Friday, February 6, 2015

Clean Eating Crock Pot Recipes


 

 Freezer to Crockpot Meals How – To Guide and Recipes: 

1)      Select 5 recipes, write down all the ingredients you need to purchase (don’t forget the gallon sized freezer bags!)

2)      Go shopping! But be sure to check your cabinets, freezer and spice rack to see what you already have!

3)      Label all your freezer bags (I prefer to use a sharpie for this!)

a.      Write the name of the recipe

b.      Write the cooking time

c.      Write any additional instructions, example “add 2 cups of beef broth”

4)      Place all your meat items in the bags. Chop any beef, place chicken breasts, etc. This helps the bags stand up more easily. Recipes are set up for 2 people, so they are easy to double, or just add extra meat and veggies to fit your needs.

5)      Add any canned items such as diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans etc.

6)      Add any frozen veggies

7)      Chop all your fresh veggies and add to your bags.

8)      Add any spices your recipe calls for. Also, don’t be shy to change or add things to your liking as far as the recipes go!

9)      Let out the air of the bags, seal, and lay flat

10)   Freeze and rejoice!!! You made 5 meals with 1 prep and 1 clean up! Less dishes, and saves you tons of time and money! How many times have you thrown out veggies because they spoiled so quickly? Once you get the hang of it, make 10 next time!

11)   The night before you are going to crock pot cook one of the meals, place the bag into the refrigerator. It helps with getting it all in the crock pot the next morning more easily.

.

*Tips – Buy and use the jarred garlic cloves (in olive oil usually) for ease of adding to recipes, or minced garlic in jars.  You can also purchase chicken breast that are frozen in bags, its cheaper this way, and you are just going to freeze it anyway :P

Chicken Recipes:

 

Honey Garlic Chicken (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

2-3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 Garlic Clove, smashed and chopped (or 1 TBS of minced garlic)

1 Teaspoon Dried Basil (or Fresh)

1/3 cup Soy Sauce

1/4 cup Ketchup

1/4 cup Honey

1 chopped onion

1/4 bag of frozen carrots

Optional : Feel free to add any additional veggies such as peas, celery, corn, etc.

Add all ingredients to Gallon Size Freezer Bag.  Cooking time: 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

Honey Garlic Chicken II (easier version)

5 chicken breasts

1 ½ tsp of minced garlic

1tsp of dried basil

½ cup of soy sauce

½ cup of ketchup

1/3 cup of honey

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat. Can take directly from freezer and cook in crock pot for 6 to 8 hours.
 

BBQ Chicken (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or 2 Boneless Skinless Breasts and 2 Thighs

1 Chopped Bell Pepper

1 Chopped White Onion

1 bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce

Optional : Veggies such as carrots / potatoes / peas etc.

Combine all ingredients in a Gallon Size Freezer Bag . Cooking time: 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.  

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Corn

2-3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

2 Tbs olive oil

2 Tbs lime juice

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1 Small bag of frozen corn, or 1-2 cans of corn

2 minced garlic cloves or 2 Tsp of minced garlic

1 finely chopped onion

1 can of black beans, rinsed

2 tsp cumin or chipotle powder

Salt/pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a Gallon Size Freezer Bag . Cooking time: 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

Serve with hot tortillas, over rice or plain. Dress with sour cream, guacamole, and/or cheese (optional)

 Teriyaki Chicken (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

Medium to Large bag of carrots (fresh or frozen)

1/2 Onion cut into Large Chunks

1 large cans pineapple (undrained)

2 Garlic Cloves or 2 Tsp of minced garlic

2-3 Chicken Breasts (or 4-5 thighs)

1 cup Teriyaki sauce

Combine all ingredients in a Gallon Size Freezer Bag . Cooking time: 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

Try serving on a bed of rice or over noodles.

 

Soy Ginger Chicken (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

1/3 cup of soy sauce

1 tbs brown sugar

3 garlic cloves, sliced or minced

1/3 cup fresh cilantro (1/3 of a bunch) chopped

1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches long) peeled and thinly sliced or 1 tsp of dried/spice

1/2  medium onion, chopped

1 tsp ground coriander

2 chicken drumsticks and 2-3 thighs

2 medium carrots, sliced or 1/3 bag of frozen carrots

Optional: Add additional veggies such as a can of bamboo shoots, can of sliced water chestnuts, frozen peas or snap peas for a “stirfy” crockpot version.

Add all ingredients to 1 gallon freezer bag. Cooking time: low for 6-7 hours.  

Savory Chicken (makes a 1-gallon bag/ double for larger families)

2-3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 small can of stewed tomatoes

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp. pepper (optional)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2  large onion, chopped

1 cup chicken broth

1/2  Cup of Lentils (optional)

1/2 Bag of frozen carrots

Combine and put everything (except chicken broth and lentils) into a gallon freezer bag. Instructions for Bag: Cook on low 7-8 hours, add 1 cup chicken broth, add lentils during the last 45 minutes of cooking.

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup  I

2-3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or 4-5 Thighs)

1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed

1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

1 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn or canned

1/2  cup chopped cilantro

2 cups of chicken broth or water

4 corn tortillas

Combine all ingredients into a Ziploc bag. Instructions for bag: Add 2 cups chicken broth (or water) Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred chicken in crock pot after cooking is done.

Serve with: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly brush both sides of corn tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.  

Chicken Tortilla Soup II (easier version)

4 chicken breasts

1 can of rotel

1 can of tomato sauce

1 cup frozen carrots

1 cup frozen corn

½ cup of onion

1tsp of minced garlic

½ tsp of cumin

½ tsp of chili powder

2 cups of chicken broth

Dump everything in zip lock bag.  You do not even need to cup up the chicken.  It will easily shred after its been cooked.  You can take this recipe directly from the freezer to the crockpot (frozen) and cook for 6 to 8 hours in the crock pot!


White Chicken Chili

2-3 Boneless, Skinless chicken breasts

2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans or 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans

1 (15 ounce) can hominy or 1 (15 ounce) can white corn

1 envelope of taco seasoning

1 4 oz can of chopped green chilies

1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup

1 can of chicken broth

1/2 cup of sour cream

 chopped green onion (optional)

monterey jack cheese (optional)

Add all items to bag except sour cream, cheese and green onions. Instructions for bag: Cook on low for 8-9 hours. Before serving, shred chicken in the crockpot and add sour cream. Top with green onions and cheese (optional) 

Chicken Fajitas

5 chicken breast

2 green peppers - sliced

1 onion - sliced

¾ cup of water

2 T of apple cider vinegar

1 T lime juice

1tsp of cumin

1tsp of chili powder

½ tsp of garlic powder

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze!  You can take directly from freezer and put in crockpot frozen and cook 6 to 8 hours.

Chicken Cacciatore

5 chicken breast

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

½ cup of white wine

½ cup of green peppers – chopped

½ cup of onions – chopped

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Can take directly from freezer and put in crock pot frozen for 6 to 8 hours.  Serve over noodles or rice if desired.

 

Beef Recipes  

Beef Peperoncini Sandwiches

2 pounds beef chuck roast

1 (16-ounce) jar peperoncini peppers

Place both items in a large freezer bag, including the juice from the jar of peperocinis. Instructions for bag: Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

After cooked, shred in crock pot, put onto hoagie rolls and top with cheese.  

Mom's Slow Cooker Chili

1 lb ground beef (you could also use ground turkey)

1 medium onion, diced

2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup or chili sauce

1/4 cup water

1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans

1 packet chili seasoning mix

3 stalks celery, chopped

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 Tablespoon of brown sugar (optional)

Directions:

Brown ground beef with chopped onion. While they are browning, combine all other ingredients in resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. When the browned hamburger and onion has cooled down, add it to the rest of the ingredients in the freezer bag and zip closed. Instructions for bag: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, crackers or Frito's corn chips.

 

Lazy Day Stew

2lb cubed stewing beef (or get chuck and chop into large chunks)

1/2 Bag of frozen carrots 

2  baby red potatoes (cut in large chunks)

1 medium onions, chopped

2 cups celery, chopped

1 tsp black pepper (optional)

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

2 cups of water or beef broth

2 Tbs brown sugar (optional)

Instructions for Bag: Add 2 cups of water or beef broth. Cook on low 8 hours.  

Sweet and Tangy Meatballs (makes 2 1-gallon bags)

1 bag of frozen meatballs

1 cup of grape jelly (optional)

1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce

2 chopped bell peppers

2  large onions, chopped

Split everything into two gallon freezer bags, shake it up, seal, label and put in freezer. Instructions for Bag: Cook on low for 4-5 hours

 Italian Meatballs (makes 2 1-gallon bags)

1 bag of frozen meatballs

2 cans of diced tomatoes

2 chopped bell peppers

1-2 large onions, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced.

2 Tbs Italian seasoning  

Put everything into two gallon freezer bags, shake it up, seal, label and put in freezer. Instructions for Bag: Cook on low for 4-5hours.


Slow-Cooked Beef Fajitas

1 1/2  lb beef round steak cut into strips (across the grain)

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 4 oz can of green chiles

1 large onion, cut into strips

2 bell peppers, cut into strips

½ cup fresh cilantro

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder

2 tsp cumin

salt and pepper to taste (optional)

1 jalapeno chopped (optional)

8 flour tortillas (or corn)

Instructions for bag: Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours, Scoop with slotted spoon onto corn (or flour) tortillas. Garnish with sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, pico de galo, etc. 
Newlywed Beef Tips

2 lb beef stew meat (cubed)

French onion soup mix

2 Cups of beef broth or water

2 cups of rice

Place meat and French onion soup mix in a gallon freezer bag. Instructions for bag: Add 2 cups of beef broth (or water) Cook on low 8 hours. Serve over hot rice (or noodles)  

Slow-Cooker Beef and Black Bean Chili

1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1 inch chunks

1 can (15oz) tomato puree

1 cup dried black beans, rinsed

1 medium onion, chopped

3 tbs chili powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

2 cups beef broth

Place all items into 1 gallon freezer bag except the beef broth. Instructions for bag: Add 2 cups of beef broth.  Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve chili topped with sour cream and freshly chopped onions (optional).
 

Pork Recipes

Crockpot TexMex Carnitas

2-3 lbs pork (butt/shoulder works best)

1/2 medium onion, diced

4 oz can of green chiles

1 tsp. fresh minced garlic (or 1 clove, chopped)

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp agave/honey (optional)

2 tsp. lime juice

2 tbsp. orange juice

1/2 c. barbecue sauce

Place all ingredients in a 1 gallon freezer bag. Instructions for bag: Cook on low for76-8 hours. About an hour prior to eating (if possible), shred the pork with a fork and stir. Serve in lettuce bowls/wraps or tortillas.  

Sausage and Peppers

6 Italian Sausages (1 pack)

1 bell pepper, cut into strips

1 large onion, cut into strips

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 can of diced tomatoes (Italian flavored ones are good as well)

1 tbs olive oil

1 Tbs Italian seasoning

Put everything into a gallon freezer bag, shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer. Instructions for Bag: Cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 3 hours.

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Country Ribs

2-3 lbs of country style pork ribs (usually packaged already separated into single ribs)

½ cup ketchup

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup cider vinegar

1 tbs mustard powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

1 cup of bbq sauce

Add all ingredients besides the vinegar. Write “add ½ cup cider vinegar” onto your freezer bags so that you can add it to it when ready to cook. Instructions for bag: Cook for 10 hours on low. Add extra BBQ sauce when serving (optional)

Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

2 pounds of pork tenderloin

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup of brown sugar

4 cloves of garlic, chopped

2 fresh red chile pepper, finely chopped

1/2 large onion, sliced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper(optional)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions for bag: Add 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low for 8 hours, or low for 5.

Parmesan Honey Pork Roast

1 pork roast

2/3 cup of parmesan cheese

½ cup of honey

3 T balsamic vinegar

1 T dried basil

2 T minced garlic

2 T olive oil

½ cup of water.

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Can take directly from freezer and put in crock pot frozen for 6 to 8 hours. 
 

Pulled Pork Sandwhiches

1 pork roast

1 bottle of bbq sauce

½ cup of onion - diced

½ cup of green pepper – diced

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Can take directly from freezer and put in crock pot frozen for 6 to 8 hours.   

Pulled pork tacos

1 pork roast

1 can of rotel

½ cup of onion – diced

1 packet of taco seasoning

Dump everything in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Can take directly from freezer and put in crock pot frozen for 6 to 8 hours. 

Turkey Recipes 

Easy Turkey Chilli

1 lb of ground turkey

1 small onion, chopped

1 4  can of chopped green chilies, undrained

1  can of black beans, undrained

1 can of chickpeas, undrained

1 can kidney beans, undrained

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice

1 can of tomato sauce

1 -2 tablespoon of chili powder (to taste)

Brown the ground turkey. Allow to cool before adding to your freezer bag. Instructions for bag: Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

 

Turkey and Stuffing

1 medium onion, chopped

2 stalks of celery, sliced

1 (2 -2 1/2 lb) skinless boneless turkey breasts, halves

2 (12 ounce) jars roasted turkey gravy

1/3 cup apple juice

1 (6 ounce) package one-step seasoned turkey stuffing mix

Place all items except stuffing mix to a gallon freezer bag. Instructions for bag: Add 1 package of turkey stuffing mix. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Meatloaf

2lbs of ground turkey – could use ground beef

1 cup of bread crumbs

½ cup of parmesan cheese

1tsp poultry seasoning

1 T onion/garlic powder

½ cup carrots

Mix everything together and mold into a loaf.  Put in labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Can take directly from freezer and put in crock pot frozen for 6 to 8 hours. 

Best Burger Ever

2lbs of ground turkey (could use ground beef)

½ cup of Colby jack

¼ cup of BBQ sauce

1T onion powder

Mix all ingredients. Mold into 6 burgers.  Put patties in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Thaw and grill.

 Turkey/Cheddar/Spinach Burger

2lbs of ground turkey (could use ground beef)

2oz frozen spinach

½ tsp of minced garlic

2 stalks of chopped green onion

1/3 cup of cheddar cheese

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp of lemon juice

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

½ cup bread crumbs.

Mix all ingredients. Mold into 6 burgers.  Put patties in a labeled zip lock bag and freeze flat.  Thaw and grill..

 

 

No comments: