Olivia Carter
As a busy individual, I am constantly on the lookout for easy and convenient meal options. One pot meals that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer have become my ultimate lifesaver. Not only do they save me time and effort, but they also ensure that I have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go whenever I need it.
There are numerous one pot meal options that work well for freezing, but some stand out as the best choices. One of my personal favorites is a hearty and comforting beef stew. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this meal is perfect for cold winter days when I need some warmth and nourishment.
Another fantastic one pot meal for freezer is a creamy and satisfying chicken and rice casserole. Made with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a rich sauce, this dish is both comforting and filling. I love having it on hand for those days when I want a homemade meal but don’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch.
Best One Pot Meals for Freezer
When it comes to meal planning, having freezer-friendly options can be a lifesaver. One pot meals are not only convenient, but they also make for easy cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead option, here are some of the best one pot meals that you can freeze for later.
1. Beef Stew: A hearty and comforting dish, beef stew is perfect for freezing. Simply cook the stew on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, and divide it into individual serving-sized containers. When you’re ready to eat, just defrost and reheat for a satisfying meal.
2. Chicken and Rice Casserole:
This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be made ahead of time. Cook chicken, rice, and vegetables in a single pot, and then transfer to a casserole dish. Cover and freeze until you’re ready to enjoy. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
3. Vegetarian Chili:
If you’re looking for a healthy and filling option, vegetarian chili is a great choice. This one pot meal is packed with protein and fiber from beans, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Make a large batch, portion it out into containers, and freeze for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
4. Pasta Bake: Pasta lovers will rejoice with this freezer-friendly one pot meal. Cook your favorite type of pasta with sauce and toppings of your choice, and then bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden. Let it cool, divide into individual portions, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for a quick and delicious meal.
5. Lentil Soup:
Lentil soup is not only nutritious, but it also freezes exceptionally well. Cook lentils with vegetables, broth, and spices in a large pot, and then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. This hearty soup can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Easy One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
I love making easy and delicious one pot meals that I can freeze and enjoy later. One of my favorite dishes to make is spaghetti bolognese. It’s a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs.
To make this one pot spaghetti bolognese, I start by browning ground beef in a large pot. Once the beef is cooked, I add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté them until they become tender. Then, I stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Next, I add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a blend of Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme. I also season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. I let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the sauce is ready, I add dried spaghetti noodles to the pot and stir them into the sauce. I make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce, adding more beef broth if needed. I cover the pot and let the spaghetti cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
After the spaghetti is cooked, I serve it hot and garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The final dish is a comforting and flavorful one pot spaghetti bolognese that can be enjoyed immediately or frozen for later. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables
As someone who loves easy and delicious meals, I can confidently say that my hearty beef stew with vegetables is a winner. This one-pot wonder is packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth that will satisfy any hungry appetite.
When it comes to making this beef stew, I always prioritize quality ingredients. I start by browning cubes of beef in a hot skillet, which adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the stew. Then, I sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until they’re soft and fragrant, creating a tasty base for the stew. I add in potatoes, celery, and a handful of herbs like thyme and bay leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
To make the broth, I use a combination of beef broth and red wine, which adds a robust richness to the stew. I also like to add a touch of tomato paste for added depth of flavor. Once everything is simmering together in the pot, the aroma fills the kitchen and my taste buds tingle with anticipation.
This beef stew is perfect for freezing, as the flavors only get better with time. I like to portion it into individual containers, so I can easily grab one from the freezer for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, my hearty beef stew with vegetables is always a comforting and delicious choice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes.
- Add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes, celery, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the stew to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
My Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole Recipe
One of my go-to recipes for a delicious and satisfying one pot meal that can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer is my creamy chicken and mushroom casserole. This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
To start, I heat some olive oil in a large pot and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent. Then, I add in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking them until they start to brown and release their juices.
Next, I add in the chicken breasts and cook them until they are browned on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked through, I remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. I then add in the heavy cream, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, I return the chicken to the pot, making sure to coat it in the creamy sauce. I let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and tender.
Finally, I serve the creamy chicken and mushroom casserole with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice. The combination of the tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich cream sauce is absolutely divine. Plus, the fact that I can make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later makes it even more convenient and perfect for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious one pot meal that can be easily made in advance and stored in the freezer for a quick and convenient meal. It is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from the beans and quinoa, making it a satisfying and healthy option for vegetarians and vegans.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to personal preferences by adding additional vegetables or spices. It can also be served with various toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or grated cheese to enhance the flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread or rice, Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Quinoa is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to make in one pot
- Can be made in advance and stored in the freezer
- Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients
- Customizable to personal preferences
- Versatile and can be served with various toppings
Next time you’re looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead of time, give this Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Quinoa recipe a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
10 Best one pot meals for freezer
Manual Frozen Meat Slicer, befen Upgraded Stainless Steel Meat Cutter Beef Mutton Roll for Hot Pot KBBQ Food Slicer Slicing Machine for Home Cooking of Hot...
Features
| Part Number | 43237-119964 |
| Color | Silver |
| Is Adult Product |
- 1. This Befen Frozen Food Slicer eliminates one of the most time-consuming jobs in food prep. It helps to slice frozen meat, such as frozen beef, lamb, chicken, ham and fish into uniformed thin slices for different cuisines including shabu shabu hotpot, stir fry, BBQ, sukiyaki, pizza topping, sandwiches or beef jerky for snack, without struggling with a butcher knife.
- 2. ADVANTAGES: Save more on Buying Pre-sliced Food. If you regularly buy pre-sliced meats at the supermarket, with this meat slicer you can buy for example, a chunk of beef or lamb, then put it in the freezer overnight before slicing into thin slices - it works out about friendly budget, comparing to pre-cut, and you’ll save a lot over a year, possibly even enough to pay for the machine.
- 3. ENHANCED STAINLESS STEEL: Upgraded since late 2019, we’re using 1.5mm thick stainless steel board to craft this product, 2 times thicker than other similar slicer on the market. This high quality stainless steel can stands more pressure, can be easy to clean and used for a long time when maintained properly.【Note: There might be slight scratches on the product, it happened during transportation, please rest assured the product is new】
- 4. Package includes: a set of the frozen meat slicer, a separate meat holder, 2 blades(1 installed), 10 meat bags, 2 suction cups, an allen wrench and the instruction manual. DIMENSION: 460mm*160mm*120mm (18.1'' * 6.3'' * 4.7''); Blade Length: 196mm (7.9''); Weight : 2.3kg; Thickness of the meat slice can be adjusted: from 0.2mm to 20mm. It’s recommended to slice thinly because the thinner the meat is, the easier for you have a clean cut.
- 5. NOTE: Please read the instruction manual and properly freeze the meat before using this product. There are detailed steps showing you how to prepare the ingredient and how to operate this product. If the meat is not properly frozen, it would be difficult to achieve a clean cut. If there's any question, please contact us from the product listing on Amazon.com and click seller "Befen" and click ask a question.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900...
Features
| Part Number | IPDUOMINI 3Qt |
| Model | 110-0043-01 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2017-06-25T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 3 Quarts |
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- PERFECT SIZE: Cook for up to 3 people – perfect for smaller families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles.
- VERSATILE INNER COOKING POT: We use food-grade stainless-steel, a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking and perfect for sautéing
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available for iOS and Android.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With...
Features
| Part Number | 112-0123-01 |
| Model | 112-0123-01 |
| Warranty | One (1) Year Limited Warranty |
| Color | Black Pro |
| Release Date | 2021-04-07T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 6 Quarts |
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer
- CUSTOMIZABLE COOKING PROGRAMS: The included 28 program settings are perfect for a selection of essential meals
- CONVENIENT FAVORITES: 5 programmable settings for your own special recipes
- FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook to save time and retain more flavor, or slow cook for traditional recipes
- 11+ PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Overheat Protection, safe locking lid, upgraded gentle steam release switch with diffusing cover to reduce noise and prevent splashing on the counter, and more
- PERFECT FOR LARGER FAMILIES : Cook for up to 8 people – perfect for larger families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller families
- GENTLE STEAM RELEASE: The diffusing cover reduces noise and prevents countertop splash
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: An extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer rack with handles. Compatible with optional QuickCool Tray (sold separately) that allows 50% faster steam release.
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Download our free Instant Pot app (iOS and Android) so you can discover new favorites and prepare delicious meals
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800...
Features
| Part Number | IP-DUO80 |
| Model | IP-DUO80 |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer warranty |
| Color | 0 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
| Edition | Instant Pot |
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer..Frequency = 60 hz
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- PERFECT FOR LARGER FAMILIES: Cook for up to 8 people – perfect for larger families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller families
- VERSATILE INNER COOKING POT: We use food-grade stainless-steel, a tri-ply bottom for more even cooking and perfect for sautéing
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available for iOS and Android.
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App...
Features
| Part Number | 113-0044-01 |
| Model | 113-0044-01 |
| Color | Black Pro |
| Release Date | 2021-03-22T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté pan, rice, sterilizer, yogurt maker, food warmer, cake baker and steamer..Voltage : 120 volts.
- THE MOST VERSITILE: The ONLY Multi-Cooker with a Premium Cookware Grade Inner Pot with Stay-Cool Silicone Handles. - Meaning you can take it from your Insta Pot to your stove top!
- CONVENIENT FAVORITES: 5 programmable settings for your own special recipes along with 28 program settings that are perfect for a selection of essential meals
- FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook to save time and retain more flavor, or slow cook for traditional recipes.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Overheat Protection, safe locking lid, upgraded gentle steam release switch with diffusing cover to reduce noise and prevent splashing on the counter, and more.
- PERFECT FOR LARGER FAMILIES: Cook for up to 8 people – perfect for larger families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller families
- TOP COOKING PERFORMANCE - 20% higher power for a better sauté/sear and shorter pre-heat time, compared to other Electronic Pressure Cookers on the market.Inner pot is made from cookware-grade stainless steel (18/8) with an extra-thick 3.5mm aluminum layer for faster, more efficient heating and flat bottom for optimal searing and sautéing.
- GENTLE STEAM RELEASE: The diffusing cover reduces noise and prevents countertop splash.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: An extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer rack with handles. Compatible with optional QuickCool Tray (sold separately) that allows 50% faster steam release.
- DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available for iOS and Android.
FAQ:
What are some best one pot meals that can be frozen?
Some of the best one pot meals that can be frozen include chili, lasagna, beef stew, chicken and rice casserole, and vegetable curry.
How long can one pot meals be stored in the freezer?
One pot meals can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is important to properly label and date the containers to keep track of the storage time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one pot meals are a convenient and delicious option for those who want to save time in the kitchen and have a freezer full of ready-to-eat meals. Whether you prefer pasta dishes, soups, or casseroles, there are plenty of options to choose from. Planning ahead and having a stash of one pot meals in the freezer can be a game-changer for busy individuals or families. Not only do these meals make dinner time a breeze, but they also ensure that you always have a nutritious and homemade option on hand. So why not give these best one pot freezer meals a try and experience the joy of cooking once and enjoying multiple times? Happy freezing!
