta e fagioli, be sure to double up so you’ll have one batch to freeze and save for another day.

6. Stir-fry

Believe it or not, stir-fries freeze remarkably well in an airtight container. The key is to not overcook it when you initially make it so it retains the proper firmness. Stir-fries reheat surprisingly quickly in a pan.

7. Meatballs

Meatballs are a great, kid-friendly food to keep on hand in the freezer, and you can take them in all sorts of directions. Classic Maltese meatballs (brajoli), creamy Swedish meatballs, and Italian-style meatballs for pairing with spaghetti, or served with veg and grains all freeze well.

8. Chicken casserole

Chicken casseroles are a great way to use what’s on hand, especially if you have a package of chicken that’s going to expire soon. A quick chicken, broccoli and rice casserole and chicken tetrazzini are both super satisfying dishes you can whip up when you have some spare time or double (or triple if you’re feeling brave!) when you’re making them anyway and pop portions in the freezer for another day.

9. Curries

There are foods that freeze just fine, and then there are curries. Somehow, they taste even better after they’ve had some time for the flavours to meld while freezing, thawing and reheating. One of our favourites. Very versatile too!

10. Chinese food

Not only does Chinese food cook up quickly and freeze nicely, but it also thaws and reheats in record time. Think beef and broccoli, shrimp lo mein, sweet & sour pork, or sesame chicken and you get the idea. Indian is a super option too!

Don’t be scared of freezing food. As long as you stick to foods that freeze well and you package it carefully, most meals will come out of the freezer tasting just as good as the day you made them!