Food to make and freeze before baby
Freezer Meal Ideas – Happiest Baby
When you’ve just had a baby, the last thing you need is stress. Or more responsibility. Or clean-up! Meal trains and well-meaning neighbors are fabulous, but being prepared with a freezer stocked up on wholesome, filling meals to enjoy post-baby is an absolute “recipe” for success.
Chili and lasagna may be the old standbys for make-ahead freezer meals, but there are so many more delicious and innovative recipes you can try with minimal effort in those final weeks of baby prep. (Full disclosure: Both chili and lasagna recipes show up on this list! But they’re special ones...)
Today’s freezer meals are nutrient-dense and flavorful, easy for busy parents to make, and warm up in minutes to give you that cozy, cared-for feeling that new moms and dads need more than anything. So, we’ve pulled together a month’s worth of options for you and your family to enjoy. Dig in!
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Photo & Recipe: Six Sisters’ Stuff
Creamy, salty, cheesy goodness are the words that come to mind with this easy-peasy, ultra-yummy make-ahead dish. Top with fresh tomatoes and basil and it’ll feel anything but frozen.
Non-Spicy Chili Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: Betty Crocker
If you’re breastfeeding—or simply have picky little kids in addition to the new baby—lay off the heat with your freezer chili... but don’t lay off the flavor! This old-school Betty Crocker recipe is expertly seasoned but won’t offend tiny taste buds. You can swap ground chicken, turkey, or even meat-free grounds in place of the beef if preferred. Make sure to stock up on shredded cheddar cheese ahead of Baby’s arrival, because you’ll want some for topping this and plenty of the other recipes on our list.
Minestrone Soup Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: Minimalist Baker
This naturally vegan and gluten-free minestrone soup is a no-brainer—and the kids will love it, too. Add or subtract your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand to make life easier. It’s a 30-minute, one-pot recipe that stores easily in a Ziploc bag and is fantastically filling as its own, plant-based protein meal or with a side salad and of course some crusty bread for dipping.
Black Bean Burgers
Photo & Recipe: Project Meal Plan
These healthy burgers are easy to make and they freeze well for a pretty much instant, plant-based dinner you can serve in minutes. Add oven fries or a salad to round out the meal.
Easy Freezer Meal Stir-Fry
Photo & Recipe: Super Healthy Kids
This is a no-brainer recipe for the early baby days and will probably stay in your rotation for busy nights in the months and years ahead. Health-conscious and super-tasty, it’s an easy stir-fry that can be bagged and frozen for a balanced meal to enjoy once Baby arrives.
Homemade Hot Pockets
Photo & Recipe: Happy Money Saver
One thing you’ll get used to doing once Baby arrives is using one hand for practically everything. Since eating is no exception, these homemade “hot pockets” are an absolute win for new parents.
Easy Baked Ziti Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: The Kitchn
It’s like a no-pressure lasagna, just as tasty and comforting without the finicky sheet noodles.
Layer in your favorite cheeses and sauce, and please even the pickiest eaters in your home with this winning Italian freezer dinner.
Pesto Chicken with Zoodles
Photo & Recipe: Recipe Runner
Pasta is life when you’ve just had a baby, but “zoodles,” or, shredded zucchini in the shape of noodles, offer up a low-carb alternative for those nights you want a light, yet savory, meal. This recipe looks perfect for exactly that.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos
Photo & Recipe: Minimalist Baker
This is one of those dishes where healthy and hearty collide, and you can pile up plate without a second thought. Happily, this make-ahead meal only takes 15 minutes of prep time, and once cooked, it can last in the freezer up to a month.
Lasagna Roll-Ups Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: The Pioneer Woman
The Pioneer Woman never lets us down, with family-friendly recipes that are easy to recreate at home.
This inventive take on freezer lasagna is an absolute must for the new-baby days.
Chilean Empanadas
Photo & Recipe: Skinny Taste
Two words: Um, yum! If you thought those hot pockets were a hit, keep the handheld goodness going with this flavorful Latin recipe that’s sure to be added to your permanent rotation.
Shiitake Mushroom Risotto
Photo & Recipe: Minimalist Baker
If you hadn’t guessed, we’re big fans of Minimalist Baker, where recipes are designed with real home cooks in mind (read: easy!) and most of it is exceptionally healthy as well. This rich, savory take on a classic risotto is freezer perfection, and it’s dairy-free, which is useful for any nursing mom whose baby has a sensitive tummy.
Vegetable Avgolemono Soup Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: Gimme Some Oven
This vegetarian take on a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup uses eggs in place of heavy cream for a lightened-up version.
The chickpeas add plant-based protein but you can substitute them or simply add in shredded roast chicken, fresh or store-bought.
Chicken Scampi Freezer Dinner
Photo & Recipe: The Cozy Cook
It's a family-friendly recipe that hits all the food groups with a bright, flavorful blend of spices; acid from the lemon; and creamy, cheesy elements. You and your crew are going to love this easy freezer dinner.
Sundried Tomato Soup
Photo & Recipe: Deliciously Ella
There are a fair amount of soups on this list because they freeze and reheat well, and are a great way to bring in lots of much-needed veggies and other nutrient-dense foods when you’re recovering from childbirth. This one takes traditional tomato soup to the next level and will have you reaching for a second bowl.
Turkey Picadillo
Photo & Recipe: Skinny Taste
It’s a healthier take on a classic Cuban recipe traditionally made with beef.
Baked Spaghetti Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: The Cozy Cook
Comfort food at its finest... all gooey, cheesy, hearty, and ready-to-go! This is another make-ahead meal that your bigger kids will love just as much as you do.
Farro With Crispy Leeks
Photo & Recipe: Everyday Annie
Whole grains are so important for your health, and when your body is recovering from pregnancy and childbirth, you want to pack in as many nutrient-rich foods as possible. That’s why we’re recommending this tasty farro dish that feels elevated enough to be a restaurant meal but will be expertly (and easily) delicious right out of your freezer.
Freezer Chicken Burritos
Photo & Recipe: Simply Recipes
You could spend $10+ each on burritos plus delivery fees, tax, and a tip… or you could make these bad boys ahead and pop them in the freezer for anytime that craving hits in the weeks and months to come!
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Photo & Recipe: The Pioneer Women
Not exaaaaactly healthy, but absolutely delicious.
You will have just birthed a human and be up half the night and all day caring for it. We think you deserve the noodle bake.
Harissa Chicken Meatballs
Photo & Recipe: Skinny Taste
In addition to all the cheesy goodness on this roundup, we wanted to make sure to have plenty of savory dairy-free recipes for those moms who need to go without it. These tasty chicken meatballs are naturally DF and GF, loaded with protein and flavor, and are perfect when served over pasta, rice, or veggies, or inside a pita pocket.
Taco Lasagna Freezer Meal
Photo & Recipe: The Cozy Cook
We didn’t promise no lasagna, we just said they’d be different! And this taco take on classic lasagna is a flavor party for the mouth that the tiniest, pickiest eaters and their tired, ravenous parents will all equally enjoy.
Quinoa Chili Freezer Dinner
Photo & Recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod
Everyone wants their chili to be packed with protein; did you know you can accomplish that and still keep it meat-free? This modern chili recipe freezes and heats flawlessly for Meatless Monday, vegetarian households, or any time you want to mix it up with something new and different.
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Photo & Recipe: Peanut Butter and Fitness
Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea, and these make-ahead sammies were tirelessly taste-tested for freeze-ability. Make up a big ole’ batch and toss them in the freezer for a yummy, satisfying meal morning, noon, or (middle-of-the) night!
Easy Ground Beef Pasta
Photo & Recipe: The Cozy Cook
It’s like a homemade version of Hamburger Helper, but kicked way up to the next level. This creamy, meaty, crave-worthy meal is a must-try, especially if you have young picky eaters in the house.
Dominican Rice & Beans Freezer Dinner
Photo & Recipe: Skinny Taste
A total staple, easy to heat and eat, and pairs beautifully with a side salad or even a piece of grilled meat or fish for a post-baby dinner packed with all the good stuff.
Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli
Photo & Recipe: Hidden Ponies
Yum! This recipe is like getting excellent Chinese takeout without leaving the house.
Boom!
Carbonara Mac N Cheese
Photo & Recipe: Not Without Salt
Every recipe roundup needs a solid mac n cheese, and this tried-and-true recipe will not disappoint. The snap peas add brightness, the bacon adds salt, and the cheesy, creamy sauce will be sweet heaven when you’re running on empty and need a calorie boost.
Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Bowls
Photo & Recipe: Pinch of Yum
Sometimes you just really want something super healthy, and this clean, plant-based dish is a really good one to have in the freezer for those nights.
Sausage, Broccoli, & Quinoa Casserole
Photo & Recipe: My Recipes
Surprised that there weren’t many casseroles on this list? Look... not everyone likes them. But they sure do freeze well, and this savory, indulgent recipe might just change your mind if you’re in the anti-casserole club.
More Pre-Baby Prep:
- How to Prep Your Pet for Your New Arrival
- 7 Ways to Financially Plan for a Baby
- Deciding on Cord Blood Banking? Here's Help
Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Connect with us at customercare@happiestbaby.
com.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
25 Yummy Freezer Meals to Make Before Baby Comes
Get ready for baby’s big debut by prepping these delicious freezer meals in advance! Taking one big day to prepare freezer meals in advance will make your life so much easier once baby arrives!
I hate cooking. I didn’t like it when I was single, once I got married, and especially once I had a baby.
I didn’t know what to expect when I had my baby, but I knew I wanted to be as prepared as possible and do as much prep work ahead of time so my life would be a little bit easier once my baby was born.
One thing I knew I didn’t want to tackle in those first few weeks post birth was worrying about dinner every night. I wanted to be as brainless as possible so I could focus on my newborn, breastfeeding, and my postpartum recovery.
One of the best things my husband and I did when we were tackling items off our pregnancy checklist was take a Saturday afternoon to make several freezer cooked meals. It was a fun activity for us to do together and made those first few weeks with a baby a lot easier!
How Many Freezer Meals Should I Make?
This is totally up to you and how soon you think you’ll be ready to cook again after your baby is born! We found about 10 different freezer friendly recipes that we liked and tripled each of them, giving us 30 meals total.
Those freezer meals coupled with our meal train where our friends and family brought us meals, lasted us through about 11 weeks postpartum, which was amazing!
By that point, I still didn’t want to cook but we kinda had a better hang on our baby and getting a little more sleep so were weren’t complete zombies.
I recommend finding about 10 to 12 recipes you like and then doubling or tripling them. It’s easier to batch prep meals.
Making three sets of lasagnas is a lot easier to shop and make than making three completely different meals.
Here are 25 delicious freezer meals that you can make before baby. Look through these to see which ones your family will enjoy. Then, make them now and your future self will really thank you!
Supplies Needed for Freezer Cooking
In addition to the ingredients you’ll need for each meal, check if you have up these supplies before heading to the grocery store. Having everything you need before you start cooking will make everything go a lot smoother:
- Slow cooker
- Freezer bags
- Sharpie or labels
- Several baking pans
- Cookware and utensils
- Aluminum foil
25 Yummy Freezer Meals to Make Before Baby
This chicken enchilada casserole from Six Sisters Stuff is a quick and simple recipe that the whole family will love! The prep on these takes a fraction of the time as your typical enchiladas!
These spinach lasagna rolls from Savor and Savvy are loaded with sauce, spinach, and cheese! A perfect, easy meal when you’re massively hungry from breastfeeding and taking care of a newborn!
Happy Money Saver’s teriyaki beef and broccoli recipe is a perfect substitute for those nights you’re craving takeout! Full of protein and veggies, and better-for-you ingredients! Add a side of brown rice and you have a complete and delicious meal!
These black bean burgers are vegan and gluten free, so they’re perfect for all diet types.
They have a kick of spice for some added flavor. Grab the recipe from Hey Nutrition Lady.
Chicken parmesan casserole is a hearty recipe, perfect for tired moms and dads who need a good home cooked meal. This recipe from Thriving Home Blog looks so tasty!
Grilled meat is one of the easiest things to prepare when you don’t feel like cooking. It seems like my husband is always in the mood to grill so meal prepping these chicken marinades from Sweet Peas and Saffron in advance would really come in handy!
After having a baby and having postpartum hormones, sometimes a good comfort meal can really help. Enter these muffin tin meatloafs from Some the Wiser. Perfect for a yummy, quick dinner in a rush.
These cream cheese chicken taquitos from Isabel Eats look amazing! I am making these ASAP, even without needing to meal plan before baby!
I loved Hamburger Helper as a kid and The Girl on the Bloor’s version of beef stroganoff is a healthier, lighter recipe that looks so good!
This tandori chicken from Pinch of Yum is so easy to make! No measuring cups, spoons, or fuss.
Just a simple all-in-one-bagged meal that is delicious!
I love a good sweet potato and these buffalo chicken sweet potatoes add some yummy protein to make them a complete meal. See how The Creative Bite whipped these up.
Stir fry has to be one of the easiest meals to prep and freeze before baby comes and this chicken stir fry recipe from Super Healthy for Kids looks so good! You can easily substitute the chicken for another meat if you want too!
Comfort food to feed a crowd! This baked ziti from Love and Lemons will provide plenty of leftovers as well! Her homemade tomato sauce looks so yummy!
Hot Pockets were another go-to of mine as a kid and teen. Sally’s Baking Addiction has some homemade ham and cheese pockets that are perfect when you need an easy, peasy meal.
A hearty stuffed pepper soup from Skinnytaste is perfect for those cold winter evenings. This soup is full of goodies like ground beef to warm your belly, post baby!
Prepping these swedish meatballs from The Recipe Rebel is a breeze with pre-made meatballs.
Then, just use your slow cooker when you’re ready to heat them up.
Frozen pizza is always an easy meal when you don’t feel like cooking, but these homemade frozen pizzas from Recipe Tin Eats look even better! Her easy recipe costs less than $2 a pizza!
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best ones! This roasted chicken and veggies dinner from I Hate Meal Prep is full of flavor and has all the nutrients you need.
Turn these carrot and cauliflower fritters from Green Plate Club into a main dish with a side of mixed greens. This is a healthy meal to make before baby! All the instructions for freezing and reheating these are on the site.
Turkey chili is a great way to fill up with an easy meal. Check out Dinner at the Zoo’s recipe for a yummy and simple meal.
I love chicken pot pies and these mini chicken pot pies from Butter Your Biscuit look amazing! Smaller portions means you don’t have to share!
These freezer to crockpot chicken fajitas could not be more simple! A perfect weeknight meal to enjoy when your baby is napping.
Grab the instructions from Humbled Homemaker.
You can make several of these ham sliders for an easy meal after baby is born. Just heat up a few for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Get the recipe from Life in the Lofthouse.
You’ll be so glad you made these feta and sweet potato enchiladas from Happy Veggie Kitchen once it’s time to eat them! The combination of feta cheese and sweet potatoes looks amazing!
My favorite meals to make before baby are crockpot freezer meals. Little prep on both sides means an easy dinner for me. If you want something delicious and simple, look no further than this honey sesame chicken from Fabulessly Frugal.
Get busy making these yummy freezer meals before you have your baby so you can enjoy eating them when your postpartum! I promise you will think it was such a great idea when you aren’t having to cook every night!
- Author
- Recent Posts
Amy Motroni
I'm Amy and I'm so glad you've stopped by! As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, my goal is to walk you through the process of getting your baby to sleep, so your whole family gets the rest they need!
My blog is full of things to help you celebrate motherhood including baby nursery ideas, sleep schedules and sleep tips, fun printables, baby registry must-haves, and so much more.
Latest posts by Amy Motroni (see all)
Homemade semi-finished products. What ready meals can be frozen | Food and drinks | Kitchen
Sometimes you really want to cook a lot of food in advance. For a couple of weeks, for example. But how to save it? Not all dishes will last that long in the refrigerator. If you have a large freezer, you can freeze food. And then slowly defrost and gradually eat.
By the way, this is very convenient if you want to help your older relatives. They will be able to eat home-cooked meals for a long time, without having to come to them to cook a couple of times a week. nine0003
Finding out which dishes or preparations for them can be frozen.
Helpful Hints
Keep in mind that freezing (especially in a conventional freezer) negatively affects the product, deprives it of moisture. To reduce this harm:
- pack any product very well;
- only freeze large pieces, do not cut food before freezing;
- defrost food slowly, without removing the packaging, in the plus chamber of the refrigerator, take it out for defrosting a day before the intended use; nine0013 - if you have a device for vacuum packaging products at home, be sure to use it.
Salads
Cucumber and tomato salads with greens must not be frozen. And in general, lettuce leaves, cucumbers do not need to be frozen, only bell peppers can be frozen from the entire salad set.
But hearty salads like Olivier can be frozen, but only without cucumbers (salted or fresh) and without mayonnaise. Keep in mind that chopped lettuce will lose its flavor after defrosting, so freeze it only as a last resort. nine0003
Broths
An excellent option for freezing, many housewives pour the broth into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze. So they always have some broth for sauce or gravy. The broth must be frozen without vegetables, carrots, onions included in it.
Soups
Dressing soups are frost resistant. Freezing is generally one of the ancient methods of preparing and storing daily cabbage soup. In winter, they were boiled in the oven and frozen on the street, then warmed up and eaten. Thanks to the freezing, cabbage soup turned out to be very rich and tasty.
Borscht and saltwort can also be frozen. The main thing is that there are no cereals in the soup. nine0003
The soup must be poured into heat-resistant jars or containers. It is best to pour it into several jars to defrost in portions, after defrosting it can deteriorate very quickly. If there is a piece of meat or chicken in the soup, then it is better to freeze it separately. Fish soups cannot be frozen, as well as mashed soups, which delaminate when defrosted.
Cutlets and chops
Cutlets are excellent for freezing. You can save already fried cutlets, or you can make minced meat, mold cutlets, roll them in breading or flour and freeze like that. When you fry, just throw frozen cutlets into the pan, fry a little and only then add oil. nine0003
Chops can be frozen ready-made, or, as in the case of cutlets, you can make raw semi-finished products, cut, salt, pepper - and freeze.
Roasted meat keeps well in the freezer, but if you have frozen a semi-finished product, it will turn out tastier and juicier.
Chicken
Ready-made chicken dishes, boiled or baked chicken legs, fried breast can be frozen. But keep in mind that after defrosting, the bird will not be able to lie in the refrigerator for a long time. Therefore, the dishes will need to be packed in small portions: thawed - immediately eaten. nine0003
Sauces or broths containing chicken must be frozen separately from meat.
Stuffed cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers
You can freeze stuffed cabbage rolls, just raw minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves. After freezing, they need to be stewed in sauce or sour cream. The same situation with stuffed peppers.
Beef stroganoff and stew
You can freeze vegetable and meat stew (without sauce), but just try not to let it hang in the freezer for six months, after defrosting it will become tasteless. The optimal shelf life is a couple of months. nine0003
It is better not to freeze beef stroganoff and goulash. In general, dishes where there is a lot of sauce can only be frozen separately from it.
That is, the meat must be separated from the sauce, which is not possible in the case of beef stroganoff.
Fish
You can freeze salted fish, but only in one piece. If cut ahead of time, the slices will lose too much moisture. Baked and boiled fish can also be frozen, but after defrosting it must be eaten quickly.
Garnish
It is better not to freeze potatoes, after this operation they will be slimy and gray. But rice and pasta can be frozen.
Cheesecakes and cottage cheese
It is best to freeze semi-finished products: make dough for cheesecakes, cut them, roll in flour. The same can be said about lazy dumplings, it is generally very useful to freeze them before cooking, they become denser, less boiled.
Cheesecakes can be frozen and toasted.
You can also freeze fresh cottage cheese. Please note that it will need to be defrosted slowly, first transferring the cottage cheese to the refrigerator. nine0003
Curd casserole also tolerates freezing well.
Pancakes and pies
Fairly well tolerated freezing. Before use, pancakes should be fried in a pan for several minutes, and pies should be heated under a lid over low heat.
Desserts
Many sweets will last several weeks in the freezer. Mousses, soufflés, various cheesecakes lend themselves perfectly to freezing and defrosting, you can freeze brownies. But you need to pack desserts very well so that they lose as little moisture as possible, then when defrosting (slow, in the plus chamber), they will retain a good appearance and maximum taste. nine0003
Not to cook every day. Top dishes that can be frozen • Slutsk • Newspaper "Infa-Kur'er"
Cooking every day and eating right there is definitely a great option. But often there is neither time nor desire to mess around in the kitchen. Then frozen foods come to the rescue. You can store in the freezer not only dumplings and meatballs, but also many other dishes. The TAM.BY team shares the secrets of proper freezing.
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of food. The temperature in the freezer is maintained at -18 ° C, at which the action of microorganisms is suspended. Frozen food can be stored for a long time, and it will hardly lose taste and nutritional properties. nine0003
Advertising
Photo: pixabay.comFreezing rules are important:
- Do not freeze hot food. If food has been cooked, it must be cooled to room temperature before being sent to the freezer.
- Do not refreeze. Food that has been thawed and refrozen can not only lose its taste, but also deteriorate.
- Put food in portion containers. nine0096 Then you do not have to defrost a large package - you will take as much product as you need. For convenience, you can mark the containers with stickers: let red denote meat, blue denote fish, etc.
- Some foods cannot be stored in the freezer.
Fruits and vegetables with high water content will lose their taste - cucumbers, cabbage, melon, strawberries and others. Raw potatoes will become watery. Eggs, boiled pasta and rice, as well as dairy products are not suitable for freezing: kefir and yogurt can curdle, cream and sour cream can delaminate due to low temperatures. nine0097
And most importantly - must comply with the storage period. Food can be kept in the freezer for a maximum of a year, but in most cases it is a few months. In order not to be mistaken, attach stickers with the date of freezing to the containers. Cooked meals can be stored for 2-3 months, semi-finished products - up to 3-4 months.
1. Broth and cream soup. You can send cream soup, meat or fish broth to the freezer. It is undesirable to freeze soups that contain potatoes, rice or pasta - they will lose their taste. The same applies to dairy products. nine0003 Photo: pixabay.com
It is important to defrost the broth properly.
The best option is to put it in the refrigerator and wait a day or two. The soup can be stored in the freezer for about a month.
2. Pancakes. If you plan to freeze pancakes, brush them with butter after cooking. Due to this, they will not become brittle. We recommend adding starch to pancakes with berry or fruit filling. You can store the dish for two weeks.
3. Stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls. nine0096 Cool the dish to room temperature, and then put it in the refrigerator for two hours - now you can freeze. The shelf life of stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls is 3 months. You can defrost them in the microwave or in the refrigerator.
Photo: pixabay.com4. Cutlets. The dish that you plan to send to the freezer should not just be fried, but stewed or baked in the oven. Keep ready-made meatballs in the freezer for up to 2 months.
5. Flour dishes. Dry dough dishes such as puffs, apple pie, and strudel are well frozen.
