5 Great frozen products that simplify dinner

Frozen mixed vegetables

Nothing's worse than buying fresh produce only to have it go bad. Save money and prevent waste by keeping a large bag of frozen mixed vegetables on hand. Opt for the varieties boasting a colorful medley of broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, onions, cornichons and the like. You can transform frozen vegetables into a fast stir-fry, a simple nutrient-packed side dish or a low-calorie filler for burritos or casseroles.

Frozen cooked chicken strips

Frozen, already-cooked chicken — such as chicken strips — is a quick and easy ingredient that saves you from racking your brain trying to figure out "What's for dinner?" Frozen cooked chicken strips are fast to the table and can be quite tasty. Tuck them into quesadillas, pita pockets or whole grain buns with your favorite accompaniments. Mix them with sautéed onions and peppers for fajitas. Toss them with leafy greens, toasted nuts, dried fruit and feta for a fabulous chicken salad. The options are endless!

Frozen brown rice

Tired of waiting near an hour for your brown rice to cook? Stock your freezer with frozen brown rice or other frozen whole grains. Ready in minutes, brown rice deliciously partners with mixed vegetables and chicken strips, but can also pair with other meats, seafood, tofu, nuts, dried fruit and any other tasty ingredient you happen to have in your pantry. Leftover brown rice can even become a healthy rice pudding for breakfast the next day. It's quick, simple and nutritious — what's not to love?

Frozen ravioli

You can have restaurant-quality stuffed pasta on your table at home in far less time and for much less money than eating out. Opt for the whole wheat frozen ravioli, prepare it with frozen mixed vegetables and a tomato-based sauce, and your chef-caliber meal will also be healthier than most pasta entrees you'd get when dining out. Frozen ravioli can also be added to broth or tomato-based soups for a warm, hearty, quick-to-the-table comfort food.

Frozen cookie dough

While ice cream in your freezer is a given for a fast and easy dessert, frozen cookie dough offers a sweet alternative. The intoxicating aromas of home baked cookies (which can, of course, be served with ice cream) and the warm, tender crumbs in every bite are one of the most gratifying – and fast – finales to a family meal. Keep a variety of cookie doughs in your freezer and offer up an irresistible selection of cookies fresh from the oven. You can even enlist the kids to make these while you clean up from dinner!

More quick and easy recipes

English muffin pizzas
Breakfast tacos
Double-decker grilled cheese sandwiches