What to do with Frozen Mixed Vegetables: (11 Quick Ideas)

Are you tired of plain and boring vegetables on your plate? Frozen mixed vegetables’ allure for quick and nutritious meals makes them a convenient ingredient.

We understand the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the role easy meals play.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with serving veggies tossed in good old butter and salt.  

That said, frozen mixed vegetable recipes have evolved in the home kitchen. 

We find more and more epicures getting their culinary groove on and creating delicious sides and mains.

Let’s see what they have been up to.

Table 1: Frozen Mixed Vegetable Nutritional Comparison

What to do with Mixed Frozen Vegetables

Okay, we know you are curious to see what recipes we have on our list.  

Before we dive into it, let’s lightly touch on whether you need to defrost frozen mixed vegetables for meals.

Should you Defrost Frozen Vegetables Before Cooking?

Great news!  

There is no need to defrost frozen vegetables before cooking, roasting, oven-baking, or stir-frying.  

Frozen veggies tend to have a reputation for being less flavorsome and more soggy than their fresh counterparts. 

While this may be true to some degree, it depends on how you prepare them.  

For optimal results, it is best to always use them from frozen.

Keen to learn more? Have a look here.

Right, let’s get started with our recipes.

Table of Frozen Mixed Vegetable Recipe Overview

Scrumptious Sides 

1. Easy Mixed Vegetable Rice – Taking your rice up a flavor notch (Chicken-based/Vegan – stock depending)

We love basmati rice.  

It is fragrant and has a light yet slightly crunchy texture. Remember, basmati rice can become sticky when overcooked. For this reason, follow the instructions carefully.

The use of chicken or vegetable stock in this recipe increases the dish’s nutritional value. Also, basmati rice absorbs stock beautifully, enhancing the flavor of the rice.

Enjoy this texture-rich side dish alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or jacket potatoes with a cheesy filling.

Pro Tip: when you boil veggies, they can lose nutrients. You can see this by the color of the water when you strain them. To avoid this, we recommend steaming the veggies. If you want to learn more about steaming vegetables, have a look here.

Get Recipe:  Easy Mixed Vegetable Rice

Allergy information: none

Table 2: Cooking Times for Frozen Mixed Vegetables

2.  Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables – Quick and tasty (Vegan)

The air fryer has undoubtedly found a much-appreciated place in several home kitchens.

Choosing to air fry frozen mixed veggies requires minimal preparation and less washing up. It’s a win-win!

This frozen mixed vegetable recipe uses garlic and onion powder. These culinary powders offer a strong and intense flavor. 

Should you have sensitive palates sitting at your table, we suggest you use the onion powder and a pinch of the garlic powder.

Pair the veggies with chicken schnitzels or bangers and mash. For those following a vegan diet, add them to a couscous and chickpea salad.  

Pro Tip: the recipe calls for olive oil spray. Applying extra-virgin olive oil to the air fryer using a pastry brush and tossing the veggies is okay.  

Get Recipe:  Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables

Allergy information: none

Related Beneficial Guides:  

• Is Garlic Salt the Same as Garlic Powder 
• Is Onion Salt the Same as Onion Powder

3.  Garlic Butter Vegetables – Add some freshness to the mix! (Chicken-based/Vegan – stock depending)

In the culinary world, garlic and butter make a heavenly match.

When you use this combo with frozen mixed veggies, every bite is crunchy with a delicious buttery, juicy touch. 

In addition, the recipe uses chicken stock. 

Again, this ingredient ensures added nutrients alongside an enhanced flavor.  

We love the finishing touches of parmesan cheese and freshly minced flat-leaf parsley—indeed, a healthy, fresh, and flavorsome side dish.  

Pro Tip: add to spaghetti and toss together with a generous dash of extra-virgin olive. Sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top before serving. Just like that, a side dish becomes a main meal!

Get Recipe:  Garlic Butter Vegetables

Allergy information: dairy

4.  Roasted Frozen Vegetables – Whip up in a flash! (Vegan)

Decidedly, roast veggies offer the most flavor, especially when the edges brown slightly.

This recipe is quick and uses staple pantry ingredients, including Italian seasoning. If you have mixed herbs or Herbs de Provence, these also work.

In 25 minutes, you have delicious roasted veg waiting to be served with creamy chicken marsala, grilled fish, or pan-fried steak.

Pro Tip: layer a sprig or two of fresh rosemary on the veggies before roasting. Remember to remove them before serving.

Get Recipe:  Roasted Frozen Vegetables

Related Beneficial Guide:  Is Herbs de Provence the Same as Italian Seasoning

Allergy information: none

5.  Oven Roasted Vegetables and Cheese – A cheesy delight (Vegetarian)

Calling all parents!

We understand that getting children to eat their veggies can be trying. That said, most children adore cheese. So, this recxcipe is ideal for fussy young eaters.  

The recipe calls for cheddar and parmesan cheese.  Although this is a delicious combination, both these cheeses have a robust flavor.  

You can leave out the parmesan and use the cheddar, or vice versa. It all depends on your family’s preferences. Remember to balance out the cheese according to the recipe.  

Pro Tip: Serve with air-fried chicken nuggets and a mayonnaise base dipping sauce. Ta-dah, a meal that the kids will love!

Get Recipe:  Oven Roasted Vegetables and Cheese

Allergy information: dairy

Right, let’s dig a little deeper into the main dishes. 

Mouthwatering Mains

6.  Pasta with Frozen Vegetables – Simple and excellent for young palates (Chicken-based/Vegan – stock depending)

Keeping with children’s favorites, this pasta dish is a tasty lunch, and you can use any leftovers for lunchboxes the following day.

Moreover, all the ingredients cook in one pot, saving you time and dishes. Once again, adding chicken stock enhances the flavor and boosts young immune systems. 

Pro Tip: garnish with fresh parsley and grated cheddar or gouda cheese

Get Recipe:  Pasta with Frozen Vegetables

Allergy information: none

Table 3: Seasoning Ideas for Frozen Mixed Vegetables

7.  Frozen Vegetable Stir fry – Quick with an Asian touch (Vegan)

Stir fry is a popular family meal, and frozen mixed vegetables make an ideal ingredient.

This recipe has an authentic Asian appeal by adding soy sauce and freshly grated ginger. In addition, the agave or maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness. 

Lastly, the crushed red chili flakes finish the meal with a terrific hot bite.

You can leave the chili flakes out for heat-sensitive palates. Either way, it is an easy and delicious mid-week dinner.

Pro Tip: serve on basmati rice, couscous, or quinoa and garnish with fresh parsley

Get Recipe:  Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry

Related Beneficial Articles:  

• Is Soy Sauce the Same as Teriyaki Sauce
• What is a Good Substitute for Red Pepper Flakes

Allergy information: soy

8.  Frozen Mixed Vegetables Potato Au Gratin – Satisfying and bursting with creamy goodness (Vegetarian)

Potato-based bakes are fun to make and usually involve a decadent creamy sauce.  

This frozen mixed vegetable recipe uses yellow and sweet potatoes. In our experience, using sweet potatoes in bakes is a must.  

The taste is subtly sweet, and they offer a higher nutritional value when compared to yellow potatoes. Better yet, a combo of the two creates a morish bake.  

Enjoy with a baby-leaf side salad or as a side dish at your next BBQ.  

Pro Tip: sprinkle 1 – 2 tablespoons (15 – 30ml) of parmesan cheese over the cheddar before baking, and garnish with fresh parsley

Get Recipe:  Frozen Mixed Vegetables Potato Au Gratin

Allergy information: dairy, gluten

9.  Easy and Creamy Vegetable Pie with Puff Pastry – Texture-rich and colorful (Vegetarian)

Cooler, rainy days award the opportunity for a hot and steamy pie.

Puff pastry bakes beautifully and always goes down as a treat. 

The filling in this recipe includes milk, which gives it that creamy touch. You can add to the creaminess by substituting half the milk with heavy cream. Pure savory indulgence!

Also, the frozen mixed vegetables alongside the fresh thyme and basil add an alluring pop of color.  

Pro Tip: using a pastry brush, brush milk or whipped egg onto the pastry before baking. This method gives the pastry a gorgeous golden glow. Oh, if you have leftover pastry, grab your pastry cutters and add to the aesthetics of the pie topping. We suggest leaves or hearts.

Get Recipe:  Easy and Creamy Vegetable Pie with Puff Pastry

Allergy information: dairy, gluten

10.  One Pan Easy Shepherds Pie – Hearty and comforting (Lamb/Beef-based)

Comfort food is essential to keep our spirits up; this recipe is no exception.

We love the Worcestershire sauce and fresh rosemary ingredients-complementing the lamb superbly.  

Yet again, everything cooks in one pot. No mess, no fuss, no extra dishes!

Naturally, no shepherd’s pie is complete without mixed frozen vegetables. They add the perfect spot of color and up the nutrient game.  

Warm, soul-soothing, and packed with flavor, make a shepherd’s pie next time you need a little culinary TLC.

Pro Tip:  Although the recipe calls for ground lamb, you can use ground beef and yield the same tasty result.  

Get Recipe:  One Pan Easy Shepherds Pie

Related Beneficial Article:  Top 10 Condiments to Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce

Allergy information: none

And it doesn’t stop there.

Our last recipe is for those seeking a cooking challenge. Check it out.

11.  Vegetable Biryani – Mildly spicey and aromatic (Vegan)

Biryani is a renowned Indian dish boasting spices such as turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cardamom, and cinnamon.

We know this recipe may require some kitchen skills, but don’t worry; by following the instructions carefully, you can not go wrong.  

The creamy yogurt sauce with fresh parsley and mint brings this fragrant meal together harmoniously. 

Also, the recipe calls for coconut yogurt, as it is vegan-based. However, you can use Greek or plain yogurt for a vegetarian option.  

It is filling, out-of-this-world delicious, and an authentic taste of Indian cuisine.  

Pro Tip:  Don’t bother using a knife and fork; grab some roti or naan bread and tuck in.

Get Recipe:  Vegetable Biryani

Allergy information: nuts, dairy (for vegetarian option)

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are frozen mixed vegetables healthy?

Frozen mixed vegetables maintain their nutrients due to the blast-freezing method. This method involves freezing food at extremely low temperatures with circulating air. Doing so keeps the ice crystals small, preventing moisture and nutrient loss when the food is cooking.

Are frozen mixed vegetables already cooked?

Frozen mixed vegetables are partially cooked before they are blast-frozen. In other words, they cook quicker and retain more moisture when compared with fresh veggies. While the consistency is slightly soft and mushy, the flavor and nutrients remain intact.

What to season frozen mixed vegetables with?

Seasoning choices for frozen mixed vegetable varies from palate to palate. For a simple yet tasty option, use salt and pepper. Other spices that complement frozen veggies include chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, herbal salt blends, and hot sauce. Complementary ingredients, such as cheese, bacon, nuts, and fresh garden herbs, enhance the flavor.

Final Frozen Thoughts

So, here’s the deal.

If you are wondering what to do with mixed frozen vegetables, we encourage you to step boldly out of your comfort zone.

Why not prepare something new and enticing for your family and friends?

Frozen veggies may not be fresh, but you can still come up with some fresh foodie ideas.

Which recipe did you put to the test?  Let us know.

We would love to hear from you.