When cooking with fresh produce isn't in the cards, using frozen vegetables is the next best thing. And they're especially handy when you're craving, say, butternut squash soup in July. Because vegetables are frozen at their peak ripeness, seasons are irrelevant. For more weeknight inspiration, check out our cheap and easy dinner ideas.
Chicken Pot Pie
The classic combo of frozen corn, carrots, green beans, and peas is perfect for homemade chicken pot pie. To save even more time, use store-bought refrigerated crust and chop some rotisserie chicken.
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Beef Stew
That bag of peas in the freezer is good for more than just icing injuries. It adds a pop of sweetness to rich and hearty dishes, like beef stew. Just throw them in (there's no need to defrost them) during the last two minutes of cooking.
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Fried Rice
The beauty of fried rice is that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. If you've got frozen broccoli, use it here!
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Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
If you have a frozen vegetable medley, make soup! Frozen chopped spinach can also be substituted for the kale.
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Corn Chowder
Sweet corn on the cob has a very limited season, but frozen corn is almost as delicious and just as effective in bacon corn chowder.
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White Chicken Chili
Don't have a ton of frozen corn? Make a creamy chicken chili instead. Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
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Coq Au Vin
Don't be intimidated. Coq au vin is essentially just chicken stew. The wine, butter, and bacon will make your bag of frozen carrots and pearl onions taste extra fancy.
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Low-Carb Breakfast Hash
The sky's the limit when you have frozen cauliflower in your freezer. Cauliflower Pizza Crust and Cauliflower Tots are insanely delicious, for example. But when you're hungry and want something a little easier, make this hash.
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Cauliflower Baked Ziti
Before tossing the cauliflower with the sauce, we like to roast it first. When using frozen cauliflower, we recommend preheating your baking sheet in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil first. It'll help speed up the cooking.
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Butternut Squash Risotto
Peeling and cubing butternut squash is the worst. Using the frozen variety majorly cuts back on prep time and makes something as time-consuming as risotto seem way more approachable.
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Shrimp Stir Fry
Stir fries work with just about any vegetables. Pro tip: Frozen edamame would be especially delicious in this recipe.
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Enchilada Casserole
Another perfect recipe for frozen corn, enchilada casserole is always a crowd pleaser. But if you're cooking for a smaller crew, leftovers freeze really well.
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