Freezer Crockpot Meals for $230

Freezer Crockpot Meals for $230

Total Cost: $230
Meals Prepared: 24 freezer meals plus dinner tonight
Cost per Meal: Approximately $9
Benefits: Stress-free dinners for many nights

Overview

Preparing these freezer crockpot meals will save you time and reduce stress during busy weeknights. Most recipes are designed for 4-6 servings, and you can easily add rice, noodles, a quick vegetable, or a salad to complete the meal. Follow the detailed steps below for an organized and efficient meal prep session.


Ingredients List (for all meals)

  • Proteins:
    • Chicken breasts (6 lbs)
    • Ground beef (5 lbs)
    • Pork shoulder (4 lbs)
    • Beef stew meat (3 lbs)
    • Boneless pork chops (3 lbs)
    • Italian sausage (2 lbs)
    • Chicken thighs (2 lbs)
    • Boneless skinless chicken breasts (additional 2 lbs)
  • Vegetables:
    • Carrots (5 lbs)
    • Potatoes (5 lbs)
    • Onions (3 lbs)
    • Bell peppers (5 assorted)
    • Celery (2 stalks)
    • Garlic (2 heads)
    • Canned diced tomatoes (8 cans)
    • Canned corn (6 cans)
    • Frozen peas (2 lbs)
    • Green beans (2 lbs)
    • Canned black beans (4 cans)
    • Spinach (2 lbs)
  • Other Staples:
    • Chicken broth (8 cups)
    • Beef broth (8 cups)
    • Tomato paste (4 cans)
    • Crushed tomatoes (4 cans)
    • BBQ sauce (1 bottle)
    • Soy sauce (1 bottle)
    • Worcestershire sauce (1 bottle)
    • Olive oil (1 bottle)
    • Honey (1 jar)
    • Brown sugar (1 lb)
    • Pasta (for serving)
    • Rice (for serving)
  • Spices and Seasonings:
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Paprika
    • Italian seasoning
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Basil
    • Oregano
    • Thyme
    • Bay leaves

Meal Preparation Steps

  1. Organize and Label Bags:
    • Write the name of each meal on a large freezer bag.
    • Note any additional ingredients needed when cooking (e.g., « Add 2 cups of water »).
  2. Prepare Vegetables:
    • Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables.
    • Divide them into portions as specified in the recipes.
  3. Prepare Proteins:
    • Cut meats into required sizes.
    • Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet.
  4. Assemble Meals:
    • Follow the specific instructions for each recipe.
    • Combine all ingredients in labeled freezer bags.
    • Seal bags, removing as much air as possible.
    • Flatten bags for easy stacking in the freezer.

Sample Recipes

1. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
    • 2 cups carrots, sliced
    • 2 cups potatoes, diced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 2 cans diced tomatoes
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Combine all ingredients in the labeled bag.
    • Freeze flat.
    • To cook: Thaw overnight. Cook in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Beef Stew

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb beef stew meat
    • 3 cups potatoes, diced
    • 2 cups carrots, sliced
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp tomato paste
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Combine all ingredients in the labeled bag.
    • Freeze flat.
    • To cook: Thaw overnight. Cook in the crockpot on low for 8-10 hours.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 lbs pork shoulder
    • 1 bottle BBQ sauce
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Combine all ingredients in the labeled bag.
    • Freeze flat.
    • To cook: Thaw overnight. Cook in the crockpot on low for 8-10 hours. Shred pork with two forks before serving.

4. Italian Sausage and Peppers

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Italian sausage, browned
    • 3 bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 2 cans diced tomatoes
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • Combine all ingredients in the labeled bag.
    • Freeze flat.
    • To cook: Thaw overnight. Cook in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with pasta.

5. Chicken Teriyaki

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
    • 1/2 cup soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp ginger, minced
    • 1 cup carrots, sliced
    • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • Instructions:
    • Combine all ingredients in the labeled bag.
    • Freeze flat.
    • To cook: Thaw overnight. Cook in the crockpot on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with rice.

Tips for Success

  • Thawing: Thaw meals overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Cooking Times: Adjust cooking times based on your crockpot and meal size.
  • Adding Sides: Prepare rice, pasta, vegetables, or salads while the meal is cooking.
  • Customization: Feel free to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your taste.

Enjoy your stress-free dinners and the convenience of having ready-to-cook meals on hand!

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