• Join the Club!
  • About
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • BLOG
  • MEMBERS ONLY
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • GCE Meal Plans
    • Digital Meal Planner
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Purchases
    • My Courses
  • SHOP
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Good Cheap Eats

eat well on a budget with easy recipes from Jessica Fisher

Find a Recipe
  • Budget Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
      • Yeast Breads and Rolls
      • Muffins and Quick Breads
      • Scones and Biscuits
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Lunches
    • Main Dishes +
      • Beef
      • Bowl Meals
      • Meatless
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Poultry +
        • Chicken
        • Ground Turkey
        • Turkey
      • Sausage
      • Seafood
    • Salads
    • Slow Cooker
  • Money-Saving Tips
    • Take the Pantry Challenge
  • Affordable Meal Planning
  • Show Search
Hide Search

21 Best Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Jessica Fisher · October 18, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Slow Cooker Freezer Meals come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing’s for sure: they can save you time and effort when it comes to getting a hot meal on the table.

bag and boxes of frozen meals stacked in freezer

Everyone knows that having a few extra meals in the freezer can save your bacon during a busy season. And it’s pretty common knowledge that the slow cooker can pinch hit for the home cook when things get crazy. 

So can the two, freezer meals and slow cooking, play well together?

Yes and no. But mostly yes.

There’s a lot of misinformation on the internet about what tastes good as a freezer meal as well as what tastes good in the slow cooker. If you’re not careful, you could end up with what my cookbook editor refers to as “scientific lab specimens encased in formaldehyde”.

You know those dump dinners I’m talking about. The ones that look good on Pinterest, but don’t actually taste good once you’ve spent time and money to assemble? 

Yeah, we’re going to avoid those. 

Different Kinds of Freezer Meals for the Slow Cooker

Instead, let’s look at what tastes great before and after freezing, as well as after slow cooking.

There are several approaches to making slow cooker freezer meals. Today I want to unpack three different styles. Choose what fits best for your needs, knowing that the taste and texture will hold up under freezing as well as slow cooking.

cooked pulled chicken in freezer bag

Slow Cooker Freezer Meals that are Cooked and Ready to Eat

The easiest and most problem free are cooked and ready to eat freezer meals that were prepped in the slow cooker. These can include almost anything you can cook in the slow cooker.

Simply prepare the recipe, divide into labeled, meal-size containers, chill completely, and freeze.

The advantages are numerous for this type of freezer meal:

  1. The food is already prepped and ready to reheat and eat.
  2. The cooking process is simple since the dish cooks in the slow cooker.

I particularly like these style of freezer meals. I can start the slow cookers at the beginning of a freezer cooking session and do other things while my Crock-pots take care of the dishes without much extra work from me.

Prep and freeze any variety of the following in your slow cooker:

  • sauces
  • soups
  • stews
  • chilis
  • cooked proteins
  • cooked grains
  • hot sandwiches

chicken and sauce for pulled chicken in freezer bag

Slow Cooker Freezer Meals that will Cook Later

Freezer meals that are assembled and then cooked in the slow cooker are handy, but since freezing and slow cooking require certain preparation for ingredients, you need to be a little choosy as to what recipes you prepare this way. 

Billed as “dump meals” or “dump dinners,” these type of meals often skip the caramelization step of onions and meats that can add flavor. Additionally, they often require uncooked meats and veggies to sit in frozen liquid/ice which isn’t always the best for its post-freezing taste and texture.

My recommendations for this type of meal are limited to those recipes that don’t require a sauté step, usually those that are more akin to marinades, like my Sweet and Sour Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Filling, pictured. That dish actually can be frozen before or after slow cooking, giving you lots of flexibility.

Also, something like a meatloaf that can be assembled and frozen uncooked. Then thaw, place on a foil sling to move in and out of the pot easily, and cook in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low.

You can do this for things such as chili in which you’re going to combine beans, spices, and cooked meats—but I find that if I’m going to use canned beans anyway, I’d rather not take up valuable freezer space for something that could be easily stored in the pantry. Simply add them at cooking time.

bags of ingredients for slow cooker enchilada kit

Slow Cooker Freezer Meal Kits that Can Be Assembled Later 

There are some slow cooker meals that you can make in part, freeze as a kit, and then assemble later. They will still cook in the slow cooker, but their method of freezing is more as components than a complete meal. 

Freezer meal slow cooker kits are ideal for recipes that call for sautéed onions or dishes like Crockpot Enchiladas that need assembly in the slow cooker.

Personally, I think that sautéed onions and other vegetables help the end product taste better and searing meat prior to slow cooking does make a difference, so I don’t mind this extra step. But, as I mentioned, do what fits your preferences.

21 Best Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Below you’ll find some favorite Good Cheap Eats that can be made in the slow cooker, either before or after freezing. Please read the notes carefully as they provide helpful tips for the best results.

And please be sure to follow the USDA recommendations for Slow Cookers and Food Safety, which includes thawing food properly before adding it to the slow cooker. 

ham and swiss sandwich freezer meal

21 Best Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Cumin Pork Loin Roast 

Get your slow cooker to make dinner for you; this Cumin Pork Loin Roast Recipe is just the thing. With hints of lime and cumin, it’s delicious and easy to prep.

To make this a freezer meal: You can cook and package the pork loin to enjoy later or prepare a kit.

To prepare a kit: Combine the spices in a small bag, slice the lime and bag, chop the onion and bag. Collect all three bags with the pork loin and store in the freezer. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

White Bean Chicken Chili 

This White Bean Chicken Chili, redolent with spices and bursting with chicken and white beans, comes together quickly in 30 minutes or less for an easy, delicious dinner.

To make this a freezer meal: You can cook and package the chili to enjoy later or prepare a kit.

To prepare a kit: Sauté the onion, chiles, and spices. Cool and package. Package the cooked chicken. Package the cheese. Store the three components in a larger bag and assemble with beans and broth when ready to cook.

Marinara Sauce

Skip the bottled pasta sauce. You can make your own marinara sauce, simple enough for everyday, yet tasty enough for all your favorite dishes.

To freeze: Divide the sauce into meal-sized portions, chill completely, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw and reheat.

Irish Stew

A classic Irish Stew is simple and flavorful. It comes together easily with hearty chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots. And it brings ultimate comfort.

To freeze: Cool the stew completely. Wrap, label, and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving or prepare a kit.

To prepare a kit: Cut the beef cubes and place in a bag. Chop the onion and bag. Place the flour in a bag. Store the bags together in the freezer. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Pot Roast

You can truly set it and forget it when you cook a pot roast in the slow cooker. A quick assembly in the morning allows you to enjoy a great dinner at night.

To freeze: Slice or shred the roast and put in a freezer bag to reheat and use later. Perfect for sandwiches or with your favorite sides.

Crockpot Enchiladas

Crockpot Enchiladas are packed with flavor and make for easy prep. Let the slow cooker do all the work so you can enjoy a fantastic dinner.

To make this a freezer meal: Cook and divide into portions in meal prep continaers for you or your family to grab for a quick lunch or dinner or prepare a kit.

To prepare a kit: Prepare the shredded chicken beforehand and store it in the freezer alongside a container of Homemade Enchilada Sauce, a package of corn tortillas, and a bag of shredded cheese. Then on the day before serving, yank those items from the freezer and thaw. Assemble when ready to cook.

Chihuahua Beer Chili

This easy Chihuahua Beer Chili comes together quickly on the stove or in a slow cooker. Flavorful from enchilada sauce, beer, and spices, it is the perfect bowl of red.

To make this a freezer meal: Cook up big batches and freeze the chili in single- or family-size containers. It's great over hot dogs, wrapped in burritos, or spooned atop fries.

To prepare a kit: Saute onion, cool, and place in a bag, brown ground beef and bag. Store the bags of components together in the freezer. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Bean and Rice Soup

This Bean and Rice Soup comes together in minutes. Packed with flavor it’s a great way to use up leftovers, eat well, and save money!

To make this a freezer meal: Cook, cool, and divide into freezer-safe containers of either individual or family size portions.

To prepare a kit: Package cooked chicken and rice in separate freezer bags and freeze. Remove from freezer the day before and assemble in slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.

Salsa Verde Beef

This Salsa Verde Beef recipe is one of the simplest, yet it packs a ton of flavor. It cooks up in the slow cooker or the instant pot, making for the easiest of meals.

To freeze: Make a double batch, cool and freeze in freezer-safe contianers, and you'll be ready to enjoy two rocking taco nights someday in the future.

Smoky Bean Soup

Reminiscent of canned bean with bacon soup — without the bacon or the can! — this Smoky Bean Soup is an economical and filling, without much fuss.

To make this a freezer meal: Divide the soup into meal-size containers. Chill and freeze for up to two months.

To prepare a kit: Saute onion, carrots, and celery, cool, and put in a freezer bag. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Taco Soup

Taco Soup is an easy-to-prepare dish, so easy even a 5-year old can do it. And it tastes great, especially when you make it without the packets of junky mixes.

To make this a freezer meal: Allow it to cool and then place in airtight containers. You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in your refrigerator. You can reheat on the stovetop or in your microwave.

To prepare a kit: Brown ground beef, cool, and put in a freezer bag. Combine the spices in a small bag. Collect both bags and store in the freezer. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes from scratch are a quick and easy dinner that won’t break the budget. In fact, you can very easily — and economically — make this savory meat mixture to serve a crowd. No cans or mixes required.

To make this a freezer meal: Place the meat mixture in an airtight container. Chill completely before storing in the freezer. Thaw and reheat to serve.

To prepare a kit: Brown ground beef and onion and put in a freezer bag. Combine the spices in a small bag. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Love the Pork Carnitas Tacos that you order at the local taco shop? Bring that delicious goodness to your home kitchen. Using the slow cooker makes the process super easy. You will wow your crowd with these delicious homemade pork carnitas tacos.

To make this a freezer meal: Cool the meat completely and place in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and freeze. Reheat to serve.

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Come home to an easy supper: hot Ham and Swiss Sliders! Not only do they taste fabulous, but they’re also freezer-friendly.

To make this a freezer meal: Prep the sandwiches, wrap in foil, and freeze. To serve: place the wrapped sandwiches in a slow cooker on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, turning once.

Chicken Bacon Subs

These Chicken Bacon Subs disappear lickety split at my house. They are so easy to assemble, and make a perfect freezer meal.

To make this a freezer meal: Prep the sandwiches, wrap in foil, and freeze. To serve: place the wrapped sandwiches in a slow cooker on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, turning once.

Basic Meatloaf

Everyone needs to know how to make meatloaf, right? Here’s the basic meatloaf recipe that you can fancy up however you like — or not.

To make this a freezer meal: The meatloaf can be frozen prior to baking. Simply wrap the loaf in aluminum foil and place in a labeled ziptop freezer bag. Prior to serving, thaw the loaf completely in the refrigerator and proceed with baking in the slow cooker as directed.

Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches

Enjoy quick and easy lunches and suppers with these delicious, cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches.

To make this a freezer meal: Prep the sandwiches, wrap in foil, and freeze. To serve: place the wrapped sandwiches in a slow cooker on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, turning once.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Looking for a simple yet flavorful way to cook pork? This crockpot pulled pork combines a homemade rub with a cheap cut of pork, a pork butt, and cook it slowly in the slow cooker for a fantastic slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

To freeze: Cool the meat completely and place in ziptop freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze. Reheat to serve.

Sweet and Sour Pulled Chicken

Let your slow cooker do the work this weekend with an easy sweet and sour chicken filling for sandwiches and wraps.

To make this a freezer meal: Cool the chicken completely and place in ziptop freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze. Reheat to serve.

To prepare a kit: Place chicken and marinade in a freezer bag. Put hawaiian rolls in another freezer bag. Remove from freezer the day before and place chicken and marinade in slow cooker and proceed with recipe.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Make takeout for cheap at home with these easy slow cooked, sweet and sour meatballs.

To make this a freezer meal: Cool and place meatballs in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze. Reheat to serve.

To prepare a kit: Sauté onion and bell pepper, cool, and freeze. Whisk together the pineapple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper and freeze in another bag. Collect both bags and the pacakge of chicken and store in the freezer. Thaw and proceed with the recipe when ready.

Pulled Chicken Sliders

Poached chicken combines with a homemade seasoning blend to make for a luscious and easy dinner of Pulled Chicken Sliders. Enjoy a quick, easy supper with no hassle!

To make this a freezer meal: The shredded meat can be frozen for a later date. Simply cool and wrap airtight. Chill completely before freezing.

To prepare a kit: Place chicken, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook in slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Freezer Meals PIN

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Main Dishes, Slow Cooker

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

HI! I’M JESSICA.

Jessica preparing food in a kitchen

I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter their budget. Click here to learn more.

SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES

2021 Grocery Savings Challenges

printed card of GCE system on refrigerator with magnets

Get a Free Printed Card of the Good Cheap Eats System

bowl of dry onion soup mix

Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix to Replace the Packets

Ralphs receipt with groceries in a flatlay

How to Audit Your Grocery Spending

flatlay of groceries cookbook and money with coins and bills

Save Money on Groceries Right Now with These Simple Tricks

LET’S CONNECT

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

grocery cart with peets coffee

Footer

Disclaimer/Disclosure

Please note that the advertisements posted here do not necessarily represent Jessica Fisher’s views and opinions.

Also be advised that some of these advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site (when you click through). You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices.

To better serve my readers, I have implemented Google Analytics cookies in order to better know visitor demographics. For opt outs, go here.

For more specific details on my disclaimers/disclosures, go here.

Head here to view our complete privacy policy.

Tags

30-minute meals appliances baking basics buttermilk Cakes casserole cheddar chocolate christmas cooked chicken cooking for one or two dairy-free DIY Convenience easy meals efficient kitchen enchiladas Food processor GCE basics gluten-free grains granola grilled grocery savings challenges holiday Holiday Food instant pot leftovers meal planning 101 meal prep mother's day no cook packable pantry pantry staples pressure cooker quick dinner ideas real food products save money on groceries shop thanksgiving time-saving tips updated Veggies Most whole 30

Copyright © 2021 · Daily Dish Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in