Easy-Freeze Slow Cooker Cookbook: 100 Freeze-Ahead, Cook-Themselves Meals for Every Slow Cooker

by Ella Sanders

Overview

Dinner is done with these 100 easy make-ahead meals

Make dinner a breeze with The Easy-Freeze Slow Cooker Cookbook! Having an incredible meal on the table doesn’t have to be a nightly struggle. These delicious recipes are specially designed for easy preparation so that you can have a month’s worth of meals made in just a couple of hours! The easy-to-follow recipes and tools for organizing your freezer meals will make the question of what’s for dinner a problem of the past.

When you’re headed out the door, just pull one of these tasty dinners out of the freezer, toss it in the slow cooker, and come home to that Sunday dinner smell without all of the Sunday dinner effort. With The Easy-Freeze Slow Cooker Cookbook, you can spend less time worrying about how to get dinner on the table, and enjoy more time around it!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250199867
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/18/2018
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	48,517
File size:	98 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

ELLA SANDERS is a comfort food enthusiast who loves spending time at the table with friends and family. She shares her enthusiasm for cooking with anyone who's interested and specializes in making traditional meals with unexpected flavor and flair. Ella lives with her husband and two boys in Portland, Maine. Her cookbooks include The Ultimate Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook, The Ultimate Ketogenic Cookbook, and Copper Magic.
Ella Sanders is a comfort food enthusiast who loves spending time at the table with friends and family. She shares her enthusiasm for cooking with anyone who's interested and specializes in making traditional meals with unexpected flavor and flair. Ella lives with her husband and two boys in Portland, Maine. Her cookbooks include The Ultimate Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook, The Ultimate Ketogenic Cookbook, and Copper Magic.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Soups & Stews

Homestyle Beef Stew

Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours

Beef stew is one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out — especially when allowed to simmer and soften to perfection. The natural juices of the beef combine with the vegetables, spices, and sauces in the slow cooker until it all tastes equally amazing. Keep this recipe ready to go in your freezer and you'll always have its comforts when you need them.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds chuck roast, cubed
PREP DIRECTIONS
3 large white onions, sliced
PREP DIRECTIONS

In a large pan, cook the onions, butter, and brown sugar over low heat for about 20 minutes until the onions have caramelized, then allow them to cool. In a large bowl, combine the onions with the remaining prep day ingredients. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the soup mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and let it cook on low for 6 hours. When finished, remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of French bread and a helping of cheeses, then place the bowls in the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese has melted and browned.

Hearty Irish Stew

Serves 6–8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

This delicious Irish Stew comes together almost effortlessly — all you have to do is slice up some veggies and you have a filling meal your family will love. If your stew looks a little dry toward the end of the cooking time, add a cup of water. Otherwise, you can just dump, cook, and serve!

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1½–2 pounds chuck roast, cubed
PREP DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the stew mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the stew to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the stew mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook on low for about 8 hours. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Serves 6–8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours

What's even easier and more satisfying than stuffed bell peppers? Stuffed Pepper Soup, which packs all that flavor into a spoonful of liquid comfort. For a healthier version, use lean ground beef, low-sodium beef broth, and a quinoa mix instead of white rice. Serve this soup with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ground beef
PREP DIRECTIONS

In a large pan, brown the beef over medium-high heat, then drain it and allow it to cool. Combine all prep day ingredients (including the beef) in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the soup mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and let it cook on low for 6–8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the rice, cover, and continue cooking.

Beef Chili

Serves 4–6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3–5 hours

You usually reach for hearty stews when you need to warm up, but this Beef Chili is as perfect for sunny summer barbecues as it is for wintry nights. And once you brown the meat, your work is pretty much done, making this an easy dish to whip up for a get-together.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds ground beef
PREP DIRECTIONS
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
PREP DIRECTIONS

Combine all prep day ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the chili mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the chili to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the chili mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and let cook on low for 8 hours. When you're almost ready to serve, remove the chicken to a cutting board or large mixing bowl, shred it, and return it to the cooker. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, re-cover, and cook on high for 15 more minutes.

Sausage and Lentil Soup

Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8–9 hours

Full of protein and savory flavor, Sausage and Lentil Soup is the perfect dish to serve with a fresh crust of bread on a cool day. And it tastes just as good — if not better — as a leftover, so it's also a great recipe for a couple who know they won't have time to cook during the week.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

12–14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
PREP DIRECTIONS

In a large pan, brown the sausage over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2–3 minutes more until they are translucent. Drain the mixture and let it cool. Combine all prep day ingredients (including the sausage and onions) in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the soup mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and let it cook on low for 8–9 hours.

Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup

Serves 5

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6½–7½ hours

When cold and flu season hits, what's the first thing you reach for? A bowl of the ultimate sick-day comfort food: chicken noodle soup. Of course, it'll taste just as good when you're well. An unexpected splash of lemon juice brightens up this savory soup. Don't shy away from this recipe if you're cooking for one or two — you definitely won't mind having leftovers!

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
PREP DIRECTIONS

Combine all prep day ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Toward the end of the cooking time, remove and dice the chicken. Add the egg noodles and parsley to the slow cooker, re-cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes more. Stir the chicken back into the soup and add the lemon juice before serving.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serves 8–10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Give Taco Tuesday a twist with this scrumptious chicken soup! The recipe calls for topping it with cheese and tortilla strips, but don't be afraid to add jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado to the mix. Finish it off with a splash of lime to balance out the savory flavor.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
PREP DIRECTIONS

Combine all prep day ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for about 8 hours. Toward the end of the cooking time, remove and shred the chicken. Season it with salt and pepper before returning it to the slow cooker and stirring it in. Serve the soup topped with cheese and tortilla strips.

Black Bean Soup

Serves 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Black Bean Soup — though flavorful on its own — leaves plenty of room for fresh toppings. Set the table with bowls of shredded cheese, diced tomato and avocado, and sour cream, then let your family members make it their own!

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
PREP DIRECTIONS

Add the chopped onion and peppers to a large pan and sauté them over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Stir in the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Allow the mixture to cool, then combine it with the rest of the prep day ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the soup mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for about 8 hours. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice about 15 minutes before serving.

Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup

Serves 8–10

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8½ hours

Chicken, potatoes, garlic, and cheese: this tasty dish combines all your favorite foods in one bowl. Because it makes a large batch, it would be perfect for potlucks or as an appetizer at family gatherings. Just put out bowls of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives, so that guests can help themselves.

PREP DAY INGREDIENTS

5 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes
PREP DIRECTIONS

Blanch the potatoes according to the directions here. Combine all prep day ingredients in a large bowl. Label a 1-gallon freezer bag, place it in another large bowl, and pour in the soup mixture. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze.

SERVING DAY DIRECTIONS

Allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the mixture into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for about 8 hours. Toward the end of the cooking time, remove and shred the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour. Slowly pour the mixture into the slow cooker, stir in the chicken, re-cover, and cook for 30 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, before serving.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Easy-Freeze Slow Cooker Cookbook"
by .
Copyright © 2018 St. Martin's Press.
Excerpted by permission of St. Martin's Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Title Page,
Copyright Notice,
Introduction,
Soups & Stews,
Homestyle Beef Stew,
French Onion Soup,
Hearty Irish Stew,
Stuffed Pepper Soup,
Beef Chili,
Creamy White Chicken Chili,
Sausage and Lentil Soup,
Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup,
Chicken Tortilla Soup,
Black Bean Soup,
Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup,
Ham and Lentil Stew,
Chicken Chili Verde,
Loaded Baked Potato Soup,
Turkey Chili,
Split Pea Soup with Turkey Bacon,
Sausage and Shrimp Creole,
Seafood Stew,
Veggie Stew,
Minestrone Soup,
Spiced Butternut Squash Soup,
Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup,
Side Dishes,
Cheesy Quinoa with Mushrooms and Peppers,
Honeyed Peas and Carrots,
Brown Sugar Green Beans,
Glazed Carrots,
Maple-Pecan Sweet Potatoes,
Candied Sweet Potatoes,
Easy Rice Pilaf,
Balsamic Root Vegetables,
Creamy Potatoes and Peppers,
Barbecue Baked Beans,
Wild Rice with Peppers,
Caribbean Black Beans,
Classic Cornbread,
Zesty Cranberry Sauce,
Garlic-Ranch Potatoes,
Orange-Glazed Carrots,
Black-Eyed Peas and Ham,
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon,
Barbecue-Style Green Beans,
Baked Beans with Bacon,
Main Dishes,
Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Corn Salsa,
Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple,
Ginger-Peach Chicken,
Sweet Fire Chicken,
Creamy Lemon Chicken,
Fajita Chicken,
Honey-Sesame Chicken,
Honey-Garlic Chicken,
Honeyed Chicken and Vegetables,
Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches,
Lemon-Pesto Chicken,
Sweet Teriyaki Chicken,
Orange-Pepper Chicken Wings,
Curried Chicken,
Chicken-Apple Sausage and Sweet Potatoes,
Spicy Chicken Pasta,
Turkey Enchilada Bowl,
Turkey-Stuffed Peppers,
Pot-Pie Style Chicken,
Sweet Pork with Apples and Pears,
Balsamic Pork Roast,
Sweet Dijon Pork,
Twice-Spiced Louisiana-Style Ribs,
Boneless Barbecue Ribs,
Creamy Ranch Pork Chops,
Crispy Pork Carnitas,
Spiced Apple Pork,
Cranberry Pork Chops,
Barbecue Pulled Pork,
Maple-Bacon Pork Roast,
Homestyle Meatloaf,
Sloppy Joes,
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs,
Pepper Steak,
Ropa Vieja,
Mongolian Beef,
Honey-Balsamic Pot Roast,
Brisket and Onions,
French Dip Roast Beef Sandwiches,
Simple Stuffed Peppers,
Family-Favorite Pot Roast,
Hearty Beef Lasagna,
Maple Salmon with Shallots,
Asian-Style Salmon and Vegetables,
Quick and Easy Barbecued Shrimp,
Buttery Shrimp Scampi,
Citrusy Fish Tacos,
Mexican-Style Butternut Squash Quinoa,
Desserts,
Apple-Cinnamon Crumble,
Blueberry Crumble,
"Baked" Cinnamon Apples,
Plum Compote,
Red Velvet Cupcakes,
Strawberry Shortcake,
White Chocolate Cake with Raspberries,
Simply Delicious Brownies,
Mixed-Berry Cobbler,
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake,
Index,
About the Author,
Copyright,