Preparing meals that can be easily stored in your freezer can be a time-saver in the kitchen for busy moms. Having mealtime staples on hand in your freezer can also help you feel better prepared for when that dreaded, “What are we going to have for dinner” question comes around.

One of the easiest ways I learned to start stocking up my freezer is by making extra of meals that I was already preparing. Doubling my recipes allowed me to have more for later that could be stashed in our freezer for when I didn’t feel like cooking or on busy weeknights when we needed a quick meal.  

Freezer meals can come in handy for mamas in whatever season of life you may find yourself in - whether you are pregnant, postpartum, or raising little ones, having wholesome foods ready to go in your freezer can help you stretch out your cooking, save you time in the kitchen, and keep you ready with healthy and accessible foods.

Here are some of my favorite freezer meals for new moms to make and have on hand. As a bonus, these recipes are kid-friendly, delicious, and easy to put together, even if you are 39 weeks pregnant. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to freezer cooking. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start stashing food away in your freezer sooner!

Easy Freezer Meals Recipes

Vegetable, Cheese, and Egg Muffins - Delicious protein option any time of day

Ingredients

• 8 eggs, beaten

• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 8 to 10 fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Cooking fat, such as olive oil or butter

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

2. Warm olive oil or butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic for about 5 minutes or until soft.

3. Add the mushrooms and spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Season everything to taste.

4. Whisk the eggs together in a big bowl, and add the bell pepper & spinach mixture. Stir in cheddar cheese

5. Grease a muffin tin and pour the mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Note: Customize your egg muffins however you like using the ingredients you have on hand. You can completely omit the vegetables or add in others you prefer, use a different cheese, or add in breakfast meats of your choice, like bacon, ham or sausage.

To Freeze: Allow muffins to cool before transferring to an air-tight container and/or freezer ziplock bags.

Baked Oatmeal Muffins - Breakfasts and Wholesome Snacks

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 1/2 cups skim milk (or any milk you prefer)

• 1/2 cup applesauce

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp. Salt

• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• Optional: favorite toppings, such as fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin with paper muffin liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and brown sugar until sugar has dissolved. Add the milk, applesauce, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Stir in the oats and baking powder.

3. Fill the muffin tin with ¼ cup of the oat mixture in each muffin cup. Add your favorite toppings. Push the toppings down into the oat mixture with a spoon.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow muffins to cool before serving or storing. Store in an airtight container or freeze in a zip-top storage bag.

Baked Ziti Dish - Main Entree Option

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb. ground beef or turkey

• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 lb. Ziti pasta, cooked to al dente and cooled

• 1 jar (32 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce

• 1 container (15 oz.) Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

• ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 2.5 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• 1 Whole Egg

• Fresh Parsley, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan and cook onions, garlic over medium heat until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

3. Add in jar of marinara, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and lower to a simmer.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, egg, salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.

5. Mix pasta in with cheese mixture until combined. Layer pasta/cheese mixture into baking dish.

6. Pour meat sauce over pasta mixture and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling. Let dish cool before serving and/or storing in freezer for later.

Option: Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley before serving.

Postpartum Freezer Meals and Meal Planning

Meal prep and planning, especially for the postpartum period, can be one of the most helpful things you do for yourself post-baby. This doesn’t necessarily mean having to put together elaborate meals or stocking your freezer like you're preparing for the apocalypse. Planning ahead can take the stress out of eating and allow you to optimize your postpartum nutrition to support your recovery and healing.

Having simple things on hand and stored in your freezer for when baby has arrived can ensure that you can nourish your body during postpartum, even during this busy and often chaotic life transition. Keep accessible meals and snacks on hands, especially things that can be easily eaten with one hand if you are nursing baby.

Other ideas for things to make ahead and keep in your freezer for easy access during those early newborn days and late night feedings:

• Lactation Cookies (Check out this best lactation cookie recipe to naturally support milk supply)

• Whole grain muffins

• smoothie freezer kits

• oatmeal breakfast bars

• soups, stews, and vegetable chilis

• Crustless, mini quiches

• proteins that are cooked and ready to use, like turkey/ground beef, shredded chicken breasts, etc.

When your freezer is stocked with some accessible meal items, you can focus on keeping your fridge filled with fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables, and other easy to access items that can keep your body nourished well during breastfeeding and postpartum recovery.

What are your favorite meals to stock your freezer with?