Crockpot Freezer Meals FAQ: The Safety Tips You Need to Know Now

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Now that it’s getting colder, I feel no shame breaking out the crockpot freezer meals! I grew up in the South where a crockpot is a stable about like Tupperwear, but my mom never cooked with one. She said everything tasted the same in a crockpot, and until I found some really good recipes – I had to agree with her. These freezer crockpot meals are a game-changer for taste, nutrition and convenience though!

These crockpot freezer meals are all so different and easy to make. I love how simple they are to throw together in a hurry, and since it’s just my husband and me the meals last a few days. That is always a perk for me – I hate taking the time to cook, and my husband is grateful for leftovers…thankfully!!

Freezer crockpot meals are even easier than regular crockpot meals in my opinion, because you can put together a dozen or so meals together in an afternoon (including grocery shopping).

We’ve also had expecting mom’s throw these recipes together before the baby so all they have to do is throw them and have meals for a few day.

Before Starting Crockpot Freezer Meals

If you need a crockpot, we love this one.
For an easy clean up, we love these liners. We do suggest washing out your crockpot, but we know the liners may be more convenient.
Choose frozen, chopped veggies to save you the energy of dicing anything up.
Remember to label! We like to include cooking time plus anything else like adding water or any other ingredients to the slow cooker.
You’ll want to de-thaw your freezer crockpot meals the night before you want to eat them. You can do this by putting them in the refrigerator the night before. If they aren’t all the thawed by the next morning, you can either put it in the sink and run hot water over it or put the contents in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it until it’s unthawed.

Crockpot Freezer Meals FAQ

What do I need to get started?

You’ll want to have:

Cutting Board
Knife
Crockpot
Optional Items:
Vegetable peeler
Crockpot Liners for Easy Clean Up
Baggy Stand to Put in Ingredients Easier
Vegetable Chopper

How much space do I need to get started with freezer crockpot meals?

I store all of mine in our freezer; however, we don’t have a lot of other frozen items. I have about a 12×12″ space, and that’s been plenty of room to put the freezer bag meals.

Is it okay to freeze raw meat with vegetables?

Totally, but if it makes you uncomfortable – you can always cook your meat first and then add it to the bag and freeze.

What if I already have some hamburger or other meat that is frozen, can I add it to a new recipe?

Yup! You can add it to the frozen meal you’re putting together even while its still frozen.

Do I need to add water or broth once I’m ready to put a crockpot freezer meal in the slow cooker?

Nope. As your meat and vegetables cook, they’ll produce liquid to help with your meal.

Do freezer crockpot meals taste different? What about the texture?

I haven’t noticed any change in taste or texture. Since you haven’t cooked any of the ingredients ahead of time, it’s not going to taste like leftovers either.

How much time should I budget to make a meal?

It usually takes me about 20 minutes or less. It’s faster if you go ahead and make a few recipes at a time so that you aren’t having to shop and clean up multiple times.

How long do the meals last once you put them in the freezer?

They last about 90 days in a freezer bag.

How long should I set the crockpot for?

Each recipe is different so you’ll want to reference that. However, a general rule is 6-8 hours on low and 3 to 5 hours on high in a 6-quart slow cooker. It is kind of a learning process, but after 1 or 2 recipes you’ll find the right level of heat and time for any recipe. If something is crunchy or your meat is still pink in the middle, it needs to cook longer. If cheese burns or vegetables are mushy, try cooking it a little less next time.

Can I make any slow cooker recipe a freezer crockpot meal?

Typically, but not always. Sometimes potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and rice can get a little weird when you make them a freezer crockpot meal. You could always freeze everything else and then make a note to add them in when you’re ready to cook the meal. Dairy products shouldn’t be added until the last 30-60 minutes for optimal taste and to prevent curdling. EW!

One of our favorites is this Slow Cooker Chicken Pineapple Teriyaki recipe!

Favorite Freezer Crockpot Meals

Island Chicken

2 medium chicken breasts, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 can pineapple chunks (optional 3 sprays Amino Acids)

Cook time: 8 hours on LOW

Serve the day of: brown rice and stir-fry vegetables

Serves 4-6

Chicken Tacos

2 medium chicken breasts

2 cans Rotel

1 pack of taco seasoning

Serve the day of: corn tortillas or shells taco

Mix all but shells in crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Tender Pork Roast

2-3lb bone-in pork shoulder aka “boston butt” or “pork butt”

1 cup grape jelly

1 cup ketchup

1/4 teaspoon allspice

Combine all 4 ingredients then cook on low 8-12 hours. After it’s cooked, you’ll be able to pull the pork from the bone. You’ll see some extra juice in the crockpot which can be used as gravy!

Other Great Sites with Freezer Crockpot Meals

I’m not going to say I’m the master of the crockpot. I’m just now learning and experimenting with new recipes. Here are a few favorite blogs with creative crockpot freezer meals. Their creativity and variety is awesome!

Side Tracked Sarah’s 72 Crockpot Meals

Once a Month Meal’s Freezable Meals (Paleo options too!)

Thirty Handmade Day’s Healthy Chicken Recipes