When life gets hectic and the budget gets tight, having a freezer full of ready-to-go meals can be a real lifesaver. Whether you’re juggling shift work, parenting, or just trying to avoid the takeaway trap, freezer meals offer convenience without the cost. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients—just a little prep and a willingness to give it a go.
Best Types of Freezer Meals
These types of meals freeze and reheat well:
| Meal Type | Examples |
| Casseroles & Bakes | Cottage pie, macaroni cheese, lasagne |
| Soups & Stews | Pumpkin soup, beef stew, minestrone |
| Sauces | Bolognaise, curry bases, cheese sauce |
| Pies & Pasties | Mince and cheese pies, veggie pasties |
| Curries & Rice Dishes | Butter chicken, dhal, fried rice |
| Muffins & Snacks | Savoury muffins, pizza scrolls, burritos |
Tips:
- Refer to our Whanau Cookbook for some recipe ideas
- Cook double when you can — eat one, freeze one. Saves money and future stress!
- If you are on one of those power plans when you get the evening or weekend use for free, that’s a great time to make up some meals for freezing.
Freezing & Storage Tips
- Cool food completely before freezing to avoid condensation and freezer burn.
- Label everything with the date and contents (masking tape + marker works!).
- Use containers you already have: takeaway containers, reused yoghurt tubs, or ziplock bags laid flat.
- Freeze in portions to reduce waste and make reheating easier.
- First in, first out: use older meals before newer ones.
Other Ideas for Freezer Success
- Make DIY frozen meal kits (e.g. chop veg and freeze with sauce in a bag)
- Freeze leftover rice in muffin trays
- Turn leftovers into toasties, wraps, or soup starters
- Use ice cube trays for leftover curry pastes, stock, or lemon juice
Freezer meals are one of the smartest ways to stretch a budget, reduce waste, and make sure you always have something ready when the energy (or the cash) runs low. Even a few freezer staples can stop a stressful day from ending in a $40 plus Uber Eats regret.
You don’t need fancy containers or a massive freezer. Just a plan of what you are going to make, a few hours now and then, and the willingness to cook once so you can eat twice.