12 Best High Calorie Frozen Meals
Wherever you’re looking to make or buy high calorie frozen meals, I’ve got you covered! Frozen meals are very convenient, and I regularly use them when I’m short on time.
Each recipe on this list can be made and frozen in batches or is commonly found in the frozen section of grocery stores.
Table of Contents
List of Frozen Meals Commonly Found In the Grocery Store
Whether you need a hefty dose of calories post-workout, or are someone with a busy schedule needing a quick, high-energy meal, the convenience of frozen meals can’t be beaten. With this list, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from – each one is high in calories and protein.
- Beef Chili
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Curries
- Beef Stroganoff
- Shepard’s Pie
- Pizza
- Lasagna
- Chicken Alfredo
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- BBQ Pork
- Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Pot Pie
Frozen Meal Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to shopping for high-calorie frozen meals in your grocery store, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, always check the labels. The calorie information is usually located on the back of the package. Look for meals that contain at least 500-600 calories per serving.
Secondly, consider the quality of ingredients. Meals packed with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats are better choices than meals high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Finally, brand matters. Brands that focus on quality ingredients and have a wide variety of meals are usually a safer bet. Organic brands tend to also be a great choice!
12 DIY High Calorie Frozen Meals
Now if you’re looking to batch up some freezer meals yourself, here are 12 easy high calorie frozen meals.
1 – Beef Chili
This hearty chili features a mouthwatering combination of beef, bacon, tomatoes, chopped vegetables, beans, and a blend of flavorful spices. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be double-batched and easily frozen.
2 – Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that is rich, creamy, and has delightful cheesy flavors. To make it even more protein-packed and high in calories, consider adding bacon, brisket or ham for a savory twist.
3 – Chicken Curry
Get ready to dive into this incredibly delicious dish that’s full of rich flavors and a creamy texture.
This dish is packed with calories that can help you reach your weight gain goals. Just pair it with rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
4 – Beef Stroganoff
Rich and creamy beef stroganoff that only takes 30 minutes! Whether you serve it over noodles or rice, this satisfying meal will surely delight your taste buds.
5 – Shepard’s Pie
This simple shepherd’s pie is packed with meat, vegetables, and a flavorful beef and tomato sauce and topped off with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese.
6 – Pizza
A good homemade frozen pizzas surpass store-bought options in both taste and quality, and the best part is, making them yourself isn’t as challenging as it may seem.
7 – Freezer Lasagna
This delightful lasagna freezer meal recipe is incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare in large quantities. Lasagna is nutritious-dense containing a lot of calories and protein.
8 – Chicken Alfredo
Experience the delightful combination of penne pasta and grilled chicken bathed in a velvety, calorie-dense alfredo sauce. It’s high in calories, protein and only takes 40 minutes to prep.
9 – Spaghetti and meatballs
Hassle-free homemade meatballs in a quick tomato sauce! Complete the ultimate homemade meal by serving them over a bed of spaghetti.
10 – BBQ Chicken or Pork
Making this 3-ingredient BBQ Chicken in a slow cooker is incredibly simple. You just need to add the three required ingredients, adjust the settings, and then let it cook without further intervention.
11 – Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a long-standing favorite in many restaurants. Discover how straightforward it can be to prepare this beloved dish right in your own kitchen.
12 – Chicken Pot Pie
These Individual Chicken Pot Pies are perfect for freezing. A crucial step in making these pies freezer-ready is to use disposable loaf pans. This allows you to easily thaw individual chicken pot pies.
How to Properly Store Food in the Freezer
Storing food properly in the freezer is crucial to maintaining the quality, taste, and nutritional value of your meals. Here are some tips to help ensure your high-calorie meals stay fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy them:
- Packaging: Make sure your meals are packaged in air-tight, freezer-safe containers or bags. These will protect the food from air exposure which can cause freezer burn, affecting the food’s texture and taste. If you’re using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Portioning: If you’ve cooked a large batch of food, consider portioning it out into single servings before freezing. This allows you to defrost only what you need.
- Labeling: Always label your meals with the date of freezing. Over time, even well-stored food can lose its quality. A general rule of thumb is to consume frozen meals within 3 months, although many can last much longer if properly stored. Labeling helps keep track of how long each meal has been frozen.
- Organization: Keep your freezer organized. Not only does this help you find what you’re looking for more easily, but it can also help prevent the freezer door from being open too long, which can raise the freezer’s internal temperature.
- Freezer Temperature: Make sure your freezer is set at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This is the safe temperature for storing frozen food and freezing it quickly.
- Defrost Safely: When you’re ready to eat one of your frozen meals, be sure to defrost it safely. Ideally, thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it more quickly, you can use the defrost function on your microwave, but make sure to cook the meal immediately to prevent harmful bacteria growth.
Following these steps will help ensure your high-calorie meals stay as tasty and nutritious as the day you made or bought them. Proper storage really can make all the difference in your frozen meal experience!
More Easy High Calorie Recipes You May Like:
If you’re looking for convenient recipes that are calorie-dense and take less than 20 minutes to make, check out these:
Conclusion
Frozen meals can be an excellent source of nutrition while being high in calories. Whether you’re picking up a convenient pre-made meal from the grocery store or cooking a hearty dish at home, plenty of delicious options are available.
Remember to check the labels when shopping, store meals correctly, and prepare them as per the guidelines for the best taste and nutrition.
We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for high-calorie meals. Do you have a favorite high-calorie frozen meal we missed? Share in the comments below! Your insights might just make someone’s next meal a great one. Bon Appétit!
