Serve your family a healthy, home-cooked meal even on your busiest nights with these Healthy, Make-Ahead Crockpot Freezer Meals they will love!
Are you tired of take out and fast food and the high price tag that comes with it?
Maybe you think you’re just too busy to make a healthy meal at home every night.
With these Best Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals, you can do just that!
Just take an afternoon to prep, then freeze to have healthy, homemade meals right at your fingertips.
With these Crockpot Freezer Meals, you’ll enjoy grab-and-go convenience – just dump in the slow cooker and enjoy when you get home.
It just doesn’t get much easier than this!
For more freezer meal ideas, check out Cheap and Easy Freezer Meals Under $5.
For more incredible Crockpot meals, check out the following:
16 Best Slow Cooker Sandwiches for Busy Nights and Easy Entertaining
25 Easy Slow Cooker Dips for Ultimate Snacking
35 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Incredible, Effortless Meals.
For more budget-friendly dinner ideas, check out the following:
15 Easy and Affordable Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut Meals
25 Cheap and Easy Instant Pot Meals Under $10
30 Easy Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
35 Best Budget-Friendly Pasta Recipes
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Contents
Crockpots vs. Slow Cookers
Just in case you don’t know (I know I didn’t realize until a few years ago), a slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing.
A Crockpot is a brand of slow cooker that is so popular, the term is often used for any brand of slow cooker.
When I was growing up, my mom didn’t often use her slow cooker, so I sort introduced myself to them a couple years ago.
I used her super old one (from the 60’s or 70’s!) for a while before I finally decided to treat myself and upgrade.
This isthe slow cooker I use now, and I love it! It looks like a normal slow cooker, but it has so many features!
It’s programmable, or you can use the manual setting like an old fashioned slow cooker.
It also has a probe setting to check the temperature as you cook – it’ll even cook to a precise temperature!
When the cooking time or temperature is reached, it automatically switches to a warming feature, making it perfect for busy professionals and families.
Plus, it’s great for potlucks with large handles and a lid that clips on tight.
About Crockpot Freezer Meals
Freezer meals are an easy and affordable meal prep method that allows you to have healthy, homemade meals on hand any time.
With most freezer meals, you cook the meal, let it cool completely, and freeze.
Crockpot freezer meals are a little different.
With Crockpot freezer meals, you don’t cook them in advance.
Just assemble the ingredients in a freezer bag, then dump into your slow cooker on the day you’re ready to eat it for a fresh and delicious meal that couldn’t be easier!
Required Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Crockpot freezer meals.
storage containers
I prefer to useglass or plastic storage containers. Because these containers can be reused, they are a more economical and environmentally-friendly storage option.
However, you can also use gallon-sized plastic freezer bags, which may be more convenient and take less space in the freezer.
Reusable freezer bags are the perfect compromise. You get the convenience of freezer bags, and they can be washed by-hand or in the dishwasher!
I really like these reusable bags because they stand up on their own!
PRO TIP: If you plan to cook your meals in an Instant Pot, you may want to store them in round containers, so the meals will fit in the pot without defrosting.
bag stands
If you plan to use freezer bags, you may want to invest in bag stands that will hold the bags open while you add ingredients, making food prep so much easier!
vacuum sealer
A vacuum sealer is not required by any means, but it may be a worthwhile investment if you would like to store your freezer meals longer than 3-6 months.
labels and a sharpie
Label your freezer meals with the recipe name and the date to ensure you stay organized and consume meals before they go bad.
Removable freezer labels and a durable Sharpie marker make this process easy.
Preventing Freezer Burn
Frozen foods get freezer burn when exposed to air.
While freezer burn is safe to eat and won’t make you sick, it can change the taste and texture of food, making it less palatable.
All frozen foods get freezer burn eventually, usually after a year if stored properly.
If your foods get freezer burn before the year mark, you may be storing them improperly.
When foods are exposed to air, they are more likely to spoil. Remember, even frozen foods can spoil.
If you defrost a meal and it smells bad, it’s probably spoiled and should be tossed.
Freezer meals should stay fresh and free from freezer burn for at least 3-6 months and up to a year.
However, to ensure they stay fresh and delicious, I recommend consuming meals within 3 months, especially if you don’t use a vacuum sealer.
Here are my top tips to prevent freezer burn.
squeeze out the air
When using a freezer bag, make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag.
If the recipe doesn’t contain a lot of liquid, I like to roll the bag around the food. This method seems to work best to remove the air.
However, nothing beats a vacuum sealer, so if you want to store your meals long-term, I can’t recommend this enough.
fill the containers
If you are using glass or plastic containers, fill the container all the way up to reduce the amount of air stored inside.
rotate meals
As you make more freezer meals, store the newer meals behind the older meals. This will make the older meals more accessible to ensure they are eaten first before they spoil.
How Long Do Crockpot Freezer Meals Stay Fresh?
Freezer meals can keep in the freezer for about 6-12 months.
However, to ensure they stay fresh and delicious, I recommend consuming meals within 3 months, especially if you don’t use a vacuum sealer.
Use your best judgment. If you defrost a meal and it smells funky, you should pitch it.
How to Cook Freezer Meals
When you’re ready to enjoy your freezer meals, it’s time to cook them up!
While each of the recipes below have their own instructions, most Crockpot freezer meals are prepared in about the same way: in the Crockpot or Instant Pot.
Basically, the difference between the two methods are the time it takes to cook the food.
The main function of the Instant Pot is as a pressure cooker, which will allow you to cook most of these meals in about an hour or less.
Instant Pots also have a slow cooker function, which would be the same as a regular slow cooker.
Here are the basic instructions for both methods.
instant pot method
One great advantage of the Instant Pot’s pressure cooker is that you don’t need to defrost your ingredients before cooking them.
I usually let the meal defrost in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour, just enough to be able to get the food out of the freezer bag or storage container.
To speed up this process, you can put the frozen and sealed container in a bowl of lukewarm water.
PRO TIP: If you plan to cook your meals in an Instant Pot, you may want to store them in round containers, so the meals will fit in the pot without defrosting.
Don’t have an Instant Pot yet? I have this one, and I love it!
crock pot method
To ensure food safety, any freezer meals prepared in the Crockpot that contain meat should be defrosted completely overnight in the refrigerator.
This is because Crockpots cook at such a low temperature that the frozen meat would cook fast enough to properly kill all harmful bacteria.
While you technically can defrost meals in a bowl of water in your sink, I wouldn’t recommend it, since the food can’t remain cold enough at all times through the defrosting process to prevent bacterial growth.
I recommended the sink method with the Instant Pot for just a few minutes to loosen the food from the container.
The Instant Pot also gets insanely hot, especially the pressure cooker function.
Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals for Effortless Dinners
Make meal prep a breeze with these Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals that couldn’t be easier!
beef stew
Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal the whole family will love!
For more tasty and satisfying stew recipes, check out 20 Cozy Stew Recipes That Will Warm You Up.
sloppy joes
This crowd favorite is perfect for Game Day or an easy dinner any night of the week!
For more crowd-pleasing Game Day recipe ideas, check out the following
16 Best Slow Cooker Sandwiches for Busy Nights and Easy Entertaining
20 Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Wings Perfect for Game Day
25 Easy Slow Cooker Dips for Ultimate Snacking
keto chili
Cutting out carbs? This low carb chili recipe has instructions for the slow cooker or Instant Pot pressure cooker and takes just 15 minutes to prep!
This recipes goes great with Keto Cornbread.
For more amazing Keto recipes, check out the following:
10 Keto Casseroles Your Whole Family Will Love
15 Easy Keto Dinner Recipes That Will Turn You into a Fat-Burning Machine
15 Keto Smoothies That Will Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
20 Quick and Easy Keto Breakfast Recipes That Will Start Your Fat-Burning Day Off Right
25 Keto Holiday Recipes That Will Help You Stick to Your Diet
peanut chicken satay
This Instant PotPeanut Chicken Satay is the BEST weeknight meal option.
Chicken smothered in a tangy Thai peanut sauce withoptions to cook it in the slow cookeror make ahead as a freezer meal!
For more easy and delicious Instant Pot recipes, check out the following:
25 Cheap Instant Pot Meals Under $10
25 Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfasts Your Whole Family Will Love
50 Easy Instant Pot Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights
bbq spare ribs
These BBQ Spare Ribs taste great made in the Crockpot or Instant Pot!
beef stroganoff
This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is tender beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles tossed in a savory creamy sauce.
An easy Crockpot dinner that’s pure comfort food!
tuscan sausage and kale soup
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup is a hearty, veggie-filled comfort food option for cold days.
Just dump it all in the Crockpot, then set it and forget it!
For more must-try soup recipes, check out the following:
10 Yummy Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather
20 Cozy Stew Recipes That Will Warm You Up
25 Quick and Easy Soups Perfect for Busy Weeknights
30 Best Clean Eating Soups for Better Immunity
sausage and peppers
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is a mouthwatering and filling recipe.
Perfect for game day, a cozy supper at home, or any night you’re craving an Italian feast!
For more Game Day meal ideas, check out the following:
16 Best Slow Cooker Sandwiches For Busy Nights and Easy Entertaining
20 Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Wings Perfect for Game Day
25 Easy Slow Cooker Dips for Ultimate Snacking
sweet and sour meatballs
Serve overrice, pasta or evenmashed potatoesfor a quick dinner. Perfect for a Game Day or party appetizer, too!
ginger peach chicken thighs
Looking for a fresh new way to enjoy chicken? This recipe is sure to fit the bill!
Bonus: Chicken thighs are way cheaper than chicken breasts!
For more budget-friendly recipes, check out the following:
15 Easy and Affordable Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut Meals
25 Cheap Instant Pot Meals Under $10
25 Healthy Vegetarian Chickpea Recipes You Will Love – Even Desserts!
50 Easy Instant Pot Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights
ragù with veggies
Weekday Ragù with Veggies is packed with tons of vegetables and flavor and perfect for busy days and picky-eaters!
Make in either the slow cooker or in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight dinner!
chicken enchilada soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is full of flavor and takes just 10 minutes of prep time!
chicken fajitas
Filled with big Tex-Mex flavors, these Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Made with a flavorful homemade fajita seasoning, fire roasted tomatoes, bell peppers and red onion.
italian meatballs
These Traditional Slow Cooker Meatballs with homemade marinara sauce are a delicious, make ahead dinner!
With the freezer meal option, you can make Crockpot Meatballs faster than ever!
mustard pork chops and potatoes
Juicy pork chops and tender baby potatoes cooked in a tangy mustard sauce. One of my favorite pork chop recipes!
buffalo chicken chili
Buffalo Chicken Chilimade healthy, yet still creamy and satisfying, in slow cooker or Instant Pot.
detox lentil soup
Feel like you’re coming down with something?
This healthy soup recipe is full of feel-good veggie nutrition that will put you on the path to wellness in no time!
For more must-try soup recipes, check out the following:
10 Yummy Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather
20 Cozy Stew Recipes That Will Warm You Up
25 Quick and Easy Soups Perfect for Busy Weeknights
30 Best Clean Eating Soup Recipes for Better Immunity
sweet and sour chicken
Save money on takeout with this tasty Sweet and Sour Chicken that tastes just as good as the real thing!
salisbury steak
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is comfort food at its best!
Tender beef patties simmered in rich brown gravy with mushrooms and onions.
Perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta!
stuffed peppers
These Crockpot Stuffed Peppers are made with 5 simple ingredients and filled with delicious taco flavors.
chicken noodle soup
Your favorite healthy and comforting soup is made even easier with this “set it and forget it” slow cooker recipe.
beef and broccoli
Turn a budget cut of beef into the most meltingly tender version of this popularChinese take out without a wok!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is cheap, healthy, easy, and you can make itfreezer friendly!
butter chicken
A lightened up version of an Indian food classic, you’ll love this slow cooker dairy-free butter chicken recipe made with coconut oil and coconut milk.
It’s loaded with flavor and absolutely delicious served over cauliflower rice. Paleo, grain-free and dairy-free.
chicken marsala
Traditional Chicken Marsala made simple in the slow cooker!
pizza casserole
Crockpot Pizza Casserole is an incredibly delicious meal the entire family will enjoy! It’s also really easy to make and perfect for busy days.
pepper steak
Crock pot pepper steak is an easy homemade version of the classic Chinese-American dish.
Bell peppers and tender beef in a rich, thick sauce made with ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
chicken wings with maple ginger glaze
Make these Chicken Wings to enjoy a perfect hands-off meal on Game Day!
Love chicken wings? Find all your favorite chicken wing flavors: 20 Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Wings Perfect for Game Day.
veggie loaded minestrone soup
Warm up to a big bowl of this vegetarian recipe forCrockpot Veggie Loaded Minestrone Soup, a hearty, delicious soup your family will love!
honey garlic chicken and veggies
The easiest one pot recipe ever. Simply throw everything in, and that’s it! No cooking, no sautéing. SO EASY!
mississippi pot roast
This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Roast recipe is made with just 5 simple ingredients and gets a punch of flavor from pepperoncini and ranch dressing mix.
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy chuck roast.
Eat great any night of the week with these Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals your whole family will love!
For more incredible Crockpot meals, check out 35 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Incredible, Effortless Meals.
For more freezer meal ideas, check out Cheap and Easy Freezer Meals Under $5.
What do you think of these Best Ever Healthy Crockpot Freezer Meals? What are some more of your favorite ways to get a healthy meal on the table in minutes?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
related posts:
15 Easy and Affordable Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut Meals
25 Cheap and Easy Instant Pot Meals Under $10
30 Easy Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
35 Best Budget-Friendly Pasta Recipes
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