15 Vegetarian Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights

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People think being vegetarian means constantly having salads and other fresh produce all the time. Well, that’s just a tiny part of the all-veggie life, and it isn’t as “sad” as any meat lover would think. Not consuming meat also means being creative with the way you have your usual meals, and you’ll be in awe of how bright, colorful, and yummy they still are.

But you’re probably worried since you might not have time to keep making healthy vegetarian meals every single day. We feel you! We can’t keep purchasing fresh produce from the groceries, making daily meal plans, and taking time out of our days to cook something good.

That’s why we rounded up 15 amazing vegetarian freezer meals so you’ve got your fix of nutrients without hassling yourself in the kitchen all the time. Whether it’s for yourself or the entire family, you’ll surely enjoy the mix of new and classic meals made without meat.

I’ll be updating this post with more delicious vegetarian freezer meals, so click here and save this image to your favorite Pinterest board for the updates. Or pin the image below!

 

 

More delicious and healthy recipe ideas for you:

• 20 Easy and Healthy Weeknight Dinners
• 15 Easy and Healthy Noodle Recipes for Weeknights
• 20 Easy and Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
• 15 Easy and Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Busy Mornings

 

What do vegetarians keep in the freezer?

Vegetarians often stock their freezers with items that make meal prep easier. They keep a mix of raw and cooked veggies, fruits for smoothies, and meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, and veggie burgers.

Quick meals might include ready-to-eat grains such as quinoa or rice. For busier days, they might have ready-made meals like casseroles, enchiladas, or stuffed peppers. Seeds, nuts, and flour are also frozen to keep them fresh. This variety ensures they can always whip up healthy and diverse meals.

 

Can you freeze meals with vegetables?

Yes, you can freeze meals with vegetables.

Freezing is a practical method to prolong the shelf life of many dishes and preserve their nutritional value.

For optimal freezing of vegetables, consider blanching them briefly in boiling water; this process helps maintain their color, texture, and flavor. However, some vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, don’t need blanching before freezing.

To store meals that contain vegetables, remember to use airtight containers or freezer bags to ward off freezer burn. I also like labeling and dating each package so that I can track for freshness.

For reheating, you need to thaw meals gradually, either in the refrigerator or by using the microwave’s defrost setting, to achieve the best texture and flavor.

 

What healthy meals can be frozen?

I love vegetarian meals and I’ve found a lot of healthy meals that freeze beautifully.

My personal favorites include lentil soup, vegetable stews, and chickpea curries; they taste just as good thawed as when freshly made.

I often prepare spinach and cheese stuffed pasta, such as manicotti or lasagna, ahead of time and pop them in the freezer for those busy days.

Bean or lentil patties have been a protein-packed mainstay in my freezer routine.

I usually enjoy prepping vibrant vegetable stir-fries, freezing them, and then quickly reheating them on hectic busy weeknights.

My stuffed bell peppers, brimming with grains and veggies, never lose their charm even after freezing. And trust me, quiches filled with mushrooms, spinach, and feta or tofu scrambles taste delightful after a thaw and reheat.

 

1. Ravioli Casserole with Kale

Just the name “Ravioli Casserole” seems daunting for newbie cooks, but the recipe isn’t as fancy and complicated as it sounds! Surprisingly, it only uses four ingredients and an hour of your time, though people may think otherwise, as it looks like the mouthwatering, cheese-filled lasagna of their dreams.

You can make this in advance to freeze and bake, a suitable dinner for new parents or meal preppers who are too busy to cook every day.

 

2. Tomato Bisque

Smooth, creamy, and a fancy French soup! Can you believe this can be made into a freezer meal for easier meal prep? Better yet, can you believe that even after freezing, you can reheat this and it will still taste so rich and flavorful?

This is a vegan soup that can work as an appetizer, warming snack, or even as a main course with crunchy garlic bread (or grilled cheese) to complement the dish.

 

3. Veggie Burger Freezer Meals

Who knew pumpkin seeds can be a main star of the event when it comes to burgers?

Meatless Mondays with the family don’t need to feel so drab even for your loved ones who say they “must have meat!” These freezer meal veggie burgers are a great addition to any meal plan not only because of the presence of veggies but the fewer calories and fat it has. Get your daily dose of nutrients while eating more without the guilt!

 

4. Vegetarian Chili

Chili can be made vegetarian-friendly? Of course, it can, with the right ingredients like beans, mushrooms, peppers, and the right spices. You get a protein-filled dish without meat, but with smoky flavors that will leave your lips smacking. Whether you’re vegetarian or not, this simple recipe will have you satisfied and craving for seconds.

Plus, this chili is easy to make. It takes less than an hour. You can also freeze batches of it to heat and enjoy without the hassle.

 

5. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas

Mexican-themed dinner nights aren’t complete with huge, cheesy enchiladas. But enchiladas don’t need to be filled with meat, nor will they take hours to make. With this delicious recipe, you can overload it with protein from beans and nutritious veggies.

You and the kids won’t even miss the meat or even realize you’re getting your fix of vegetables for the day. Prepare these enchiladas in advance to freeze and bake for future snacks, lunches, or dinners when you’re too busy to cook.

 

6. Black Bean Burger

Burgers, anyone? Vegetarians don’t need to sacrifice their love for beef burgers when they can make their own using black beans! These are made with wholesome ingredients like peppers, garlic, onions, and creamy guac as your sauce. It’s filled with vitamins and minerals to keep you satisfied and energized for the day.

Whether you assemble it as a hamburger sandwich or pair it with rice or mashed potatoes, you will love the texture and bright flavors each patty offers.

 

7. Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers

Who would’ve thought stuffed bell peppers can taste divine? This recipe calls for stuffing these crunchy, non-spicy peppers with quinoa, black beans, cheese, spices, and enchilada sauce with a slice of avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. If you want to make it a tad spicier, add more hot sauce!

This is a complete meal filled with healthy carbs, fats, and protein in just one stuffed pepper. It’s also incredibly easy to make, taking ten minutes of prep time and one bowl. You can also freeze this to bake for later when you’re pressed for time.

 

8. Healthy Pumpkin and Tofu Curry

No hassle in washing the dishes, because this curry recipe only uses one pot and NO meat! The secret to the color of this rich curry recipe is turmeric and… Pumpkin! Don’t be alarmed, because the pumpkin adds color, richness, and nutrients, making it a yummy dish to savor.

Add bell peppers and broccoli for more vegetables, as well as tofu and roasted cashews for added protein. Make this dish even healthier by pairing it with quinoa or brown rice for fiber!

 

9. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

We never thought the classic Shepherd’s Pie can be made without meat successfully until this recipe. This is a vegan Shepherd’s Pie filled with lentils for protein, a ton of veggies, and rich gravy topped with rich and creamy mashed potatoes.

This is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul no matter the time of day or the season. This well-balanced meal also isn’t intimidating, because anyone can make it, taking only ten minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes to bake.

 

10. Pesto Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

Pesto spinach sauce in lasagna is a match made in heaven. These lasagna rolls work amazingly for meal preppers because they can satisfy their cravings with individual portions to freeze and reheat.

You can have as many lasagna rolls as you want even if you have no time or feel too tired to cook, thanks to your meal-prepping skills from weeks before! Filled with cheese, spinach, and pesto, each bite will contain savory flavors no one can resist.

 

11. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

There are other ways to create vegetarian-friendly burgers and sandwiches. One unique (and maybe shocking) ingredient is jackfruit. That’s right, you can emulate the crowd favorite pulled BBQ sandwiches with jackfruit, which will have a similar texture and consistency.

Use the right sauces and ingredients to make it as flavorful as any other BBQ sandwich. People may not even tell the difference until you point it out. What makes the BBQ sauce amazing is tomato sauce, maple syrup, and a lot of warm spices!

 

12. Butternut Squash Soup

Whether it’s fall or not, everyone enjoys a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, especially on cold nights! This is a simple and fool-proof recipe that you can freeze for a few weeks so you will always have a stock of creamy, hearty soup to fill you up when you want to eat a light dinner.

Pair this with a few pieces of bread and you’ve got yourself a meal! It’s also a great appetizer for fall-themed parties, saving you a ton of time creating an entire 3-course meal.

 

13. Tofu Pineapple Stir Fry

Don’t have too much time to meal prep and create freezer-friendly meals? This recipe gives you no excuse because it’s extremely simple, healthy, and easy to make. It’s one of the quickest and most nutritious frozen dinners that take half an hour to prep.

Think of it as a meat-free take on sweet and sour pork, so you’ve got the classic combination of savory, sweet, salty, and he slight acidic, tangy taste!

 

14. Make Ahead Quiche

Eggs are usually considered vegetarian as they are not technically animal flesh, making the classic breakfast quiche a protein-filled go-to for energy. However, you aren’t only restricted to enjoying this for breakfast, but any other meal (and snack).

It’s super rich and cheesy, loaded with vegetables, and gluten-free. Plus, if you’re calorie-conscious, one serving only has 228 calories and 10 grams of protein! You may make a few simple ingredient swaps as well if you’d like to make the recipe dairy-free or low-carb.

 

15. Vegan Breakfast Burrito

Say goodbye to Taco Tuesdays in the meantime and say hello to these healthy and hassle-free vegan burritos. These are freezer-friendly burritos you can pop in the oven for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Instead of meat, this burrito uses black beans and tofu as the protein base, along with a ton of veggies for a crunch and avocado for the creamy texture. No need to buy pricey and calorie-laden burritos from fast food joints when you can make them at home to freeze and have any time you want, saving money along the way.