In a season of busy, having healthy meals on hand to feed and nourish your family should be a priority. With these 6 fall inspired gluten-free vegan freezer meals, healthy dinners can be served in a snap!
September’s Theme – Fantastic Freezer Meals: Share your tips and tricks for making one – or more freezer meals. It’s the end of the gardening season for some of us; let’s store away that produce in heat-and-eat-from-the-freezer-meals. Show how convenient healthy freezer breakfast, lunches or dinners can be!
I am totally diggin’ this month’s Recipe ReDux theme! Let me tell you about my love of the freezer. We were never a big freezer meal family when I was growing up. I guess because I didn’t have parents who “cooked” and “prepped” meals. But when I started cooking myself and making too much for just me or 2 other people, the freezer became my best friend. Since I’m such a anti-food waste advocate, being able to freeze the quantities of large dinner recipes I have leftover is wonderful. But the greatest bonus is I always know I have a healthy meal option on hand for any busy night of the week that I may not get time to cook something new. So in this season of busy I know a lot of you don’t have time to cook every night, but having pre-cooked meals on hand in the freezer would be a perfect solution. You can cook them up on the weekend and defrost/heat-up as needed. All these recipes are gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, meaning no meat (safer for freezing and heating up in my mind!).
1. Chana Masala – My #1 favorite recipe of all time, chana masala! This dish made me fall in love with Indian food and has always been my favorite meal since. So easy to throw together in one skillet on the stove, let cool, and freeze! Simply reheat on the stove and serve with some naan, rice, tortilla, whatever!
2. Smokey Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup – I’m pretty sure soup is the most iconic freezer meal (not to mention totally fall-inspired!). Nothing could be easier than whipping up a large batch of soup by roasting some veggies, throwing them in a blender and bam. Easy soup perfection, perfect for freezing in portions!
3. Savory Pumpkin Lentil Tacos – These have always been my favorite tacos! Yes, and they have pumpkin! To freeze these, all you have to do is cook up the one-pot creamy lentil and veggie mixture before hand, then freeze. When you’re ready to serve, just get out those taco shells and dinner is served!
4. Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers – What I love about “stuffed” things is how easy it is to take out how many you need from the freezer. Maybe it’s just you tonight or maybe you and your son. You don’t have to take out the whole batch, but just the ones you need!
5. Comforting Veggie Bean Chili – Want a hearty soup? This bean backed “chili” is one of my favorites! I’m not much of a soup person to begin with, and much prefer something super hearty that you chew (but can still use a spoon)!
6. Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – These are also and will always remain in my top favorite recipes! Think lentils, hummus, and veggies cooked on the stove then stuffed in portobello caps and baked. Pure comfort food! Again, a wonderful “stuffed” thing to freeze, but you could also just freeze the mixture and then stuff and back the mushrooms the day of if you have time too!
My freezer is always stocked. From actual meals, to frozen veggies, fruits, purees, and loads of baked goods! I always have these Buckwheat English Muffin Buns on hand too for a quick side in a snap, heated in the microwave! Now happy meal-prepping so you can freeze all these healthy fall dinner recipes and never be without a great dinner!
So tell me:
+ Do you have a go-to or favorite freezer meal?
+ Do you utilize your freezer, or neglect it’s preserving, quick-access capabilities?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, Waste Not Want Not!*
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Sam // DIY Just Cuz
Seriously, any meal I can freeze and save to make my life easier during the week is a blessing. These all sound so good but I think I’m particularly struck by the Tacos…I love me some tacos.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Tacos are great and these are my favorite!
Kathy
Great idea to freeze meals ahead. I would benefit greatly doing this especially when it’s super busy here.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks!
Jennifer Stewart
I always need good freezer meals! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My pleasure 😛
Raia
I’ve never been able to make freezer meals before. They always get eaten before they make it to the freezer. 🙂 These all sound tasty though, especially the stuffed peppers. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
When you’re not cooking for a crowd 😉
Raia
Yeah… 😉
Anjanette @MommaYoung
I am really wanting to start freezing meals, I know it would make our big family life so much easier.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It totally would!
Honest mum
Fab recipes and I love chana massala, made it yesterday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s the best!
Deborah Davis
My favorite freezer meal is your stuffed portabella mushrooms! Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are great!
Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free
These look delicious, and perfect timing, it was almost freezing temps in Vancouver this morning! I’m featuring this post this week 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ugh!!! Hate the cold! But thank you so much dear!
Krystal
Excellent round up here Rebecca! With a new baby on the way I need to stock up on freezer meals. Thanks for posting.. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect Krystal!
Honest mum
So much inspiration there, thanks for this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure!!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
What a yummy roundup of recipes. I freeze extras when I have them. I hate wasting food too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The worst! Gotta use every bit!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
I love to freeze soups and chilis too. Just wish we had more freezer space!! Thanks for your great ideas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know!!! I want one of those extra storage freezers for our house!
Sandy Sandmeyer
We don’t have to worry about gluten in our food in my house, but these look like great recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Amberjane
I am really loving all your recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks so much!
Esther
Those look fab! I def need to make more freezer meals! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s always good to stock some!
Suzan
I’m sending this link to my daughter immediately – she’s a vegan!
Thanks so much for sharing !
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! Thanks dear!
Stephanie
These are all such great ideas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
All of these recipes look great. I never knew how convenient it is to freeze meals until pretty recently. Such a timesaver too! #SitsSharefest
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly! Sometimes it’s just great to have that peace of mind that you have an “emergency” healthy meal on hand at all times!
Emma @ Em-powered Wellness
Yesss bookmarking this now! I’ve been looking for more vegan recipes and freezer-friendly ones are great! First on my list to try = those pumpkin lentil tacos 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Those are a great choice 😉 I think I may be making them this weekend myself!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
This is a wonderful array of healthy delicious recipes. I think I like the Mushroom one the best.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s a big hit in my house!
Cassi
I haven’t gotten into freezer meals. I just cook 6 nights a week.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I do the same, but when I make a big batch for photos/blog, leftovers happen 😉
Cassi
Leftovers don’t last long here – I take them to work for lunch.
Emma
Some great ideas here. I love Chana Masala too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! It’s just fabulous!
Jennifer
Everything looks AMAZING! Yummo! So glad I hopped over today! Excellent blog and vegan goodies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!! xoxo
Jen
Girl, you’re speaking my language! I’m about to go through major surgery and this is EXACTLY what I need. I’m going to prep an freeze all of these beforehand.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O I wish I could do it for you! That would be even better 😉 xoxo
Sarah
Tons of great ideas, loving them all
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Audrey
I don’t usually do freezer meals, but your list gives me a place to start.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Give it a go!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
I freeze soup. A lot. I prefer freshly made things, but when it comes to soup — making a ginormous batch and freezing is such a time saver. Btw, chana was one of the first Indian dishes I tried and fell in love with too 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Because who ever makes a small batch of homemade soup!?
Yes! It was my first one too! I think that’s why I love it so much!
Coombe Mill - Fiona Cambouropoulos
What a tasty mix this looks
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kimmythevegan
I used to always have freezer meals ready to go. I haven’t been doing it recently though & just started again. So far all I have in there is some homemade soup & chickpea pasta. I love the chana masala and the tacos. Those will be making an appearance in my freezer soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Do both!!! Then you’ll always be ready for taco tuesday and…..chana masala….thursday? Hahaha!
McKaye
I’ve been looking for a few healthy recipes that past few weeks and didn’t come up with much. These all look great. Can’t wait to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know if you give any a try!
Mari-Anna @flowingfaith
I’m always looking for gluten-free recipes, thanks so much for sharing, neighbor! Blessings!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope these spark some cooking creativity! Thanks dear!
Hil
I am always looking for crockpot vegetarian recipes thanks for the suggestions!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad you like them!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
Thanks for all the great meal ideas! Time to stock the freezer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes it is!
Ally @OmNomAlly
Yum! Not 1 but 6 delicious freezer recipes, thank you for sharing 😀 That Smokey Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup definitely caught my eye!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s a good one!
Anna@stuffedveggies
These look really great! I love cooking vegan for the freezer : )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cooking without vegan, period. 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I need to refill my freezer big time! It’s actually something I look forward to in the fall!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is fun knowing you have good yummy options ready in a snap!
Linda @ Veganosity
This is such a great post. I don’t use the freezer as much as I should. Mostly because I eat everything I make before it has the chance to hit the freezer. 😉 Love that soup!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! That’s me too, but sometimes I want to make a big recipe that’s way to much for just little me!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Girl, I’m totally eyeing up that butternut squash and carrot soup. Chili has got to be my favourite freezer meal, but any kind of stew will do for me! xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I feel yea! I have to be in the mood for a creamy soup over a good chili!
Crissy
These recipes look wonderful! Thanks for making my winter meal planning a lot easier!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, my pleasure 😉
Steph @ The Grateful Grazer
Thanks for helping me plan a week’s worth of amazing-looking meals! (Can’t wait to try the chana masala!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it! It’s such an easy recipe too, but full of so much flavor and love!
Melissa @ vegan does it
The Chana Masala and Pumpkin Tacos sound and look amazing! I do tend to neglect the freezer when it comes to ready on the fly meals. I think I should change that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You should!! You can only make things easier 😉
Tianna
thanks for these! the bell peppers look delicious!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I so neglect my freezer’s amazing preserving capabilities – think I need to come raid yours because -these are my kinda eating!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You can always find something good in my freezer 😉
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen
Yum these all sound so great! I really need to make more use of freezer meals… thanks for the ideas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Ashley!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I’ve been wanting to try a butternut squash soup. I love soups that are a bit thicker and a sweet/savory combo! Those stuffed peppers also look awesome 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The sweet and savory is always good!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion
Great collection! I should check some of them:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I loooove channa masala but I never thought about freezing it! That would be such a nice weeknight dinner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Any one pan dish is good for freezing!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I never knew you were such a Chana Masala fan!? I mean #1 fave is a BIG title! I’ve never had it as I’m sure you can guess, that’s a lot of savory effort for me. But I’m really diggin the creaminess of that soup though <3 Plus, you know, it's easy 🙂 And the mushrooms–maybe not super easy but I still love my fungi foods and that filling looks deeeelicious 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Come over and I’ll make you some chana masala!!!! You must try some!
Julie
I’ve used up most of my freezer stash from pre-baby, so it is time to fill it back up. Great ideas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think it is 😉
Alanna
I need to step up my freezer game big time!! Those pumpkin lentil tacos are calling my name so badly right now 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I need to make them again! I was craving them writing this post up!
Christie @3 whole peas
Look forward to trying your veggie bean chili! Yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s so comforting!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living
Loving all these freezer meal ideas – so perfect for busy nights.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! 😉
Corina
Love the sound of the pumpkin tacos!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One of my favorites!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
Oh, I love freezer meals! So convenient!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They totally are!
Farrah
I adore freezer meals as well! They’re the best thing ever when it comes to a busy life! ;P I need to make that soup! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I need to make soup this year! I haven’t had it in so so so long!