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10 Easy Freezer Bag Recipes for the Slow Cooker: Prepare Ahead for Effortless Meals
Meal prep can be a game-changer when it comes to saving time in the kitchen, especially for busy weeks when cooking feels like a chore. One of the best tricks for stress-free meals is to prepare freezer bag recipes that you can throw into your slow cooker at the start of the day. By combining the convenience of freezer bags with the ease of a slow cooker, you’ll have delicious meals ready without the fuss.
In this article, we’ll show you 10 easy freezer bag recipes for the slow cooker, so you can get ahead on meal prep and enjoy hearty, homemade meals with minimal effort.
Why Freezer Bag Recipes Are a Game-Changer
- Convenience: You can prepare several meals in advance and store them in freezer bags, so all you need to do is toss them into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
- Time-Saving: With everything prepped and ready to go, there’s no need to spend time chopping, slicing, or measuring ingredients when you’re ready to cook. Just grab a freezer bag and let your slow cooker do the rest!
- Portion Control: Freezer bag meals often come in single-serving sizes or can be easily scaled for the number of people in your household, making them perfect for meal planning.
- Flavorful: Freezing the ingredients together allows the flavors to marinate, making for a tastier dish when it’s cooked in the slow cooker.
10 Easy Freezer Bag Recipes for the Slow Cooker
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
A flavorful and vibrant meal that will have your family asking for more! Chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a zesty fajita seasoning blend are the stars of this dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag.
- When ready to cook, dump the contents into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with tortillas, rice, or tacos.
2. Beef Stew
A comforting, hearty beef stew with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 4 potatoes (cubed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag.
- When ready to cook, transfer to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Serve with crusty bread.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
For an easy-to-make and incredibly tasty meal, BBQ pulled pork hits the mark. Serve it with coleslaw or on a bun for a delicious sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze.
- When ready to cook, transfer the bag to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This slow cooker recipe combines juicy chicken with creamy rice and vegetables for a comforting and filling dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze.
- When ready to cook, place the bag’s contents in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Serve as a stand-alone meal or with a side salad.
5. Chili
Chili is a perfect make-ahead meal that only gets better the longer it sits. This beef chili is packed with beans, spices, and rich tomato flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag.
- When ready to cook, dump into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions before serving.
6. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
A lighter alternative to traditional chili, this recipe uses white beans, chicken, and green chilies for a delicious twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag.
- When ready to cook, transfer to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.
