5-ingredient freezable dinners

Whether you’re short on time, money or ingredients, these 5-ingredient freezable suppers will keep you going through the week. We’ve rounded up 10 flavoursome pasta bakes, one-pots and pies which can be made ahead, frozen, then whipped out on busy weeknights. Using only a handful of ingredients and a few storecupboard staples, they’re budget-friendly and bursting with flavour.

Start by reading our guides for advice on freezer essentials and batch cooking for beginners.

1. Ravioli lasagne

There’s little more comforting than a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake. Our easy ravioli lasagne saves on prep time by using shop-bought ravioli, which are baked on a bed of spinach, tinned tomatoes and sausages. Hidden veg has never been so tasty! This recipe makes enough for a family of four, but you could easily double it and freeze half – it will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

2. Crispy Greek-style pie

Layer crispy filo pastry around spinach, crumbly feta and sundried tomatoes for a simple yet satisfying storecupboard dinner. Our failsafe Greek-style pie divides easily to feed a hungry mouths.

3. Lemon & pea risotto

This light lemon & pea risotto makes a refreshing dinner with the help of frozen veg and simple staples. There’s no onion in this recipe, which quickens the cooking time and lowers the ingredient list. Zingy lemon and parmesan add real flavour. Add chicken, prawns or other seafood, if you like.

4. Lamb & potato bake

Use up lamb mince in this comforting family traybake. Simple shortcuts boost the flavour, such as ready-made tomato and cheese sauces and a pinch of cinnamon. Alternate the layers of mince with potato slices for a moussaka-inspired dinner– perfect if you’re bored of pasta!

5. Squash & coconut curry

This vibrant veggie curry can be on the table in 30 minutes. The sweet squash and red pepper compliment the spicy curry paste, all of which are balanced with the creamy coconut milk. Serve it with warmed naan bread or rice for a filling family meal. The recipe is for two but you can easily double (or quadruple) it and freeze half.

6. Super-easy sausage casserole

For another scrumptious storecupboard supper, make our rustic sausage casserole using tinned tomatoes, butter beans and frozen mixed vegetables. This thrifty dish delivers three of your five-a-day – it’s guaranteed to become a midweek favourite.

7. Mixed bean goulash

Make a filling one-pot feast with a few storecupboard ingredients in just 25 minutes. Cans of super-versatile mixed beans and chopped tomatoes are cooked with onions and paprika to make a nutritious, veggie mixed bean goulash. Serve with a dollop of soured cream and toasted ciabatta slices, drizzled with olive oil.

8. Minty pea & potato soup

Warm up with a steaming bowl of minty pea & potato soup. This vegan soup is substantial enough to have for dinner on its own, but you might want to dunk in some crusty ciabatta or baguette. Using just five basic ingredients and a glug of vegetable oil, it’s a midweek saviour. If you can’t get hold of fresh herbs, some supermarkets stock frozen peas combined with mint.

9. Sausage, bean & cheese pasties

When the hunger pangs strike, sometimes only a fully-loaded flaky golden pasty will do. We’ve filled ours with baked beans, sausage meat and cheddar, but you can throw in whatever you like. Make them using ready-made bread mix, and freeze some for later. Defrost the pasties thoroughly and reheat in a hot oven for 10 minutes until piping hot, before eating with some salad, if you like.

10. Moroccan lamb

This aromatic Moroccan lamb one-pot uses simple spices and chopped tomatoes to create a flavoursome sauce. Lamb neck is an affordable cut of meat that becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked. Serve this delicious Middle Eastern-style stew with fresh parsley and couscous.