5 Easy Freezer-Friendly Healthy Meals for Busy Weeknights
Do you find yourself scrambling to cook dinner every night after a long day at work? Or maybe you just dread deciding what to make for dinner each night. Well, meal preparation in advance can make weeknights less stressful. Freezing meals in advance is a great way to save time and ensure that you always have a healthy meal on hand. Here are five easy freezer-friendly healthy meals for busy weeknights.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup
This delicious slow cooker soup is packed with protein and veggies and is great for freezing. To make this recipe, start by combining chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onions, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, and cumin in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the soup. Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
2. Veggie Stir Fry with Brown Rice
Stir-fry meals are a great freezer-friendly choice because they can be easily customized. Start by cooking brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, heat up some oil in a large skillet or wok. Add chopped veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook until they are crisp-tender. Add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to taste. Once the veggies are cooked, add the rice to the skillet and stir until combined. Let the mixture cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
3. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
This hearty chili is perfect for cold winter nights and can be frozen for easy meal prep. Start by browning ground turkey and onions in a large pot. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir in black beans, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the flavors have melded together. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
4. Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Meatballs are a great make-ahead meal that can also be frozen for later. To make this recipe, start by mixing together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, or freeze for later use.
5. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This classic comfort food is perfect for freezing in advance. Start by browning beef stew meat in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add beef broth, canned tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with crusty bread or freeze for later use.
In conclusion, preparing easy freezer-friendly healthy meals in advance can save you time and make weeknight dinners stress-free. Try these five delicious recipes and see for yourself how meal prep can simplify your life.