Raise your hand if you would love a less stressful and chaotic back-to-school season? Yes, I knew it – that’s why I create this batch cooking freezer guide which will make your life a lot easier this fall!
Back-to-school season is wild enough without the daily dinner debate or chaotic early mornings.
I am all about making a healthier life easier for future me and helping other moms with this as well! That is, in a nutshell, my “brand” and my mission. Which is why I put together this batch cook and freeze list.
Imagine not having to spend much time on dinner because you already have cooked taco meat in the freezer. Or, super easy breezy mornings where you just pull already cooked pancakes from your freezer to feed the whole family.
Now, I am writing this with fall in mind but feel free to utilize these ideas and this meal prep plan any time of year!
Ideally, you would make these items before school starts but anytime after works, too! These ideas are just the perfect freezer options for throwing together easy meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast Basics
These breakfast items freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer bag or storage container!
Mini Egg Bites with Cottage Cheese (Little Healthy Bites)
These mini egg bites are higher in protein due to the addition of cottage cheese. Plus, they have spinach and bell peppers for added micronutrients. Both adult and kid-friendly, these egg bites can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months!
Prep them on a lazy summer day (if there is such a thing) so you have an easy, healthy breakfast for you and your children on hectic school mornings.
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Bucket List Tummy)
Another higher protein breakfast basic: delicious pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes. Of course, if pumpkin is not your thing, just choose your favorite pancake recipe! Frozen pancakes are super easy to just reheat in the microwave.
Then, you won’t have to make pancakes during the busy back-to-school season. Also try these Protein Zucchini Pancakes to sneak in some extra veggies!
Another idea? Try a sheet pan pancakes recipe so you don’t even even have to go through the hassle of cooking them in a pan. Then, cut them up and freeze them!
Breakfast Burritos
Individually freeze in tinfoil or put in a zip-loc bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer for a quick, easy, and very filling breakfast. This recipe is a Mexican-style take on a breakfast burrito but you could easily customize or come up with your own burrito.
Baked Chocolate Oatmeal (Athlete Lunch Box)
A healthy baked chocolate oatmeal that is also high in protein. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave from frozen in short intervals.
Lunch Meal prep or Dinners
These components will make cooking dinner a lot easier or make it so you actually want to meal prep your lunch for the week. Why? Because the hardest part (the cooking part) is already done for you.
Along with these options, I recommend batch cooking a large pot of rice, quinoa, orzo, couscous and/or any other preferred grain. Then, freeze based on how many servings you need to feed the family. Easily pair these grains with many of the below options!
Also, this is a good strategy for beans and legumes like lentils, black beans, etc.
Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Two Healthy Kitchens)
An easy yet flavorful staple with just three ingredients: chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa! Cook now, freeze flat in bags for up to 3 months.
This can also be done with ground beef taco meat, pulled pork and sloppy joes as well! Just pull the meat about 24 hours in advance and reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Serve as tacos, bowls, sandwiches or wraps!
Mexican Chili
This is one of my family’s favorites: a Mexican-inspired chili with a combination of fresh and pantry ingredients. It’s super easy to throw together and would freeze well for up to 3 months!
When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a pot over the stove. Then, add your favorite toppings – Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, jalapenos and avocado slices.
Spaghetti Pie (The Healthy Epicurean)
A comforting, higher protein meal that’s like a cross between lasagna and spaghetti. It’s pretty easy to make and freezes well. Just reheat in the microwave!
Dump-and-Go Crockpot Ideas
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chili (The Oregon Dietitian)
If you have a rotisserie or leftover chicken, this recipe comes together quickly. Now, you could cook this recipe and then freezer it OR prep it in advance and freeze.
To prep in advance, toss all the ingredients into a freezer-safe zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing, then label and date it.
When ready to cook, dump the contents of the bag into your slow cooker from frozen (instructions are listed in the recipe).
Red Lentil Dahl (Haute and Healthy Living)
This red lentil dahl is bursting with fresh flavors and is a great option for meatless Mondays! It’s a super simple dump-and-go crockpot recipe that can be made with very little prep and frozen for up to 3 months for a quick and easy future dinner.
Or, freeze in individual portions for future lunch ideas when you don’t have the time or energy to meal prep for the week!
Pesto Chicken Meatballs (Living Chirpy)
These pesto chicken meatballs are a great option for the whole family. Freeze these meatlballs for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating. Then, for an easy dinner, just cook some of your favorite pasta noodles with a jarred sauce and microwave some frozen vegetables.
Freeze Raw with Marinade
Below are some easy chicken marinade ideas. The chicken can be frozen and then thaws and marinates at the same time!
This option will take you just 5 minutes of prep. It’s so easy to prepare multiple freezer bags at once and freeze for later.
- 7 Chicken Marinades (Sweet Peas and Saffron)
- 6 Easy Chicken Marinades from Andi Anne.
Lunchbox + Snacks
This post does include Amazon affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I receive a small compensation when a purchase is made.
Mini Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a family-friendly favorite. They are easy to make and great for a well-balanced snack or meal. There are many variations, too – veggie + chicken + cheese on a healthy tortilla.
Easily heat up in the microwave or toaster oven, like these Make Ahead Freezer Quesadillas from Cobble Hill Farm.
Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins (Simple and Fraiche)
Higher protein banana muffins made with cottage cheese! Adult and kid-approved. Easily freeze these muffins for up to 2 months for an easy, grab-and-go snack.
Best Bliss Balls (Carrots and Cookies)
Bliss balls, or energy bites, are one of my favorite snacks of all time. They freeze well and I actually prefer them right out of the freezer. They’re really healthy plus I think many kids would eat them too. Just 5 ingredients and no baking required!
Homemade Uncrustables (Eating Bird Food)
Save some money by making your own sandwiches ahead of time and storing them in the freezer, just like Uncrustables are! It’s the perfect kids lunch idea and they’re actually so easy to make with this fun sandwich cutter and sealer.
What to read next:
- Back-to-School Meal Planning Toolkit – this post plus this toolkit will be all you need to have a less stressful fall/winter.
- Fall Reset Checklist
- Gifts That Make Being Healthy Easier
- Small Task Meal Prep
Hope This Helped!
Even if you prepped one of these items a week for the next few weeks, imagine how prepared you would feel for the crazy back-to-school and holiday season! Subscribe and follow along for more helpful healthy eating strategies and recipes high in protein and fiber.