23 Ways To Turn Frozen Vegetables Into Something Special

When you open your freezer, you might look at those bags of frozen broccoli, corn and peas and think “simple side dish” — but, trust us, they can do more! From bulking up your favorite pasta dishes to starring in soups and vegetarian casseroles for a budget-friendly meal, frozen vegetables are one of the best hacks for getting a square meal on the table, fast.

Wondering where to start? There’s no better use for frozen veggies than a cheesy, oven-baked casserole — especially one that combines broccoli and rice for a satisfying side that can easily stand in as a meatless main.

This anything-but-boring meal comes together with lots of basics from the refrigerator and refrigerator: chicken breast, frozen spinach, garlic, spices and cheese.

No one will believe this quiche was so easy to make – or that it came together with the help of frozen veggies!

Frozen peas are perfect with creamy alfredo sauce — so we use them here (along with fresh asparagus) to give a simple pasta dish a nice, springtime flair.

This easy casserole might just turn spinach into your family’s new favorite vegetable. Thaw the greens and squeeze out any excess moisture then combine with cheese, cream and spices. Top with panko and more cheese and then bake until golden-brown and bubbling. Yum!

A smooth carrot soup will warm you up – even on the coldest and rainiest of days. Added bonus? The golden fried tofu cubes soak up all the delicious flavor, making every bite incredibly delicious.

Frozen peas are a great way to bulk up creamy risotto and make an even more satisfying side or vegetarian main.

Get dinner on the table fast with this delicious time-saver. Frozen broccoli and cheese pierogis work together to make a crowd-pleasing meal in just 20 minutes.

Bring your frozen veggies to life with this colorful salad that’s bursting with flavor.

This is a great recipe to make when you’re cooking with the basics. Grab the carrots from the refrigerator, potatoes from the pantry and peas from the freezer and you’re well on your way to this delicious vegetarian main.

Turn a bag of frozen broccoli into a creamy, dreamy soup with just a handful of other ingredients like onion, garlic, chick broth and thyme.

White Cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs top this classic side made from frozen sweet corn and creamy half-and-half.

Take a break from the meat and veg out on these vegetarian pita burgers made with two staples: frozen corn and canned beans.

When you’re looking for an alternative to traditional pizza crust reach for those frozen broccoli tots in the back of your freezer. Combined with a little grated Parmesan cheese they make the perfect base for all your favorite toppings.

You will devour this mac and cheese — even after you it’s got a healthy dose of good-for-you butternut squash added in!

These shortcut burritos are filled with a delicious mix of pantry and freezer staples: rice, black bean soup and two different frozen veggies.

This cozy soup comes together with just 5 simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper, of course!). If you have Parmesan cheese on hand, grate some over the top when you’re ready to eat.

Damaris uses a mix of common veggies from the refrigerator (onions, carrots and celery) and freezer (peas and corn) to make her hearty shepherd’s pie.

Make use of what you’ve already got on hand to create this corn and black bean salsa-like salad. It’s perfect with tortilla chips, in quesadillas or alongside chicken breast.

Whisk together eggs, cheese and an assortment of frozen veggies for the ultimate feel-good frittata.

An easy recipe for a cozy night in. Just add broth, frozen veggies and tortellini to a pot and voila!

There's no better way to use up a bag of frozen spinach than this warm, creamy dip. Just be sure to defrost the greens and squeeze out all the excess liquid. That way, your dip will have just the right consistency.