20 Freezer Crockpot Meals for Truckers | MadCo Transportation, Inc

20 Freezer Crockpot Meals for Truckers

  Articles

20 Freezer Crockpot Meals for Truckers

CHRIS KUTZ

  Articles

20 Freezer Crockpot Meals for Truckers

CHRIS KUTZ

Working on the road can be rough on the body - what makes already bad matters worse at times, whether it’s bodily aches or general state of well being, is eating poorly. Ditch the fast food and day-old truck stop sandwiches for something fresh made, saving money, time and gaining a bit more energy than you would otherwise with these 20 freezer crockpot meals for truck drivers. Each recipe was hand-selected to include multiple servings, and high-calorie intake to keep you truckin’, all while avoiding high levels of sodium to keep you healthy. These recipes yield anywhere between 5-8 servings (depending on how hungry you are) and take about 4-8 hours to cook.


1. Roasted Beef & Carrots

A hearty and simple recipe, this roasted beef & carrots recipe is especially great for busy drivers because it only takes five main ingredients, and less than an hour to prepare.

Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

  • 2-pounds of boneless beef chuck
  • 1.5 pound of carrots, diced
  • 3 tbsp of olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of red wine
  • One seasoning packet of your choice (mesquite or chipotle preferred)

Freezer Prep:

  • Combine all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag and mix. Remove all air. When ready to cook, place ingredients into crockpot and cook on low setting for 8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/07/23/slow-cooker-beef-roast-carrots/



2. Chicken Tot Pie

A nutrient-filled meal breaded with tater tots, chicken tot pie is a fun way to revitalize the body at any given moment, making it a life-saver for feeling at home while in the middle of nowhere.

Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 2.5 months

Filling/Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, diced
  • 8 oz of frozen mixed veggies
  • 15 oz of tater tots


Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 a stick of butter
  • 2 small yellow onions, diced
  • 1/4 cup of flour
  • 1/2 of celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon of typical poultry seasoning
  • 1 cup of milk, or original flavored almond milk
  • 2 cups of chicken broth


Freezer Prep:

  • Create sauce in a stovetop: First add butter, then onions until soft. Then add flour and seasoning, then milk and chicken broth, bring to a boil for five minutes. Cool down the sauce and mix with raw chicken and vegetables in a one-gallon freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in fridge overnight - then pour mixture into slow cooker, with tater tots covering the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/05/05/slow-cooker-chicken-pot-pie/



3. Trucker Chicken Chili

A good bean-heavy meal that offers packed protein, this recipe for chicken chili can be especially great by itself, or with tortilla chips.

Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of boneless chicken, chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 15 oz. can of black beans
  • 15 oz. can of white kidney beans
  • 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 15 oz. can of petit diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of sliced red peppers, green peppers and onions
  • 2/3 cup of frozen corn
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tsp of chili powder
  • 2 tsps of cumin
  • 1.5 tsps of oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper
  • A dash of pepper


Freezer Prep:

  • Place all ingredients into 1-gallon freezer bag at the same time. Remove all air before placing in the freezer. Thaw overnight before cooking, then cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2012/12/06/freezer-to-slow-cooker-chicken-chili/



4. Mexican Chili with Cornbread

If the last chili meal wasn’t flavorful enough for you, consider trying out this Mexican Chili with Cornbread recipe instead, an especially great dish for truckers planning to drive through the southwest.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup of frozen corn
  • 1 package of store-bought taco seasoning
  • 10 oz can of condensed tomato soup
  • 1/4 pound of cheese (if desired)
  • 1 box of jiffy corn muffin mix (requires one egg & 1/3 cup of milk)


Freezer Prep:

  • Combine all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag, except cornbread mix and cheese. Remove as much air from the freezer bag as possible. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. In final hour, top chili with cheese and cornbread. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/10/06/crockpot-mexican-chili-cornbread-topping/



5. Slow-Cooked Party Pork

A simple bone-in recipe that requires few ingredients and not a lot of time, slow-cooked party pork packs a hearty punch, and is a great way to enjoy ball games from your cab.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs. of bone-in pork shoulder
  • 1 cup of grape jelly
  • 1 cup of ketchup (Heinz preferred)
  • 1/4 tsp of allspice


Freezer Prep:

  • Keep the pork shoulders in your freezer, the rest of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry. Thaw pork overnight before cooking. Once ready, add pork to slow cooker first, then combine jelly, ketchup & allspice in a separate bowl. Pour the sauce over the pork, then let cook on low for 8-12 hours. When finished, separate meat from the bone and strain the juice to use as extra gravy. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/09/09/slow-cooker-party-pork-recipe/



6. Pot Roast with Green Beans

This is a homestyle meal great for eating before long drives in the early morning, portions yielding four to six servings with very few ingredients and prep time.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. of boneless beef chuck
  • 1 pound of green beans (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 packet of onion soup mix
  • 1 cup of water


Freezer Prep:

  • Add all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag. Remove all air before putting in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and add into crockpot with one cup of water. Cook on low for 8 hours until beef starts to break up. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/12/11/crockpot-pot-roast-green-beans/



7. Spicy Sausage Tomato Soup

A thickly soup that can be eaten with crackers, tortilla chips, or garlic bread, this spicy sausage spinach tomato soup recipe is rich in vitamins and energy, making it the perfect afternoon re-fuel.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of spicy Italian sausage
  • 24 oz jar of tomato sauce
  • 1 can of white kidney beans
  • 9 oz. box of frozen spinach
  • 1/2 lb. of chopped carrots
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of dry pasta (your choice)


Freezer Prep:

  • Add all ingredients to a one-gallon freezer bag, except for chicken broth and dry pasta. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and dump into cooker with chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. In last 30 minutes, add pasta and change to high heat. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/03/21/slow-cooker-sausage-spinach-tomato-soup-recipe/



8. Turkey Black Bean Chili

A lean alternative to traditional beef & pork chilis, turkey black bean chili gives truckers all the same energy without feeling too greasy - this recipe is especially great with fresh avocado, and a side of chips.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of lean ground turkey
  • 28 oz. can of tomato sauce
  • Two 15 oz. cans of black beans
  • 14 oz. can of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2/3 cup of frozen corn
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp of chili powder
  • 2 tsps of cumin
  • 1.5 tsps of oregano
  • 1 tbsp of paprika
  • A dash of red pepper


Freezer Prep:

  • Add all ingredients to freezer bag. Remove all air before storing in the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight and then cook for 6-8 hours. Assist in breaking up the ground turkey while it cooks. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/02/13/slow-cooker-turkey-black-bean-chili/



9. Spicy Pork & Butternut Squash Ragu

This may sound like a fancy dish, but it only sounds fancy - super simple and quick to make, spicy pork and butternut squash ragu will make you feel like you just stepped into a 5-star restaurant, all without leaving your sleeper.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. of boneless pork ribs
  • Two 14 oz. cans of stewed tomatoes, undrained
  • 12 oz. of frozen pre-cooked winter squash
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1.5 tsp of red pepper
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • A dash of garlic powder
  • A dash of paprika
  • 1 cup of dry pasta


Freezer Prep:

  • Combine all ingredients in a one-pound freezer bag, except for the dry pasta, and shake to mix thoroughly. Remove all air before storing in the freezer. Once ready, thaw out overnight and toss into the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. In the last 20 minutes, throw in dry pasta and set heat to high. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Monica Osterhaus
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spicy-pork-and-butternut-squash-ragu/



10. Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew

A pepper-rich soup heavy with tomato flavoring, this slow-cooked stuffed pepper stew will make you feel at home wherever you are, and is especially good for cold nights.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. of Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 green peppers, chopped
  • 2 tbsps of brown sugar
  • 2 tsps of beef base
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • Two 15 oz. cans of tomato sauce
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes with chilies
  • 2 cups of tomato juice (can substitute with beef broth if you don’t like too much tomato)
  • A dash of paprika
  • 3/4 cup uncooked instant rice


Freezer Prep:

  • Mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon freezer bag, except for the rice. Remove all air from bag before placing in freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in refrigerator overnight and place on low heat for 6-8 hours. Microwave instant rice when the meal is finished, then serve over rice. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Debbie Johnson
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooked-stuffed-pepper-stew/



11. Meatball Subs

A classic meal that takes hardly any prep, Italian-style meatballs are a great crockpot option. You can serve them with any kind of pasta, by themselves, but especially on a hoagie.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 4 months


Ingredients:

  • 4 hoagie buns
  • 16 oz. bag of frozen meatballs
  • 1 jar of 24 oz. marinara sauce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Peperoncini slices (optional)


Freezer Prep:

  • No pre-prep required - just keep frozen meatballs in the freezer, and the rest of the ingredients in your cab’s pantry. When ready, place meatballs and sauce in crockpot for 3-4 hours. When finished, place meatballs in bun and top with parmesan & peperoncini slices. For leftovers, place meatballs in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Stacie Nicholls
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-meatball-sandwiches/



12. Spaghetti & 2-Meat Sauce

A special recipe that adds hefty servings of vegetables, the already hearty classic spaghetti & meat sauce recipe can be made even better by bulking up the sauce, and the meat.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of ground beef
  • 1 lb. of Italian sausage
  • 1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • One 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
  • One 6 oz. can of tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp of brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • A dash of salt & pepper
  • 12 oz. box of spaghetti


Freezer Prep:

  • Mix meat sauce and place in a large freezer container. When ready, let thaw overnight and add to crock pot for 8-10 hours on low, or until it starts to bubble. Cook spaghetti separately - when finished, serve over spaghetti. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Mary Tallman
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/meat-sauce-for-spaghetti/



13. Classic Crockpot Jambalaya

An award-winning recipe especially beloved for lovers of Cajun cuisine, this spice-heavy jambalaya is sure to appease driver’s cravings while passing through the sweet-smelling bayou state.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of diced chicken breast
  • 1 lb. of sliced smoked sausage
  • 1/2 lb. of medium-sized shrimp
  • 1 can of 14 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can of 14 oz. beef or chicken broth
  • 6 oz. can of tomato paste
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 green peppers, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 garlic coves, minced
  • 3 tsps of parsley
  • 2 tsps of basil
  • 1.5 tsps of oregano
  • 1.25 tsps of salt
  • 1/2 tsps of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsps of hot pepper sauce
  • Instant rice


Freezer Prep:

  • Combine all the ingredients into a freezer container, except for the rice and shrimp. When ready, let everything thaw out overnight, including the shrimp. Mix everything into the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, holding off on the shrimp. When chicken is no longer pink, stir in the shrimp and cook for another 30 minutes. Microwave instant rice separately and serve together. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Cindi Coss
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/forgotten-jambalaya/



14. Cajun-Style Pot Roast

Another bayou favorite, this cajun-style pot roast recipe is heavy in seasoning, with a few secret ingredients only the deep south can think up.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 2.5 lbs. of boneless beef chuck roast, diced
  • 2 tbsps of cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 1.5 cups of celery, chopped
  • 3/4 cups of onion, chopped
  • 1.5 tsps of minced garlic
  • A dash of salt
  • 1/4 cup of instant tapioca
  • Instant rice


Freezer Prep:

  • Place everything except for rice in a one-gallon freezer bag, and mix thoroughly. When ready, let everything thaw out over night, and dump together in crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until meat is tender. Cook rice separately, and serve the meat with juices on top. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Ginger Menzies
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cajun-style-pot-roast/



15. Chicken Tuscan Pasta

This is a hearty and creamy Italian dish perfect for those looking for something fresh, authentic and full of flavor - especially lean because it only includes chicken, it’s a fantastic carb-heavy meal for marathon drives.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 2 months


Ingredients:

  • 1.25 lbs. of boneless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove of garlic, chopped
  • 5 oz. of baby kale
  • 7 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
  • 3 oz. of cream cheese
  • 1 cup of milk, or regular flavored almond milk
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan
  • 1 cup of mozzarella
  • 1 13 oz. package of dry penne pasta


Freezer Prep:

  • Combine all ingredients, except for cheese and pasta to create the sauce. Shake well so chicken is well-seasoned. Place this mixture in a container, and be sure to remove all air from the bag. When ready, thaw out overnight and toss into a crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is no longer pink. In the last 20-30 minutes, throw in the pasta sauce and cook covered on high. Mix cheeses together, and serve on top. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Rachel Cooks
URL: https://www.rachelcooks.com/2017/03/31/chicken-tuscan-pasta-bake/



16. Ranch Chicken and Mushroom

This is a classic freezer meal filled with unique vegetables, including a medley of mushrooms, perfect for those wanting something gourmet on the quick.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 2 months


Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. of chicken breast, diced
  • 1 can of mushrooms
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • Half a stick of butter (optional)
  • 2 packets of ranch seasoning
  • 3 tbsp of corn starch
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 squash, chopped
  • Instance rice OR 12 oz. box of pasta


Freezer Prep:

  • Keep vegetables and meat in separate containers when placing in the freezer. When ready to eat, let everything thaw out overnight - then throw everything except the corn starch in a crockpot for 4-6 hours on low heat. In the last 30 minutes, throw in the corn starch and pasta with a bit of water into the crock on high heat, covered. If eating with rice, make rice separate. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crockpot-ranch-chicken-and-mushrooms/



17. Barbecue Chicken Thighs

It’s the heart of summer, and you’re craving some barbecue - a lot of people don’t realize it, but you can actually make a full barbecue meal in the crockpot. Here’s how.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 3-4 pounds of barbecue-seasoned chicken thighs
  • 1.5 lbs. of baby potatoes, diced
  • 5 medium-sized carrots, chopped
  • 1 lb. of fresh green beans
  • 5 corn on the cob halves
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce


Freezer Prep:

  • Place barbecue chicken, as well as all the chopped up vegetables and corn halves in a one-gallon freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw out overnight and pour into crockpot. Drizzle barbecue sauce over everything and let sit for 5-7 hours on low heat. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crock-pot-bbq-chicken-thighs/



18. 3-Ingredient Ranch Pork Chops

Fast, simple and most importantly, delicious, this 3-ingredient ranch pork chop recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 3 months


Ingredients:

  • 4 thickly cut pork chops, bone-in
  • 2-3 tbsp of ranch dressing seasoning
  • 15 oz. of chicken gravy


Freezer Prep:

  • Pre-season the chicken with ranch dressing seasoning and gravy in a one-gallon freezer bag. Shake it so it’s well seasoned, then lay flat in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw out overnight, then toss it into the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low heat. For leftovers, refrigerate in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/3-ingredient-crockpot-ranch-pork-chops/



19. Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tot Casserole

A thickly casserole that comes out like a fresh slice of pie, this dairy-heavy recipe takes care of every food group in a really creative way.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 1.5 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 package of bacon, cooked & crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tsps of garlic, minced
  • 10 oz. can of cheddar cheese soup
  • 10 oz. can of cream of mushroom
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 2 tbsps of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 tbsps of ranch seasoning
  • 1 lb. of tater tots
  • Shredded cheese
  • 1.33 cups of milk, or regular flavored almond milk


Freezer Prep:

  • Pre-layer this casserole in a freezer bag, and freeze upright. Layer it by beef & onions, bacon, cheese, tater tots, soup mixture, and cheese again. Do NOT use sliced cheese. If you have leftover ingredients, do this again in a separate bag. When ready to eat, flip the bag upside down and cut it from the bottom with scissors. Carefully flip bag into a crock pot so that it cooks upright, and cook on low heat for 5-7 hours. For leftovers, refrigerate in container and re-heat the next day.


Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/bacon-ranch-cheeseburger-tater-tot-casserole/



20. Cheeseburger Soup

Another cheeseburger recipe! We put two on this list because we know every trucker starts to crave a good-old fashioned cheeseburger. Instead of pulling over at a grease factory, satisfy your taste buds with this rewarding crockpot cheeseburger soup.


Freezer Lifespan:

  • Approx. 2 months


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. of ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, diced or peeled
  • 1 stalk of celery, diced
  • 14 oz. can of chicken broth
  • 1 jar of chicken gravy
  • 3 cups of hash brown
  • 14 oz. of Velveeta
  • 2 cups of evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp of basil
  • 2 tbsps of parsley
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream
  • A dash of salt & pepper


Freezer Prep:

  • First, pour chicken broth, gravy and sour cream into a freezer bag, and then knead to mix. This will be your soup base. Next, mix in the ground beef and all the vegetables. Close the soup base bag and shake rigorously. Keep hash brown in separate bag, keep soup base in separate bag, and keep shredded Velveeta in a separate bag. Lay them all flat in the freezer - when ready to eat, thaw everything overnight and throw into the crockpot with the evaporated milk for 5-7 hours on low heat.


Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crockpot-cheeseburger-soup/



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