12 Best Freezer-Friendly Slow Cooker Meals to Prep Ahead
You’ll thank yourself on a future busy night.
“I happen to love freezer cooking,” Ree Drummond said many moons ago. That’s because it’s the ultimate way to meal prep! You’ve already got dinner ready; you just have to thaw and reheat it. When she had a ranch full of kids and cowboys to feed, freezer meals were her solution, especially when the busy school season was in full force.
Her other cooking hack was using her slow cooker. “I can pretty much just sling a bunch of stuff into it and push the button.” It saves a ton of time when the machine does most of the work for you. So, here’s a novel idea: Why not combine the two busy mom solutions and make slow cooker freezer meals to stock up for the next few months? You’ll be so grateful for both the hands-off prep and the make-ahead dinners.
In general, these recipes will last up to three months in the freezer when properly stored. Make sure you have airtight containers and zip-top bags to prevent freezer burn. And don’t forget to label with what it is and when it was made, so you’re not standing in front of your freezer wondering what anything is. Then go forth to defrost, reheat, and serve! You’ll thank yourself for thinking ahead once you have that first bite.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
There are so many ways to use pulled pork, from sandwiches to tacos. Just let it cool, pack it with its natural juices to keep it moist, and seal it tight in zip-top bags or use a vacuum sealer.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Slow Cooker Bolognese
This recipe makes an extra big batch, so you’ll have enough for up to two pounds of pasta. You can use practically any shape noodle you want or make lasagna. It will last about two months in the freezer.
Get the Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
You just need 20 minutes of prep to make this family-friendly soup loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, fire-roasted corn, diced tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Skip the grill and make barbecue chicken in your slow cooker. This easy, hands-free option makes saucy, smoky shredded meat a cinch. Top sandwiches, nachos, salads, you name it. Plus, it lasts up to three months in the freezer.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Who doesn’t love these classic messy sandwiches? A slow cooker gives the sauce all the time it needs to deepen in flavor. Let it cool, place in airtight containers, and pop it in the freezer for up to three months.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
Slow Cooker Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Though not a meal, you have to admit that mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish to practically anything! The secret to reheating them is to add a little more cream or butter for more moisture.
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
You’re just 30 minutes of prep away from a big bowl of comfort. Here’s the secret to freezing it: Don’t add the dumplings. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat it and then add the dumplings. Simmer until they are fully cooked.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
When it comes to chili, low and slow is the best way because it allows the flavors to develop. Let your machine do the work, then cool, freeze, and come back up to three months later to warm up.
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Applesauce may not be a dinner, but it is the perfect after-school snack and a great side dish for pork. Make a big batch and store it in smaller portions for up to six months in your freezer.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Pot roast is an all-in-one meal and can transform into other ideas, so go ahead and make it. Note: The texture of the veggies might change, but it will last up to three months when frozen.
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Get a ton of Tex-Mex flavor with just a few simple steps. Bonus: “Like many soups, the flavor only gets even better after a day or two in the fridge,” says Ree. Then freeze and reheat!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches
Store drip beef in all the wonderful juices to keep it super moist through the freezing process. Then defrost and pile it on sandwiches, top nachos, add it to salads—whatever your heart desires!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Slow Cooker Dinner Ideas for a Hot Summer Day
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
