Hamdi Saidani Looking for delicious make-ahead meals that are easy to freeze? These top 10 Pioneer Woman recipes are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you always have a tasty dinner ready in the freezer. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning for a busy week, these dishes are flavorful, convenient, and perfect for those nights when you need something quick and satisfying.
1. Cheesy Garlic Bread:
This cheesy garlic bread combines the richness of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for an irresistible side dish that’s great for any occasion.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the bread by spreading the cheese mixture on it, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, bake directly from frozen at 425°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 10 minutes. No need to thaw—just bake and enjoy!
2. Sloppy Joes:
These Sloppy Joes feature a rich tomato and beef filling that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for a quick dinner.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Cook the meat mixture and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a quick meal, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and serve on fresh buns. This make-ahead meal is great for busy weeknights.
3. Lasagna Roll-Ups:
These lasagna roll-ups offer all the goodness of traditional lasagna but in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella are rolled into tender noodles for a comforting dinner.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Assemble the roll-ups in a baking dish, cover, and freeze. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven at 375°F and bake from frozen for about 60 minutes until hot and bubbly. This is a perfect dish for meal prep and can easily feed a crowd.
4. Baked Ziti:
This baked ziti is loaded with pasta, Italian sausage, ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with layers of gooey cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: After assembling, let the dish cool, then cover it tightly and freeze. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, bake it from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is ideal for make-ahead dinners or feeding a large family.
5. BBQ Meatballs:
These meatballs are tender and juicy, cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce that makes them a delightful treat for any meal.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the meatballs and sauce, but freeze them separately. Both can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat and combine for a quick, homemade dinner. These are great for meal prep and can be served over rice or noodles.
6. Chicken Pot Pie:
This chicken pot pie is filled with creamy chicken, hearty vegetables, and topped with a flaky thyme pastry crust. It’s a classic comfort meal that everyone loves.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Assemble the pot pie in a disposable pan, cover tightly, and freeze. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place it directly in a 375°F oven, brush with egg wash, and bake for 45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is hot. This make-ahead dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty, homemade dinner.
7. Carrot-thyme Soup With Cream:
A blend of sweet carrots and fragrant thyme, this soup is creamy and smooth, making it a light but satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Once the soup is cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe containers and freeze. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove. This make-ahead soup is perfect for a quick lunch or starter.
8. Sour Cream Noodle Bake:
This noodle bake features a savory blend of sour cream, cottage cheese, and a hearty beef sauce, all layered with sharp Cheddar cheese.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Assemble the dish in a pan, cover, and freeze. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place it in a 375°F oven and bake from frozen for about 65 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly. It’s a convenient make-ahead meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
9. Spaghetti Sauce:
This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich and flavorful, made with ground beef, onions, peppers, and a mix of tomatoes and herbs. It’s perfect for a classic pasta dinner.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Cook the sauce, let it cool, and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for a quick and easy dinner. Serve over spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
10. Sunday Night Stew:
This beef stew is hearty and comforting, with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and turnips simmered in a rich broth.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: Cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until piping hot. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
