8 Family Sized Freezer Meals For The School Year!

Okay...back to school shopping is done! The calculator has been fished out from the bottom of last year’s backpack, fresh sets of pens and rulers have been organized into carefully selected “on trend” pencil cases, binders and Duo-Tangs sit empty on the desk in anticipation of the work that’s to come, it’s allllmoooossttt time to kick up your feet and enjoy the last dog days of summer.

But first! We implore you to reward your future self for all the hard work that’s gone into preparing for this stressful time of year with this list of8 Family Sized Freezer Meals that will make school night dinners a breeze!

Have these packed away and ready to go for those nights when between homework and soccer practice you don’t want to even THINK about planning a dinner, let alone run to the grocery store or stand over a hot stove.

 

First Thing’s First

Stasher Bags:

Stasher bags are the perfect reusable option for meal prepping! Freezer safe and more durable than their throw-away baggie counterparts, these bags are large enough to hold prep and leftovers for family meals of all sizes. We highly recommend investing in one or two to kick start your organization game!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/stasher-reusable-storage-bag?_pos=1&_sid=4a26ee901&_ss=r

 

Slow Cooker:

If you weren’t lucky enough to inherit grandma’s slow cooker don’t worry, we have you covered! The All-Clad Slow Cooker is 4qt and will serve you for years to come, meal after meal!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/all-clad-slow-cooker-4qt

 

Freezer Labels:

Keep meals organized with recipe names and dates to make life easier on yourself when rushing to put dinner on the table!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/oxo-good-grips-removable-labels?_pos=1&_sid=8d98d5974&_ss=r

 

And Now For The Recipes!

1) Lasagna Casserole:

The familiar flavours of classic lasagna without the hassle layering and cooking awkwardly sized noodles! Easily make this deliciously meat-free by subbing in lentils, TVP, or vegan ground beef.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lasagna-casserole/

Make it tonight: 

This glass baking dish is oven, freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe. Perfect for this make ahead meal!

https://www.iqliving.com/collections/casserole-brownie-dishes/products/oxo-glass-baking-dish-1

 

2) Detox Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup (Vegan):

Hearty, warming, and healthy. What more could you ask for on a busy weeknight? This simple freezer friendly recipe offers the option to use either the ever popular Instant Pot or your trusty slow cooker!

https://pinchofyum.com/freezer-meal-detox-lentil-soup

Make it tonight: 

Prep the butternut squash in this recipe in no time with this super sharp Scalpel Peeler!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/swissmar-scalpel-blade-peeler

 

3) Chicken Fajitas:

Cook from frozen right on the stove. Serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream and let everyone build their own plate!

https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2015/08/31/make-ahead-freezer-chicken-fajitas/

Make it tonight: 

Save yourself the hassle of needing to reheat tortillas the whole meal through. It’s all about convenience!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/prepara-tortilla-warmer

 

4) Steak San Marino:

Either prep this the morning-of and let cook in the slow cooker, or prepare, let cool, and freeze for dinners later on. Serve with rice!

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/steak-san-marino/

Make it tonight: 

Using a rice cooker by Cuisinart makes this freezer meal all the more convenient!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/cuisinart-rice-cooker?_pos=2&_sid=af4b4ab32&_ss=r

 

5) Sweet Potato Peanut Stew:

Add as much or as little spice as you and your family can handle with this crowd pleasing hearty stew! If you’re a fan, we recommend topping with fresh cilantro.

https://pinchofyum.com/freezer-meal-spicy-sweet-potato-peanut-stew

Make it tonight: 

Remove leaves of kale from tough stalks, and strip herbs from bitter or woody stems with this herb and kale stripper.

https://www.iqliving.com/products/oxo-herb-kale-stripping-comb?_pos=3&_sid=ccfc73b1e&_ss=r

 

6) Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos:

Seal and freeze this flavour-packed taco recipe for up to three months! Talk about thinking ahead!

https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/slow-cooker-cilantro-lime-chicken-tacos-freezer-slow-cooker/

Make it tonight: 

Believe me when I tell you, immersion blenders make soups and sauces like the one in this recipe incredibly less daunting of a task than pulling out your entire blender.

https://www.iqliving.com/products/cuisinart-immersion-blender-smart-stick

 

7) Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Lentil Curry:

Packed with spices, this curry coconut milk lentil curry is hearty and warming. Prepare now for chilly fall and winter nights.

https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/slow-cooker-butternut-squash-lentil-curry/

Make it tonight: 

Use this masher to ensure an even consistency and keep little mouths happy! 

https://www.iqliving.com/products/oxo-good-grips-potato-masher?_pos=3&_sid=e1aa271e1&_ss=r

 

8) Sunday Sauce:

Set this tomato based short rib sauce up to cook in the crockpot right now, let cool and pack it in freezer safe bags, and enjoy homemade pasta sauce even on the most rushed of evenings!

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-sunday-sauce/

Make it tonight: 

Serve it beautifully with the simple and elegant Maxwell William coupe pasta bowl!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/maxwell-williams-diamonds-coupe-bowl?_pos=3&_sid=06ff59ab1&_ss=r

And for the little ones: Keep mess at bay with bowls that suction directly to the table so that none of that precious sauce ends up going to waste!

https://www.iqliving.com/products/sugarbooger-suction-bowl-go-kitty-go