Easy Freezer Meal Ideas That Saves Time And Money
Learn about these easy freezer meal ideas that saves time and money. These ideas are super simple to help you organize your week when you have little time and no meal plan. Think of this as your meal emergency plan! Sometimes just an idea of a meal is such a blessing when you are brain dead from your day. Some days I get home, no plan and I am in panic mode! What do I do for supper? Not another fast food pick up!
Freezer Meals From The Grocery Store
These are freezer meals that you can simply pick up from the grocery store, add a side or two and you are good to go. As a busy, working mom, I am needing new ideas for quick meals to get on the table. Let’s face it, we cannot have a made from scratch meal every night of the week. In fact, do you ever just need a week off from cooking? Maybe that’s possible with these freezer meals straight from the grocery store.
Meals Do Not Have To Be A Masterpiece
Some evenings I am so mentally exhausted from my day! I don’t even feel like cooking. Not even an easy anything, are you ever like that? Why do I feel like every meal has to be a masterpiece? It really doesn’t have to be. Guess what one of the most liked meals at our house is? Sandwich night! Is that funny or what?
I hope you enjoy this weekly menu of meal ideas to help you have a great week of easy meals. Give your brain a rest! Just remember….pick these freezer meals up to have on hand.
Monday- Meatball Subs
These frozen meatballs can be put in the crockpot first thing Monday morning or you can simmer these on the stove once you get home. There are so many ways to prepare meatballs, but I simply put 1- 32 Oz bag of homestyle frozen meatballs and 2 jars of spaghetti sauce of your choice. We like these on a sub roll with duke’s mayo, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Side Options:
- Potato Chips
- Side Salad
- Baked Potato
Healthy Option: When my husband and I are trying to eat a bit healthier or lower carb we will not eat any bread. Also, you can use turkey meatballs. Instead of chips or baked potato we may just steam a vegetable quickly.
Tuesday- Chicken Fries- Easy Freezer Meal Ideas That Saves Time And Money
The kids love chicken fries! So do I! You can make these in the microwave, oven or air fryer. We usually bake these in the oven. You can serve these just as they are with honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. You can also turn these into a taco. Simply, place a few chicken fries on a flour tortilla with a little lettuce, ranch dressing (see tip below) and shredded cheese.
Side Options:
- Rice (microwave for a quick option)
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa
- Refried Beans
- Side Salad
- Corn
Healthy Option: You can substitute the regular flour tortilla for a low carb option.
Ranch Dressing Tip
I don’t know about you, but our family loves ranch dressing! For years, we have made it with the packets of ranch dressing mix. Due to the cost of the ranch brand, I switched to Great Value and I think it is just as good for $.50. All you have to do is take one cup of mayonnaise (Duke’s), one cup of milk and the packet and mix together. Whisking really helps bring it all together!
We have also tried using buttermilk instead of regular milk and that really takes it to the next level. We love this ranch dressing on baked potatoes, salads and as a dip! It makes me feel better when I have to serve frozen meals when I am in a time crunch to be able to have a nice dressing that is so delicious! You have to try it!
Wednesday- Pizza
I have found that pizza on Wednesday nights is a win, win! We have to be at church at 6:30 so the easier, the better. My kids really like the Surfer Boy Pizza, cheese and pepperoni.
Side Options:
- Salad
- breadsticks with marinara sauce
- tortilla chips with cheese sauce
Tip: Do you have a hard time cutting your pizza into slices after it comes out of the oven? Me too! It is burning hot and everyone is waiting for a slice. One night I grabbed the kitchen shears and cut it that way. Complete game changer! You have to try it!
Healthy Option: I will usually try to eat just one slice of pizza and fill up on more salad. Sometimes, it is so hard to stop at just one piece. Can I get a witness??
Thursday- Corn Dogs- Easy Freezer Meal Ideas That Saves Time And Money
Corn Dogs are so easy too! I often forget about them and how good they are. My all time favorite are the State Fair 100% Beef Corn Dogs. They really are delicious! We like to serve these with mustard and ketchup.
Side Options:
- Tater Tots
- Baked Beans
- French Fries
- Mac & Cheese
Healthy Option: Try to eat just one and make a steamed vegetable or two!
Friday- Bean & Cheese Burritos
I love bean and cheese burritos! These are so easy to throw on your baking sheet and bake as directed. Top with your favorite shredded cheese and sour cream.
Side Options:
- Chips & Salsa or Cheese Dip
- Rice (microwave for easy and quick)
- Corn (canned or frozen steamable)
- Black beans or refried beans
- Salad
Healthy Option: Try to eat just one and fill up on a delicious salad for your side. The corn, black beans or refried beans are good choices as well.
Saturday- Chicken Pot Pie- Easy Freezer Meal Ideas That Saves Time And Money
Chicken pot pie is such a wonderful, warm, cozy meal! As the weather is changing and getting cooler, this is the perfect meal for the weekend. I love a Saturday that you can stay home, and not have to go anywhere. Have these pies on hand and have an easy dinner. We picked up the Boston Market brand and they are really amazing! My son asked if we I could buy these again! That’s always a good sign.
A few tips, these have to bake for 65-70 minutes so when you take these out of the oven they are HOT to TROT! Try to let these cool for as long as you can.
Side Options:
- White rice (microwave for a quick option)
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Stove Top Stuffing
- Cream corn
Healthy Option: I will have to say, these are not the healthiest. You could eat less of the crust, but who wants to suggest that, right? Sticking to the veggies for your side options will help!
FREE PRINTABLE– EASY FREEZER MEAL IDEAS THAT SAVES TIME AND MONEY
Sunday- Day of Rest
This is the day of rest! We usually go out to eat after church and then “try” to rest at home to prepare for the next week. Not always a success, but this is what God wants us to do! Try it and see how your next week goes!
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 NKJV
Prayer for Busy Moms
Dear Jesus, thank you for Moms and All that they do! Please help us on those days that are so busy and we are so tired. Help us to be able to get a quick meal on the table that our family will enjoy. Help us to remember that the time together with our family is most important, not the meal. Thank you Lord for a day of rest. You knew we would need one. Help us to take this day and rest and refresh for the week to come. Thank you for everything you have given us and for providing food for our families. In Your precious name, Amen.
