These slow-cooker freezer meals feature cozy, flavor-packed mains like chili, pulled pork and creamy pasta—perfect for make-ahead prep and easy weeknight dinners.
1/53
Beef and Sausage Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas
2/53
Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker teriyaki chicken is a snap to whip up on a workday, and it tastes just like Chinese takeout! My kids love it, and they don’t even know it’s healthy. —Rachel Ruiz, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
3/53
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-simmered and seasoned with rosemary, mustard and thyme, this tender and tasty crock pot roast and potatoes recipe is so easy to make and always a hit. Substitute burgundy or brandy plus a half-cup of water for the broth…the aroma of this English roast recipe is wonderful! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
We tested all types of slow cookers. Find out which brand ranked the highest.
4/53
Spicy Sausage Meatball Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw together spicy sausage and three of our favorite veggies for this incredible sauce that makes our mouths water the whole time it's cooking. Besides serving this with pasta (refrigerated tortellini is best), we've had it with brown basmati rice, on toasted Italian rolls to make sloppy subs and as a stew with garlic bread. —Ann Sheehy, Londonderry, New Hampshire
5/53
6/53
Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
7/53
Slow-Cooker Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
8/53
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
9/53
Pork, Bean & Rice Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Don’t miss out on these slow cooker safety tips!
10/53
Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that's perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
11/53
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.—Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
There are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly slow cooker recipes to try.
12/53
Slow-Cooker Beef Burgundy
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender cubes of beef are braised in a wine sauce with savory vegetables. I made this slow-cooker beef burgundy often when I worked full time. It’s good over noodles or mashed potatoes. —Sherri Mott, New Carlisle, Indiana
13/53
Slow-Cooker Minestrone
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker will do most of the work for you! This minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Check out these Crockpot cooking tips.
14/53
Chicken and Lentil Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make a simple, hearty slow-cooked recipe at least once a week. You can mix this up the night before and throw it into the crock on your way out the door. Use hotter tomatoes and chiles or salsa if you like more zing. —Laurie Stout-Letz, Bountiful, Utah
Here are more slow-cooker chili recipes.
15/53
Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this golden soup recipe from a friend. Sometimes I add a few slices of red pepper to change up the flavor a bit. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
There are plenty of healthy slow-cooker meals you can cook up!
16/53
Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
17/53
Cabbage Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
18/53
No-Guilt Beefy Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
You can feel good about these nachos! This meaty topping has less fat and sodium than typical nacho beef because you use lean meat and make your own seasoning. The versatile dish is a tasty go-to for a party. —Carol Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
19/53
Squash and Lentil Lamb Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
My family lived in New Zealand many years ago. Every Sunday my mother made a lamb stew—it was Dad's favorite! I changed the recipe to suit my family's more modern palates, but it still seems just as exotic and delicious. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Warm up with more savory slow-cooker stew recipes.
20/53
Butternut Squash and Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with bread or oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, Indiana
21/53
Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
22/53
Stuffed Chicken Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
23/53
Meat Sauce for Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a thick, hearty meat sauce for spaghetti for a filling feast. When I'm in a hurry, I make this slow-cooker recipe in an electric frying pan instead. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
24/53
Simmered Turkey Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
25/53
Italian Turkey Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I hope you enjoy these tasty turkey sandwiches as much as our family does. The recipe makes plenty, so it's great for potlucks. Plus, the leftovers are just as good. —Carol Riley, Ossian, Indiana
26/53
Roast Beef and Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
27/53
White Bean Chicken Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
28/53
Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
29/53
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
30/53
Moroccan Braised Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
Curry powder is a blend of up to 20 spices, herbs and seeds. Add a pinch of curry to your favorite soups, stews, salads and even rice for an exotic flavor. In this Moroccan stew, begin with 2 teaspoons of curry, then add more to your taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
31/53
Brisket ‘n’ Bean Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy recipe is stuffed with not one, but two kinds of meat: smoky bacon and tender beef brisket. —Ruth Weatherford, Huntington Beach, California
32/53
Cajun-Style Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
I often makes this zippy roast when expecting dinner guests. It gives me time to visit with them, and even my friend who's a chef enjoys this dish. —Ginger Menzies, Oak Creek, Colorado
33/53
Slow-Cooker Southwest Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
34/53
Red Clam Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
35/53
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
36/53
Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
My Asian pulled pork is a happy flavor mashup of Vietnamese pho noodle soup and a banh mi sandwich. It's one seriously delicious slow-cooker dish. —Stacie Anderson, Virginia Beach, Virginia
37/53
Thai Coconut Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
38/53
Chile Verde Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
39/53
Moroccan Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York
40/53
Easy Portuguese-Style Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
One day I was looking at Portuguese recipes and decided to put together a bean soup that embraced the bright and spicy flavors of Portugal. My family liked it so much, it became a classic in our household. To save time and work, the sausage, vegetables and herbs can all be prepped in minutes with a food processor. —Steven Vance, Woodland, Washington
41/53
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
42/53
Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
43/53
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I tweaked a recipe I got from one of my best friends, and I couldn't believe how much this soup really does taste like stuffed green peppers! With beef and brown rice, slow-cooker stuffed pepper soup makes a hearty meal on a cold day. —Gina Baxter, Plainfield, IL
44/53
Chicken Fajita Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This south-of-the-border chowder is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, and it's a winner at family dinners and potlucks alike. We like ours topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese and chili cheese corn chips. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
45/53
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
46/53
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
From the Recipe Creator:
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
47/53
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
48/53
Shredded Beef Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a taco bar or burrito bar for your next party! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream, plus chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I mix in a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
49/53
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
50/53
Brisket Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with huge bowls of salads, frijoles, tostadas and salsas. Brisket was the one dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado
51/53
Slow-Cooker Chicken Bog
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This slow-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
52/53
Cabbage Roll Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
53/53
Tomato Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess that you cheated by using canned tomato soup. This lovely soup tastes homemade all the way! —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Freezer Meals FAQ
What are the best make-ahead slow cooker recipes that aren’t soup or stew?
The best make-ahead slow cooker recipes that aren’t soup or stew include shredded meats like tender pulled pork, perfect for sandwiches or burritos, chili-spiced chicken to stuff into taco shells and saucy meatballs to spoon over pasta or polenta. These dishes freeze well, reheat beautifully and can be used in various ways, from wraps to grain bowls, so they easily fit into your dinner cravings. You can also make a big batch of slow-cooked pasta sauce, like Bolognese, to use in recipes outside of a slow cooker, like a baked pasta, to give the meal a flavorful headstart.
Which convenient slow-cooker meals are the best freezer meals?
The best freezer-friendly slow-cooker meals are those with hearty ingredients and rich sauces that hold up well after reheating and can be a complete dinner without needing to make anything else, like chili, spicy curry or creamy chicken and tortellini. These dishes are easy to portion, freeze and thaw, making them some of our favorite make-ahead freezer meals.
Can dump-and-go slow-cooker recipes be frozen?
Yes! Dump-and-go recipes simply mean there is no initial prep and everything is added to the slow cooker at once, making them just as freezer-friendly as other slow-cooker recipes. Once the food has cooled, portion it into freezer-proof bags or containers and label and date it for easy reheating. For optimal texture, avoid freezing recipes that rely heavily on dairy or delicate vegetables unless you plan to stir those in fresh after thawing.
