This is the type of recipe our readers go ga-ga over. Slow Cooker Carnitas are a dump-and-go crock pot meal that’s easy to make, freezes well before or after cooking, and everyone loves them!
Why You Must Make Carnitas in the Slow Cooker
Pork shoulders are one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook in the slow cooker. Coming from someone who has tested hundreds (yes, hundreds) of slow cooker recipes, that means a lot. I have probably made this slow cooker recipe more than any other one for groups of people.
The seasoning and marinade, plus the slow cooking method, pack some serious tangy-smoky-citrusy flavor into the meat. After being cooked all day and shredded, you’ll pop the meat under the broiler and broil until it begins to crisp up on the edges. You’ll find yourself going back to this recipe again and again!
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make These?
Like most of our recipes, the ingredients are fairly simple. To make Slow Cooker Carnitas, you’ll need:
Olive oil
1 white or yellow onion
5 cloves garlic
1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
Seasonings: oregano, cumin, chili powder, Salt & pepper
Lime juice
Orange juice
Hot Sauce
How Long Do I Cook Pork Shoulder in the Slow Cooker?
After testing hundreds of recipes for our slow cooker cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker, we found that cooking one (3-4 pound) pork shoulder should take 7-9 hours depending on your slow cooker.
Oftentimes, people take the pork out too early because it appears to be tough and dry. However, the pork needs lots of time to break down the fibers holding the meat together. When cooked correctly, pork shoulder in the slow cooker should be tender, juicy, and shred easily.
Get our Slow Cooker Times Chart
After years of testing slow cooker recipes for our website and cookbooks, we’ve developed a reliable cooking times chart for all different types of recipes. Never overcook or undercook a recipe in the slow cooker again!
Can I Cook Carnitas in a Dutch Oven?
While we love our crock pot, you for sure can make this in your dutch oven, too.
Simply follow the instructions in the recipe below, but instead of putting it all into a slow cooker, place the pork into a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add 1 cup of water or broth. Cover tightly with the lid and roast the pork at 300ºF for about 4 1/2 hours, turning once at the half way point. Follow the broiling instructions after that!
Can I Make Carnitas in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! When using the Instant Pot, you can have these done in almost an hour!
As if our Carnitas weren’t good enough, I have even better news. They work really well as a make ahead freezer meal.
Simply double the recipe and freeze an uncooked batch. This won’t take much more time at all and will set you up for an incredibly easy dinner down the road!
One of the beauties of this meal is that it can be customized and served in so many different ways. That’s why I love making carnitas for large groups. Here are some ideas of how to serve them:
Change up taco night by using this filling instead of ground beef.
Top a leafy green salad with it and other toppings like roasted fresh corn shaved off the cob, diced bell peppers, red onion, and crunched up tortilla chips.
Throw this shredded pork in a quesadilla or on top of a “burrito bowl” with brown rice, beans, and your favorite Mexican toppings.
So many options! I personally almost always serve it with our Avocado Lime Salsa.
The seasoning and marinade, plus the slow cooking method, pack some serious tangy-smoky-citrusy flavor into the meat. After being cooked all day and shredded, you’ll pop the meat under the broiler and broil until it begins to crisp up on the edges. You’ll find yourself going back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients
1 white or yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup lime juice* (juice of about 4 limes)
3/4 cup orange juice* (juice of about 3 oranges)
1 tablespoon hot sauce
chopped cilantro (optional for garnishing)
*Freshly squeezed is the best!
Instructions
Make It Now:
Over medium-high heat, saute the onion just until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper while it cooks. Stir in the garlic during the last 30-60 seconds. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Pat the roast dry with paper towels and then rub the seasoning all over each piece. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
Add the seasoned meat, onion/garlic mixture, lime juice, orange juice, and hot sauce into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours.
Remove the pork to a wooden cutting board, and shred with two forks.
Preheat the broiler. Broil the meat on a rimmed baking sheet for 3 minutes. (Tip: Cover the pan with foil for easy clean up.) Using tongs, turn the meat over and spoon about ¼ cup of the juices from the slow cooker over the meat. Broil another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the edges of the meat start to crisp up and turn brown. Remove from the oven and spoon another ¼ cup of the juices over the cooked pork.
Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or salads, or enjoy a la carte. If serving in a corn tortilla, we suggest topping with diced avocado, pico de gallo, Cojita cheese crumbles, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. If serving on a salad, use those same toppings and try our Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette as the dressing.
Freeze For Later: Follow Steps 1-3. Place the onion/garlic mixture, seasoned pork, lime juice, orange juice, hot sauce into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw 24-48 hours. Follow steps 5-8.
We’ve rounded up 3 amazing dump and go crock pot meals. Bonus: You can make them ahead and freeze for later, too. Freezing instructions and shopping list included!
Dump and Go Crock Pot Meals: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Let’s start with the bad and ugly. After researching, testing, and writing a cookbook all about slow cooker meals, one of the big takeaways for us was that most “dump and go” crockpot meals just aren’t very good. Most delicious slow cooker meals require a few extra steps to get the texture and flavor just right.
But…but, but, but…there are a few exceptions to this rule. We’ve pulled together three of our very best drop and go crock pot meals: Honey Bourbon Chicken, French Dip Sandwiches, and Vegetarian Tortilla Soup.
No extra–or very few extra–steps are required of these dishes. You’ll simply throw all your ingredients in the slow cooker for a hands-free dinner OR in a freezer bag for later. The combo of ingredients only get tastier as they slow cook!
Double and Freeze All 3 Recipes
A smart way to use your time efficiently is to double each of the recipes below and freeze them for later. Polly and I both do this regularly and call it the “freezer cooking lifestyle.” Believe us when we say, your future self will thank you!
Simply, set aside about an hour to make 2 batches of all 3 recipes. After doubling all these recipes, you’ll stock your freezer with 6 meals! You’ll have dinner ready to go for weeks.
To make it super easy for you, we’ve made you a shopping list with enough ingredients to double each of the 3 recipes.
Ultimate Time Saver: Use Aisles Online!
We recommend doing your shopping at Hy-Vee where ingredients are well stocked, it’s easy to keep kids entertained, and the store is clean and well staffed.
If you’re an online shopper, just hop to Aisles Online and fill up your cart with the ingredient list. It’s even easier to shop for sales this way in my opinion!
Their website is incredibly easy to navigate and their pick-up process is flawless…
Or, you can even have your groceries delivered…
I can think of no easier way to make this cooking session happen than having someone drop the groceries right to your doorstep.
As a reminder, this list is for the go-getters who want to double all three of these recipes. If you only want to make one or two, simply print off the recipe card(s) below.
Top 3 Dump and Go Crock Pot Meals
Alright, you know where to shop for the ingredients (Hy-Vee), you know the easiest way to get them to your home (Aisles Online), and you’ve heard our plea to double the recipes to save yourself time in the long run. Now it’s time to get cooking!
Every recipe that we link to below has instructions for how to freeze it ahead and how to prepare it from frozen.
A little sweet and a little spicy, this easy chicken recipe is BIG on flavor and takes just minutes to throw in the slow cooker. Stir fry some veggies while it cooks and then serve it all over rice. A reader favorite!
MAKE IT AHEAD: Add the sauce ingredients and chicken to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal, toss to combine, and freeze.
TO PREPARE: Thaw and place the meal in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Shred or chop and serve over rice and stir-fried veggies.
A little sweet and a little spicy, this chicken dish is big on flavor and takes just minutes to throw in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (For Gluten-Free: use coconut aminos or GF tamari soy sauce.)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup organic or all-natural ketchup
1/4 cup bourbon or other whiskey (For Gluten-Free: Omit or use chicken stock/broth instead.)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (decrease to 1/8 teaspoon, if sensitive to heat)
1/2 cup sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless medium chicken breasts
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooked basmati rice or brown rice, for serving
Stir-fried vegetables, for serving
Instructions
Make It Now:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, bourbon, oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Add the chicken and stir to coat with the sauce. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
Place the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until cooked through. (The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and/or registers 165°F internally.) Carefully transfer the chicken to a wooden cutting board, dice or shred the meat, and set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Carefully pour the juices from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Add in the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.
Return the chicken and sauce to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and serve with stir-fried vegetables, if desired.
Freeze For Later: Follow step 1. Pour the sauce and chicken into a gallon-size freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Note: Have cooked rice, cornstarch, and (optional) stir-fried veggies on hand to complete this meal. Thaw. Follow steps 2 through 4.
Notes
One of our readers tested this recipe without the bourbon and reported that their family thought it was still delicious.
My kids cheer when they see this drop-and-go crock pot meal on the menu plan. It slow cooks all day long and is fall-apart tender by dinnertime. Simply shred the meat, put together the sandwiches (a quick broil toasts up the rolls and melts the cheese), and dip them in the leftover au jus. Or…turn them into grilled cheese sandwiches to take them over the top!
MAKE IT AHEAD: Pour the sauce ingredients into a gallon-size 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.
TO PREPARE: Thaw. Place meat/sauce in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. Shred the meat and serve on toasted buns with Provolone (or turn them into grilled cheese sandwiches).
1.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more as needed
1.5 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1 bay leaf
Pinch of red pepper flakes
3–4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast (1 large roast or 2 smaller ones), trimmed of excess fat
6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
16 large slices of sourdough bread
16 slices provolone, cheddar, or pepper Jack cheese
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
Place the roast in the cooker and season lightly with salt and black pepper on all sides. Pour the sauce over the top.
Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 5 to 6 hours, until the meat easily shreds. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the meat to the cooker and stir it into the sauce.
Spread a thin layer of butter over one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of half the slices of bread. Using a slotted spoon, add a layer of the shredded meat (be sure to drain the liquid first). Top with another slice of cheese and a second slice of bread, buttered-side up.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for a few minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve the sandwiches warm, with the warmed juices from the cooker in small bowls alongside for dipping.
FREEZE FOR LATER: Follow step 1. Pour the sauce into a gallon-size 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. Follow steps 3 through 6.
Notes
Instant Pot Instructions: FREEZE FOR LATER: Follow steps 1 and 2. Place the sauce and the meat in a gallon-size 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). Place the bread and cheese in separate freezer bags or containers. Seal and freeze alongside the meat.
PREPARE FROM FROZEN: Note: You will need to have butter on hand to complete this meal. Thaw the bread and cheese. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” Transfer the frozen meat to the pot and cook for 5 minutes to release some liquid. Press “Cancel.” Follow steps 4 through 6. (The frozen meat will cook in the same amount of time as fresh.)
This pantry staple Vegetarian Tortilla Soup recipe is a meatless “one pot wonder” that I’ve been making and freezing for years for my family. Filled with beans, tomatoes, chilis, corn, and more, it only gets better the longer it sits in the fridge (or freezer).
MAKE IT AHEAD: Place all the ingredients except the rice in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
TO PREPARE: Thaw and place the soup in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor but is also vegetarian! This winning combination of ingredients and flavors is sure to impress your family and friends.
Stovetop Method: In a large pot, combine broth, refried beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chiles, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir and break up the refried beans as much as possible. Bring to a boil and quickly reduce to a simmer. Cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally while it cooks. Stir in the cooked rice and serve warm with optional toppings.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine broth, refried beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chiles, salsa, and taco seasoning in the crockpot. Stir and break up the refried beans as much as possible. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cooked rice and serve warm with optional toppings.
Instant Pot Method: Combine broth, refried beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chiles, salsa, and taco seasoning in the crockpot. Stir and break up the refried beans as much as possible. Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Stir in the cooked rice and serve warm with optional toppings.
Freeze For Later:
Method 1 (Uncooked): Combine all ingredients in a pot/bowl, except rice and optional toppings. (Don’t worry if the refried beans aren’t completely integrated.) Carefully ladle the soup into gallon-sized freezer bags or containers and seal. Package the cooked rice in a small freezer bag and freeze alongside the soup.
Method 2 (Fully Cooked): Fully cook the soup according to instructions. Stir in the rice. Let cool. Freeze in freezer bags or containers, as individual servings or one full meal. Freeze until ready to use.
Prepare From Frozen:
Method 1 (Uncooked): Fully thaw the soup. Cook according to instructions.
Method 2 (Fully Cooked):
Stove or Slow Cooker: Warm over low heat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Instant Pot: Turn on Saute button and warm over low, stirring frequently.*
Notes
*If you want to cook the soup from frozenin the Instant Pot, you’ll need to freeze it in a round container that is smaller than the diameter of the pot. When ready to cook, turn on the “Saute” function and saute the frozen block of soup for 5-10 minutes to release some liquid. Press “Cancel”. Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 12-17 minutes with a quick release.
Gluten-Free: If using a taco seasoning packet from the store, be sure to buy one that is gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Omit using any cheese or sour cream on top.
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/top3-pin-image.jpg1417760Rachel Tiemeyerhttps://thrivinghomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/thrivinglogo.pngRachel Tiemeyer2020-10-19 11:18:242020-11-13 06:45:40Top 3 Dump and Go Crock Pot Meals (+ Shopping List)
“Is it safe to put a freezer meal in a crock pot?”
“Can I put frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?”
When it comes to freezer meals, this is a very common question we get from readers and at speaking events. I think it’s a common question because there is a lot of mixed information out there.
Simply put, the answer is no. You should not put frozen food in a crock pot.
I know, we are sad too.
But, before you start giving us dirty looks, you should know we are coming out strong on this because the experts have made it very clear: cooking frozen food in a crock pot is not safe!
Here’s why: While frozen food can for sure reach its safe cooking temperature with extra time added, a problem arises if it spends too much time thawing out in what the USDA calls the “danger zone.”
The danger zone is defined as the temperature range between 40 degrees and 140 degrees where bacteria grow most rapidly — and can double in number in a matter of minutes. Salmonella and staphylococcus aureus as common culprits and can even contaminate other foods in the slow cooker. While the bacteria will most likely be killed when the chicken reaches 165 degrees (yeah!), the toxins they grow can be heat-resistant (boo!). According to the USDA, these toxins, not the bacteria that produce them, cause food-borne illnesses. (source)
Wondering how to safely thaw a freezer meal? Never fear. We break down the three easy, USDA-approved ways to thaw your food here.
If you forget to thaw your freezer meal recipe or your frozen meat in time to cook it, we have good news for you. You can still safely use an Instant Pot for freezer meals! Because the cooking time is much faster, the food won’t sit in that danger zone for too long. (Score!)
Lastly, if you’re drooling over that Pot Roast image above, you can find it in our cookbook, From Freezer to Table. Happy cooking!
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Is-it-safe.jpg1246780Polly Connerhttps://thrivinghomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/thrivinglogo.pngPolly Conner2018-04-23 09:59:362020-11-13 06:47:39Can You Put Frozen Food in a Crock Pot?
Between sports practices, school drop off and pick up, working two part-time jobs, and pretending to keep up with laundry…I am all about slow cooker freezer meals these days. What’s not to love? A home filled with the delicious aroma of slow-cooked food awaits you at the end of a long day and means you can kick off your shoes and relax, knowing dinner is ready to go.
Do Real Food Slow Cooker Meals Exist?
As much as I love crockpot recipes, there is a problem with most of the slow cooker meals on the internet. Perhaps like you, I want to feed my family a mostly real food diet. That just means I try to cook from scratch using whole food ingredients rather than heavily processed convenience foods that contain preservatives, additives, and oftentimes exorbitant amounts of sodium and sugar. Real food slow cooker recipes that avoid processed junk like canned soups, dry mixes, and more aren’t easy to find.
Then, add in our other criteria of making these all freezer-friendly and very few recipes exist like that. Do not fret, however! Our team has been hard at work pulling together a massive list of 101 Real Food Slow Cooker Freezer Meals below. These 101 recipes are all:
made with mostly real food ingredients (we take a few shortcuts here and there, but not too many)
work in the slow cooker
can be prepped ahead of time and frozen as a freezer meal
What Exactly Are Slow Cooker Freezer Meals?
You may be thinking, I “get” slow cooker meals, but how do slow cooker freezer meals work?
Slow cooker freezer meals are those dinners you can prepare in advance and freeze when you have time on the weekend or with friends in a Freezer Club or at a Freezer Party. Then, all you have to do is thaw them using one of these methods and you’re ready for a quick dump-and-go meal.
We have carefully studied each of these recipes and included freezing instructions within this post if a recipe that we linked to does not. Please note: It is NOT safe to place a frozen meal in the slow cooker. The food must be thawed completely before cooking to avoid food contamination.
More Real Food Freezer Meal Resources
For more freezer meal recipes, check out our huge index of Real Food Freezer Meals or our cookbook that includes 75+ well-tested whole foods freezer meals. All of these recipes can be made fresh right away or prepped and frozen for later. They include step-by-step freezer meal instructions on them to make it easy for you. Our cookbook not only includes a whole chapter devoted to slow cooker meals, but it’s also filled with a variety of other types of recipes from breakfast to chicken to beef to gluten-free to vegetarian.
You can take a 1-minute peek inside our cookbook From Freezer to Table here right now…
I hope this list of Real Food Slow Cooker Freezer Meals makes life simpler, tastier, healthier, and better as you gather around the table together. We’ve included everything from breakfast to a variety of meat-based meals to vegetarian recipes. Please feel free to leave questions on this post. We are here to help!
This will make the perfect, well-rounded, grab-and-go breakfast.
To Freeze: Combine the browned sausage and onions, diced bell peppers, whisked eggs, milk, and cheese. Pour in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container, seal tightly, and freeze. Freeze alongside the bag of frozen hash browns.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw egg mixture and hash browns completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
This healthy breakfast casserole includes lots of veggies and a little bacon and cheese to bump up the flavor.
To Freeze: Whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, milk, mustard, garlic salt, and salt and pepper. Pour in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container, seal tightly, and freeze. Freeze alongside the bag of frozen hash browns, a bag of shredded cheese, and a separate freezer bag with the cooked bacon crumbles, diced onion, and diced peppers to make a full freezer meal kit.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent egg mixture spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
This is kind of like a muffin, but you make it in the crockpot. What could be bad about that? Try subbing white whole wheat flour in for the regular flour to increase fiber and nutrition.
To Freeze: Mix together all ingredients (do NOT cook), and seal and freeze in gallon-sized bag or container.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw and follow slow cooker instructions in the recipe.
This is one of the easiest breakfast casseroles out there, plus it is low-carb and can be gluten-free if you purchase GF sausage.
To Freeze: In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in the cooked sausage, 1 cup of cheese, green chiles, and green onions. Pour in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container, seal tightly, and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent egg mixture spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Waking up to breakfast? Amen. This is so simple to mix together and freeze. Put it in your crockpot when you go to bed and you’re set.
To Freeze: Combine the cooked sausage, bacon, cheese, onions, green pepper, and red pepper in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and sugar and pour into another gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal tightly and freeze both bags alongside the frozen hash browns to created a meal kit. (To prevent spills, place on a sheet pan with sides until frozen.)
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent egg mixture spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Your home will smell like New Orleans with this meal rocking in your crock. Serve over brown rice.
To Freeze: Add the “essential ingredients” and any “optional ingredients” you’d like, according to the recipe, in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Lemon, butter, and garlic might be my favorite flavor combo for chicken ever. By freezing everything but the half and half and then adding it to the end, you’ll have a creamy garlicky sauce to pour over tender chicken (and pasta, if you want).
To Freeze: Mix together and add all ingredients except the half and half in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe, adding the half and half at the end.
All the flavors of a curry with none of the work. Throw this all together and let it melt together all day long the next time you crave a curry…and you know you will.
To Freeze: Mix together and add all ingredients to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Oftentimes slow cooker meals can seem to lack freshness, but the fresh orange and the coleslaw at the end will make this recipe pop.
To Freeze: Mix together the sauce and add it and the chicken to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe, serving with the fresh slaw at the end.
Save time and energy by cooking everyone’s favorite Italian dish in your crockpot.
To Freeze: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, onion, basil, oregano, dried parsley, and crushed red pepper. Pour mixture over the chicken, seal the bag or container, and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
To Freeze: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, paprika, and kosher salt and toss together until the chicken is evenly covered with spices. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
With only 4 ingredients, this is easy to throw together and easy to freeze.
To Freeze: Mix together and add all ingredients to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
If you are an olive, red pepper, and caper fan, then this Mediterranean-style chicken is for you. Note: This meal requires some special freezing instructions, so pay special attention below.
To Freeze: Do not brown the chicken first, because it is NOT safe to partially cook food before freezing. Instead, add the seasoned chicken, onions, olives, red peppers, and capers to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Whisk together Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic and pour over chicken, seal tightly, and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
All of this can be frozen together and cooked for your next tailgate experience or party. No one will know you haven’t worked all days to make these sliders.
To Freeze: Mix together and add all ingredients to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Rotisserie Chicken is such a great meal to prepare. You can serve it with a couple sides and have a complete meal. Plus, you can use the leftovers for days and days.
To Freeze: Season the chicken according to instructions and squeeze into a gallon-sized freezer bag. If it won’t fit, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and several layers of foil. Freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
This is so simple to mix together and freeze, but no one will ever know the small about of effort that you put into this dinner. Chicken, BBQ sauce, pineapple made into quesadillas?? Yes ma’am.
To Freeze: Add the chicken, BBQ sauce (be sure to buy an all-natural brand), onions, and pineapple to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
This recipe is one of the few in our cookbook that we were allowed to share with you all! It’s a guest recipe from our good friend, Kelly, at The Nourishing Home. I hope you enjoy it!
Mix this sauce up and then pour it over the chicken. Place all of this in a freezer safe container and you’ll be good to go.
To Freeze: Mix together the sauce. Add the sauce and chicken (do not add the cornstarch or green onions) to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Ranch is always a hit around our table. Tacos are also a hit. This is the perfect combo!
To Freeze: Mix together and add all ingredients to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
When you make these lettuce wraps you’ll feel like you’re eating at your favorite Asian restaurant, but you’ll be in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you won’t have as many added ingredients.
Freezer meal instructions included within the recipe.
With no advance cooking needed, boneless chicken thighs and spicy andouille sausage are slow cooked to perfection in a deliciously seasoned tomato sauce.
To Freeze: Combine the chicken thigh pieces, andouille sausage pieces, chopped onions, broth or water, tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Cilantro and lime make the perfect flavor combo in this dish. Throw it all in the slow cooker, serve it on a bed of tortilla chips, and you have the perfect dinner.
Freezer meal instructions included within the recipe.
This recipe is so easy to freeze, and it’s absolutely delicious (I made it for my family recently).
To Freeze: Mix together the sauce and add the chicken and sauce to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare from Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
With ingredients that are easy to freeze and make in a slow cooker, you will love this buffalo chicken on top of a sweet potato.
To Freeze: Combine the hot sauce, coconut oil, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave until the coconut oil is melted (about 45 seconds), then stir until smooth. Place the chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container and pour the sauce over it. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely and follow recipe instructions starting with Step 2.
This chicken is a take out fake out and your people will never known the difference.
To Freeze: Add the chicken, potatoes, and red pepper to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Blend together the cashews, onion, garlic, ginger, Thai red curry paste, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, a god pinch of salt, lemon juice, and milk. Puree the mixture until completely smooth. Pour the paste over the chicken. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Perfect for busy nights, game nights or just getting the family together.
To Freeze: Place the chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, BBQ sauce and beer. Pour over the chicken, seal, and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Slow cooker savory beef and gravy to tender perfection and then serve it over rice for a healthy and hearty meal with minimal prep and cleanup!
To Freeze: Add beef, broth, chopped onions, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to gallon-sized freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
There are some things in life that you really need to think about before you commit to them. Making these Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks does not require any thought!
To Freeze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, salt, garlic powder, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add beef, onions, and peppers to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Pour broth mixture over the top, seal, and freeze. You could also freeze the cheese slices and rolls in freezer bags alongside the meet to complete the kit.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
Meatloaf is such a comfort food. Served with these mashed potatoes and some green beans and you have the makings of a perfect Sunday dinner.
To Freeze: Wrap up the uncooked loaf in foil. Place in a gallon-sized freezer bag, along with a small zip-top bag of remaining sauce. Seal tightly and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely in the fridge. Follow slow cooking instructions within the recipe.
Braise your beef and then freeze it. Cook it in your crock pot and then serve it over polenta. Creamy polenta and savory braised beef ragu will make for a wonderful dinner.
Mix up these patties and freeze them. When you get a craving for Salisbury Steak, and you know you will, dinner will be ready soon. And as an added bonus, you can make mashed potatoes to go with it.
When these meatballs are cooked in the marinara sauce, they are tender and flavorful. Make the meatballs, make the sauce, and freeze it for the next time you need a quick meal.
All the pot roast and none of the preservatives. This roast is a family favorite. You can even use the leftovers to make Pot Roast Sliders. Freezer meal instructions included within the recipe.
You’ll be able to throw this together in a freezer safe container before you can call your favorite take out location. You’ll be glad you did it this way.
Note: This meal requires some special freezing instructions, so pay special attention below.
To Freeze: Do not brown the ribs first, because it is NOT safe to partially cook food before freezing. Instead, add the seasoned ribs, sliced onion, brown sugar, garlic, cremini mushrooms, apple cider, and fresh chopped thyme to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Squish everything in the bag to make sure it is mixed up. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe. You might consider broiling the ribs for 2-3 minutes at the end to give them a crispy outside.
One top of a baked potato or rice this meal will be a family pleaser. Mix it all up and freeze away and you’ll be ready for that slow cooker in no time.
With three simple ingredients, this recipe is a family favorite. You can eat it over rice, on a hamburger bun, or just by itself. You’ll just want to eat it all the time. Freeze it all together and cook it when you are ready for dinner.
Mix this pork with the spices and freeze it. When you decide to make this, just make your sweet potatoes. This would be a great dinner or to take to a party.
Apples and pork happen to be a favorite flavor combination of mine. When you freeze this, just be sure to put the pork on the bottom of the dish and pile everything else on top of it.
Place all of this recipe in a freezer safe container except for the potatoes. Once you get ready to make it, just thaw the ingredients, place potatoes in the slow cooker, and then put this thawed mixture on top for a perfect combination.
Pulled Pork does not have to be complicated. And trust, this pulled pork fits the bill. It’s so easy you can’t mess it up. Freezer meal instructions included within the recipe.
So simple, so easy, you’ll have this in your freezer and then in your slow cooker in no time. Buy pork tenderloin on sale and fill your freezer. You’ll be glad you did.
Freezer meal instructions included within the recipe.
Pork chops and peaches are the perfect combination. Freeze all of this together and thaw it when you are ready to have a pork chop that is fork tender.
By freezing all the ingredients, but the rice, you’ll feel like you’re in the French Quarter in no time. Just add the rice once you throw everything in the slow cooker and call it done.
Pork Loin? Yes. Bacon? Yes. Cooked together? Hallelujah. If loving this is wrong, I don’t want to be right. Wrap this pork loin in bacon, cover it in spices, and then freeze it for your next dinner.
When you make this soup, you’ll feel like you are at a restaurant. Freeze everything but the pasta and then thaw it when you are ready to eat. Add the cooked pasta right before serving. With a glass of wine and crusty piece of bread you’ll know you are at a restaurant.
This soup is easy, comforting, full of vegetables, and contains no heavy cream. Perfect with crusty bread and a green salad.
To Freeze: Add chicken breasts, mirepoix (just a simple mixture of chopped onions, celery, and carrots), dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth to a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the freezer meal completely (be sure to place on a sheet pan with sides to prevent spills). Follow slow cooker instructions in recipe.
The combination of sausage, kale and sweet potatoes makes for a splendid soup. You’ll wow everyone around your dinner table with this one.
82. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from The Kitchn
This hearty chicken stew is a nice balance of creaminess from the beans, warmth from the spices, and tangy brightness from the green peppers.
To Freeze: Combine the chicken, onions, celery, green chili peppers, garlic, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, coriander, oregano, and bay leaf in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Seal and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely and follow slow cooker instructions within the recipe.
Freeze this all the veggies and chicken together. Once you cook it in the slow cooker, add the cream, gnocchi and kale and you’ll have some delicious soup.
With rustic cuts of veggies this soup will be enjoyed by everyone. By freezing everything but the potatoes and cabbage, you will be able to throw this in the slow cooker in no time!
Chili that is packed with veggies and kid friendly is a perfect for a family dinner on a cold night. Add some cornbread and dinner is served. Freeze everything but the beans and just add those once you fire up the crockpot.
Make this for a crowd or eat leftovers. Either way, you will not be sorry you made this soup. Just be sure to serve it with a crusty piece of bread. Trust me.
Mix this all together and freeze it except the rice and the milk, butter, and flour. When you throw it in the crock pot just add the rice and then make the roux according to the directions.
White Chicken Chili is a personal favorite of mine. It is hearty and filling, yet healthy. Mix it all together and put it in the slow cooker or freeze it for later.
Don’t feel like eating out? Make this simple soup and you’ll feel like you are at a restaurant. Freeze after cooking and warm in the slow cooker on low until heated through.
To Freeze: Rinse the lentils and place them in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container. Add the diced onions, garlic, ginger, butter, curry paste, garam masala, turmeric, sugar, and cayenne. Stir to combine, seal, and freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely. Follow slow cooker instructions within the recipe.
“These Quinoa Black Bean Crockpot Stuffed Peppers can be made with or without meat – all with simple pantry ingredients! Minimal prep, awesome taste,” says Pinch of Yum.
To Freeze: Cut the tops off of the peppers and scrape out the ribs and seeds. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, beans, enchilada sauce, spices, and 1 cup of the cheese. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture. Carefully place in a freezer container or gallon-sized freezer bag. Squeeze out air and seal tightly. Freeze.
To Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely in the fridge and follow slow cooker instructions.
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