Give yourself the gift of convenience with these family-favorite hamburger freezer meals, from taco soup to meatloaf. They cut down on grocery trips and save time, so these dinners are a lifesaver for busy days and for those of us who are just plain tired of cooking! ;)
Why I love freezer meals – and you will, too!
When our kids were little, one of the biggest challenges I faced was that constant question nagging at the back of my mind every. single. day…
“What’s for dinner?”
I finally landed on a solution that worked like a charm. I planned a menu once a month, shopped for all the groceries, and spent a few mornings cooking it and tucking it into the freezer. (Here are some freezer meal cooking tips.)
Now that the kids are grown and I’m cooking for two, I STILL struggle with that same daily dinner dilemma.
So last month I decided to modify the methods I used when I was cooking for a family, and adapted the process for the two of us.
It worked so well that I did it again this month! Let’s face it, I’m tired of cooking after all these years. I’d rather spend a big chunk of time on it once a month and save time each day. It’s a system that makes my days feel so much more pleasant…
Freezer Meals for Two with Ease is All about the Packaging!
I finally figured out the secret to freezing meals in portions for two people: it’s all about the size of the dishes.
Just like when I froze meals for the whole family, I’ve built up a collection of dishes that freeze well for a family of five. Now I’m doing the same thing in a downsized version!
The two superstars in my new freezer meals for two are these (The following are affiliate links for your shopping convenience.):
6 cup dish with lid
We just bought 2 of these to start our collection. They’re the perfect size for casseroles, soups, or lasagna for two. The lid makes them so handy to stack in the freezer.
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4 3/4 cup baking dish
We’ve been using this size of baking dish for years and love it for the two of us. We have a collection of 8 now! Again, the lid makes them so handy to stack in the freezer, and they’re the perfect size for the two of us.
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I also use large freezer zip-top bags, and if you prefer reusable bags, you can find them here.
Hamburger Freezer Meals That Freeze Well
Here are the hamburger freezer meals I’ve used over the years. I’ve made these recipes over and over again, and they freeze so well.
Freeze Ahead Lasagna
This freeze ahead lasagna was always a hit when our kids were home, and we love it, too!
To freeze for a family
Freeze in 9×13 inch pans, covered tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
To freeze lasagna for two
Layer each recipe in four 4 3/4 cup dishes (the set above), which makes 4 meals for two.
Taco Soup
Taco soup is similar to chili, but it has Mexican taco seasoning. Served with tortilla chips and grated cheese, it’s a hit!
To freeze for a family
Combine all the ingredients, simmer for a few minutes, let cool completely, and freeze in a large zip-top bag.
To freeze taco soup for two
Cool completely and divide each batch into 2 large freezer bags.
Meatballs
Meatballs are so convenient to have on hand in the freezer. Use them with spaghetti sauce over pasta, make Waikiki meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce over rice, or serve them with homemade barbecue meatball sauce over mashed potatoes.
To freeze for a family or for two
Freeze individual meatballs on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to zip-top bags. Take out the amount you want for each meal (generally 4 per person) when you’re ready to use them.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is one of America’s all-time favorite comfort foods! Served with any kind of potatoes, it’s a family favorite.
To freeze for a family
Pack the meatloaf into one loaf pan, then flip it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze for a few hours, then package it in a large zip-top bag.
To freeze for 2
Shape one meatloaf recipe into two small loaves and freeze them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Then package them in a zip-top bag.
Bacon Wrapped Individual Meatloaf
Bacon-wrapped individual meatloaf is such a fun, freezer-friendly recipe, and it’s even perfect for guests!
To freeze for a family or 2
Freeze individual bacon-wrapped mini meatloaves on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to zip-top bags. Take out the amount you want for each meal when you’re ready to use them.
Oven Baked Hamburger Steak
Also known as “poor man’s steak,” this oven baked hamburger steak recipe is a favorite of our whole family. Tip: If you don’t want to see the oatmeal in them, blend the “add-ins” first.
To freeze for a family or 2
Freeze individual hamburger steaks on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to zip-top bags. Take out the amount you want for each meal when you’re ready to use them.
Classic Chili
A batch of classic chili in the freezer is perfect for pulling out on a chilly day! I like to let it heat up all day in the slow cooker. It smells so warm and comforting…
To freeze for a family or 2
After combining all the ingredients, let the chili cool completely, then package it in one zip-top bag for a family or in 2 zip-top bags for two.
Hamburger Barley Soup
Hearty and full of flavor, hamburger barley soup is a delicious dinner idea for the cool days of fall and winter.
To freeze for a family or 2
After combining all the ingredients, let the soup cool completely, then package it in one zip-top bag for a family or in 2 zip-top bags for two.
Tater Tot Casserole
Kids and adults both love tater tot casserole! Topped with tater tots and cheese, it’s a layered casserole that freezes beautifully.
To freeze for a family
Follow the recipe and freeze it in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
To freeze for 2
Layer the ingredients in 2 of the 6 cup casserole dishes or 4 of the 4 cup casserole dishes (pictured above), depending on the serving sizes you prefer.
For More Tips and Ideas for Freezer Meals, You Might Like:
- A simple guide to preparing freezer meals
- Answers to questions about make-ahead meals to freeze
- This shopping list printable was made specifically to help with grocery shopping and freezer meal planning.
