Vegetarian Freezer Meals for New Moms

by Katie Trant on Feb 22, 2020 (last updated Apr 28, 2025) // 6 Comments

Vegetarian Freezer Meals for New Moms including nourishing breakfasts, lunches you can eat one-handed, easy dinner ideas, and snacks!

photo collage with text that reads vegetarian freezer meals

If we've known each other for a while you probably know that I'm all about the freezer meals. I love batch cooking prepping and stashing individual servings of healthy dishes in the freezer so that I can get a break from time to time, or grab something to eat on a day when I don't have time to cook.

When I was pregnant with Niko, I worked furiously to fill the freezer with what I thought would be the best possible meals and snacks for the time, and while many things were good, there were also some misses. For example, I found muffins and bars to be nothing short of essential for snacking on while nursing my tiny son, while the freezer burritos I'd stashed away turned out to be incredibly difficult to eat one-handed.

Don't get me wrong, freezer burritos are still incredibly valuable for those meals when the baby is happily snoozing or rocking in the baby swing - that's why they're still on this list - and I definitely didn't have the energy or time for a lot of cooking in those early days.

I've taken what I've learned from having done this before, and created this essential list of Vegetarian Freezer Meals for New Moms.

Breakfast Freezer Meals

If you're making a bunch of freezer meals for new moms, definitely don't forget about the most important meal of the day! If you're meal prepping for a mom-to-be or someone else who suffers from IBS, be sure to check out our list of Low FODMAP Breakfast Recipes.

Vegan Banana Waffles

Trust me on this one, a big batch of waffles in the freezer is a beautiful thing. I love these for quick and easy weekday breakfasts. Simply reheat them in the toaster and eat them one-handed if that's how your day is going.

Overhead photo of vegan banana waffles on a blue plate topped with sliced banana, and a cooling rack of waffles to the side

Easy Vegan Banana Waffles

Vegan Banana Waffles! This vegan waffle recipe is easy to make and super healthy. Made with whole wheat flour, brown bananas, and flax seeds, these are perfect to keep frozen and pop into the toaster on a busy morning.

Check out this recipe

overhead photo of vegan banana waffles on a blue plate with a silver fork and white tea towel to the side

Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are one of those beautiful all-in-one meals that pack in a bunch of protein, veggies, and complex carbs all at once. And the best news is that they freeze like a dream.

A cut open vegetarian breakfast burrito on a white plate with another burrito and a pan of burrito filling in the background

Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos with Egg (Yield 6)

These easy Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos are a healthy, freezer-friendly option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made in one pan, loaded with veggies, scrambled eggs, and whole wheat tortillas, these are great for meal prep and make-ahead meals.

Check out this recipe

a vegetarian breakfast burrito on a white plate with cilantro in the background

Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole

This Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole is hands down one of my favourite freezer meals. It makes a lot, is nice and filling, and most importantly, it's delicious. Freeze squares wrapped in foil to re-heat on a busy day... you won't regret it!

overhead photo of a vegetarian breakfast casserole on two plates

Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole with Swiss Chard and Gruyere

Vegetarian breakfast casserole with Swiss chard andGruyere is a make-ahead strata that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Cubes of crusty bread are layered with sautéed vegetables, eggs, milk, and plenty of cheese, soaked overnight, then baked in the morning into a savory breakfast. It reheats beautifully and makes a fantastic brunch centerpiece—or a stellar packed lunch.

Check out this recipe

Vegetarian breakfast casserole with swiss chard and gruyere cheese on a white plate with a casserole dish of strata in the background

Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites

You know those ridiculously over-priced sous vide egg bites from that major coffee shop chain? My friend Sarah has cracked the code for making them at home. And the best part? You can totally freeze them too.

sous vide egg bites on a blue plate

Sous Vide Egg Bites

Learn how easy it is to make this awesome copycat Starbucks Instant Pot Egg Bites recipe. This recipe also teaches you how to make these Whole30 and paleo egg bites in the oven.

Check out this recipe

sous vide egg bites on a blue plate

Maple Apple Granola

PSA: A big batch of homemade granola lasts for ages in the freezer. This Maple Apple Granola is one of my favourites, but be sure to check out Coconut Banana Walnut Granola and Healthy Pumpkin Granola, too.

Maple Apple Granola

This simple Apple Granola Recipe will have your home smelling amazing while it bakes! A low sugar granola recipe sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, this is a healthy make-ahead breakfast you'll be happy to munch on throughout the week.

Check out this recipe

apple granola in white bowls with a white plate of apple slices and cinnamon to the side

Apple Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups

Did you know that not only can you bake your oatmeal, but you can freeze it too? True story. These Apple Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups from The Full Helping are the real deal, and you should totally add them to your arsenal of vegetarian freezer meals for breakfast.

baked oatmeal cups in a six-cup muffin tin

Apple Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups

These baked oatmeal cups are totally vegan and are the perfect make-ahead breakfast food. Freezer-friendly and endlessly adaptable, they're great for breakfast or snacking.

Check out this recipe

Need more breakfast inspiration? Check out these 16 Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes You Can Make Ahead.

Lunch Freezer Meals

I found lunch to be the trickiest meal of the day when I was at home with a newborn, since I often had another set of hands around breakfast or dinner, but at lunch time there was generally no one around to help.

Generally I think that lunch freezer meals and dinner freezer meals are pretty interchangeable, but single portions tend to come in particularly handy at lunch. I also prefer my lunches to be less drippy and more hand-held when possible, or at least things I could eat with a fork in one hand and a baby in the other.

If you're planning ahead for your own freezer meals or are making a bunch of freezer meals for new moms, here's what I found most useful for lunches.

Black Bean Freezer Burritos

Black Bean and Quinoa Freezer Burritos are one of the OG vegetarian freezer meals on HNL. They're perfect for grab and go lunches, or to heat up on a busy day at home.

vegetarian black bean burrito on a piece of foil with foil-wrapped burritos in the background

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps

If you like samosas, you'll love these Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps. They're easy to make, completely vegan, and are freezer-friendly to boot.

A metal bowl with chickpea wraps on a grey background

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps

These Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps are a healthy, spicy make-ahead meal! Easily vegan and gluten-free, made with warming Indian spices, these wraps are freezer-friendly to boot!

Check out this recipe

curried cauliflower chickpea wraps cut in half with a bowl of filling in the background

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Keep a batch of homemade Chipotle Black Bean Burgers in your freezer, and you'll be just moments away from tasty lunches anytime. Make a classic burger, or try a Veggie Burger in a Bowl for something different.

Chipotle black bean burgers on a blue plate

Spicy Black Bean Burger Recipe

Looking for an amazing vegan black bean burger recipe? This is it! These Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are super easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and are gluten-free. Full of protein and flavour, this is the only spicy black bean burger recipe you'll ever need!

Check out this recipe

chipotle black bean burger on a blue plate with some potato chips on the side

Baked Vegetarian Quesadillas

These Vegetarian Quesadillas with pumpkin and black beans are perfect for freezer meals since they're oven baked in a big batch. Just wrap them up in foil and toss in the freezer... your future self will thank you!

overhead photo of pumpkin quesadillas on a white plate with corn chips and jalapenos to the side

Vegetarian Quesadillas with Pumpkin and Black Beans

These Vegetarian Quesadillas with Pumpkin and Black Beans are easy, healthy, and delicious! You can make a big batch of these oven baked quesadillas at once, which is perfect for meal prep or if you’re feeding a crowd. They’re freezer friendly too, and you can mix up the veggies, leave out the cheese for vegan quesadillas, or customize them any other way you like.

Check out this recipe

vegetarian quesadillas on a white plate with pumpkin in the background

Pumpkin and Black Bean Taquitos

These baked taquitos are kind of like mini freezer burritos, in the best possible way. They're super easy to make, and you can freeze them either before or after baking.

platter of pumpkin and black bean taquitos black tea towel and mini pumpkins

Pumpkin and Black Bean Taquitos

Pumpkin and Black Bean Taquitos - oven baked vegetarian taquitos with pumpkin and black beans are healthy, delicious and easy to make.

Check out this recipe

platter of pumpkin and black bean taquitos from the side

Black Bean Enchiladas

Not only is a big batch of enchiladas a beautiful thing, but these veggie-packed Black Bean Enchiladas are freezer-friendly as well!

two black bean enchiladas on a white plate, with a casserole dish of vegetarian enchiladas in the background.

Black Bean Enchiladas - Easy Homemade Recipe

These Easy Black Bean Enchiladas are loaded with tasty veggies, protein-packed black beans, and deliciously melty cheese. Zippy red enchilada sauce is poured down the middle of the pan for tender, saucy centers and crisp-edged enchiladas. Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly to boot, these vegetarian enchiladas are a family favorite.

Check out this recipe

Vegetarian black bean enchiladas in a white casserole dish

Need more lunch inspiration? Check out our collection of 22 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas and 22 Vegetarian and Vegan Sandwiches.

Dinner Freezer Meals

I think that dinner freezer meals for new moms aren't all that different from dinner freezer meals for regular people. Generally there's more hands on deck at dinner time, so I'm not afraid to call soups and curries and stew into action. Basically, if it freezes well, I'm going to throw it on this list.

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry

Not only is Mung Bean and Coconut Curry the most popular recipe on this site by a landslide, it's also incredibly easy to make and freezes like a dream.

two bowls of mung bean and coconut curry with naan and brown rice in the background

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry! This easy vegan curry is packed with Indian flavours, coconut milk, cilantro, and lime. It's incredibly easy and can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stove top.

Check out this recipe

mung bean and coconut curry on a grey background

Kale Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Lasagna has got to be hands down one of my favourite meals to keep in the freezer. I bake a big batch of this Kale Lasagna and wrap individual portions in foil. Perfect for quick and easy meals!

a white casserole dish with kale lasagna on a grey background

Kale Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

This kale lasagna with cottage cheese is a hearty, veggie-packed twist on vegetarian lasagna that’s comforting, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make. Layers of chopped, seasoned kale alternate with a creamy cottage cheese mixture, rich tomato sauce, and no-boil lasagna noodles to keep things simple. Perfect for make-ahead meals, cozy weekends, or any night you want a wholesome, satisfying meatless dinner.

Check out this recipe

A slice of kale lasagna with cottage cheese on a blue plate with a pan of lasagna in the background

Red Lentil Dal

I think a good lentil dal is one of those back pocket recipes that everyone should have on hand. This Red Lentil Dal can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. I recommend doubling the batch and freezing it in single servings.

Red Lentil Dal

This Red Lentil Dal is a comforting, Indian-inspired dish made with warming spices and protein-rich lentils. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s a simple, nourishing meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for meal prep — with stovetop, Instant Pot, and slow-cooker options included.

Check out this recipe

Overhead photo of red lentil dal in a white bowl with brown rice and naan to the side.

Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

This Vegetarian Ravioli Bake is one of my go-to weeknight dinners since it cooks up so quickly and is soooooo delicious. The best news? It's a great vegetarian freezer meal, too!

overhead photo of a serving of vegetarian ravioli bake on a blue plate and a casserole dish to the side

Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

This Vegetarian Ravioli Bake is the quick, easy, and delicious 30-minute meal you've been waiting for. Made with fresh pasta and topped with lots of cheese, there's enough greens in there to make this ravioli casserole a healthy dinner. If you love lasagna but are looking for something faster, this is the dish for you.

Check out this recipe

Overhead photo of a vegetarian ravioli bake in a ceramic baking dish with blue handles

Red Lentil Stew

This Red Lentil Stew packs in a ton of vegetables and plant-based protein, and it freezes like a dream. Pro tip: Red Lentil Stew can double as a protein-packed pasta sauce if you like!

two bowls of red lentil stew and a red ceramic pot of stew on a grey background

Easy Red Lentil Stew (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

This easy Red Lentil Stew recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something healthy, quick, and delicious. It's completely vegan, loaded with veggies, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Make Instant Pot Lentil Stew or cook it on your stove top, and serve with rice or pasta. Top with chili flakes if you want to bring the heat, or leave it as is for the kids.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Bolognese

A good plant-based bolognese sauce that's packed with protein and has that all-day simmered flavour is one of my favourite things to have on hand in the freezer. All you need to do is boil some pasta, and dinner is done!

Tempeh Bolognese

This easy vegetarian bolognese sauce is made with crumbled tempeh, nutritional yeast, and flavourful spices. Done in under 30 minutes but with all-day flavour and packed with plant-based protein, this vegetarian pasta sauce is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Check out this recipe

A bowl of tempeh bolognese over pasta with a grey tea towel in the background

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a healthier riff on the classic. It's easy to make, delicious, and freezer-friendly too.

pumpkin mac and cheese on a white plate

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is an easy, healthy baked pasta dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner! Lighter than your average mac and cheese thanks to the addition of pumpkin, it's a vegetarian meal the whole family will love.

Check out this recipe

a plate of pumpkin mac and cheese with a casserole dish and spices in the background

Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Not only does is this Lentil Shepherd's Pie completely vegan, but you can make the filling in your Instant Pot or slow cooker. And the best part? You can freeze it too!

a plate of lentil shepherd's pie with a white casserole dish in the background

Easiest Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe for vegetarian shepherd’s pie is one of my favorite main meals with lentils. The filling combines savory puy lentil (green lentils) with classic shepherd's pie vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, then topped with creamy, homemade mashed potatoes. It’s a simple enough dinner for weeknights, and special enough for Sunday dinner!

Check out this recipe

Vegetarian shepherd's pie with lentils on a beige plate with fork in the background.

Vegan Lentil Soup

A hearty lentil soup can be a lifesaver when it comes to freezer meals. This Vegan Lentil Soup is one of my favourites, but be sure to check out all of our Soup Recipes in the index!

two bowls of vegan lentil soup on a grey background

Lentil Soup Recipe

This easy Lentil Soup Recipe can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stove top. Made with lentils, loads of vegetables, and plenty of kale or spinach, this nourishing Vegan Lentil Soup recipe is the best way to fill up on a cold night.

Check out this recipe

lentil soup being spooned into a white bowl with a gold spoon

Spelt Pizza Dough

There's nothing easier to eat one handed than a slice of pizza, ammiright?! I make a double batch of this Spelt Pizza Dough and freeze par-cooked bases, which makes pizza night a cinch. No fussing with handling sticky dough come dinner time, and it's so easy you could make your pizza while wearing your baby.

a stack of pizza bottoms on a wire rack

Spelt Flour Pizza Dough - Quick and Easy!

Learn how to make Spelt Pizza Dough from scratch! Homemade pizza is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients like wholegrain flour, yeast, water, and salt. I'll also show you how to batch cook and freeze your pizza bottoms to make pizza night a breeze!

Check out this recipe

four balls of spelt pizza dough on a marble cutting board

Freezer Snacks

You guys, if you're making freezer meals for new moms, the snacks are where it's at! Make a new mom a batch of muffins / cookies / bars to throw in the freezer and she will love you for life.

I had no idea how hungry I was going to be in those early days of breastfeeding, and out of nowhere I'd be so famished I'd be shaking and would need something Right. Now. This time I've been sure to stash away a few batches of muffins and bars for precisely those times. Here are some of my favourites:

Egg and Cottage Cheese Muffins with Chickpea Flour

Savory Cottage Cheese Muffins are one of my favourites for an afternoon snack or breakfast. Made with chickpea flour, ground almonds, cheese, and broccoli, these gluten-free muffins are sure to keep you satisfied. Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Check out this recipe

cottage cheese muffins on a white background

Chocolate Energy Balls

These Chocolate Energy Bites are naturally sweetened with dates for a healthy snack. They've got lots of protein and healthy fats thanks to almonds, use only 4 ingredients (plus spices), and are incredibly easy to make!

Check out this recipe

A large blue bowl filled with chocolate energy balls with dates

Peanut Butter Oat Bars

These Peanut Butter Oat Bars make a great snack or after school treat! Made with healthy ingredients, low in sugar, and vegan friendly, these are sure to hit the spot.

Check out this recipe

Overhead photo of peanut butter oat bars drizzled with chocolate

Easy Banana Bran Muffins without sugar

No Sugar Banana Bran Muffins! These refined sugar free banana muffins are sweetened with nothing but bananas and dates. Made with whole wheat flour, oats, lots of bran, and studded with walnuts and banana chunks, this healthy bran muffin recipe makes a great breakfast, snack, or lunchbox treat.

Check out this recipe

A banana bran muffin on a blue plate with more muffins in the background

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins with Oats, Millet, and Raisins

These healthy pumpkin muffins are hearty, nourishing, and cozy. Made with real pumpkin purée, oats, millet, whole grain flour, and sweet raisins, they’re lightly spiced, satisfying, and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Naturally filling and freezer-friendly, these pumpkin oatmeal muffins are ideal for busy mornings or healthy snacking throughout the week.

Check out this recipe

A pumpkin muffin split in half in front of a tray of cooling muffins

Carrot Cake Muffins - Easy Healthy Recipe

These Carrot Cake Muffins are easy, healthy wholegrain muffins that are perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Check out this recipe

carrot pineapple muffins on a grey background

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Quinoa

This Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Loaf features an unusual ingredient: quinoa! Deeply chocolately, super moist and delicious, and tipping over to the healthy side of things, I know you'll love this loaf as much as I do.

Check out this recipe

overhead photo of double chocolate zucchini bread on a marble cutting board with a small pot of shredded zucchini and chocolate to the side

This roundup was originally published February 21, 2016. It was last updated on February 22, 2020.

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Comments

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Rebeckah Z. says

May 02, 2022 at 7:45 pm

As a mom of a one-year-old and preparing for our second to come in August, I wanted to say THANK YOU so much for providing a resource like this! It's perfect - healthy and no-fuss recipes that will come in handy when our second makes his arrival. I know I have a lot more time on my hands now than I will in a few months, so I've been working to fill up our freezer with great grab-and-heat items. I love cooking, but it can be exhausting. I think I might make freezer-batch cooking a way of life 😉

Thank you again for this type of mom support!

Reply
Dominique says

October 30, 2020 at 3:01 am

This is just what I have been looking for 🙌 I'm the only vego in our household and have been trying to find meal ideas to prep for myself before #3 arrives. We have offered of help for the rest of the family to be fed but didn't want to burden anyone with catering to my diet. Cannot wait to get meal prepping 😊

Reply
- Katie Trant says
  
  October 30, 2020 at 5:35 pm
  
  Yay! Glad you've found what you're looking for! Good luck with #3!
  
  Reply
Kate says

October 24, 2018 at 6:26 am

Love these! I'm not expecting, and neither are any of my friends just now, but these will be great for preparing some make-ahead vegetarian meals. Thanks for the inspiration (and the gorgeous food porn)!

Reply
Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says

February 22, 2016 at 11:02 pm

An incredibly helpful post with sensible, healthy recipes! Forwarding to pregnant friends immediately 🙂 You will be very happy you did this!!

Reply
Anne Titcomb says

February 21, 2016 at 6:39 pm

I would say that your planning ahead will be much appreciated by you in just a few weeks!! We on Soames Point can't wait for the arrival. Lots of Love - Anne

Reply