Jackie's Not So Spicy, Spicy Beef Roast

Ingredients:
3 pound top round roast
1 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns (use 2 Tbsp. if you like it spicy)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard

Assembly:
Combine pepper and garlic. 
Cut shallow slits in roast. 
Rub with pepper/garlic mixture.
Place roast in gallon size Ziploc freezer bag.
Combine remaining ingredients.
Pour over meat.
Freeze.

Serving Day:
Thaw completely. Place in slow cooker.  Pour juices over roast.  Cook on low 8-10 hours.  Cut thin slices against the grain. Return to au jus in crockpot until ready to serve.  Place meat slices on platter to serve.  If desired, pour au jus into gravy bowl to be drizzled over meat.

Chicken Cacciatore by Tiffany

http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/freezer-meal-recipe-chicken-cacciatore/

I doubled the below recipe, adapted slightly, and used 1 zucchini and 1 yellow squash instead of 2 zucchini.

Ingredients:
3 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
1 {26 oz} jar of spaghetti sauce
1 zucchini, chopped
1 sweet pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
salt and pepper
1 clove minced garlic

There are 2 different ways you can make this. You can load all the ingredients into a gallon sized Ziploc bag, lay it flat, freeze, and cook it in the crock pot at a later date or layer the ingredients in a foil pan, seal and pop in the freezer.

Crock Pot Cooking Method: Cook from frozen on high for 8 hours or until chicken is thoroughly cooked, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator overnight and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Oven Cooking Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Cook at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles if desired.

Crockpot Chicken Philly Cheesesteak by Tiffany

http://newleafwellness.biz/2015/05/06/crockpot-chicken-philly-cheesesteak/

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 large onion; sliced
• 3 bell peppers (the more colorful the better), cut into strips
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 6 slices of provolone cheese

Assembly:

1. Add all ingredients to freezer bag, except cheese. (You can add broth and cornstarch.)
2. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.

Serving Day:

1. Place all ingredients EXCEPT for cheese and rolls in crockpot.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and peppers are soft.
3. Lay cheese over mixture.
4. Cook on “low” for additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
5. Serve on a fresh, hot roll.

SLOW COOKER BEEF GYROS by Tiffany

https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/slow-cooker-beef-gyros-recipe/

Ingredients:

FOR BEEF:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into bite size pieces or strips)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Warmed pita folds

• Sliced tomatoes and lettuce, for serving

FOR THE TZATZIKI SAUCE (I chose to buy pre-made dressing instead of making)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup diced cucumber, seeded and shredded
• 1 Tbsp dried dill or 2 Tbsp fresh dill
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper
  

1. Assembly:
2. Add beef to the freezer bag.
3. Combine ¼ cup olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt,pepper and lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour over the meat and toss to coat, in the slow cooker. Toss in the sliced onions. Freeze.
4. 
   
5. On Serving Day:
6. Thaw completely.
7. Pour bag contents in slow cooker.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-10 hours (depending on your slow cooker) or until beef is extremely tender. (If it’s not tender, it’s not done yet).
9. Remove lid and salt and pepper to taste. If desired, break up the meat into smaller bite-size pieces.

1. Make the tzatziki sauce (or use store bought). Combine yogurt, cucumber, dill, salt and garlic in medium bowl. Stir until creamy and combined. Salt and pepper to taste.
2. Serve beef over pita folds with Tzatziki sauce, onions, tomatoes and lettuce.

Slow Cooker Honey Parmesan Pork Roast by Beth

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/12/slow-cooker-parmesan-honey-pork-roast.html

Ingredients:
2-3 lbs. boneless pork loin
2/3 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. honey
3 T. soy sauce
2 T. dried basil
2 T. garlic, minced
2 T. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. water

Assembly:
Place roast in gallon freezer bag.  In small bowl, combine the next 7 ingredients (cheese through salt).  Pour sauce in sandwich bag and place inside larger bag with pork.  Freeze.

To Serve:
Thaw completely.  Place roast in slow cooker.  Gently squeeze sauce bag to remix all the ingredients; pour over roast.  Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.  Remove to serving plate and keep warm.  Pour sauce in small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Combine water and cornstarch until smooth.  Add to saucepan and bring to second boil.  Cook and stir for 2 min or until sauce thickens.  Serve sauce over sliced roast.

Teriyaki Meatballs by Jackie

 Do you love an easy meal? As a mom of four active children, I sure do!   

My slow cooker saves dinnertime for us on a regular basis, especially now, with the busyness of summer! Freezer Friend, Jen, first made this recipe back in 2011, as a baked dish. I decided to try it in the slow cooker and it worked perfectly!  I hope you enjoy this delicious, colorful dish as much as we do!

Meatball Ingredients:

36 - 1 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs (I used Deluxe Meatballs from GFS.)

1 large can of pineapple chucks and juice

1 jar of Kikoman’s Teriyaki Baste and Glaze (Kroger brand works too.)

2 cups of frozen 3 pepper and onion blend  

Assembly ~ Meatballs:

Pour pineapple chunks and juice, teriyaki glaze, frozen vegetables and frozen meatballs into a gallon size Ziploc freezer bag. Freeze bag standing up, so it can easily be put into slow cooker while still frozen. 

Serving Day ~ Meatballs:

Option 1: Cook from thawed:

Thaw completely. Pour meatball mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.  Bake covered at 350 for 30-45 minutes. Serve over the cooked rice.

 

Option 2: Cook from frozen:

Pour frozen meatball mixture into slow cooker.  Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until done.

Serve both options over prepared rice.

Rice Ingredients:

1 bag of  rice

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. salt

Assembly ~ Rice:  

Place rice, butter and salt into quart size freezer bag.  Freeze flat.

Serving Day ~ Rice: 

(Note to Freezer Friendz Swap Group: I already added butter and salt into your bags of rice.)

Stove Top Directions:

Add rice and 3 1/3c. water in a saucepan.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Lower heat to simmer.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.  Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. 

Microwave Directions:

Add rice and 3 1/3 c. water to microwave safe container.  Stir and cover.  Cook on High (100%) power for 5 minutes.  Cook on Medium (50%) power for 30 minutes.  Remove from microwave and let stand covered for 5 minutes.

Cilantro Lime Chicken by Jackie

This recipe is one of our family favorites!  You can eat the chicken breasts as is or try one of the many ways we have enjoyed it.  One of our favorites is to serve it over rice with a little sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top.  We've also enjoyed it shredded as taco meat wrapped in soft tortillas.  My kids really love it shredded and served with tortilla chips.  However you choose to serve it, I hope you love it as much as we do!

Ingredients:
One 24-ounce jar medium or mild salsa

Juice from one lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
*3/4 tsp. chili powder
*1/4 tsp. garlic powder
*1/4 tsp. onion powder
*1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
*1/4 tsp. oregano
*1/2 tsp. paprika
*1/2 Tbsp. ground cumin
*1 tsp. sea salt
*1/4 tsp. black pepper
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of fat

                                                   

Assembly:
Mix all ingredients, except chicken, in a gallon Ziploc freezer bag.  Add chicken and coat well.  Freeze flat. 

Serving Day:
Thaw completely.  Place in slow cooker.  Cook on low for 6 hours. 

Variations:
1. You can substitute a 16 oz. jar of salsa and 8 oz. can of tomato sauce for 24 oz. salsa.
2. You can substitute one packet of taco seasoning for all spices (marked with *).  I used the spices listed in recipe for swap because it is healthier than prepackaged taco seasoning.

 *Adapted from http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/11/18/slow-cooker-cilantro-lime-chicken.html

CROCKPOT: HAWAIIAN CHICKEN by Tiffany

http://crockpotempire.com/hawaiian-luau-chicken-steak-or-pork/

Ingredients:

4-6 pre-made chicken or steak skewers removed from the skewer OR 4 chicken breasts OR 1-2 lbs. Sirloin or Round Steak OR a 1-2 lb. pork tenderloin

1 bottle of  Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki Sauce

Fresh vegetables of your choice OR 1 bag of frozen stir fry vegetables

1 to 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks OR 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Directions:

Spray crockpot with non-stick spray. Add meat, vegetables and pineapple to crockpot and pour the bottle of Island Soyaki on top. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 4-6. Serve over a bed of rice.

Cooking rice:
Rinse rice under cold water. Place 3 cups water in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add rice and bring to gentle simmer. Cove rice and turn heat to low. Cook 18 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.

Freezer Meal Directions:

You can also throw all of the ingredients into a large bowl and then place ingredients into a large freezer bag or container. When ready to use, put in refrigerator and thaw overnight and the next morning fill the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Fire Roasted Tomato Bisque

This recipe is from: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/fire-roasted-tomato-bisque

One day I went to Panera Bread with friends and tried their tomato soup and I was in love!!  The problem was I can't recreate a dish (I wish I could), so I began searching online.  I ran across this recipe on FoodandWine.com and thought it sounds hearty and delicious.  I made this adding extra vegetables and haven't turned back!  I make it in big batches and freeze it in portions my family will eat.  I pair this with a chicken parmesan grilled cheese or grilled cheese with roasted mushrooms and onions smothered in smoked chipotle Gouda!  

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 3 celery rib, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
• Two 14 1/2-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1/2 cup garlic or cheese croutons, for garnish (optional)
• 
  

Assembly:

Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic cloves.  Melt half of the butter in a large stock pan.  Add the vegetables, continue stirring until soft and brown, but not burnt.  Add flour and stir for about a minute until the flour is fully incorporated.  Add the broth or homemade chicken stock, roasted tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar.  Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover until vegetables are soft.  
Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to blend to the consistency you desire.  I prefer on the chunky side, so I blend less.  Continue blending if you prefer smooth.  Lastly, add the heavy whipping cream, 2 TBSP butter and salt and pepper.  

To bake:

Thaw in a bowl in the frog overnight.  Place in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer to reheat and ENJOY!  If you think last minute I want Tomato Bisque, place the bag in cold water to help quickly begin the thawing process enough that it can be broken into chunks.  In a sauce pan, add enough water to cover the bottom, place the chunks in, cover with a lid.  Stir occasionally until its thawed and warmed through, then ENJOY! 

Cincinnati Style Crockpot Chili w/ Spaghetti by Beth

Ingredients:
2 lb. ground beef (I used 90/10 since the fat cannot be drained from this recipe)
6 oz. tomato paste
1 qt. water
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 T. white vinegar
1 T. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 T. chili powder
1 T. pepper
2 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cumin
16 oz. spaghetti noodles
16 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
Assembly:
In gallon size freezer bag, combine RAW beef with the next 10 ingredients.  Seal and mash up bag to mix ingredients, breaking up pieces of meat.  Lay flat to freeze.
Serving Day:
Thaw completely in the fridge.  Pour in crockpot and cook on low all day (or on high for about 4 hours).  Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions; drain.  Serve chili on top of bed of spaghetti; top with handful (or two) of cheese.

Homemade Sloppy Joes by Jackie

Adapted from Best Loved Slow Cooker Recipes

*As of May 2009, this recipe can be made gluten free by using the products in parenthesis.

One recipe makes 16 servings.

Ingredients:
3 lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced or ¼ tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 c. ketchup (*Heinz)
1 c. chopped green pepper (I used orange peppers too.)
1/2 c. water
4T. brown sugar (*organic)
4 T. prepared mustard (*French’s)
4 T. vinegar (*red wine vinegar)
4 T. Worcestershire sauce (*French’s or Lee & Perrins)
3 tsp. chili powder

Assembly:
In large skillet, brown ground beef, onion and garlic. Cook until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain fat. In any size crock pot, combine remaining ingredients. Stir in meat mixture. Cover and cook on Low 6-8 hrs. or on High 3-4 hrs. Allow mixture to cool.  Divide meat between two gallon-size Ziploc freezer bags.

Serving Day:Place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until heated through. Serve on toasted buns
.

Balsamic Chicken by Jen

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt 

• 1 teaspoon pepper 

• 28 oz diced tomatoes 

• 4 garlic cloves, minced 

• 2 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Assembly:

Combine all ingredients together in a ziploc bag.  Freezer ready. 

Serving Day:

Slightly thaw chicken and place in crockpot low 4-6 hours. 

Rerun: Sweet & Sour Meatballs by: Jen

http://freezerfriendz.blogspot.com/2012/06/sweet-and-sour-meatballs-by-jackie.html


Enjoy!

Chicago Style Italian Shredded Beef Sandwiches by Jackie

*This is my variation of CHICAGO STYLE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES from COOKS.COM
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 (4 lb.) beef bottom round roast
1 tbsp. instant beef bouillon granules
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 c. water
green pepper slices, cooked (optional)
12 (6" each) crusty Italian or French hoagie buns, split
12 slices provolone cheese

Assembly:
Combine garlic, salt and pepper; rub evenly over roast. Place roast in slow cooker. Combine bouillon granules, Italian seasoning, oregano and red pepper & water in bowl. Pour over meat. Cook on low 10-12 hours until meat is easily shredded with fork. Cool meat. Place half of the meat and juice in each of 2 Ziploc freezer bags. Place 6 buns in each of 2 gallon Ziploc freezer bags. Place 6 slices of cheese in each of 2 pint size Ziploc freezer bags. If desired, place a meat, bun and cheese bag in a 2 gallon Ziploc bag to keep the meal organized.

Serving Day:
Thaw meat, buns & cheese. Heat meat just until warm in microwave. Spread melted butter on rolls. Toast them in oven on broil. Put meat on roll. Add cooked green peppers if desired. Place cheese on top. Place in oven until cheese is melted.

Chicken Tortilla Soup by Wendy

Ingredients:
22 oz. frozen Cubed Chicken Breast Dices
1 onion or 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
6 Chicken boullion cubes
28 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
7 oz. chopped green chilies, undrained
8 tsp fresh cilantro, snipped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla Chips
6 cups water, (To be added when ready to cook.)


Assembly:
In a gallon size freezer bag pour chicken pieces, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, boullion cubes and green chilies. In a snack size bag place snipped cilantro.  In a sandwhich bag pour 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Pack all of the bags into another gallon size bag.


Serving Day:
Pour chicken mixture into an 8 qt. pan.  Add 6 cups water.  Heat on medium high until boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  This may also be cooked from frozen and/or in a crockpot.  Serve by placing tortilla chips in the bottom of your bowl.  Ladel soup over the top.  Place cheese on the top and sprinkle with cilantro if desired.  You may also add sour cream if you like, we didn't think it needed it.


Yield:  8 servings

Slow Cooker Roast Chicken by Wendy

This recipe is from www.chewoutloud.com

Ingredients:
1 Large Onion, chopped
1 large (5-6 lbs.) Roasting Chicken
4 tsp. table salt
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. white pepper
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 Slow Cooker Roasting Bag Liner


Assembly:
Place chopped onion on the bottom of the slow cooker bag.  Remove giblets from chicken and towel dry it very well, both inside and out.  Using your fingers, gently pry the skin away from the chicken all around so you'll be able to season chicken underneath skin.  I made slits in 6 different slots, 2 on top and 1 on the bottom to do this.


In a small bowl, combine all the spices, from salt to pepper.  Mix well.  Use your hands to evenly spread two thirds of the spice mixture onto chicken, underneath the skin.  Be sure to include all areas of chicken (legs, back, thighs, etc).  Use remaining spice mixture to spread on top of the skin.  Place seasoned chicken on top of the chopped onion in the cooking bag.  Close and keep chilled overnight if serving the next day.  I froze mine by putting the cooking bag inside of a Ziploc bag.


Serving Day:
Thaw in your fridge for 2 days. Place bag with chicken in slow cooker.  Cook on Low 5-6 hours. Keep on warm until ready to serve.

I wanted to try to cook this from frozen on High for 5-6 hours. Let me know how it was.

Serves: 4-6
This dish is delicious over fluffy rice or potatoes.