Chili con Carne Freezer Meal
This Chili con Carne Freezer Meal recipe has all the classic chili flavors you love, and it cooks itself. Bowls of a warm, hearty comfort food without the hassle.
This Chili con Carne Freezer Meal recipe has all the classic chili flavors you love, and it cooks itself. It takes minutes to prep, then just freeze and dump straight into your slow cooker when you’re ready. Bowls of a warm, hearty comfort food without hassle.
Why You’ll Love this Chili con Carne Recipe
- Set it, forget it, enjoy it. Thank your slow cooker later.
- Large flavor, zero effort.
- Cozy dinner, no chopping required.
- Kid-approved comfort food. Even the pickiest of eaters ask for seconds!
- Watch it stretch! Serve in a bowl, over rice, as nachos. One batch = endless possibilities.
Chili con Carne Freezer Meal
This Chili con Carne Freezer Meal recipe has all the classic chili flavors you love, and it cooks itself. Bowls of a warm, hearty comfort food without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black peper
Serve With
- 1 loaf Artisan bread/crusty bread
- cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Make it Fresh | Cooking Directions:
- Add all ingredients, except Serve With ingredients, to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred beef, stir, and serve with cheddar cheese and some crusty bread on the side.
Freezer Meal Prep Directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except Serve With ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred beef, stir, and serve with cheddar cheese and some crusty bread on the side.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions:
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot.
- Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Shred beef, stir, and serve with cheddar cheese and some crusty bread on the side.
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What to Serve with Chili con Carne
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – chop and toss with olive oil and vinegar
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries (toss in oven or air fryer)
- Frozen roasted corn, cooking and seasoned with lime juice and Tajín
- Coleslaw with vinegar or creamy dressing
- Cilantro-Lime Rice
Freezer Notes for Chili con Carne
- Recipe will last for 3-6 months in the freezer (be sure to remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag before freezing).
- As a meat recipe, I recommend thawing for 12-24 hours before cooking. This follows food safety guidelines and makes it much easier to transfer from the freezer bag to your slow cooker/Instant Pot.
- Recipe can be frozen after cooking, however this does change the texture and flavor. I recommend freezing raw, not cooked.
- When reheating, warm in a pot over medium heat with a splash of water or reheat in the microwave in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each.
Want to Make It Fresh in the Slow Cooker Today?
Step 1: Add all ingredients, except Serve With ingredients, to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Step 3: Shred beef, stir, and serve with cheddar cheese and some crusty bread on the side.
Real Mom Tips
- Skip the chopping. Use frozen, diced onions to save time.
- Too thick after cooking? Add a splash of water or broth until thinned to your liking.
- Make it fun! Turn it into a chili bar night with fun toppings – chips, sour cream, avocado.
- Double down! Freeze the second batch or cook double – leftover chili is so tasty, and leftovers are called “self-care.”
Chili con Carne Dietary Adjustments:
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broth.
Make it Dairy-Free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Make it Nut-Free: Recipe is naturally nut-free.
Make it Egg-Free: Recipe is naturally egg-free.
This isn’t your average chili. It’s a one-pot wonder for when you need a warm, filling comfort food FAST.
Want more recipes? Grab these 5 Easy Dump-and-Go Recipes FREE!
FAQs
Can I freeze after cooking?
You can freeze after cooking, but I recommend freezing raw. The freshest flavor, best texture, and “I just made this” feel happens when you freeze raw. But, if you’ve already cooked it and have leftovers, let it cool and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still save the dinner day.
What if I can’t find (or don’t like) beef chuck roast?
The carne in this recipe is what makes it. If you can’t find chuck roast, you could use beef stew meat, another roast (like rump roast, shoulder roast) or brisket. However, if it’s a texture thing for you, go the traditional chili route and usewith ground beef. Just be mindful that swapping out the meat will change the texture a bit.
Can I serve this any other way than in a bowl?
Absolutely! Can you say “Chili Fries,” “Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes,” or “Chili Mac”?! Anything goes when it comes to this dump-and-go chili – it’s truly so versatile but always hits the spot. Get creative and let me know what your favorite is!
Can I add more vegetables to this Chili con Carne recipe?
If you’re looking to up your veggie intake, you could toss in a diced green bell pepper (buy frozen – they’re pre-chopped and save so much time!) without needing to alter anything else. On the other hand, you can serve alongside veggies!
My family is picky with spice – how can I accommodate that?
My favorite cheat move to help with the “it’s too spicy” people in my house is sour cream (cashew cream for my plant-based friends). Stirring a dollop (or two!) into this Chili con Carne recipe cuts the seasoning and adds a bit of a creamy texture. Additionally, tossing in some shredded cheese will help lower the spice.
Other Beef Freezer Meal Recipes You’ll Love
- Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meal Recipe
- Garlic Butter Steak Freezer Meal Recipe
- Hamburger Soup Freezer Meal Recipe
- Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Meal Recipe
- Mississippi Pot Roast Freezer Meal Recipe
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Comment below and let me know how your Chili con Carne turned out!
