5 cheap ways to use a bag of frozen vegetables
Put a bag of frozen veg to brilliant use with our affordable and fuss-free meals, from soups and pasta to rice dishes and toast toppers
Frozen vegetables are one of the best-kept secrets for eating well on a budget. Whether you're feeding a family, cooking solo, or trying to stretch your food shop just a little further, a humble bag of frozen veg can be transformed into vibrant, satisfying meals in minutes. They’re often cheaper than fresh, just as nutritious and ready to use straight from the freezer, which means you’ll waste less food and save time on prep.
A bag of frozen peas, for example, can be used in everything from soups and risottos to pasta and toast toppers. With a mild flavour and bright colour, they’re a great base for quick, healthy meals. Plus, they count towards your five-a-day and can be used in vegan and vegetarian dishes with ease.
Below we've shared five simple and speedy recipes that each make the most of a single bag of frozen veg. They’re designed to be affordable, adaptable and full of flavour — proof that eating well doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Frozen veg isn’t just a backup — it’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to eat well every day. See our collections of frozen vegetable recipes, frozen fish recipes and frozen dessert recipes for more inspiration.
5 cheap ways to use a bag of frozen vegetables
1. Roasted vegetable soup with halloumi ‘croutons’
Rustle up a warming vegetable soup using mainly storecupboard ingredients. This soup gets most of its veggie goodness from a mixed bag of frozen chargrilled Mediterranean veg, which as well as being budget-friendly means there's less time required to chop your veg. It's simple and quick to throw together, plus it's keto-friendly, with halloumi 'croutons' providing a moreish salty kick. It serves up to six too, so it's perfect for feeding a crowd.
See more speedy vegetarian soup recipes.
2. Super-easy sausage casserole
Rustle up this simple, thrifty version of a warming family favourite. It uses a frozen bag of mixed Mediterranean veg to keep costs low while delivering a boost of versatile, vibrant veg. It showcases cheap, storecupboard ingredients, including butter beans and tomatoes, plus it delivers three of your 5-a-day. It also freezes well, meaning you can make a double batch and stash some away for another day.
Try more sausage casserole recipes.
3. Macaroni cheese with veg
Macaroni cheese gets a veggie boost in this healthy twist on a family favourite. Frozen spinach comes to the rescue here — helping you cut costs as well as corners —as well providing added health benefits, being high in iron and vitamin c. Layered with cherry tomatoes for added freshness, try this creamy mac 'n' cheese for a meat-free meal that's rich in calcium and fibre.
Discover more of the best macaroni cheese recipes.
4. Smashed peas on toast
This 15-minute meal is a budget-friendly alternative to avocado toast and makes a fresh, zingy lunch or brunch. Simply cook a cup of frozen peas, then mash with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and a pinch of chilli flakes. Spread on toasted bread and finish with fresh mint or parsley if you have it. Quick, satisfying and easy to customise. Add a poached egg on top for extra protein, or crumble over feta for a creamy upgrade. Use gluten-free bread or skip the toast and serve with rice cakes for a coeliac-friendly option.
See more frozen pea recipes.
5. Easy lentil curry
Turn your hand to this fast and healthy vegetarian lentil curry for a cheap dinner that's as comforting as it is full of flavour. It puts a bag of frozen veg to brilliant use, as well as offering added health benefits, being low in fat. It freezes well, so you can make a double batch and stash some away in the freezer for another day. Try it for a speedy dinner which doesn't cost the earth and makes the most out of storecupboard ingredients without compromising on flavour.
Try more lentil curry recipes.
Versatile frozen vegetables to stock:
Frozen vegetables offer a convenient and affordable way to maintain a balanced diet. Consider stocking up on these versatile options.
Spinach: A wonder ingredient for curries, pastas, stews, and soups. High in iron and vitamin C.
Frozen peas: A source of carbohydrates and B vitamins and great way to boost the veg content in soups, risottos, and pasta dishes.
Mixed stir-fry veg: Perfect for noodles or rice dishes.
Sweetcorn: A family-friendly sweet addition to fritters, soups, or salads.
Broccoli & cauliflower: Use in gratins, curries or roasted straight from frozen.
Chopped onions: A time-saving staple for almost any savoury dish.
Edamame or soya beans: Add a nutty, nutritious boost to stir-fries, rice bowls, and salads. High in protein and great in salads or bowls.
Batch cooking tips:
- Batch cooking meals at the weekend and freezing them in portions ensures you always have a healthy and fuss-free option available, preventing reliance on expensive takeaways or ready meals.
- Batch cooking doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Doubling up a soup or rice dish and freezing portions for later can save you money and stress. Keep a few base ingredients in the freezer — like peas, chopped onions and spinach — and you’ll always have the start of a good meal.
- Don't be afraid to use shortcuts like pre-chopped vegetables or canned goods to save time and energy. The focus is on creating nutritious, affordable meals that work for your lifestyle.
- Don’t worry about perfection. A quick fried rice or humble soup made from frozen veg is still a win. Use what you have, make swaps where needed and celebrate the small victories — like turning a simple bag of peas into five delicious meals.
- Remember, the goal is to eat well without breaking the bank. Frozen vegetables are your ally in this endeavour, offering a versatile, cost-effective and healthy way to nourish yourself and your family.
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