The Problem: Emily Rhorer needs freezer-friendly recipes designed to maximize flavor and ensure food safety. "I'd like some help making ahead and freezing tasty yet nutritious meals for dinner a couple of days a week," says Emily. She also would like some new additions to her current battery of recipes.

Kitchen Strategy: Freezing food for future meals is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Doubling recipes or simply batch-cooking on the weekend means Emily doesn't have to cook every night and can stretch the benefits of nutritious recipes.

Freezer-friendly meals need not be boring. Aside from the obvious casserole, many recipes are conducive to the freezing process. Soups and liquid-based recipes, those containing moisture in the form of sauces, freeze well due to the high amount of water. (Recipes: Basic Beef Stew with Carrots and Mushrooms and Dijon Chicken Stew with Potatoes and Kale.)

Most vegetables, fruits, cooked beans, cooked pastas and rice, poultry, and meats are also good candidates for the freezer. (Recipes: Skillet Paella, Mushroom Tamales, and Sourdough Waffles with Ham and Cheese.)

When cooking ahead remember that cooked items generally have a shorter life span than uncooked foods due to water loss during heating, so be sure to keep track of your inventory to keep the quality in check. (See Freeze with Ease and Freezer Guide for more information.)

Here are some freezer-friendly recipes and articles we suggest for make-ahead meals:

Hot Chicken and Chips Retro
Mini Turkey Burgers with Gorgonzola
Marinara Sauce over Rotini
Ham, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomato Calzones
Chunky Chipotle-Chicken Chili
Moroccan Chicken with Green Olives

Freeze Now, Party Later
Search our collection of freezable casseroles, breads and soups.

Freezer Pleasers
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Frozen Food 101
Tips for successful cooking with frozen ingredients

Frozen Assets
It's smart to have a variety of ingredients in your freezer.