If you’re looking for the easiest way to stock your freezer with home-cooked meals, dump-and-go freezer meals are the perfect solution! These recipes require zero pre-cooking—just combine the ingredients in a freezer bag, store them, and when you’re ready, simply dump them into a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven. This is a game-changer for busy families, anyone paying off debt who wants to avoid takeout, or new parents needing quick meals on hand.
How to Make Dump-and-Go Freezer Meals
- Label Your Bags – Use a permanent marker to write the meal name, date, and cooking instructions on each freezer bag.
- Use Freezer Bags or Containers – Gallon-size freezer bags work great for most meals. If using containers, leave space for expansion.
- Add Ingredients in Order – Layer meats first, followed by sauces, seasonings, and vegetables to prevent mushiness.
- Remove Air & Seal – Press out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze Flat – Lay bags flat for easy stacking and storage.
5 Easy Dump-and-Go Freezer Meal Recipes
1. Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a gallon-size freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze flat.
- To cook: Thaw overnight in the fridge (or cook from frozen). Add to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve with rice and steamed veggies.
2. Black Bean & Corn Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze flat.
- To cook: Dump into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread.
3. Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 block extra firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup frozen bell peppers
- 1 cup frozen broccoli
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze flat.
- To cook: Thaw slightly, then stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
4. Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze flat.
- To cook: Dump into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve with rice or naan.
5. Italian Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze flat.
- To cook: Dump into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with crusty bread.
Final Tips for Success
- Double the recipes to make extra meals for later.
- Keep a list of what’s in your freezer to avoid forgotten meals.
- Always label with cooking instructions for easy meal prep.
These dump-and-go freezer meals make life so much easier! Whether you’re tackling debt and need to cut food costs or just want stress-free dinners, these meals will save time, money, and effort. Which one will you try first? Let me know! You can connect with me on YouTube.
