25 Easy Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights: Ready-to-Go Crockpot & Instant Pot Recipes
In this post I’m sharing 25 easy freezer meals for busy weeknights.
Life is hectic, especially for those of us balancing work, family, school, or just life in general.
Some days, cooking a meal from scratch is just not in the cards. Enter freezer meal prepping!
These make-ahead meals can be prepped in one go, stored in large Ziploc bags, and then pulled out to cook in a Crockpot or Instant Pot.
That’s right—no chopping, no prepping, just dump, cook, and enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 25 fantastic recipes from fellow food bloggers that are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, tasty dinner but don’t have the time to make it from scratch.
Let’s dive in!
Why Freezer Meals Are a Lifesaver for Busy Women
Whether you’re a working mom, a student with a packed schedule, or someone juggling multiple jobs, having a stash of freezer meals can take so much stress out of meal planning.
All it takes is a bit of time to prep, then when you’re ready to eat, pull a bag from the freezer, pop it in your Crockpot or Instant Pot, and dinner’s done.
How to Prep Your Freezer Meals
For each recipe, you’ll assemble the ingredients, place them in a large Ziploc freezer bag, remove any air, label it with cooking instructions, and freeze.
This “dump-and-go” method means minimal prep time and no extra dishes on cook day.
I’ve included 25 delicious options below to get you started!
25 Meals You Can Prep and Freeze for Easy Weeknight Meals: Crockpot & Instant Pot Edition
1. Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. It’s perfect served over rice or with steamed veggies. Find this go-to freezer meal at Julia Pacheco Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
2. Creamy Beef Stroganoff
Few meals are as comforting as beef stroganoff, with its creamy mushroom sauce and tender beef. This meal cooks up like a dream in the Crockpot, creating a rich, satisfying dish that feels like it took hours to make. Try it from Freezer Meals 101.
3. Teriyaki Chicken and Veggies
Packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce, this meal brings a taste of takeout to your freezer stash. Simply serve with rice or noodles. Get the recipe from I Hate Meal Prep.
4. Loaded Potato Soup
Creamy and hearty, this loaded potato soup is filled with potatoes, cheese, and bacon. Perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Find this recipe on Together Farms.
5. Pulled Pork Sliders
This pulled pork is full of flavor, combining brown sugar and spices for a sweet and spicy kick. Just toss it into the Crockpot, and enjoy as sliders, tacos, or in a hearty sandwich. Try it from Happy Money Saver.
6. White Chicken Chili
For a twist on traditional chili, this white chicken chili combines tender chicken, white beans, and a bit of spice. It’s perfect for Crockpot or Instant Pot cooking, delivering a deliciously thick and creamy dish. Get the recipe from Happy Money Saver.
7. BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
A delicious combo of BBQ flavors with soft, flavorful sweet potatoes, this meal is as easy as it is delicious. Just dump, cook, and enjoy! Check it out on My Freez Easy.
8. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Bright, zesty shrimp with garlic and lemon make this meal a quick weeknight wonder. It cooks up fast in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for serving over rice or pasta. Get it from Freezer Meals 101.
9. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Packed with flavor and spice, this chicken tortilla soup is loaded with beans, tomatoes, and tender chicken. Top it with avocado, cheese, and sour cream for the ultimate cozy meal. Find it on Food Wine Sunshine.
10. Beef and Broccoli
A classic takeout dish turned freezer-friendly! Beef and broccoli in a savory sauce is perfect for when you’re craving something a bit different. Serve it over rice and find the recipe on The Family Freezer.
More Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas
11. Sausage and Peppers
Loaded with flavorful sausage and a mix of hearty peppers, this recipe is perfect for the Crockpot. It’s a meal that fills you up and warms you up. Check it out on I Hate Meal Prep.
12. Chicken Fajitas
These fajitas come out tender and flavorful, with a hint of spice. Just add tortillas for a complete, hands-off meal. Get the recipe on The Family Freezer.
13. Savory Beef Stew
A classic beef stew that’s rich, hearty, and comforting. This one’s perfect for a chilly night when you want something to stick to your ribs. Try it from Slow Cooker Gourmet.
14. Thai Peanut Chicken
With a creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken, this Thai-inspired meal is delicious and a little exotic. Just cook it up and serve over rice noodles or veggies. Find it on Haute and Healthy Living.
15. Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Packed with colorful veggies, beans, and pasta, this minestrone is perfect for a filling, healthy meal. The Crockpot brings out all the flavors. Get the recipe from Simply Real Health.
Keep Going! A Few More Freezer Meal Favorites
16. Italian Meatball Soup
Warm and hearty with Italian flavors, this meatball soup is deliciously filling and fun to make. Check out the recipe from The Family Freezer.
17. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
With a delicious sweet-and-sour sauce, these meatballs are fantastic with rice or veggies. Try the recipe from One Hundred Dollars a Month.
18. Cilantro Lime Chicken
Bright and flavorful, this cilantro lime chicken works great in tacos, burritos, or with a side of rice. Find it on Damn Delicious.
19. Hearty Chili
Chili is a freezer meal classic, and this hearty recipe is loaded with beef, beans, and spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner. Check it out from Greens & Chocolate.
20. Beef Enchilada Soup
This enchilada Soup is easy to whip up and comes out saucy, cheesy, and satisfying. Get the recipe from Fabulessly Frugal.
21. Creamy Italian Chicken
With tender chicken in a creamy, Italian-spiced sauce, this dish is pure comfort. Serve it with pasta or veggies. Try it from Meal Planning Mommies.
22. Teriyaki Meatballs with Veggies
This dish is sweet, savory, and perfect for pairing with rice or noodles. Find the recipe from Cooking Classy.
23. Jambalaya
Packed with bold Cajun flavors. Check it out on Sweet Phi.
24. Pulled BBQ Beef
This BBQ beef comes out tender, juicy, and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. Get it from Haute & Healthy Living.
25. Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, this pasta is the perfect Italian-inspired comfort food. Try it from Six Sisters’ Stuff.
Freezer Meal Prep Tips
- Label Everything: Add the name, date, and cooking instructions to your freezer bags for easy reference.
- Freeze Flat: Lay bags flat to save space and stack more easily.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the meal will taste.
With these freezer meals on hand, you’ll have a stockpile of delicious dinners ready to go whenever you need them.
Happy meal prepping!
