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19 Meals You Can Make with a Bag of Frozen Veggies

cauliflower and broccoli gratin 501
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

The fridge we want to have is stocked with organic veggies from the local farmers' market. The fridge we actually have? Well, let’s just say we’re lucky if there’s a bag of wilted, old kale in there. Enter organic frozen veggies. Flash frozen at the peak of freshness, they’re nothing like the greyish, mushy lima beans from our childhood. Plus, they usually require zero prep. We’ve rounded up 19 recipes that make swapping in a bag of frozen vegetables a breeze.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

1.

Spicy Corn Carbonara

Frozen kernels = the best way to channel August in the middle of winter.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

2.

Cheater’s Skillet Paella

No need to thaw the frozen peas before tossing them in.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

3.

The Ultimate Quinoa-Avocado Bowl

Psst: Frozen kale is a thing. And it saves you from all of that de-stemming.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

4.

Chicken and Snap Pea Stir-Fry

Hack that freezer.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

5.

15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta

So fancy, no one will ever guess you bought this veggie from the freezer aisle.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

6.

Vegetable Wellington

The perfect place for frozen mushrooms: wrapped up in puff pastry.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

7.

Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets

Thaw and pat your florets dry before frying 'em up.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

8.

The Ultimate Chicken Potpie

Stir in frozen peas and carrots when you bring everything to a simmer.

cauliflower and broccoli gratin 501
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

9.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin

A pound of pre-chopped, bite-sized florets sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it?

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

10.

Vegetarian Chili

A bowl will fill (and warm) you right up.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

11.

Coconut Creamed Spinach

Wring out your frozen spinach thoroughly before sautéing.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

12.

Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

The spicy-sweet flavors are even easier to achieve with frozen green beans.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

13.

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Peeled, chopped frozen squash is pretty much a miracle.

kale galette 501
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

14.

Kale and Cheddar Cheese Galette

Who says pie has to be sweet?

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

15.

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Caution: highly addictive.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

16.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

One bite will convince you to always keep peas and corn in your freezer.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

17.

Skillet Steak with Asparagus and Potatoes

Because you should eat this quick and easy dinner all year long.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

18.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Frozen carrots equal no peeling or chopping.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

19.

Orecchiette with Spring Greens

Ready in 15 minutes or less.


erin jeanne mcdowell

Freelance Food Editor

Erin Jeanne McDowell is a recipe developer, food stylist and author of multiple cookbooks, including The Fearless Baker, which was named one of the Best Baking Books of 2017 by...