Let's get real for a minute: No matter how well-stocked your pantry is, preparing elaborate meals from scratch seven nights a week is pretty much impossible, especially if you're cooking for an entire family. That's why we're here to remind you to utilize your freezer at every turn. Food Network Kitchen's collection of high-volume, freezer-friendly recipes will take the madness out of your dinnertime routine. All the prep work and time will pay off, as you'll know that your freezer is filled with easy dinners that can be thawed and quickly reheated.

When you've got some free time over the weekend, chop extra veggies and sausage, and make this giant pot of hearty gumbo. Freeze it in quart containers and have peace of mind knowing that dinner can just be thawed and reheated.

Set aside some extra time one weekend to make a dozen of these hand-folded calzones stuffed with savory beef and vegetables. Pack your freezer full of them and rest easy knowing you've got healthy lunches or dinners for those hectic days covered.

You'll put in a lot of effort up front, but once the veggies are chopped, this rich and creamy chowder comes together in just an hour. Let the soup cool completely before ladling it into quart-sized containers. You can freeze it safely for up to one month.