It's hard to beat the satisfaction of a well-stocked freezer. Nothing compares to the feeling of having a handful of easy meals on hand to reach for whenever you need them, whether it's muffins for a grab-and-go breakfast or a family-size portion of mac and cheese for a comforting dinner.

We gave you a whole slew of great make-ahead, freeze-ahead recipes this year and these were the ones you loved the most.

The classic pairing of pork and apples makes for a savory stew which just the right amount of sweetness. Make the full recipe, even if you're cooking for a small household, as leftover freeze incredibly well.

This vegetable-packed egg casserole can be frozen unbaked and stored for up to three months. Then go ahead and bake it the next time you're in need of a hearty breakfast to feed a crowd.

Chili has a reputation for freezing well and this one is no exception. A touch of cocoa powder in the broth is an unexpected addition but it adds a meaty complexity to the vegan recipe.

Individually wrap these cocoa and yogurt muffins in plastic wrap before freezing and they can be tossed in lunch boxes and backpacks to thaw for an afternoon snack.

These wholesome take on the comfort food classic swaps in some of the cheese for puréed cauliflower. It can be frozen in the casserole dish before baking and then baked directly from the freezer.

Freeze leftover portions of this sweet and tangy pulled pork to reach for when you need a simple lunch or dinner, whether you toss it with salad greens or pile it in a bun.

Make a few batched of these addictive pinwheels and tuck them away in your freezer, unbaked. When unexpected guests drop by, toss a baking sheet-worth of them in the oven and instantly win.

This crowd-pleasing soup, flecked with black beans and corn, freezes exceptionally well. Just hold off on the crushed tortilla chips, sliced scallions, and shredded cheese until you've reheated it and are ready to serve it.

It's hard to beat the simple goodness of banana bread. This version is classic and makes two loaves — one to enjoy right now and one to freeze for later.

Make a batch of these savory muffins and tuck them away in your freezer. Then you can reach for them, as needed, for quick, wholesome, packable lunches.