Make-Ahead Freezer Meals Ina Garten Recommends for New Moms

Becoming a new mom is easily one of the most challenging jobs on the planet. One of my close friends recently had her first baby and when I asked her which gift would be the most helpful she instantly replied, “Frozen meals.” Taking care of a new baby (and, not to mention yourself as you recover from bringing your baby into the world) is a full-time job and no new mom needs the extra stress of planning and cooking meals added to their plate. We love recommending things like Doordash gift cards or prepared frozen meals as gifts for new moms because they’re often one of the most helpful gifts you can offer a loved one during that challenging newborn stage. But finding a recipe that can be easily frozen and maintains its flavor after being reheated is easier said than done and that’s why we always turn to the culinary queen herself, Ina Garten.

Ina Garten’s website, Barefoot Contessa, has a section called Ask Ina where users can ask Garten all of their most pressing food questions. In Ask Ina, Garten reveals all sorts of valuable advice including which brand of knives she recommends (it’s Wüsthof by the way), and even which freezer-ready recipes she recommends to give to new moms.

When one user wrote, “My best girlfriend is going to be a mommy very soon. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for make-ahead freezer meals that I can make for her and her husband to have ready when they come home from the hospital,” Garten replied, “Soups and stews freeze very well, as well as anything that has a sauce, like beef Bourguignon, chicken pot pies, and lasagna.”

Ahead, you’ll find six saucy recipes from Garten that can easily be frozen, taste amazing, and will make excellent gifts for any new moms in your life.

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Chicken Pot Pie

Garten labels this as a beginner recipe so even if you aren’t the greatest at-home cook, you’ll be able to make this recipe without any trouble.

Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa

Beef Bourguignon

Garten’s beef bourguignon takes a little more skill and effort than the chicken pot pie, but the end result is well worth it and it’s still a manageable recipe for any at-home cook.

Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Why not give mom a healthy serving of nutrient-packed veggies to go along with her cheese and carbs? Garten loads her lasagna with zucchini and eggplant to give it a little extra nutritional boost.

Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa

Italian Wedding Soup

There are few meals more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. And all you have to do to prepare this meal is reheat it in a saucepan. How easy is that?

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Chicken in a Pot with Orzo

If there’s one thing Garten does exceptionally well, it’s chicken. In fact, without Garten’s famous roasted chicken recipe, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wouldn’t be married. This beginner-level recipe is practically foolproof and as always, delicious.

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Baked Rigatoni With Lamb Ragù

Kick traditional beef ragù up a notch by swapping beef for lamb. Garten labels this as a beginner-level recipe and like her lasagna, it freezes exceptionally well.

Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa

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