20+ Crockpot Freezer Meals
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Crockpot freezer meals is what we do! We have tested and re-tested hundreds of recipes over the years for our cookbooks and website. We’ve have narrowed down the best of the best slow cooker recipes, so you don’t waste your time on any mediocre recipes out there.
5 Crockpot Pro Tips
Slow cooker meals are a no-brainer, right? Well, we thought so, too. That is until we began testing recipes for our cookbook. We discovered that many of our underlying assumptions about slow cooking were off.
The good news is, after our countless recipe tests, we’ve learned some key guidelines that will help you make home run meals in the slow cooker every time.
Tip 1: Know Your Crockpot
For many years, I used a bad slow cooker. What I mean by this is, it cooked my food way too hot. It dried out everything I cooked in it. This is why it’s so important to know thy slow cooker!
With dozens of models on the market, not all slow cookers are created equal. Some models run hot and fast, while others heat more slowly and gently. The only way to find out where yours falls is by experience. Because you likely have a different model of slow cooker than we do, we’ve provided a range of cooking times in our recipes.
Tip 2: Use a Meat Thermometer
We’ve found that there are a wide variety of opinions when it comes to how long meals should be cooked in the slow cooker. Because of this, we determined “doneness” by measuring the internal temperature of those recipes that are easy to overcook and dry out (i.e., chicken, pork, and egg dishes).
Numbers don’t lie. A meat thermometer will become your best friend when using a slow cooker. Let it be your guide instead of the clock, and you’ll be amazed at how great food can be when it’s cooked perfectly.
Tip 3: Do NOT Cook Frozen Food in the Slow Cooker
Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but while cooking a frozen meal in the Instant Pot is safe, putting a frozen meal in the slow cooker is not generally recommended. Loading your slow cooker with icy ingredients will keep food in the temperature danger zone (40° to 140°F), where bacteria can flourish for too long.
We recommend that you always thaw your meals before putting them in the slow cooker. It’s just not worth the risk.
Tip 4: Keep the Lid On!
Each peek you take during the cooking process will add 15 to 20 minutes to the cooking time. So curb the urge to open the lid and stir, unless we specifically instruct you to. It’s usually not necessary and tends to slow down the cooking. It’s hard, we know!
Tip 5: Cook on the Low Setting if Possible
While some recipes do give the option of low- or high-heat cooking, low and slow is always your best bet. A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the Low setting takes about twice as long as cooking on High. High is only recommended for recipes that take at least 8 hours on Low, however.
Anything shorter than that will not do well on the High setting. We do not recommend ever cooking chicken on High, for instance. This will lead to a dried-out chicken dinner.
20+ “Best of the Best” Crockpot Freezer Meals
Ready to bust out some crockpot freezer meals to have on hand? Give a few of these top-notch recipes a try!
1. Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas
It’s hard not to like Carnitas made in the Slow Cooker. In fact, pork shoulder is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook this way! Carnitas can be prepped in minutes, they make a great freezer meal, and they feed a large number of people. Be sure to quarter the pork shoulder before freezing in the marinade!
How Freeze For Later: Place the pork and marinade ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
2. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
This dump-and-go Tortilla Soup is one of the easiest you’ll ever make. Almost every ingredient comes straight from your pantry!
Freeze For Later: Add all the ingredients, except the rice, to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal, toss gently to combine and freeze. Place the cooked rice in a separate small freezer bag. Seal and freeze alongside the soup.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
3. Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
With only 6 main ingredients, this Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce couldn’t be easier or tastier! Serve over pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash for a delicious and healthy dinner.
Freeze For Later: Saute the onions, garlic, meat, and seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce. Pour the uncooked meat sauce into a gallon-size freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Note: You will need to have cooked whole-grain pasta, zoodles, etc., and (optional) Parmesan on hand to complete this meal. Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
4. Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken
A little sweet and a little spicy, this EASY Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken recipe is BIG on flavor and takes just minutes. It’s a fan favorite and, of course, freezer friendly.
Freeze For Later: Pour the sauce and chicken into a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Note: Have cornstarch and (optional) cooked rice and stir-fried veggies on hand to complete this meal. Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
5. Slow Cooker Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, making a comforting batch of Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup is mandatory. Using the slow cooker means your home will feel cozy and smell delicious, too!
Freeze for Later: Place cooked bacon in a quart-sized freezer bag and seal. Place cooked and cooled veggies, broth, thyme, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and potatoes in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze. Package up the cheese in a quart-sized freezer bag and freeze along with the soup.
Prepare From Frozen: (Note: You will need sour cream, half and half, and green onions to make this recipe.) Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
It’s hard to mess up a pork shoulder recipe in the slow cooker. It gets perfectly cooked and tender using our recipe instructions. Our quick Homemade BBQ Sauce takes this dish over the top.
Freeze For Later: Place the seasoned pork and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze. Place the remaining 1 ⁄2 cup BBQ sauce in a small freezer bag or container and the buns in a separate freezer bag. Seal and freeze them alongside the pork.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely in the refrigerator. Place contents of bag in slow cooker. Serve at directed in recipe.
7. Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
You may never return to making chicken and dumplings on the stove! It’s soooo good made in the crockpot.
Freeze For Later: Place seasoned chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Add the broth, bay leaves, and cooled veggies. Seal and freeze. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and parsley in a quart-size freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze alongside the stew.
Prepare From Frozen: Note: You will need to have butter, milk, and frozen peas on hand to complete this meal. Set aside the dry dumpling mix. Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
8. Creamy Chicken Taquitos
These kid-friendly Creamy Chicken Taquitos go from frozen chicken breasts to a delicious dinner on the table in 45 minutes with very minimal hands-on work.
Freeze For Later: Follow recipe instructions but do not bake. Place rolled-up tortillas in a freezer bag or freezer container (BEFORE baking) in a single layer. Separate the single layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place frozen taquitos on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or foil. Cover them lightly with a piece of foil (so they don’t brown too quickly). Bake for about 25 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melty. Remove foil and bake 5-10 more minutes until golden brown on top.
9. Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
This well-seasoned, fall-apart shredded BBQ Beef will make your home smell amazing! Serve with our Homemade BBQ Sauce for extra deliciousness!
Freeze For Later: Place the seasoned meat and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce in a gallon-sized freezer bag or round container. Seal and freeze (if using a freezer bag, set it in a bowl or round container with a diameter similar to the Instant Pot so it will fit in the pot when frozen). Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce into a small bag/container and seal. Freeze the sauce and buns alongside the meat.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
10. Chicken Taco Soup
This delicious, slow cooker chicken soup is not only gluten-free and dairy-free (if you don’t add cheese at the end), but it freezes beautifully either before cooking or after. Packed with fresh flavor, the veggies give it that fiesta vibe that everyone will love. This easy and healthy freezer meal is great for feeding a large group of people.
Freeze For Later: Let sautéed veggies cool and then add to a one gallon freezer bag with all of the other ingredients and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
11. Shredded Beef Tacos
With only 5 main ingredients, you can have this “dump-and-go” recipe of Shredded Beef Tacos into your crock pot or Instant Pot in minutes. The Mexican shredded beef will fall apart after cooking and pack so much flavor into each taco. Say “holá” to a new weeknight favorite in your home!
12. Crock Pot Taco Soup
This is the only Taco Soup recipe you’ll ever need. I’ve been making a variation of this soup for my family and guests for years. I love to fully cook this soup and freeze it in small portions to have for lunches down the road.
Freeze for Later: Cook the onions and beef, then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Seal and freeze. (Or you can fully cook, cool, and freeze your soup.)
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
13. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sliders
You can’t go wrong with this classic recipe. With only five ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker, you’ll have a healthy dinner on the table with very little effort.
Freeze For Later: Place raw chicken breasts and marinara in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
14. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast is a savory dinner to feed a crowd. Made without processed ingredients too!
Freeze For Later: Fully cook and cool pot roast (do not leave out of refrigerator or freezer more than 2 hours). Place in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Try to remove as much air as possible and seal and/or wrap it well before placing in the freezer.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator (preferred method) or in the microwave using the defrost setting. Then, warm over low to medium-low heat on the stove, gently stirring occasionally.
15. 7 Best Chicken Marinades
We have a collection of amazing chicken marinades that will all work to cook in the slow cooker!
Freeze For Later: Add marinade and chicken to a gallon-sized freezer bag, seal, and shake.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
Get 7 of Our BEST Chicken Marinades Sent to Your Inbox!
16. Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Our Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe with a secret “flavor bomb” ingredient is creamy, dreamy, and super easy to make. Plus, it’s healthier than most versions and freezer-friendly, too. My family will eat the chicken and veggie filling with or without the homemade biscuits on top–it’s that good.
Freeze For Later: Cook the chicken mixture, let cool completely, and freeze in an air-tight freezer bag or container. Tip: The uncooked biscuits can also be frozen alongside the chicken pot pie mixture if desired. To do that, dust the cut-out biscuits (that haven’t been baked) with a little flour, place on a sheet pan, and flash freeze for about 2 hours until frozen solid. Toss biscuits into a gallon-size freezer bag, seal, and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the chicken mixture in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on the microwave, then warm over low heat on the stove, in the crockpot, or in the microwave. If biscuits were frozen, thaw completely on the counter or refrigerator and bake according to directions. Serve according to recipe.
17. French Dip Sandwiches
Everyone loves grilled cheese, so why not make it even more irresistible by turning it into a French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwich?! The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker!
Freeze For Later: Pour the sauce into a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Season the roast lightly with salt and black pepper and add to the bag/container with the sauce. Seal and freeze. Place the bread and cheese in separate freezer bags or containers. Seal and freeze alongside the roast.
Prepare From Frozen: Note: You will need to have butter on hand to complete this meal. Thaw. Place in the slow cooker. Cook as directed.
18. Slow Cooker Balsamic Shredded Beef
Slow Cooker Balsamic Shredded Beef is an easy, dump-and-go, delicious dinner. This freezer-friendly recipe is a win for my family and is a great recipe for large groups. So simple!
Freeze For Later: Place all ingredients together in a gallon-sized freezer bag, seal, and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
19. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This lean turkey chili is not only hearty and absolutely delicious, but it’s also chock full of fiber, protein, and nutrients. It’s also gluten-free & dairy-free! This crockpot chili is delicious fresh but is also a great make ahead meal.
Freezer For Later: Add the cooked and cooled meat and vegetables to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Then, add the remaining ingredients (chili powder through black beans) to the same bag. Seal, toss gently to mix, and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Cook according to instructions.
20. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe is easy, tasty, freezer-friendly, and made in the crockpot. Shred up those tender chicken thighs and serve over rice for a delicious, filling dinner. For a dump-and-go crockpot freezer meal, it doesn’t get much better!
To Freeze For Later: Place the raw chicken thighs and all of the marinade ingredients (except for the cornstarch) into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of these safe methods and then cook as directed.
21. Baby Back BBQ Ribs
You don’t need a smoker or to heat up your kitchen with the oven for hours to make amazing ribs. Your slow cooker and a few minutes under the broiler will do all the hard work for you, resulting in fall-off-the-bone, caramelized BBQ ribs.
Freeze For Later: Make the rub and cover both sides of the racks of ribs in the paste. Either cut the racks in half and place in a gallon-sized freezer bag OR wrap the full racks in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Seal tightly and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of our safe thawing methods. Cook according to the recipe instructions. (Do NOT cook from frozen in the slow cooker.)
22. Crockpot Drumsticks
Our easy Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks require only 4 pantry ingredients and come out moist and delicious every time. Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free but they work great as a make-ahead freezer meal too. All ages love these.
Freeze For Later: Make the rub and cover all sides of the drumsticks. Place in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of our safe thawing methods. Cook according to the recipe instructions. (Do NOT cook from frozen in the slow cooker.)
23. Cuban Pulled Pork Paninis
This panini has the perfect balance of complex flavor, texture, and gooey goodness. Trust us when we say, the interesting combo of ingredients results in one amazing hot sandwich. Plus, you can make the fall-apart pulled pork in either the slow cooker or the Instant Pot.
How Freeze For Later: Place the pork and marinade ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze, along with the ham, cheese slices, and ciabatta rolls (that have been packaged tightly).
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw your meal using one of our safe defrosting methods. Cook as directed in the recipe.
24. BBQ Drumsticks
Our Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are sticky, sweet, and just a little spicy. Drumsticks made in the slow cooker are economical, kid-friendly, and tasty. The secret to making these crispy is giving them a few minutes under the broiler at the end.
Freeze For Later: Make the rub and cover all sides of the drumsticks. Place the seasoned drumsticks and BBQ sauce in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of our safe thawing methods. Cook according to the recipe instructions. (Do NOT cook from frozen in the slow cooker.)
25. Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
A pressure cooker spin on a classic, rustic French stew. While this rich, melt-in-your mouth dish is easy to make, it results in an impressive cold weather meal, Christmas dinner, or birthday dinner.
Freezer meal instructions are in the recipe card here…
26. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
A delightful twist on traditional chicken noodle soup that will bring some serious comfort food to your table without much fuss. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, easy, and delicious.
Or try Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup or stovetop Chicken Tortellini Soup.
FAQ
Low and slow is almost always the better choice. You run less chance of overcooking your food.
Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but while cooking a frozen meal in the Instant Pot is safe, putting a frozen meal in the slow cooker is not generally recommended. Loading your slow cooker with icy ingredients will keep food in the temperature danger zone (40° to 140°F), where bacteria can flourish for too long. Read our full post on why you can’t cook frozen food in the crockpot.
A meat thermometer will become your best friend when using a slow cooker. Let it be your guide instead of the clock, and you’ll be amazed at how great food can be when it’s cooked perfectly.
You’re likely overcooking it.
With the exception of larger recipes (like 8+ servings), It only takes 2.5-3.5 hours on LOW for boneless, skinless chicken breast to be fully cooked in the slow cooker.
Each peek you take during the cooking process will add 15 to 20 minutes to the cooking time. So curb the urge to open the lid and stir, unless we specifically instruct you to. It’s usually not necessary and tends to slow down the cooking.
I have love everything I have cooked from your books. I had hit a slump in my meal planning and then I happened upon your second book, From freezer to Cooker. I have been so inspired to cook and try as many of your recipes as possible. Thank you so much!
Goodness, Iris, this just makes our day. We love hearing when our cookbooks and recipes are helping others. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.