50 Recipes That Make Frozen Vegetables Taste Great (2024)

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It's easy to get your veggie fix in the summer when farmers markets and gardens are booming. When temps drop, though, turn to your freezer for like-fresh meals and sides. These frozen vegetable recipes are sure to tide you over until spring.

1/50

Slow-Cooked Green Beans

I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

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2/50

Crumb-Topped Broccoli Bake

Broccoli is one of the main crops grown in this area. This recipe has pleased just about everyone who has tried it, including some who said they didn't like broccoli. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California

3/50

Quinoa with Peas and Onion

Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

4/50

Spanakopita Pinwheels

I'm enthralled with spanakopita, and this spinach and feta pinwheel recipe was a quick and easy way to enjoy the pie. I have used it for get-togethers and family events with great success. —Ryan Palmer, Windham, Maine

5/50

Slow-Cooked Vegetables with Cheese Sauce

Who can pass up veggies smothered in cheese? No one I know! This is an inviting recipe to serve kids who normally shy away from vegetables.—Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, CA

6/50

7/50

Muffin-Tin Chicken Potpies

I made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana

8/50

Chicken Stir-Fry Bake

One night I decided to use frozen vegetables in my chicken stir-fry. Not wanting to stand watch over the stovetop, I baked the entree in the oven. People say this tastes like it’s hot from the skillet. What’s more, it’s ready in little more than half an hour! —Carly Carter, Nashville, Tennessee

9/50

Classic Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a combination of ground beef or lamb with mashed potatoes, topped with a bubbling layer of cheese is the perfect comfort food. It’s a good remedy for the winter chills.—Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

10/50

Spinach Turnovers

The flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

11/50

Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan

12/50

Pressure-Cooked Broccoli Egg Cups

Serving brunch? These delicious Instant Pot egg cups are filled with crunchy bites of broccoli and served in ramekins. I promise your company will love this tasty recipe! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

13/50

Corn Spoon Bread

This slow-cooked spoon bread is more tender than corn pudding made in the oven, and the cream cheese is a nice addition. —Tamara Ellefson, Frederic, Wisconsin

14/50

The key to this curry chicken is getting complex flavors without heaviness. For the veggies, I like colorful pea pods, sweet red peppers and water chestnuts. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California

15/50

Broccoli Scalloped Potatoes

The combination of ham and cheese creates a wonderfully smoky flavor. I also love that I can cook an entire meal—vegetable and all—in one standout dish. —Denell Syslo, Fullerton, Nebraska

16/50

Bacon Pea Salad

My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

17/50

Turkey Dumpling Soup

Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California

18/50

Hot Collards and Artichoke Dip

Anyone can pull off spinach and artichoke dip—so brighten it up using collard greens for a southern twist. Serve this dish with warm garlic naan or tortilla chips. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

19/50

Creamy Jalapeno Corn

This comforting and creamy corn side dish is appealing to almost everyone. It gets its spicy kick from jalapeno peppers.—Judy Carty, Wichita, Kansas

20/50

Au Gratin Peas and Potatoes

While this delicious potato skillet is a wonderful side dish, we find it satisfying enough to be a main course, too. The skillet preparation takes less time than it does to bake an au gratin casserole or scalloped potatoes—but it's still good old-fashioned comfort food at its best! —Marie Peterson, DeForest, Wisconsin

21/50

Miso-Buttered Succotash

The miso paste in this super simple and healthy canned vegetable recipe gives depth and a hint of savoriness. To brighten the flavor profile even more, you could add a splash of your favorite white wine. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina

22/50

Pronto Vegetarian Peppers

In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania

23/50

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

24/50

Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

25/50

Zesty Sugar Snap Peas

Lemon pepper and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and a nice accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this six-ingredient recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

26/50

Chicken Broccoli Shells

This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana

27/50

Beef Orange Stir-Fry

This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

28/50

Southern-Style Egg Rolls

Sausage, black-eyed peas and turnip greens give these unique egg rolls a decidedly southern accent. When I bring them to a party, I always come home with an empty plate. —Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia

29/50

Parmesan Kale Casserole

I tried coming up with a creative way to use kale, and the result was a cheesy casserole. When my husband sampled it, he absolutely loved it. Bits of summer sausage add heartiness. —Diana Johnson, Auburn, Washington

30/50

Holiday Brussels Sprouts

Make Brussels sprouts special with peas, celery and, of course, bacon. The recipe doubles easily if needed. —Jodie Beckman, Council Bluffs, Iowa

31/50

Cool Beans Salad

This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin

32/50

Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

33/50

Pork Tenderloins with Wild Rice

Apricots say sweet things to earthy herbs in this gravy-licious meal. Remember this recipe—it’s worthy of a weekend celebration. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

34/50

Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet comes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah

35/50

Southwestern Sauteed Corn

My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon

36/50

Slow-Cooked Broccoli

This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee

37/50

Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

38/50

Asian Snow Pea Toss

My love for Asian flavors sparked the idea for this easy, healthy side dish. For this Asian salad, I use just-picked peas from our garden and serve it with grilled chicken. — Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

39/50

Cajun Corn Soup

I found this recipe years ago and substituted Cajun stewed tomatoes for a bolder taste. Now I prepare this dish for out-of-state guests who want to taste some Cajun food. Everyone who tries it gives it high marks. Plus, it's easy to prepare. —Sue Fontenot, Kinder, Louisiana

40/50

Creamy Carrot Casserole

My mom and I developed this recipe to see if there was a carrot dish that even people who don't care for carrots would enjoy. So far, I haven't met anyone who hasn't liked this casserole. —Laurie Heward, Fillmore, Utah

If, like us, you tend to buy frozen carrots from time to time, then you need to try out these recipes that make them taste fresh as ever!

41/50

Strudels originated in Austria and often boast sweet flavors. This one is savory with Tuscan influences of tomatoes, mushrooms and pesto. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

42/50

Asparagus and Ham Casserole

I created this casserole one day while trying to find a good recipe for leftover ham. Instead of resorting to scalloped potatoes and ham, or ham and noodles, I tried asparagus. Everyone liked it so well, I’ve made it ever since.—Helen Ostronic, Omaha, Nebraska

43/50

Broccoli Veggie Pasta Primavera

Chock-full of veggies, this simple, colorful pasta makes a filling dinner. In smaller servings, it works equally well as a side dish. —Stephanie Marchese, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

44/50

Asian Beef and Noodles

Asian beef recipes don't get much simpler. This colorful, economical stir-fry dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota

45/50

Broccoli Biscuit Squares

With their cheesy biscuit-like crust, these pretty squares disappear quickly at our house. We eat them for breakfast, brunch and dinner. —Vi Janus, Pelican Lake, Wisconsin

46/50

I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

47/50

Cazuela

I learned to make this dish while we were living in Chile for a few months. We grow extra butternut squash in our garden just for this recipe. —Louise Schmid, Marshall, Minnesota

48/50

Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti

When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon

49/50

Turkey Curry with Rice

When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

50/50

Favorite Chicken Potpie

This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.