Let’s be real—when you’re postpartum, the idea of cooking a meal is about as realistic as sleeping through the night. You’re exhausted, your baby’s crying, and the last thing you want to do is chop vegetables. Enter: postpartum freezer meals for the crock pot.
These lifesavers take 10 minutes to prep, freeze like a dream, and cook while you nap (or cry, no judgment). Imagine dumping a bag into a slow cooker and magically having dinner. Sounds like witchcraft?
Nope, just smart planning.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
This isn’t just another meal prep idea. It’s a sleep-deprived parent’s survival tool. The recipe is packed with protein, veggies, and flavor—no sad, bland “healthy” meals here.
Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can batch-prep before the baby arrives. The crock pot does all the work, meaning you get a hot meal without standing over a stove. And let’s be honest, anything that lets you avoid dishes is a win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (because protein is your friend)
- 1 cup diced carrots (for that “I’m an adult” feeling)
- 1 cup chopped celery (it’s basically water with crunch)
- 1 diced onion (tears are optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because vampires aren’t welcome)
- 1 tsp salt (or more, we don’t police seasoning)
- 1 tsp black pepper (for a little drama)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (fancy, but not too fancy)
- 4 cups chicken broth (store-bought is fine, no one’s judging)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop everything. Carrots, celery, onion—get it all ready.
Pro tip: Buy pre-chopped veggies if you’re feeling lazy (you deserve it).
- Throw it all in a freezer bag. Chicken, veggies, spices, broth—dump it in. Seal the bag, squish it around, and pretend you’re a meal-prep guru.
- Freeze it flat. This saves space and lets you stack multiple meals. Your freezer will look organized, which is basically adulting.
- When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge. Or, if you forgot (no shame), run the bag under warm water for a few minutes.
- Dump it in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4.
Walk away. Take a nap. You’ve earned it.
Storage Instructions
These meals last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Label the bags with the date and contents—because “mystery meat” is only fun in theory. Once cooked, leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove (but let’s be real, you’ll use the microwave).
Benefits of This Recipe
First, it’s stupid easy.
No culinary skills required. Second, it’s nutrient-dense, which matters when you’re running on caffeine and adrenaline. Third, it’s customizable—swap chicken for beef, add potatoes, or toss in spinach at the end.
Finally, it saves you from ordering takeout for the 5th time this week. Your wallet (and your waistline) will thank you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the freezer bag. Leave room for expansion, or you’ll have a broth explosion. No one wants that.
- Skipping the thaw step. Cooking from frozen takes forever, and hunger waits for no one.
- Using freezer-burned meat. Check dates before freezing.
Freezer-burned chicken tastes like regret.
- Forgetting to label bags. “Is this soup or pasta sauce?” is not a fun game.
Alternatives for Picky Eaters (or Just Because)
Not feeling chicken? Try beef stew meat or turkey. Vegetarian?
Swap in chickpeas or tofu (add them later to avoid mush). Hate celery? Use bell peppers.
Want more carbs? Throw in quinoa or rice (add cooked grains at the end). The point is—make it work for you.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but they’ll be softer after cooking.
If you prefer crunch, stick with fresh.
How do I reheat this if I froze it after cooking?
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then microwave or warm on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just split it into two bags before freezing.
Your future self will high-five you.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
Use a Dutch oven on the stove or an Instant Pot. Adjust cooking times accordingly (Google is your friend).
Will this taste bland?
Not if you season it properly. Taste before serving and add more salt or spices if needed.
You’re the boss here.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum life is chaotic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. These freezer meals are the ultimate hack for tired parents. They’re healthy, easy, and require zero effort when you need it most.
So prep a few bags, stash them in the freezer, and pat yourself on the back. You’ve just outsmarted hunger (and adulthood).