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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    The Secret to Stress-Free Weeknights Lives in My Freezer

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 3, 2025 · Published November 4, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights used to leave me scrambling for dinner ideas-until I started relying on my freezer. Now, it's stocked with ready-to-go meals that make dinner practically effortless. From casseroles and soups to pasta and stews, these freezer-friendly recipes save time without sacrificing flavor. Just reheat, serve, and enjoy a stress-free evening with a home-cooked meal that's already done.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying meal - and even faster if you have it ready to go in the freezer!

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    Spicy Chicken Soup

    Spicy chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy chicken soup is perfect for when you want something warm and comforting. Made with half a chicken and two kinds of chili, it's full of flavor and has a nice variety of textures. You can have it ready in under an hour, and it's low in carbs, making it a great option for a weeknight meal. Plus, it freezes really well, so you can always have some on hand for those busy nights.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is full of flavor, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a mix of dried herbs. It's a simple yet satisfying dinner that you can whip up using just a few basic ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal brings a taste of comfort without requiring much effort. And it freezes so well, I always keep a serving of two of it in my freezer!

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    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade turkey burgers are easy to whip up and can be ready in no time. With just a few simple steps and about 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious meal. There's no need for chopping, as powdered seasonings do the trick, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds extra juiciness. They freeze beautifully, so you can stock the freezer and use them for burgers or to serve with a side of potatoes and your favorite sauce.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a potluck or a quick dinner on busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. It's also perfect to freeze for any night when you really don't have time to cook.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Meatballs can be a real treat, and these ones are simple to whip up in under an hour - make a batch while you're at it and stock the freezer for latyer! You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or bake them in the oven, giving you plenty of options. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that everyone will enjoy.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a hidden gem that really outshines the boiled version. When you cook it this way, it gets a nice crispy texture that adds a lot to the dish. Adding bacon and mushrooms brings in a rich flavor that makes it even more satisfying. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious, and perfect to keep on hand in the freezer.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta paired with a cheesy casserole. It offers a comforting yet classy dinner that can be ready in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. How's that for a fancy dinner you can stock your freezer with?!

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It's a hearty pasta sauce that captures the classic flavors of a traditional recipe, but it cooks up quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Freeze on its own or with pasta for easy meals anytime you need it!

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    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Salmon Stew is full of flavor and has a bit of a kick, all ready in under 30 minutes. Using everyday ingredients and a simple cooking method, it's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is sure to become a favorite for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal, and it's a real gem to keep on hand in the freezer.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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    • This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
      15 Simple Five-Ingredient Pastas That Deliver Big on Flavor
    • Chili.
      19 Ground Beef Recipes So Good, You’ll Wish You Tried Them Sooner
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      28 Adorable Christmas Cookies That Bring Instant Holiday Cheer

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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