56 Pork Freezer Meals to Help You out in a Pinch
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023Busy weeknights call for thinking, and cooking, ahead. Each of these pork freezer meals can be made ahead and frozen for last-minute or pre-planned dinners.
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Pressure-Cooker Teriyaki Pork Roast
I’m always looking for no-fuss recipes, so I was thrilled to find this one. The tender teriyaki pork has become a family favorite. —Roxanne Hulsey, Gainesville, Georgia
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Sausage Manicotti
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
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Tangy Tender Pork Chops
I have used this recipe for many years and always get compliments when I serve it. The saucy onion-and-pepper topping compliments the chops. —Thomas Maust, Berlin, Pennsylvania
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Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
It’s fun to watch my friends eat these meatballs for the first time. They’re pleasantly surprised to find melted cheese in the middle. These meatballs are also great in a hot sub sandwich.
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Slow-Cooker Poblano Pork Loin
We love seasonal poblano peppers, so this slow-cooker pork loin with many southwestern seasonings is a family favorite. It can be served in a variety of ways too. It’s fantastic with rice and beans, or in a taco with hot sauce. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Rock N Rye Pork Roast Sandwiches
Detroit's Faygo Rock & Rye soda (or pop, as we call it in Michigan) gives these pork roast sandwiches such unique flavor with notes of vanilla and cherry. These sandwiches are a hit at summer picnics and Faygo pop brings back fond memories of growing up in Michigan. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Creamy Noodle Casserole
My husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently doesn't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is ideal for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio
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Mom's Molasses Ham and Beans
This is a recipe my mom made frequently while I was growing up, but I tweaked it to include navy beans instead of lima beans. It's perfect for a cold day when you don't want to bother with lots of cooking. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Pork and Hominy Stew
This pork hominy stew, also known as pozole, is a delicious southwestern delicacy. I moved it to the slow cooker so it can simmer away on its own. The rich, brothy soup is delicious, much like a tamale in a bowl. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Kalua Pork
Planning a luau-themed party? This Kalua pork is the perfect main dish for your get-together. It will feed a crowd, it's easy to prepare, and everyone loves it. Cleanup is a breeze, too! A Hawaiian friend shared this recipe with me while I was stationed in Pearl Harbor several years ago. —Becky Friedman, Hammond, Louisiana
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Country-Style Pork Loin
This pork roast is so moist and tender that it melts in your mouth. My son puts it at the top of his list of favorite foods. We like it with mashed potatoes. —Corina Flansberg, Carson City, Nevada
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Oktoberfest Casserole
In northeastern Ohio, we love German flavors. This delicious casserole is a trifecta mashup of my favorite dishes. It combines the flavors of classic cheesy hash brown casserole with bratwursts and sauerkraut, pretzels and beer cheese. It takes less than 10 minutes to mix and takes only one bowl. It's sure to please everyone any time of the year. —Sarah Markley, Ashland, Ohio
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Braised Herb Pork Chops
These herb-packed braised pork chops are perfect for entertaining because they come together quickly and bake for up to 2 hours. While visiting, my guests and I can enjoy the wonderful aroma. —Darci Truax, Billings, Montana
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Groundnut Stew
My Aunt Linda was a missionary in Africa for more than 40 years and gave me the recipe for this cozy stew with a hint of peanut butter. —Heather Ewald, Bothell, Washington
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Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad
My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
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Mama's Carnitas
My husband loves to cook Mexican dishes, while I'm more of an Italian-style cook. The joke in our house is that I should leave all the Mexican cooking to him. However, this dish of mine turned out so amazing that my husband fell in love! It's all in the meat. If you can get an all-natural pork shoulder, it really makes a difference. —Chelsea Wickman, Painesville, Ohio
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Pork Chops Ole
This recipe is a fun and simple way to give pork chops south-of-the-border flair. The flavorful seasoning, rice and melted cheddar cheese makes this dish a crowd pleaser. A dear friend shared this recipe with me several years ago. —Laura Turner, Channelview, Texas
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Ham & Cheese Casseroles
I got this recipe from my mother, and I love it because it’s easy and I usually have the ingredients on hand. Because it freezes well, I can have an extra ham and cheese casserole handy for when unexpected guests show up. Everyone always likes it; there are never leftovers. —Jan Schoshke, Brookville, Kansas
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Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It's equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona
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Veggie Noodle Ham Casserole
This saucy main dish is really quite versatile. Without the ham, it can be a vegetarian entree or a hearty side dish.—Judy Moody, Wheatley, Ontario
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Honey Pulled Pork Subs
Honey and ground ginger are the flavor boosters behind my no-stress sandwiches. A bottle of barbecue sauce ties it all together in a pinch. —Denise Davis, Porter, Maine
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Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew
During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah
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Penne and Smoked Sausage
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
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Sausage Bread Sandwiches
I make these sandwiches in my spare time and freeze them so they’re ready when needed, such as for tailgating parties when we attend Kansas State football games. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
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Spaghetti Meatball Supper
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
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Southwestern Pork Chops
This recipe came out of necessity! I love to cook but hate to grocery shop, and one day I found myself with nothing but some pork chops, canned black beans and canned tomatoes. This is the dish I came up with, and my husband loved it.—Vicki L. Blaine, Plymouth, Michigan
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Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili
Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas
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Asian Shredded Pork Sandwiches
On cool-weather weeknights, the slow cooker is our friend. The plums might surprise in these juicy pork sandwiches, but they add a little sweetness and make the meat extra tender. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
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Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you’ll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
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Baja Pork Tacos
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
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Bacon-Colby Lasagna
My grandmother added bacon to her cheesy lasagna—something she borrowed from carbonara-style pasta. I learned so much by her side. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa
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Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Hungarian Short Ribs
This is a special meal in our house—as soon as I get ribs, I know which dish my family will ask me to make. My husband and I have three children, so I've learned to be a versatile cook! —Joanne ShewChuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
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Mini Pork Pies
As a child, I discovered my love of pork pies. I used to help my father deliver oil on Saturdays, and we would stop at a local place to have the meaty pastries for lunch. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
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Pork Burritos
As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
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Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
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Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
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Pork, Bean & Rice Burritos
The combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
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Greek Pork Chops
My in-laws taught me a lot about cooking, so any time I come across a great new recipe, I enjoy making it for them. These bright, lemony chops quickly became a favorite. —Geri Lipczynski, Oak Lawn, Illinois
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Bacon Tortellini Bake
I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
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Maple-Pecan Pork Chops
For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Low & Slow Pork Verde
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
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Super Easy Country-Style Ribs
I'm a die-hard rib fan. When we were growing up, our mom made these for us all the time, and we still can’t get enough of them. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
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Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
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Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet
I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
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Pork Loin with Raspberry Sauce
Raspberries add rub red color and fruity sweetness to the sauce that enhances this savory pork roast. This is an easy way to transform everyday pork into a special-occasion main dish. —Florence Nurczyk, Toronto, Ohio
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Polish Casserole
When I first made this dish, my 2-year-old liked it so much that he wanted it for every meal! You can use almost any pasta that will hold the sauce. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Sunday Pork Roast
Mom would prepare pork roast for our family, friends and customers at the three restaurants she and Dad owned. The herb rub and vegetables give it a remarkable flavor. It's one of my favorite pork roast recipes. —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
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Slow-Cooker Carnitas
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
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Carnitas with Orzo and Peppers in Red Mole Sauce
Here's a tasty way to stretch your grocery dollar. Pork shoulder roast is combined with orzo, peppers and mole sauce to make a spicy Mexican comfort food. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
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Ham & Collards Quiche
I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collard greens in a flaky crust, it’s a complete meal. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
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Marinated Pork Chops
I make these tasty loin chops all the time and my family never tires of them. I whip up this pork chop marinade and let them soak overnight to get them tender. —Jean Neitzel, Beloit, Wisconsin
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Ham & Swiss Stromboli
This is an excellent dish to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, AL
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Green Chile Shredded Pork
Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Originally Published: February 18, 2022
