Cheap and Easy Frozen Meals that are Actually Good for You

Walk down the freezer aisle and you’ll see hundreds of pre-made frozen meals offering quick and convenient options for lunch, dinner and even breakfast. But many of these are loaded with fat, sodium and sugar. Instead, try making your own freezer meals using these cheap and easy (and good for you!) recipes.

Macaroni and cheese falls into the comfort food category, and isn’t often seen as healthy. But this recipe from EatingWell.com combines extra-sharp Cheddar with low-fat cottage cheese and a secret layer of spinach in the middle to make it healthier. Plus when you use whole-wheat pasta you’ll get some extra fiber. Simply freeze this meal and when you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge and bake for 25 minutes or so.

Fall Chili
Beans are one of the healthiest, cheapest ingredients you’ll find at your grocery store and this recipe for Fall Chili from Mamaandbabylove.com is full of them. Combine beans with healthy veggies like pepper, onion and tomatoes. Cook it all in your slow cooker and freeze the extra for later.

Neapolitan Meatballs
Here’s another great recipe from EatingWell.com. Meat can be expensive, but when you mix it with whole-grain bulgur, like this recipe for Neapolitan Meatballs suggests, you’ll need less meat and you’ll reduce fat content. Combine it with low cost ingredients like canned tomatoes and pasta.

Baked Chicken Nuggets
This is a kid-friendly and freezer-friendly recipe that won’t ruin your diet. Create baked chicken nuggets by coating white meat chicken breasts with breadcrumbs and parmesan. According to SkinnyTaste.com you can flash freeze your nuggets on a flat surface after baking. Once they’re mostly frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Wheat Berry Bread
Bread is affordable to make and much healthier than the store-bought version which can be full of preservatives. This recipe for Wheat Berry Bread from Myrecipes.com makes enough for two loaves—one you can eat now and one you can freeze for later.

By Alison Storm

When Bebe offers savings, we're all in; spend $150+, and you can take $25 off your purchase with coupon code STYLED4SUCCESS. The same code will also net you $50 off when you spend $250+. Hurry - offer ends today 09/13/2012.