Frozen vegetables are a convenient and affordable way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. When fresh produce is out of reach, they’re the next best thing. One of the biggest perks of using frozen veggies is their versatility – they can be stored longer, take less prep time, and are often cheaper than their fresh counterparts. Whether you’re looking for a quick stir-fry or a hearty meal, frozen veggies can be used to create a wide range of dishes.
With 35 easy recipes that use frozen vegetables, this collection offers endless possibilities for turning a bag of frozen veggies into something new and exciting. From classic comfort foods like Chicken Pot Pie to rich and filling meals like the exquisite #33, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Easy Recipes That Use Frozen Vegetables
Kung Pao Chicken With Vegetables
Indulging in every aspect of this delectable dish is an absolute delight. The harmony of textures – from the crunchy vegetables to the succulent chicken – perfectly complements the bold, vibrant sauce that adds a burst of flavor with each bite.
Mashed Cauliflower
Indulge in the creamy delight of our Garlic Cauliflower Mash, where the subtle sweetness of cauliflower is elevated by a rich, buttery flavor profile. Each bite is a sensory experience, with a velvety texture that will leave you questioning whether it’s possible to replicate the same satisfaction from traditional mashed potatoes. The answer? Our Garlic Cauliflower Mash is a game-changer.
Sauteed Green Beans In Bacon Cream Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of a dish that will tantalize your taste buds! A creamy sauce, crafted from a harmonious blend of cream, broth, and cheese, is perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of green beans. But wait, it gets even better! The addition of crispy bacon bits adds a delightful smokiness, elevating this humble vegetable to new heights. And the best part?
This indulgent treat is surprisingly nutritious, making it a guilt-free pleasure that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Edamame Falafel Sandwiches
A creative twist on traditional falafels is to substitute edamame for chickpeas. This unique combination is particularly fitting for St. Patrick’s Day when you can add some festive flair by incorporating scallions and parsley into the mix. The resulting flavor profile is both familiar and innovative, making it an exciting choice for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. When served with fresh spinach leaves and drizzled in a rich garlic-herb sauce, these edamame falafels truly shine.
But don’t be afraid to get creative with your condiments and toppings – tzatziki, harissa, or hummus are all great options. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Green Beans Almondine
A culinary term used to describe a flavorful garnish, ‘almondine’ refers to toasted, salted, or otherwise seasoned almonds. This term is often encountered in French cooking traditions, where it’s commonly spelled as ‘amandine’, while American cookbooks may use the spelling ‘almondine’. Regardless of the spelling variation, the concept remains the same – a delicious and aromatic garnish made from carefully prepared almonds.
Vegetable Stir-Fry With Cauliflower Rice & Kale
In this recipe, cauliflower rice takes center stage as the base ingredient, providing a neutral flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and spices. What sets it apart is its plant-based credentials, boosting the dish’s nutritional profile without overpowering its natural flavors.
Spanish Paella
Savoring the Flavors of Spain: Paella’s Delightful CharmPaella, a quintessential Spanish dish, is a culinary masterpiece that combines earthy saffron with an array of mouthwatering ingredients. The result is a flavorful and visually stunning meal perfect for any celebration.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Experience the thrill of cooking at home without sacrificing flavor or speed. This 20-minute one-skillet meal is a game-changer that will revolutionize your takeout habits forever. The homemade version is exponentially more delectable than its store-bought counterpart, boasting an explosion of flavors, vibrant vegetables, and succulent shrimp that’s simply mouthwatering. With zero grease and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
The allure of these bite-sized treats is undeniable! Initially, my approach to this recipe was more about testing the waters, a mere proof of concept. However, after taking that first tantalizing bite, I found myself completely swept away. The unexpected fusion of flavors and spices left me craving more – so much so that I nearly devoured the entire batch in one sitting!
Kale Apple Smoothie
Don’t count out green smoothies just yet – they have a secret ingredient that’s sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This indulgent dish is incredibly filling, making a small serving go a long way. The creaminess is undeniable, as the subtle sourness of the cream cheese beautifully balances the natural sweetness of the sweet corn. When served hot from the oven with green chiles bubbling alongside, it’s a truly satisfying experience. Alternatively, you can prepare this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole ahead of time and enjoy it at your leisure, whenever the craving strikes.
Air Fryer Frozen Okra
Okra’s unique flavor is elevated to new heights when it’s cooked in an air fryer. The result is tender, aromatic vegetables coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer that’s simply irresistible. Not only do these tasty morsels make a great accompaniment to grilled sandwiches and baked fish, but they also add a delightful crunch to salads.
Beef & Broccoli
When life gets busy and cooking falls by the wayside, it’s easy to rely on quick fixes that still satisfy our cravings. That’s where this irresistible beef and broccoli stir-fry comes in – a flavor-packed solution for those hectic days when dinner needs to be served in one bowl.
Imagine tender, sizzling beef and crisp broccoli tossed together in a rich sauce that perfectly balances sweet, sticky, spicy, and salty notes, all served over warm, fluffy rice.
It’s a match made in heaven that will leave you wanting more!
Edamame Hummus
For me, Edamame Hummus embodies the perfect harmony of flavors – sour, garlicky, creamy, and packed with nutritious goodness. The vibrant green color it takes on, thanks to the edamame beans, is just the icing on the cake.
Not only does it tantalize my taste buds, but its rustic charm also makes it a delight to serve alongside some crusty bread or crackers – a match made in heaven!
Spinach Pizza
There’s something undeniably alluring about the combination of spinach and goat cheese – perhaps it’s the harmonious blend of earthy and creamy flavors. Whatever the reason, I confess to having a hard time resisting their charms, and I’ve been known to indulge in several servings in one sitting without hesitation. The presence of spinach does provide a small measure of comfort, as it implies a healthier choice is being made – but let’s be real, the goat cheese is what really seals the deal.
Creamy Confetti Corn
The harmonious combination of flavors in this dish is undeniable, with the natural sweetness of corn expertly balanced by the pungency of yellow and green onions, the crunch of bell peppers, and the savory depth of bacon. Furthermore, each bite is a masterclass in texture contrast, as the crispy smokiness of the bacon beautifully complements the creamy smoothness of the cream cheese and the satisfying crunch of the corn.
Spinach Lasagna
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate meatless lasagna experience! This mouthwatering masterpiece combines rich flavors with incredible depth, boasting a generous helping of savory cheese and a burst of earthy goodness. And don’t just think about a few token spinach leaves – this dish is packed with an entire packet’s worth, so you can feel good about satisfying your cravings.
Peas & Pancetta
The notion that bacon elevates any dish to unprecedented heights is not unfounded. In fact, Peas & Pancetta’s culinary creations serve as a perfect testament to this theory. The combination of sautéed onions and peas is already a winning pair, but the introduction of pancetta, with its bold umami flavor, takes the experience to new and exciting levels.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This comforting rice casserole recipe boasts a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, featuring fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and a rich medley of cheeses: sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on canned soups for added depth, this dish takes a more wholesome approach to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Moreover, its alluring combination of familiar ingredients makes it an excellent way to coax even the pickiest eaters into giving green vegetables a try.
Oven Roasted Okra
Enjoy this flavorful okra delight alongside your go-to main course or indulge as a fulfilling midday pick-me-up. What’s more, this delectable side dish requires minimal effort, as it’s prepared entirely in the oven – leaving you with a tidy kitchen and a delightful meal to savor!
Roasted Green Beans & Mushroom
Elevating the humble green bean to new heights, roasting is a surprisingly straightforward approach that yields impressive results. By unlocking the natural sweetness of the beans through the caramelization process, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, intense flavor profile that’s sure to please. But what really sets this dish apart is the addition of baby bella mushrooms, which add an earthy depth and a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
Spinach Pie
In this modern twist on traditional spanakopita, puff pastry dough takes the place of phyllo dough, offering an effortless and indulgent take on the classic Greek dish. The premade puff pastry eliminates the need for tedious preparation, allowing you to focus on the delightful filling instead. This innovative recipe combines spinach leaves with creamy cottage cheese, ensuring a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Vegetable Tortellini Soup
While stocking a pantry with essentials is crucial for a stress-free cooking experience, this dish takes it to the next level. A significant majority of its ingredients are staples that can be easily retrieved from the freezer, making meal prep a breeze. However, I do strive to incorporate local and in-season produce whenever feasible, acknowledging that circumstances may not always permit such flexibility.
The beauty of this hearty soup lies in its ability to seamlessly marry convenience with flavor. Frozen vegetables and tortellini form the backbone of this dish, yet their presence does little to detract from the overall taste experience.
Shrimp Scampi With Broccoli & Linguine
The quintessential Scampi dish has been delighting palates for generations. At its core, it’s a harmonious union of succulent shrimp (or shellfish) bathed in a rich lemon-butter sauce, expertly crafted by Italian-American culinary traditions. What elevates this classic to new heights is the thoughtful addition of linguine and roasted broccoli, carefully seasoned to complement the bold flavors. This reimagined Scampi experience is sure to satisfy even the most discerning diners.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Harboring a sweet and tender essence, carrots glazed with pure maple syrup elevate holiday meals to new heights. The subtle sweetness of this glaze transports the palate to a state of delightful indulgence, reminiscent of savoring a piece of candy. For an unparalleled flavor experience, it’s essential to opt for high-quality, genuine maple syrup over artificial alternatives, allowing the rich nuances of the syrup to shine through and harmonize with the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Edamame, Cranberry & Feta Salad
The harmonious union of sweet-tart cranberries and salty feta adds depth to this dish. Meanwhile, the creamy edamame provides a boost of feel-good protein, coupled with its velvety texture that complements the other ingredients nicely. This beautiful salad is versatile enough to serve as an elegant appetizer or side dish, making it a great addition to any meal.
Spiced Okra With Tomatoes
Surprisingly delicious! Thaw your frozen okra and cook it in a tantalizing sauce with a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of spices, including coriander, cardamom, dried habanero, and cumin, which converge to create a richly sapid taste experience. To balance out the bold flavors, the addition of tomato paste adds a tangy element that softens the overall taste profile, making this dish a true culinary delight.
Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety soup is elevated by the deep, complex flavor profile of the roasted butternut squash. The subtle balance of sweetness and spice perfectly captures the essence of a cozy winter evening, when all you want to do is curl up with a warm bowl of goodness and let the world slow down.
Risi E Bisi
Spinach Quesadillas
To give the quesadillas in this recipe their distinctive char and robust smokiness, they are grilled to perfection. This adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the melted cheese filling. Serving these savory quesadillas alongside a tangy salsa and a dollop of cool sour cream will only enhance their appeal.
Spinach Frittata With Feta & Mint
The perpetual conundrum of deciding what to cook for dinner has been a long-standing challenge for many of us. The frustration of not knowing what to make is a feeling all too familiar. However, with the help of a simple yet effective recipe, I’ve found myself liberated from this daily dilemma. At its core, this meal requires only a few essential ingredients – eggs, cheese, and vegetables – which can be combined to create a satisfying and flavorful dish in the blink of an eye.
Chicken Pot Pie
The notion of ‘chicken pot pie’ instantly evokes a mental image of a tender, buttery crust enveloping a rich, creamy filling, teeming with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all perfectly cooked to a golden brown. This comforting dish has the appearance, aroma, and flavor of something you might labor over for hours, yet its ease of preparation means you won’t have to sacrifice precious time in the kitchen.
Skillet Corn With Brown Butter & Sage
Transform an unassuming bag of corn into a show-stopping side dish worthy of a holiday celebration with this simple yet effective recipe. The game-changer? A rich, brown butter that imbues the kernels with a deep, nutty flavor, elevating the humblest of ingredients to new heights.
Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
When indulging in a casserole that perfectly balances rich beef, al dente macaroni, and velvety cheese, I’m transported to a state of pure culinary nirvana. What’s more, this delectable dish reimagines the classic sloppy joe sandwich by cleverly substituting traditional hamburger buns with pasta, skillfully merged with a zesty tomato meat sauce in a simple one-pot recipe.
Stuffed Mushrooms With Spinach & Cheese
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures as you bite into these delectable stuffed mushrooms. The harmonious blend of cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and garlic creates a rich, satisfying experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. To add an extra layer of crunch, the mushrooms are finished with a sprinkle of bread crumbs, providing a delightful contrast in textures that will leave you craving more.
The bottom line
Stuck with a colorful conundrum in your freezer? A medley of frozen veggies staring back at you, begging for a purpose. Fear not, as we’ve got a treasure trove of inspiration to help you transform this chilly collection into a culinary masterpiece.
More frozen foods to try
Discover a treasure trove of 35 mouthwatering recipes that breathe new life into your stash of frozen vegetables. From humble beginnings to culinary masterpieces, each dish showcases the incredible versatility of these often-overlooked ingredients. Whether you’re craving sweet treats or savory delights, this impressive collection has something for everyone.
Instructions
Get creative with your cooking by exploring our curated selection of recipes that incorporate frozen vegetables. Browse through the options and start building your own unique dish. Don’t forget to share your experiences and modifications with us – we’d love to hear about them!
