Five dinner recipes you can batch-cook and freeze for later

Having a couple of dinners in the freezer can save a stressful week.

Here are five, from easy pasta sauces to hearty meatballs, which our recipe contributors call out for being freezer-friendly.

To keep things food safe, always defrost frozen food in the fridge and not at room temperature and avoiding refreezing thawed food.

Sausage, tomato and pea pasta sauce

"This sauce freezes really well," writes Julia Busuttil Nishimura, who also recommends making a double batch. It's a pantry and budget-friendly meal made with tinned tomatoes and sausages that become quick meatballs. 

Freezer tip: Don't add the peas before freezing. Add them when you're ready to reheat the sauce.

Vegetarian bean chilli

Hetty Lui McKinnon's chilli is made with mostly tinned ingredients. Aside from being easy to freeze, it's incredibly versatile, so you won't feel like you're eating the same thing on repeat. Enjoy with tasty toppings (avocado, sour cream, pickled jalapenos and lime), as nachos and in burritos. 

Freezer tip: Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months and defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

Three kinds of meatballs 

Freezer tip: Start by freezing cooked meatballs on a lined baking tray before transferring to a sealed container or bag once frozen, so they don't stick together. 

Classic beef and pork meatballs 

Another make-ahead meal from Julia Busuttil Nishimura that freezes well. Prepare the sauce and meatballs to freeze, then reheat the sauce and cook the spaghetti before serving. 

Chicken, leek and parmesan

Heidi Sze's chicken meatballs are baked in the oven and can be served with mashed potato, salad, or in a sub-style sandwich. 

Pork and ginger 

By Julia Busuttil Nishimura, flavourful pork and ginger meatballs are baked on a tray with greens. If you're making the meatballs ahead of time, all that's left to do is cook some rice and make a simple glaze. 

Freezer tip: Only prepare the pork meatballs if you're making this dish ahead of time. Add the broccolini to the baking tray when you're ready to reheat.