8 freezer-friendly meal ideas for when you don’t have the time or energy to cook
Brought to you by Little Bellies
It’s that time of day again. The one where you have to start thinking about dinner or your children will have eggs on toast again. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
But if you are looking for a bit of variety, one solution is to plan for those days when you know you aren’t going to have the time or energy to cook.
To help you out, we’ve gathered some freezer-friendly meal ideas you can prepare in advance using ingredients many families would have in the fridge or cupboard.
1. Lasagne or spaghetti bolognese
These two meals are basically the same: they both require mince and a red sauce of some kind. If you’re in the mood to make a cheese sauce and have lasagne sheets, this Ultimate Hidden Vegetable Lasagne by My Kids Lick the Bowl is perfect. If not, then this simple Spaghetti Bolognese for Kids by the One Handed Cooks will be a winner with your children. Both can be cooked and kept in the freezer.
2. Chicken nuggets
Kids (okay, and many adults) love nuggets. But if you’re worried about giving your little ones store-bought nuggets over and over again, the good news is that they are really easy to make yourself and can be kept in the freezer for those nights when cooking isn’t an option. Try this recipe from Yummy Toddler Food.
3. Bubble and squeak
Are your vegetables starting to look sad in the crisper? Quick, before they go bad – turn them into bubble and squeak and pop them in the freezer for another night. Try this Bubble and Squeak recipe from Taste.
4. Meatballs
Make meatballs using whatever mince you have in the fridge, including sausages. Serve them with veg, your bubble and squeak you made earlier, with pasta, or a can of chickpeas. Try this Sausage Meatball recipe from Delicious.
5. Enchiladas
For something Mexican, enchiladas are a great meal to make and pop in the freezer for later. When the end of the week rolls around, you’ll be so glad you did! Try these Tasty Beef Enchiladas by Annabel Karmel. If you don’t have beef, chicken works as a substitute – and if you prefer chicken, you could try a white sauce too.
6. Pies
If you have pastry in the freezer, you can make one big pie or lots of little ones. These Easy-Peasy Mini Chicken Pies by Fat Mum Slim really are easy. Experiment with your fillings and don’t forget to brush the pastry with a beaten egg before cooking. Voila!
7. Macaroni and cheese
Sure, macaroni and cheese is a quick meal to make even on the nights when you are cooking, but having it frozen is also a great idea. This Macaroni Cheese recipe by Netmums will become a fast favourite with your kids.
8. Broccoli tots
Another winner made from fridge and pantry staples, Broccoli Tots by Yummy Toddler Food are made using broccoli, rice, cheese, eggs and breadcrumbs. Having these on hand in the freezer means there’s always something relatively healthy for your kids to eat – and they’re yummy too!
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