The Freezer Meal Hack That Might Just Save Your Sanity
Because sometimes, dinner should be one less thing to think about.
Whether you’re nesting during pregnancy or juggling nap schedules, laundry piles, and the never-ending snack demands of toddlerhood, there’s one constant: everyone still needs to eat. But when your brain feels like it’s running on 17 tabs (with at least 4 frozen), the idea of prepping a full meal from scratch can feel massively overwhelming.
This menu included Hawaiian Pork Loin, Carne Asada, Beef Stew, Sweet and Sour Pork.
Enter: the magical power of freezer meals—your new favorite parenting hack.
And this isn’t just something I recommend—it’s something I rely on. As a mom of five kids, including a toddler and a newborn, I can tell you firsthand: dinner time can get wild. I recently made 10 freezer meals in one go, and let me tell you—it has made a huge difference. Whether the baby’s cluster feeding, the toddler’s melting down over socks, or I’m just too wiped to cook, having a ready-to-go meal is like a warm hug from Past Me.
Why Freezer Meals Are a Total Game-Changer
There are days (maybe a lot of them) when just figuring out what to make for dinner feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Freezer meals step in like a friendly little hug from that version of you who had a little extra energy and a whole lot of foresight.
Here’s why they’re so brilliant:
They reduce mental load: No planning, no wondering what’s for dinner, no last-minute grocery runs.
They save time: Chop once, cook once, eat multiple times.
They support recovery: Especially for postpartum mamas, having nourishing, ready-to-go meals can be a lifeline.
They’re budget-friendly: Planning meals ahead means less takeout and food waste.
They offer real comfort: When the day has been a lot, warming up a cozy, home-cooked dish without lifting a finger is its own kind of self-care.
Real Life: When You Don’t Have Time to Make a Bunch of Meals
Let’s be real—sometimes, you don’t have an afternoon to prep 10 meals. And that’s totally fine. Freezer prepping doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Here are some simple ways to build your freezer stash over time:
Make extra while you’re already cooking dinner: If you're browning ground beef or chicken, double it and freeze half for quick tacos, casseroles, or wraps later.
Freeze leftover cooked meat: It makes quick lunches so much easier—think burritos, quesadillas, or salad toppings.
Chop extra veggies while you're at it: Onions, peppers, carrots, and celery freeze beautifully and save time for future meals.
Save single portions: When you have leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers for your own version of homemade "TV dinners."
Small steps add up—and your future self will thank you.
What Kinds of Meals Freeze Well?
You might be surprised at how many family-friendly meals are freezer-friendly. Here are a few favorites:
Soups and stews: Chicken tortilla, lentil, beef & veggie—they all reheat beautifully.
Casseroles: Lasagna, enchiladas, baked ziti—classic comfort food wins.
Slow cooker dump meals: Freeze raw ingredients together, then dump into the slow cooker in the morning.
Breakfast bakes & muffins: Because the morning hustle is real.
Mini meals: Think burritos, meatballs, or muffins that are easy to grab-and-go or customize for picky eaters.
A Few Tips to Make It Even Easier
Label everything: Name, date, and cooking instructions. Trust me—future you will not remember what’s in that bag.
Freeze flat: For soups or marinated meats, freezing in a zip-top bag laid flat saves space.
Double up while you cook: Making one lasagna? Make two—one for now, one for later.
Rotate and restock: Use what you make, then add a new batch in a few weeks to keep the cycle going.
Helpful Tools to Make Freezer Prep Easier
Want to take the stress out of freezer meal prep? A few inexpensive tools can make a big difference:
🧅 Food Chopper – I LOVE this thing. Saves so much time when chopping onions, garlic, carrots, or any veggies for batch cooking. I also use it to chop strawberries in bulk.
🧊 Ziplock Freezer Bags – The MVP of freezer storage. Great for soups, marinated meats, and dump meals.
🧺 Food Prep Bag Stands – Total game-changer when filling bags with sauces or mixed ingredients—no more mess or tipping bags!
These tools help streamline the process so you can focus on what matters most: taking care of your people (and yourself).
You Deserve the Break
Parenting, pregnancy, and life in general can be beautiful—but exhausting. Giving yourself the gift of a ready-to-go meal isn’t lazy or over-the-top—it’s smart. It’s saying, “Hey, I know I’m going to need a little support later. Let’s make that happen.”
So here’s your permission (if you needed it): prep a few meals ahead of time and stick them in the freezer. Whether you use them next week or three months from now, know that you’ve just made life a little easier—and that’s something to celebrate.
Have a favorite freezer meal or go-to prep tip? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you, too! 🍽️💬
***A little note: some links I share are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (with big gratitude!). It helps support my work, my family, and all the cozy content I love creating for you.