Easy Gluten Free Freezer Meals

Today I am sharing some easy gluten free freezer meals, along with why preparing freezer meals can save you time, money, and help you to meet your health goals.

With fall just around the corner, and a busy season ahead, I am trying to stock my freezer with some simple, easy meals. There's nothing like a meal you can pull out of the freezer the night before and reheat, or a meal that you can throw into your slow-cooker to cook all day with very little time and effort on your part.

It does take a little time and planning to put freezer meals together, but the benefits make it so worth it. Incorporating freezer meals into your routine can make a significant difference. Let's explore the benefits of gluten free freezer meals and how they can help you eat healthier, save time, and save money.

Are freezer meals worth it?

YES! Here are three benefits that can make a big difference.

ONE: Easy access to healthy meals. Whether you eat gluten free or not, preparing and freezing meals in advance ensures that you always have access to nutritious meals, and helps to reduce the temptation to reach for less healthy (and often costly) take out and convenience foods.

TWO: Saves time. One of the most significant advantages of freezer meals is the time saved. By dedicating a few hours each week or month to meal prep, you can significantly reduce the time spent cooking on busy days. Instead of scrambling to put together a meal after a long day, you can simply reheat a pre-made dish. This not only cuts down on cooking time but also minimizes cleanup, making your daily routine smoother and less stressful.

THREE: Saves money. Freezer meals can help you to save money by: Buying in Bulk: When you prepare meals in large batches, you can purchase ingredients in bulk, which is often cheaper. Reducing Food Waste: By freezing meals, you can avoid the issue of fresh ingredients spoiling before you have a chance to use them, which means less food (and money) wasted. Avoiding Takeout: Having ready-to-eat meals in your freezer reduces the temptation to order expensive takeout on nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

What are some tips for preparing freezer meals?

Plan your meals. Start by planning a variety of recipes that you enjoy. Aim for a mix of proteins, vegetables, and grains to ensure a balanced diet. Consider dishes that freeze well, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries. Check out some of my favorite gluten free meals below!

Batch cook. Set aside a specific time for batch cooking. This might be a weekend afternoon or an evening when you have a few hours to spare. Cook larger quantities of each dish, then divide them into individual or family-sized portions.

Proper Storage. Invest in quality freezer-safe containers or bags. Label each container with the meal’s name and the date it was prepared. This will help you keep track of what you have and ensure that you use older meals first.

Reheating. When it’s time to eat, make sure to reheat your meals properly. Some dishes may need to be thawed in the refrigerator overnight, while others can go straight from the freezer to the oven, microwave, or slow cooker.

Check out four of my favorite gluten free freezer meals below.

Chicken With Vegetables

My go-to chicken freezer meal recipe couldn't be easier.

To Make: Place three boneless chicken breasts into a gallon size freezer bag, add a sliced zucchini, 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow or orange bell pepper. Pour in one jar of your favorite marinara. Seal the bag well. (You can also put this into another gallon-sized bag just to make sure there are no leaks!) Label the bag: chicken with vegetables, slow cooker 7 hours, and the date. Lay it flat in the freezer and that's it!

The night before you want to serve it, take it out and leave it in the fridge. Pour it into your slow cooker in the morning and it will be done when you get home from work. I usually serve it over rice or pasta.

The Easiest Chili Recipe

Chili is a fall favorite in our house, and it freezes really well. Make a big batch and freeze in containers for a cozy meal on a busy night. Take it out of the freezer the night before you want to serve it and you'll be good to go by dinner.

You need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed). You can make the seasoning yourself (see below) or you can use a packaged mix. I like to make it myself to avoid any added sugar or other preservatives. You simply brown your meat, add the other ingredients and the seasoning, and simmer for 15-20 min or so. Couldn't be easier for a warm, high-protein meal.

Chili Seasoning: Mix together 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne.

Simple Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf freezes really well, is a great protein source, and is kid-approved. My go-to recipe is this turkey meatloaf (there are modifications to make it gluten free!). I will often make two loaves and freeze one for an easy dinner on another night.

Just remove from the freezer the night before you want to serve it, and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

This turkey meatball with marinara sauce recipe is a family favorite in my house (just sub with gluten free breadcrumbs). You can easily make a big pot, and freeze a container with both sauce and meatballs. Just take it out the night before you'd like to have it for dinner, and let it thaw in the fridge. Warm it up on the stove while you make your gluten free pasta. I also like that this recipe gives lots of options for different ways to cook the meatballs - in the sauce, in the oven, or even in the crockpot.

Let's get cooking!

Incorporating these easy gluten free freezer meals into your routine can help support healthy eating for you and your family, and save you time and money in the process. By planning, batch cooking, and properly storing your meals, you can ensure that you always have a variety of delicious and nutritious options ready to go, especially on busy weeknights.

I hope you'll try out these gluten free freezer meals. If you have any favorite freezer meal tips, drop them in the comments, below!

For more on meal prep, check out my easy meal prep for busy moms and my beginner's guide to meal prep.

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