About a month ago I decided to really start getting serious about what I was eating. I’ve been working twice a week with a trainer and running regularly, but we all know by now that you can’t out run a bad diet.
One of my girl friends and I had just started attending a workout boot camp together, and we were discussing our desires to change the way we eat. We both decided that a big problem we had was preparing ahead. It felt like every day dinner time would roll around and I would stare in to the pantry trying to decide what to make. Later that night she sent me a pin for some make ahead meal ideas, and we decided to come up with this list of 10 Freezer Crock-Pot Meals!
- Taco Chili
- Chicken Chili
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Sausage, Peppers, & Onions
- Southwest Chicken
- Beef Stew
- Honey Sesame Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken Fajitas
- Southwest Flank Steak
I do all of my grocery shopping at Kroger and was able to get everything I needed for right at $100. She shops at Target and Sprouts, and spent a little more. Keep that in mind when you look at the grocery list and map out which items you want to get where. We purchased all organic produce, meats, and most canned goods. You can save even more by shopping sales and buying bulk. Also, read over the recipes and make sure you have the spices and pantry staples on hand before heading out to the store.
She and I spent one afternoon prepping all of the meals. We split it up to make it easier- she chopped veggies, while I trimmed the chicken breasts. She assembled the bags, while I browned the meat. In just a few hours we each had 10 meals ready to go. I definitely recommend doing this with a friend! (Remember to bring a large cooler to take all of your meals home!) Also: write on the bags with permanent maker before you get started and keep the trashcan nearby. It was a lot easier to clean as we went and reset between each bag.
We also found it a lot easier to do it in groups- raw chicken, raw beef, cooked beef. We used disposable gloves and got a new pair each time we switched between different meats.
Download the Recipes and Grocery List.
I’m super excited about the fact that I have TEN days worth of dinners sitting in my freezer RIGHT NOW.
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
Wednesday 30th of December 2015
Taco Chili and Cheeseburger soup sound delicious. I'm always looking for new freezer meals. They really help!
william bronson
Saturday 21st of February 2015
I realize that the majority of the world loves onions and tomatoes but I am one who doesn't. It would be great to see some recipes not using these two items.
Emily Grace
Saturday 21st of February 2015
I hear you! I'm not a huge fan of either, but my family likes them. The trick to the onions is to use half of what the recipe calls for. Sometimes I chop them really TINY so I won't notice them, OR I leave them in really big chunks so that I still get the flavor, but can easily remove them after cooking.
Tiffany Brouillette
Thursday 12th of February 2015
How long can these meals be stored in the freezer before cooking them?
Alice Chase
Friday 30th of January 2015
I LOVE crockpot cooking! It makes my life a million times easier. I was sick all this week and unable to get my crockpot meal prep done. we paid for it BIG time by having the hubs stop for meals on his way home from work. Hopefully this will get us back into routine!
Jessica
Friday 9th of January 2015
I have to do this soon! Thanks for the recipes!