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Make Ahead Freezer Meals!!

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make-ahead-freezer-meals

Make Ahead Freezer Meals

Who has time to cook every night!! Not us, so for those nights we know there is NO way dinner is getting made we have FREEZER MEALS!! Everybody knows when their schedule is going to be CRAZY!  I do,  soccer nights or other extracurricular activity nights. Whatever your family has to do in the evenings, don’t let it handcuff you at dinner time. Just a little planning and a free day to prepare everything can bring simple, but good, hearty food back to your dinner tables. We spent just about 7 hours total, and prepared more than enough meals for all the busy nights in the next month (34 meals total). They are snuggled nicely in our freezer ready to be put in the oven or slow cooker, and WOW dinner, not fast food is on the menu tonight.  In addition, these meals are so much healthier than eating fast food 🙂  

Tips for Successful Freezer Meals:

  • Always mark your bags with the important information. Such as, which recipe it is, prep date, and cooking instructions.
  • Organize your freezer so you have room for your freezer meals to lay flat or stand together.
  • Make sure to take your meals out the night before to thaw so they are ready to be dumped in the crockpot the next morning. 

 Below you will find a few of the freezer meals that we did last night and this morning (this is a work in progress, because we have 17 recipes/meals LOL 🙂  

Freezer To Crockpot Meatball Ravioli Casserole

crockpot-to-freezer-meatball-ravioli-casserole-bagged

Freezer To Crockpot Chicken and Noodles 

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-and-noodles-finished

Freezer To Crockpot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots 

freezer-to-crockpot-pot-roast-final-pic

Freezer To Crockpot Sausage and Peppers 

freezer-to-crockpot-sausage-and-peppers-final

Freezer To Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

freezer-to-crockpot-scalloped-potatoes-and-ham-finished

Freezer To Crockpot BBQ Ribs 

freezer-to-crockpot-bbq-ribs

 

Freezer To Crockpot Chicken Fajitas 

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-fajitas-bagged

Freezer To Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken 

freezer-to-crockpot-creamy-ranch-chicken-bagged

Freezer To Crockpot Chinese Beef and Broccoli 

freezer-to-crockpot-chinese-beef-and-broccoli

Freezer To Crockpot Taco Chili 

freezer-to-crockpot-taco-chili-ingredients-bagged

Freezer Chicken, Broccoli, Bacon, and Potato Bake 

freezer-chicken-broccoli-bacon-and-potato-bake-finished

Freezer To Crockpot Stuffed Green Peppers 

freezer-to-crockpot-stuffed-green-peppers-stuffed-prepped

Freezer Ultimate Breakfast Burrito 

freezer-breakfast-burritos-finished

Shopping lists are coming soon 🙂 

 

 

 




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The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

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This DESSERT is so awesome and it makes your whole house smell like an Amish bakery.It’s the perfect combination of cinnamon and tart apples with a perfect oatmeal cookie topping. Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and you’ve got something that’s out of this world!!  I mean it has apples and oats so it is healthy right, LOL?!

apple-crisp-finished-pic

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe 

The key to this dish is picking the right apples, we use Granny Smith’s, but if you like you can mix in some Gala’s to give it a sweet and tart apple combination. This is a very easy and kid-friendly recipe, once the apples are cut, cored, and peeled. Mix the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and spoonful of flour in the pan. In a separate bowl combine topping ingredients and crumble on top of the apples and bake. You want to bake long enough for the apples to soften and the topping to get crunchy. 

    • Click HERE for shopping list – coming soon 

apple-crisp-ingredients-pic

Ingredients

  • 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup water  
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted 

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F 

apple-crisp-apples-pic

  • Core a bag of granny smiths or gala apples (granny smith apples make it sweeter) If you don’t have an apple slicer (corer) – I highly recommend one.  You can Click HERE to order one

apple-crisp-apples-sliced-pic

  • Once they are cored and peeled, cut each piece into 3 thinner slices. 

apple-crisp-apples-sliced-up-pic

  • Place the sliced apples in a 9×13 inch pan.

apple-crisp-cinnamon-topping-finished-pic

  • Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples

apple-crisp-recipe-water-pic 

  • Pour water evenly over all.

apple-crisp-topping-pic

  • Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together.

apple-crisp-recipe-topping-pic

  • Crumble evenly over the apple mixture

apple-crisp-recipe-uncooked-pic

  • Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until apples are tender

apple-crisp-finished-and-ice-cream-pic

We love to serve this with ice cream – DELICIOUS 🙂 

The Best Apple Crisp
Serves 18
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
  2. 1 cup white sugar
  3. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 cup water
  6. 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  7. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  8. 1 cup packed brown sugar
  9. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  10. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  11. 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Core a bag of granny smiths or gala apples (granny smith apples make it sweeter)
  3. Once they are cored and peeled, cut each piece into 3 thinner slices.
  4. Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan.
  5. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples
  6. Pour water evenly over all.
  7. Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together.
  8. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture
  9. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until apples are tender
  10. We love to serve this with ice cream - DELICIOUS 🙂
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

If you are looking for an apple slicer – here is a great one 🙂




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Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole Recipe

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Is there anything more hearty and delicious than a baked potato with cheese and bacon? NOPE!! So we put it all in one dish, added chicken and some hot sauce and BAM!! The best dinner ever cooked in an aluminum tin. We just love this dish, it’s easy to make and tastes so good. Guaranteed to become a favorite at your house as well. 

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-finished.

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole 

All you need is 8-10 potatoes, 2-3 chicken breasts, some bacon, and cheese.  The rest should be in your cupboards already and this makes for one hearty dinner 🙂

In a large bowl combine hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt,and pepper whisking sauce till well blended. Slice your potatoes into cubes, add to the sauce, and stir to coat. Spray cooking spray to your tin or casserole dish and scoop potatoes in, then begin cooking.

You want to leave excess sauce in the bowl to coat the chicken chunks. set your timer for 15 mins. and begin cutting the chicken breasts into chunks and coat with remaining sauce. Cook the bacon and then chop into bits. Stir the potatoes every 15 mins. after 45 mins add the chicken to the top and bake an additional 15 mins. Stir the cooked chicken into the potatoes add cheese and bacon on top and return to the oven for 2-3 mins. Dinner is ready.

Serves 8-10
 
loaded-baked-potato-casserole-ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 8-10 potatoes
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tablespoons fresh Ground Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoons Paprika
  • 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
  • 6 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled Bacon
 
Directions
  • Preheat oven 500F
  • In a large bowl mix Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and hot sauce

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-potatoes

  • Cube the potatoes & add to the bowl
  • Coat a 9×13 dish with cooking spray
  • Add potatoes, allow for excess sauce in the bowl

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-potatoes-cooked

  • Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes, stirring  every 15 minutes

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-chicken

  • Cube the chicken & add it to the bowl with the left over sauce

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-bacon-cheese

  • Cook bacon and cut into bits
  • Once potatoes are done, add the uncooked marinated chicken

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-uncooked

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked
  • Then stir chicken and potatoes and add cheese then bacon bits to the top

loaded-baked-potato-casserole-finished.

 

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole
Serves 8
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs chicken breast
  2. 8-10 potatoes
  3. 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  4. 1 1/2 tsp salt
  5. 1 Tablespoons fresh Ground Pepper
  6. 1 Tablespoons Paprika
  7. 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
  8. 6 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
  9. 2 cups Shredded Cheese
  10. 1 cup crumbled Bacon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven 500F
  2. In a large bowl mix Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and hot sauce
  3. Cube the potatoes & add to the bowl
  4. Coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray
  5. Add potatoes, allow for excess sauce in the bowl
  6. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes
  7. Cube the chicken & add it to the bowl with the left over sauce
  8. Cook bacon and cut into bits
  9. Once potatoes are done, add the uncooked marinated chicken
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked
  11. Then stir chicken and potatoes and add cheese then bacon bits to the top
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/



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Recipe for Slow Cooker Meatloaf!!

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slow-cooker-meatloaf
SLOW COOKER MEATLOAF

If you are like our family, your days are packed with all kinds of activities and sporting events. Because of that, I have been dabbling with some slow cooker recipes and LOVING it.

First of all, we are a family that loves to cook so it has been fun to try several different slow cooker recipes. I will be sharing a new one each week.

As most of you know, we have done quite a few slow cooker pasta recipes with our favorite being the slow cooker lasagna. This slow cooker meatloaf recipe is super easy and is absolutely delicious.

We put it together around noon and by 5-6 it is ready to eat and a BONUS is our house smells amazing too 🙂

Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Delicious Slow Cooker Meatloaf
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Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
6 hr 10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
6 hr 10 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 eggs
  2. 1 1/2 cup milk
  3. 1 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  4. 1 small onion chopped
  5. 2 teaspoon salt
  6. 3 pounds ground beef
  7. 1/4 cup ketchup
  8. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  9. 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  10. 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  11. 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
Instructions
  1. Combine eggs, milk, bread crumbs, onion, mushroom, and salt in a large bowl. Add ground beef and stir well to combine.
  2. Shape into a round loaf and place in your crockpot on low for 5-6 hours or until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F.
  3. In a small bowl whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Spoon sauce over meatloaf and now add mushrooms. Return to slow cooker and cook on low for about 30 minutes.
Notes
  1. This is absolutely delicious 🙂
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/
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This is the crockpot we use and it is AWESOME:




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Freezer to Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

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Do you love Buffalo Wings?! Well here you go, shredded chicken dripping with wing sauce on your favorite rolls are just as amazing as it sounds. Whether you go with sliders or bigger hoagies these sandwiches will be a crowd favorite for sure!! 

freezer-buffalo-chicken--finished

Freezer to Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Recipe 

Let’s talk about how easy this dish is to put together. First trim the chicken and add to the bag. Then open the ranch seasoning packet, add it to the bag, and shake it up. Finally open the bag and add your favorite wing sauce, close, and freeze. 3 easy steps to amazing chicken wing heaven!! 

For all freezer meals make sure to label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date.  Freezer meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.  

  • Shopping list coming soon 
Serves 8 
 
freezer-buffalo-chicken--ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 3 pounds Boneless Chicken Breasts 
  • 12-14 oz Buffalo Wing Sauce 
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix 
Freezer meal directions
  • Place chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a gallon-size freezer bag. 
  • Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  • Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours and shred chicken with two forks 

We love to serve this with french fries or chips and celery sticks with ranch dip!!

freezer-buffalo-chicken--bagged

Here are some other awesome things about freezer-to-crockpot meals:

  • Most of these meals require no cooking ahead of time, so that means the recipes are very easy to prep.
  • The meals cook for the first time out of the freezer so they don’t taste like leftovers (BUT leftovers are okay right?!)
  • For us that coupon, we can take advantage of all the sales and freeze a couple at a time. (Most freezer meals will last for at least 3 months.)
Freezer to Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
Serves 8
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Total Time
6 hr 5 min
Total Time
6 hr 5 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 pounds Boneless Chicken Breasts
  2. 12-14 oz Buffalo Wing Sauce
  3. 1 packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
Instructions
  1. Place chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a gallon-size freezer bag.
  2. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  3. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours and shred chicken with two forks
Notes
  1. We love to serve this with french fries or tater tots - YUMMY 🙂
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

Have you ever frozen a meal for your crockpot before?  Please share your thoughts in a comment below!




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Freezer to Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe

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Until we tried this twist, we had only had beef stroganoff with ground beef. Once you try this one you’ll never go back, I mean WOW!! Another meal where strips of beef fall apart and just melt in your mouth. Beef in a crockpot for several hours just works!! And of course the gravy is unbelievable!! 

beef-stroganoff-slow-cooker-wine-FINISHED

Freezer to Crockpot Beef Stroganoff Recipe 

Putting this dish together takes some steps, but nothing to time consuming. In a large bowl mix the flour, salt, and pepper then dredge the roast thru to coat. Heat the oil in your pan and brown well on both sides. Set aside to cool and add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic to the pan and saute till softened. Then add the wine, beef broth, and mustard powder to the veggies in the pan bring to a boil and simmer loosening all the browning bits from the pan. Slice the roast into strips and when the sauce is cooled pour it over the meat in the bag, seal and freeze.

For all freezer meals make sure to label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date.  Freezer meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.  

  • Shopping list coming soon 
Serves 6-8 
 
beef-stroganoff-slow-cooker-ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Beef Roast
  • 2 tablespoons flour 
  • Salt & Pepper 
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil 
  • 1 Medium onion, sliced 
  • 3 teaspoons minced Garlic or 3 garlic cloves 
  • 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced (optional) 
  • 1/2 cup Beef Broth 
  • 1 cup white cooking wine 
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder 
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Freezer meal directions
  • In a large bowl, coat meat with flour, salt, and pepper. 
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add beef and cook until browned, turn as needed. 

beef-stroganoff-slow-cooker-cook

  • Remove beef from skillet and place on plate 
  • Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms to skillet and cook until they begin to soften. 

beef-stroganoff-slow-cooker-wine-veges

  • Whisk together in a small bowl beef broth, wine, and ground mustard.
  • Pour beef broth mixture into the skillet.
  • Continue cooking until mixture comes to a simmer. Be sure to scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor) 
  • Allow to cool. 
  • Slice meat. 
  • Add all ingredients in a gallon-size freezer bag. 
  • Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  • Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours and shred chicken with two forks 
  • Add 1/2 cup of sour cream 15 minutes before you serve (optional) adds a little extra flavor 

Serve over egg noodles and a side of broccoli!! 😉

beef-stroganoff-slow-cooker-wine-bag

Here are some other awesome things about freezer-to-crockpot meals:

  • Most of these meals require no cooking ahead of time, so that means the recipes are very easy to prep.
  • The meals cook for the first time out of the freezer so they don’t taste like leftovers (BUT leftovers are okay right?!)
  • For us that coupon, we can take advantage of all the sales and freeze a couple at a time. (Most freezer meals will last for at least 3 months.)
Freezer to Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Serves 8
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Prep Time
15 min
Total Time
6 hr 15 min
Prep Time
15 min
Total Time
6 hr 15 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 pounds Beef Roast
  2. 2 tablespoons flour
  3. Salt & Pepper
  4. 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  5. 1 Medium onion, sliced
  6. 3 teaspoons minced Garlic or 3 garlic cloves
  7. 2 cups Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  8. 1/2 cup Beef Broth
  9. 1 cup white cooking wine
  10. 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, coat meat with flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add beef and cook until browned, turn as needed.
  4. Remove beef from skillet and place on plate
  5. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms to skillet and cook until they begin to soften.
  6. Whisk together in a small bowl beef broth, wine, and ground mustard.
  7. Pour beef broth mixture into the skillet.
  8. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a simmer. Be sure to scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor)
  9. Allow to cool.
  10. Slice meat.
  11. Add all ingredients in a gallon-size freezer bag.
  12. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  13. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  14. Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours and shred chicken with two forks
Notes
  1. We love to serve this over egg noodles - DELICIOUS
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

Have you ever frozen a meal for your crockpot before?  Please share your thoughts in a comment below!




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Freezer Meal Shopping List #3

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shopping-list

FREEZER MEAL SHOPPING LIST

Here is the shopping list for each individual meal or you can print the complete shopping list for all 6 Make Ahead Meals including chicken caccitore, smothered pork chops, mini chicken pot pies, salisbury steak, chicken parmesan, and Pasta Fagiola. The shopping list is broken down by categories, if you are planning on making all of them.  You will also want to make sure to purchase gallon-sized freezer bags and a black permanent marker.  It will take you approximately 1-2 hours to prepare these meals.  Most of these meals require very little prepping.  

If for some reason, I missed anything, please kindly comment below and I will make sure to add or delete. Please note, this is a work in process and something I hope we will all benefit from.   

How to Print Your Custom Shopping List:

  • Click on the box next to the meal you want.  
  • If you want all meals, click on the one that says  shopping list for all 13 meals (12 dinners/1 breakfast)
  • The list will be placed in your shopping list on the right-hand bottom of this site  
  • Once you are done making your list, click print and you are ready to go shopping – BAM – that’s all there is to it 

Shopping List for all 6 meals
Freezer Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Freezer to Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops
Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Freezer to Crockpot Salisbury Steak
Freezer to Crockpot Pasta Fagiola
Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Select All | Un-Select All




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Freezer Mini Chicken Pot Pies Recipe

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Is there anything better than chicken pot pie? I don’t think so.  These mini loaves of goodness will make your mouth water. They are so good you’ll probably have to loosen your belt as well. Bake and enjoy!!

mini-chicken-pot-pies-complete

Freezer Mini Chicken Pot Pies Recipe 

This meal takes some time to get together, but it’s worth it. Brown the chicken on both sides before adding the broth. Boil the chicken in the broth then set aside. Remove the broth to a large bowl and saute the celery, carrots, and onion. Then add flour to the butter and veggies to form a nice roux. Join your roux with the broth and milk, stir till thickened. Shred chicken with 2 forks, then combine with thickened sauce and refrigerate. Cut your pie crust tops and your ready. The great thing with this recipe is you DO NOT thaw them 1st and if you are like us, we have forgotten to get out a meal the night before. So for those unfortunate realizations this meal makes up for your mistake and will save that night’s dinner. 

For all freezer meals make sure to label your foil tops with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date.  Freezer meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.  

Each Serves 2-3 
 
mini-chicken-pot-pies-ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. boneless, chicken breasts
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/3 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 1/3 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup milk (we used 2%)
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen petite peas
  • 15 oz. box Pillsbury Ready to Roll Pie Crust
Freezer meal directions
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-cooked-chicken

  • Brown the chicken on both sides. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over medium-heat for approximately 8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside to cool.
  • Pour the broth into a large bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in the empty skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until lightly browned.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-whisk

  • Add the flour to the vegetables and whisk for 1 minute. Add the broth and milk and whisk until it thickens a bit (will not get super thick), about 5 minutes or so. Set the sauce aside to cool.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-shredded-chicken

  • Using a fork, shred the chicken. 
  • Add the chicken to the sauce and mix well. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
  • Remove the 2 wrapped pie crust rolls from the box. Let the wrapped crust rolls sit out on the counter for 15 – 20 minutes. Unwrap one pie crust, unroll it on a flour dusted counter.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-CUTTING

  • Turn an empty mini loaf pan over on the pie dough and cut around it.  Repeat with the 2nd pie dough. Cut 3 steam vents in each crust.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-ADD-Peas

  • Remove the vegetable/sauce mixture from the refrigerator and mix in the frozen peas.
  • Spoon the mixture into 4 mini loaf tins evenly.
  • Top each with a vented pie crust.
  • Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 2 months)
  •  No need to thaw out the chicken pot pie! Unwrap the pot pies. Place them on a sheet pan. If you want to brush the tops with egg wash, do it now. 
  • Reuse the foil to loosely cover the chicken pot pies. Cook at 400 F for 40 minutes. Uncover and cook for 35 minutes. If the center of the crust looks like it needs to be cooked longer, turn the oven to broil and watch it carefully for up to 1 minute as it will brown the crust quickly.

We love to serve this with butter and crackers.

mini-chicken-pot-pies-complete

Here are some other awesome things about freezer-to-crockpot meals:

  • Most of these meals require no cooking ahead of time, so that means the recipes are very easy to prep.
  • The meals cook for the first time out of the freezer so they don’t taste like leftovers (BUT leftovers are okay right?!)
  • For us that coupon, we can take advantage of all the sales and freeze a couple at a time. (Most freezer meals will last for at least 3 months.)
Freezer Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Serves 2
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs. boneless, chicken breasts
  2. Salt & Pepper
  3. 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  4. 4 cups chicken broth
  5. 2 Tablespoons butter
  6. 1 1/3 cup sliced carrots
  7. 1 1/3 cup finely diced celery
  8. 1/2 cup flour
  9. 1/4 cup milk (we used 2%)
  10. 1 1/2 cups frozen petite peas
  11. 15 oz. box Pillsbury Ready to Roll Pie Crust
Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the chicken on both sides. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over medium-heat for approximately 8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside to cool.
  3. Pour the broth into a large bowl and set aside.
  4. Melt the butter in the empty skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until lightly browned.
  5. Add the flour to the vegetables and whisk for 1 minute. Add the broth and milk and whisk until it thickens a bit (will not get super thick), about 5 minutes or so. Set the sauce aside to cool.
  6. Using a fork, shred the chicken.
  7. Add the chicken to the sauce and mix well. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
  8. Remove the 2 wrapped pie crust rolls from the box. Let the wrapped crust rolls sit out on the counter for 15 - 20 minutes. Unwrap one pie crust, unroll it on a flour dusted counter.
  9. Turn an empty mini loaf pan over on the pie dough and cut around it. Repeat with the 2nd pie dough. Cut 3 steam vents in each crust.
  10. Remove the vegetable/sauce mixture from the refrigerator and mix in the frozen peas.
  11. Spoon the mixture into 4 mini loaf tins evenly.
  12. Top each with a vented pie crust.
  13. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 2 months)
  14. No need to thaw out the chicken pot pie! Unwrap the pot pies. Place them on a sheet pan. If you want to brush the tops with egg wash, do it now.
  15. Reuse the foil to loosely cover the chicken pot pies. Cook at 400 F for 40 minutes. Uncover and cook for 35 minutes. If the center of the crust looks like it needs to be cooked longer, turn the oven to broil and watch it carefully for up to 1 minute as it will brown the crust quickly.
Notes
  1. We love to serve this with crackers and butter!
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

Have you ever frozen a meal for your crockpot before?  Please share your thoughts in a comment below!




This post may contain affiliate links. Read my complete Disclosure Policy Here

Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Chicken Parm you taste so good! Somebody famous said that I think. Well he wasn’t kidding, especially when you can throw it together in like 2 minutes. It’s a no brainer! Quick, easy, and delicious!

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-parmesan

Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe 

Prep time on this one depends on how fast your can opener is. Seriously, no prep time at all. Thaw the sauce and dump-n-go. Simmer it all day in your crockpot and when you get home throw in the nuggets or breaded patties and that’s all there is to it. Add cheese and boil some pasta and dinner is served. BTW that famous person was Peyton Manning in his Nationwide commercial. 

For all freezer meals make sure to label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date.  Freezer meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.  

Serves 6-8 
 
freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-parmesan-ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 1 bag (26-32 oz) frozen fully cooked nuggets – cooked
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cans petit diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) 
  • 1 can tomato paste, 6 oz 
  • 1 tsp minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt & Pepper 
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp basil
Freezer meal directions
  1. Mix all the sauce ingredients and and place in gallon-size freezer bag (except nuggets and cheese) 
  2. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  3. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Dump sauce in the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours 
  5. One 30 minutes before sauce is done, add the nuggets (either deep fry them or cook them before adding or they will get very, very soggy)
  6. 15 minutes before you plan to serve, add mozzarella cheese to top. 

We love to serve this with garlic bread and a side salad 🙂 

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-parmesan

Here are some other awesome things about freezer-to-crockpot meals:

  • Most of these meals require no cooking ahead of time, so that means the recipes are very easy to prep.
  • The meals cook for the first time out of the freezer so they don’t taste like leftovers (BUT leftovers are okay right?!)
  • For us that coupon, we can take advantage of all the sales and freeze a couple at a time. (Most freezer meals will last for at least 3 months.)
Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Serves 6
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Total Time
4 hr 5 min
Total Time
4 hr 5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 bag (26-32 oz) frozen fully cooked nuggets
  2. 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  3. 2 cans petit diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  4. 1 can tomato paste, 6 oz
  5. 1 tsp minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. salt & Pepper
  7. 1 tsp oregano
  8. 1 tsp basil
Instructions
  1. Mix all the sauce ingredients and and place in gallon-size freezer bag (except nuggets and cheese)
  2. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  3. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Dump sauce in the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours
  5. About 30 minutes before sauce is done, add the nuggets, either deep fry them or cook them are they will get very, very soggy
  6. 15 minutes before you plan to serve, add mozzarella cheese to top.
Notes
  1. We love to serve this with garlic bread and a side salad 🙂
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

Have you ever frozen a meal for your crockpot before?  Please share your thoughts in a comment below!




This post may contain affiliate links. Read my complete Disclosure Policy Here

Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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By far one of my all time favorites is Chicken Cacciatore. This meal definitely hits the spot. There is something about the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spices that makes this chicken dish so amazing. It just works!! 

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-cacciatore

Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore 

The time needed to do some slicing and dicing is worth every minute when you get home to the smell of this dish simmering in your crockpot. Remember that old world sauce commercial saying “It’s in there”. Well It’s in there!! Boil up your Ziti or Penne noodles, Throw your garlic bread in the oven, and stir in the parm and bread crumbs and your straight out of Italy dinner is served.

For all freezer meals make sure to label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date.  Freezer meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.  

Serves 6-8 
 
freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-ingredients
 
Ingredients
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup sliced celery (optional)
  • 1 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, cut into strips
  • 4 teaspoons of minced garlic (or 4 cloves of garlic, minced)
  • 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt & Pepper 
  • 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • Italian Bread Crumbs (optional, helps thicken sauce at end)
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Hot Cooked Pasta  
Freezer meal directions
  1. Mix all the ingredients in gallon-size freezer bag (except bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Pasta) 
  2. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  3. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours 
  5.  Once cooked, mix in 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to thicken up sauce if desired. 

We love to serve this with pasta (Ziti, Penne, or spaghetti noodles) or over rice – YUMMY!

freezer-to-crockpot-chicken-cacciatore

Here are some other awesome things about freezer-to-crockpot meals:

  • Most of these meals require no cooking ahead of time, so that means the recipes are very easy to prep.
  • The meals cook for the first time out of the freezer so they don’t taste like leftovers (BUT leftovers are okay right?!)
  • For us that coupon, we can take advantage of all the sales and freeze a couple at a time. (Most freezer meals will last for at least 3 months.)
Freezer to Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Serves 6
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
7 hr
Total Time
7 hr 10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
7 hr
Total Time
7 hr 10 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  2. 1 cup sliced celery (optional)
  3. 1 medium onions, chopped
  4. 1 green pepper, cut into strips
  5. 4 teaspoons of minced garlic (or 4 cloves of garlic, minced)
  6. 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  7. 1/2 cup chicken broth
  8. 1/4 cup dry white wine
  9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  10. 1 teaspoon sugar
  11. Salt & Pepper
  12. 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
  13. 1 can tomato paste
  14. Italian Bread Crumbs (optional, helps thicken sauce at end)
  15. Parmesan Cheese
  16. Hot Cooked Pasta
Instructions
  1. Mix all the ingredients in gallon-size freezer bag (except bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Pasta)
  2. Label with name of recipe, cooking instructions, and prep date (Can freeze up to 3 months)
  3. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours
  5. Once cooked, mix in 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to thicken up sauce if desired.
Notes
  1. We love to serve this with pasta (Ziti, Penne, or spaghetti noodles) or over rice - YUMMY!
Free Tastes Good! https://www.freetastesgood.com/

Have you ever frozen a meal for your crockpot before?  Please share your thoughts in a comment below!




This post may contain affiliate links. Read my complete Disclosure Policy Here

Joni-Family-SmallMy name is Joni Meyer-Crothers and I run this couponing/money-saving blog along with my husband, Jamie. We love to show others how to save money in a BIG way! We do all the work for you. . we do the matchups and show you where to get the coupons, many FREE printable coupons. Sit back and follow the blog and watch your savings increase! Couponing is a ministry for our family as we we love to show others how to save and share from their couponing harvest!

I just recently wrote a book called “Extreme Couponing” (released March 5, 2013)  that gives step-by-step directions on how to coupon.  We have been featured on TLC “Extreme Couponing” five times, The 700 Club, 20/20, Today Show, GMA, HLN, Rachael Ray, AOL “You’ve Got”, Fox News, CNN Money, Huffington Post ~ to see a complete list you can click on the right-hand sidebar and the clips and articles are listed there.

I continue to challenge everyone weekly to donate 5 nonperishable or hygienic items to a local food bank/pantry and/or family you may know in need.  Don’t ever discount the smallness of any act of kindness. . it matters!