Summer freezer meals are THE simple dinner solution that helps you spend more time in the sunshine and less time in the kitchen!
Summer Freezer Meals are the best way to spend less time in the kitchen, and more time soaking up the sunshine!
The heat is upon us and the last thing you want to be doing is heating up the kitchen everyday.
The less time I have to spend thinking about and preparing dinner, the more time I get to spend in the pool…or sneaking in a movie with the boys. Or running them to and from Vacation Bible School or tennis camp, or gymnastics camp.
I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend time creating these amazing memories and moments to cherish forever, than sweat away in the kitchen. I’d much rather spend an hour in the kitchen getting a bunch of meals pulled together, than not have to think about or worry about what’s for dinner at the end of an exhausting day of summer fun.
It’s about more than time too…it’s about money. I know, for me, the temptation to hit the drive thru is much higher in the summer months. And that gets expensive fast! I want your meals this summer to be simple and easy, and I know you do too.
This is where freezer meals come into play. Below you will find a few how to tips, plus the best list there ever was of summer freezer meals! You’ll find Instant Pot, Grilled, and Slow Cooker recipes.
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Why Summer Freezer Meals Are Fantastic
It’s more than just a freezer meal. It’s flexibility. It’s confidence. It’s savings.
You’ll love the freedom and flexibility of freezer meals. There is something magical that happens in your mind when you know you have “back-up dinner” in the freezer. When your schedule changes or life throws you a curve ball that day, freezer meals provide flexibility and an easy option for dinner. (They are also great for days when you just don’t feel like cooking!)
Less Time In The Kitchen
Spend a few hours shopping and assembling your meals, then spend more time doing the things you love. Enjoy the company of your family instead of standing in the kitchen for hours every night cooking dinner. Have a little extra energy and patience for those last minute projects because dinner is already done.
More Cash In Your Pocket
Freezer meals will keep your tummies happy and your pocketbook full. They open up the ability to shop the sales and stock up, knowing you are getting the ingredients into meals and into the freezer. You can utilize bulk pricing with the confidence of not wasting any of it. Plus, freezer meals help you skip the large bill of the drive-thru or takeout because you already have a meal prepared.
Say Goodbye to Dinnertime Stress
Freezer meals are a lifesaver and godsend on busy weeknights, or on days that just don’t go as planned. (Which might be every day!?) Not having to think about or worry about ‘what’s for dinner?’ is such a relief. Just pull from the freezer, thaw and cook. Dinner will take care of itself.
How to Cook Freezer to Slow Cooker Recipes
Freezer to Slow Cooker Meals are the BEST MINDLESS way to do dinner. Drop them frozen into the slow cooker in the morning and you’ve got dinner waiting at the end of the day. They are the perfect solution for getting a delicious and healthy meal on the table on busy weeknights.
Step by Step Instructions
- Pull meal from freezer and thaw in warm bowl of water for five minutes. You want to get it thawed enough to separate the ingredients from the bag.
- Pour the contents of the bag into the slow cooker insert.
- Put the lid on.
- Set slow cooker on low for at least 8 hours.
- Viola! Dinner is served.
The Best Slow Cooker
I love this slow cooker – I’ve had it for years and years and it (still) cooks beautifully!
If you’ve got a slow cooker that “runs hot,” or just isn’t cooking right for you, I HIGHLY suggest switching to this one!
I get emails every week asking about the best slow cooker and why slow cooker food is nasty and why the meat is dry. The problem is your slow cooker. So….
I highly recommend that a slow cooker have the following features:
- Programmable to the half hour
- Well-tempted with a leveled “warm setting”
- Auto-switch to warm setting after cooking cycle is complete
- Crock-Pot brand (because I’ve tried others and they just don’t cook evenly or the same – at least at my house!)
The one I recommend is programmable to the half hour, cooks very well and has a well temped and leveled “warm setting” too.
Also, I wanted to add – you will see MANY, MANY great options and deals for slow cookers and non-Crockpot brand slow cookers. The price might be low, but as a result – my guess is the quality and way that it cooks your food will be “off.” I do not at all recommend getting any slow cooker with a “dial switch” – where you turn the dial. It just won’t cook right.
Spending a little more on a quality slow cooker that cooks well but won’t ruin your dinner is the wiser purchase!
Freezer to Slow Cooker Recipes
100 Days of Summer Freezer Meals -- Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Adobo Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Yes, this is such a fabulous seasoning and it’s amazing with this easy, homemade sauce. Simple ingredients…loads of flavor!
Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are amazing…powerful flavors with simple ingredients!
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Anything wrapped in bacon is sure to be good, right?
Slow Cooker Baja Shredded Chicken Tacos
These are seriously good, and the whole family will love them! This chicken is also delightful on salad greens too 🙂
Slow Cooker Balsamic & Onion Chicken
Shredded chicken that’s LOADED with flavor - and sure to be a hit at your next family dinner! This is a great “base” chicken that you could use for other meals, or serve as is. It’s also easy to add heat with some sriracha or chili sauce, or twist it Tex-Mex with green salsa or red salsa. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Easy meatball recipe that can cook in the slow cooker, while you take care of other business. To get ready for the freezer, add the meatballs, onions and sauce to the baggie or container. Then you can add the meatballs and sauce to the slow cooker and let them slow cook themselves to perfection! Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Chicken & Black Bean Taco Salad
This taco salad is simply the best!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Buffalo chicken is not just for wings!
Slow Cooker Caesar Pork Chops and Potatoes
Pork chops plus baby potatoes, drowned in Caesar dressing and slow cooked to perfection. That’s what this amazing meal is all about. I don’t love to freeze potatoes that have been cut/sliced, as it increases the risk of oxidation/browning. Use the baby potatoes and you can freeze them whole and cook them whole. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Chicken & Spinach Stroganoff
A little twist on the traditional beef stroganoff, but just as delicious. And packed with a Popeye punch of spinach. This one just might be your next family favorite!
Slow Cooker Chicken & Veggie Cacciatore
So delicious…such amazing flavors that perfectly melt together and complement each other. Also, don’t skip the red wine on this one. I’ve skipped it before, but in doing so you miss out on the deeper flavors in the tomato-based sauce. The red wine has a special way of enriching the tomato sauce and enhancing the veggie flavors. So don’t skip it 😉
Slow Cooker Ole Chicken
We are freezing the soups and sliced chicken...then layering it into the slow cooker with flour tortillas and sauce...add a little cheese on top (just as it finishes cooking), and you have a slow cooker full of cheesy goodness will tantalize the taste buds! Also, a great option for those on a super low carb and high protein diet!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This is such a fabulous chicken dish…packed with flavor. It calls for a ‘specialty’ spice – garam masala. It’s a very ‘warm’ spice and is commonly used in Indian dishes. It’s a combo of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and peppercorns. It’s not spicy…but very very flavorful. And it balances well with the tomato sauce and yogurt in this meal.
Slow Cooker Raspberry Chipotle Chicken
This dish has the perfect combination of sweet, with a little spicy kick!
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken
This chicken is so creamy and delicious!
Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken
Quite possibly the best slow cooker chicken ever.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Delicious enchilada flavors in a cozy bowl of soup!
Slow Cooker Herbed Pork Tenderloin
This herbed pork tenderloin will make your taste buds sing! It’s also going to make that ‘what’s for dinner’ daily song that plays in your head melt away…at least for the day.
Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Wraps
These wraps are uh-mazing…powerful flavors with simple ingredients! Let them all slow cook the day away and you\'ve got a simple, delicious meal for your family dinner!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Skip the takeout! Your family will love this simple, homemade dish!
Slow Cooker Italian Pork with Sweet Potatoes
Freezer to Slow Cooker meals are my favorite - because you put in all the work in advance, and just have to “add to slow cooker” and go. Yes, from completely frozen. As long as you’re slow cooking on low for at least 8 hours, you can drop the ingredients in frozen and come home to a perfectly cooked, delicious dinner. Just warm up some bread and dinner is ready! Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef
This is such a fabulous "fakeout takeout" dish!
Slow Cooker Marsala Pork Chops
These pork chops are creamy and just melt in your mouth!
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
This is a super easy "fake-out take-out" meal! Saves your money and time - enjoy!
Slow Cooker Garlic-Orange Pork Tenderloin
The slow cooker, plus the acidity from the orange juice, plus the other flavors in the marinade — magical (and easy) dinner.
Slow Cooker Chicken Osso Bucco
This decadent and rich chicken will knock your taste buds silly! You’re mixing the deep flavors from chicken thighs, with carrots, tomatoes and wine sauce. It’s fabulous with rice, pasta and potatoes - so serve it with whatever your heart desires. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Peach Orange Pork Chops
So much flavor in these pork chops!
Slow Cooker Pepperoni Chicken
“Chicken, meet pizza. Pizza, meet chicken. Y’all should hang out in the slow cooker for awhile.” Giggle, this is an amazing slow cooker chicken with pizza sauce and pepperoni. You could add other pizza “toppings” into the sauce, if you’d like. Top with cheese with 30 minutes left in the cooking cycle, so it can melt. Then, serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
ADORE this chicken. It’s an ADORE-able meal. You will ADORE the flavor, and you will ADORE how easy it is to make.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Ragu
The rich flavor of this ragu is so comforting! It is even more delicious when served on a bed of warm pasta.
Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Roast
This one is always a hit with my crew of boys! Hope you enjoy this budget friendly ‘meat and potatoes’ meal with your people!
Slow Cooker Salsa Pork Chops
This dish is just delicious! Plus, it is so simple!
Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken
This chicken has so much flavor and the added bonus is to wrap it up in a tortilla!
Slow Cooker Southwestern Pork Roast
The spices and green chile bring out a great flavor in this pork! Great by itself, but would be delicious in a taco or sandwich too!
Slow Cooker Spanish Rice
Spanish rice has never been easier with this slow cooker version! Enjoy!
How to Cook Freezer to Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot freezer meals are your best bet for fuss-free dinners. Plus, you get dinner on the table in a flash! Like, less than an hour.
Yes. It’s possible.
Totally possible to take a rock solid, frozen ball of delicious to dinner on the table in about an hour.
You’re going to need an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Times and notes below based on Instant Pot DUO, 6 qt.
- Fill freezer bag with ingredients using, using FreezEasy Bag Holders.
- Seal bag and place into round bowl, that is smaller in diameter than your electric pressure cooker insert.
- Place bowl and meal into the freezer and let freeze overnight. Remove bowl once it’s the “frozen ball of delicious” is formed.
- When you are ready to make your meal, place it in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to “quick thaw.” This is just to loosen the frozen food from the baggie.
- Pull the bag out of the bowl of warm water and open it up. Flip it upside down directly into the electric pressure cooker insert. Add 1 to 2 cups of water or broth.
- Put the lid on and set to Sealing.
- Pressure cook as directed.
- Quick Release and dinner is served!
Freezer to Instant Pot Recipes
100 Days of Summer Freezer Meals -- Instant Pot
Instant Pot Asian Shredded Beef
This shredded beef is so delicious. And it’s so easy to throw together with a fabulous homemade Asian sauce.
Instant Pot Baja Shredded Chicken Tacos
These tacos have a kick of flavor, but aren't too spicy for the whole family to love!
Instant Pot Best Shredded Chicken Tacos
These are seriously good, and the whole family will love them! This chicken is also delightful on salad greens too 🙂
Instant Pot Buttery Salmon
Simple, yet fantastic buttery glaze that bakes right into the salmon. Mix up a basic butter compound with your favorite seasoning blend and let it melt right into the salmon, as it bakes to perfection.
Instant Pot Carne Asada Tacos
Carne Asada is all about the marinade and this homemade marinade is perfect for steak that will be frozen! It will marinate as it thaws, and then you can pressure cook it to perfection. Once cooked, you can carefully pull apart the meat to add to tacos with your favorite taco toppings! Enjoy!
Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Pork Chops
Melty cheese on top of delicious garlicky chops!
Instant Pot Cheesy Goulash
Take note of the directions for making this pasta in the Instant Pot. No more worrying about the pasta boiling over on the stove. And it cooks it just right! Also, if you’re using gluten-free pasta in the Instant Pot, it’s best to give the pasta a good rinse with cold water (to rid of excess starches) before pressure cooking. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Chicken & Black Bean Taco Salad
This taco salad is simply the best!
Instant Pot Chicken & Sausage Alfredo
Super simple, but oh-so-flavorful, pasta skillet meal! You’ll get the “base” of the meal into the freezer, then add the pasta, cream and cheeses on the day you wish to serve it. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Chicken Ropa Vieja
Delicious flavors come together with this shredded chicken recipe!
Instant Pot Chicken Vindaloo
This fantastic Vindaloo sauce will take your dinner to the next level, and tempt your taste buds at the same time! The chicken and sauce is phenomenal and can be served with rice, cauliflower rice, veggies, or salad...or whatever you prefer! Enjoy!
Instant Pot Classic Spaghetti Sauce
Delicious spaghetti sauce made quickly in the Instant Pot, but tastes like it's been simmering all day on the stove!
Instant Pot Cranberry-Mustard Pork Roast
Adore this sweet and tangy sauce that cooks on top of the pork roast in the electric pressure cooker. Pair with your favorite mashed potatoes and veggies for amazing meal!
Instant Pot Cuban Pork Tacos
This Cuban style marinade takes the pork roast to the next level of flavor! It is packed with amazing flavors and the meat soaks those in, as it pressure cooks. Once cooked, you can shred it and serve in your favorite tortillas (flour or corn work!) and your favorite toppings - we recommend sliced red onions and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Instant Pot French Onion Pork Chops
You’re going to be sopping up the french onion sauce with each bite of pork chop! These French Onion Pork Chops are amazing! Enjoy!
Instant Pot Green Chile Chicken Street Tacos
These tacos are bursting with flavor, and are not too hot for kids to enjoy!
Instant Pot Herbed Pork Tenderloin
This herbed pork tenderloin will make your taste buds sing!
Instant Pot Herbed Turkey Breast
This sliced turkey is simply amazing! Perfect for a holiday meal, paired with your favorite sides. Would also be a delicious sandwich meat to keep handy for lunches!
Instant Pot Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
This shredded or sliced pork tenderloin is magical! It cooks up quick in the Instant Pot and the end result is a tender, juicy, melt in your mouth meal. The sauce is so rich and delicious and the meal is the easiest kind there is! Make this for a busy weeknight, or for your friends and family who come to enjoy a meal with you. We hope you love it!
Instant Pot Island Chicken
Enjoy a taste of summer with this sweet and citrus chicken!
Instant Pot Jerk Pulled Pork Sliders
These juicy sliders are messy, but delightful!
Instant Pot Lasagna
All the best flavors of lasagna...without the extra time in assembling it as a casserole! This quick Instant Pot pasta dish will get raving reviews from everyone at your dinner table. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Mushroom Pot Roast
Company coming for supper? Pull THIS out of your freezer and you’ve got a great meal for them - straight outta the slow cooker!
Instant Pot One-Pot Spaghetti
This one is a winner-winner-spaghetti-for-dinner. Spaghetti is always a favorite and if you’re wanting to move into “one-dish instant pot” meals, I’d recommend starting with this one.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ragu
The rich flavor of this ragu is so comforting! It is even more delicious when served on a bed of warm pasta.
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Pork Tacos
The salsa adds so much flavor to this pork! It melts in your mouth and makes for a GREAT taco!
Instant Pot Santa Fe Chicken
This chicken has so much flavor and the added bonus is to wrap it up in a tortilla!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Parmesan
I’m not sure that I’ll ever make Chicken Parmesan the “real way” again! We loved this “easiest ever” version so much - it’s all the same amazing flavors, with a fraction of the fuss in putting it together. This one will soon be on your regular meal rotation, I know it!
Instant Pot Steak Bites
Let’s take the flavor up to the gourmet level with this delicious beef tips recipe. The pressure cooker does a fantastic job of infusing the flavors into the beef and the sauce in this meal. Enjoy!
Grilled Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs
Delicious garlic-herb butter compound melts onto the salmon and asparagus, as they grill in the foil packs. These are quick to prepare for the freezer and you’ll have them on the table in less than 30 minutes for busy weeknights. The salmon and asparagus will melt in your mouth!
Instant Pot Szechuan Beef
Szechuan dishes are all about the garlic and the chili powders. For this freezer friendly version, we’ve dialed it back a little to be more family friendly, kid friendly, and a delicious version that uses sauces and spices you already have on hand! Enjoy!
Instant Pot Thai Peanut Chicken
A take-out style meal, cooked with ease at home.
Instant Pot Vegetable Ragu with Pasta
A veggie packed ragu sauce to go with your favorite pasta! To freeze this, you’re going to chop up all the veggies and mix with the crushed tomatoes and seasoning. Then let the pressure cooker mingle the flavors and serve with cooked pasta and a side salad. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Pepperoni Chicken
“Chicken, meet pizza. Pizza, meet chicken. Y’all should hang out in the slow cooker for awhile.” This is an amazing Instant Pot chicken with pizza sauce and pepperoni. You could add other pizza “toppings” into the sauce, if you’d like.
How to Cook Freezer to Grill Recipes
- Thaw meal completely.
- Preheat grill.
- Cook as directed.
How to Cook Foil Pack Meals in Oven
You cook them in the oven….ON A BAKING SHEET!
Just about every foil pack contains a delicious sauce, therefore you do not want that sauce dripping and burning onto the bottom of your oven. It doesn’t happen often, but on occasion you might find a small tear in your foil pack and the sauce will start to seep out. You can double wrap it with another piece of foil, if you catch it in time.
To be safe, place your packs onto a baking sheet.
I bake all my foil packs at 400 F, as that’s pretty close to what an average grill will heat to (when lid is closed). Here are some rough cooking times for different types of meat in the foil packs. Note that cooking times will vary depending on thickness of the meat and the other contents in the foil pack.
Foil Pack Oven Cook Times:
- Whole chicken breast – 40 to 45 minutes
- Chicken tenderloins – 25 to 30 minutes
- Stew beef (beef cubes) – 25 to 30 minutes
- Salmon Fillet – 20 to 25 minutes
- Cod Fillet – 15 to 20 minutes
- Tilapia Fillet – 10 to 15 minutes
Opening Your Foil Packs: Use Caution!
Whether you’ve cooked your foil packs out on the grill, or in the oven, you need to be careful when opening them as hot hot hot steam will release from the pack. You can slit the foil towards the top with a small knife, or you could carefully create an opening in the top of the foil. Let the steam escape before opening completely.
Check to see if the meat is done. If it is, get on with your meal. If it is not, quickly wrap it back up and return to the oven.
Grilled Summer Freezer Meal Recipes
100 Days of Summer Freezer Meals -- Grilled
Grilled Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs
Delicious garlic-herb butter compound melts onto the salmon and asparagus, as they grill in the foil packs. These are quick to prepare for the freezer and you’ll have them on the table in less than 30 minutes for busy weeknights. The salmon and asparagus will melt in your mouth!
Buffalo Wing Grill Packs
These foil packs make grilling up wings a breeze!
Grilled BBQ Pork Chops
So much flavor is packed into these juicy pork chops!
Buffalo Blue Cheese Burgers
All your favorite buffalo wing flavors, wrapped together as a burger! The buffalo wing hot sauce is cooked into the burger patty and then you can douse the burger with as many blue cheese crumbles and blue cheese dressing as your palate desires! Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Take your chicken burger up a level with a buffalo kick!
Cajun Burgers
Fabulous Cajun flavors mixed into the burger patties are paired with great burger garnishes - the end result, a delicious burger for your next cookout! Enjoy!
Campfire Burgers
These burgers are mouth-watering, and the sauce adds a little extra flavor!
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chile-Herb Sauce
There’s a silly amount of flavor in this amazing chicken! The marinade is out of this world…top it all off with a fresh chile-herb sauce and you’ll be in grilled chicken heaven.
Grilled Flank Steak Salad
This deliciously marinated steak on top of a bed of greens is simply wonderful!
Green Chile Burgers
We are sneaking in 2 of my secret mix-ins in these homemade burger patties. And then once they are grilled, it is paired with complementary flavors of green chilies and avocados for a fun twist on your burger BBQ night!
Inside Out Grilled Cheeseburgers
Yes, you read that correctly. Cheese on the inside!
Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops
These pork chops are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy!
Grilled Ranch Burgers
Ranch is just such a delicious flavoring on a grilled burger! Hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
Grilled Southwest Chicken
Simple ingredients transform this dish into a flavorful meal!
Stuffed Double Cheeseburgers
The family will fall in love with these juicy, thick burgers that are full of gooey cheese on the inside!
Grilled Teriyaki Burgers
A tropical-teriyaki twist for your next burgers on the grill night! We're mixing in a mayo-teriyaki combo into the ground beef, which results in a delicious, moist and flavorful burger! Top with grilled pineapple slices, a dollop of teriyaki sauce, and other favorite burgers fixings. Enjoy!
Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs
This makes such a wonderful meal! Veggies, chicken, and fruit brushed with a delicious marinade!
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
The spicy kick from the sweet salsa goes great with this flaky fish!
Grilled Tomato-Basil Tilapia {Foil Packs}
The fresh tomato and basil on this fish is simply the best!
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Simple ingredients come together to make these truly the ultimate pork chops.
Erin Chase Store – Summer Best Sellers!
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