Jambalaya Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
A flavorful freezer meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana: Jambalaya. This freezer-friendly dish is a lifesaver for busy days when you're craving something delicious, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Gluten Free

Hey there friends! Today, I’ve got a flavorful freezer meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana: Jambalaya. This freezer-friendly dish is a lifesaver for busy days when you’re craving something delicious, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Jambalaya is a classic Creole and Cajun dish known for its rich blend of flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines aromatic spices, tender meats, and a medley of veggies, all simmered together to perfection. And the best part? You can prep a big batch in advance and freeze it for those times when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards.

Whether you’re a working parent looking for quick and easy dinner solutions or a meal prep enthusiast eager to stock your freezer with homemade goodness, this Jambalaya freezer meal has you covered.

With its bold flavors and the convenience of make-ahead meals, it’s a must-try recipe that will have your family and friends coming back for more. So, let’s dive into the world of Jambalaya and discover how to prepare this freezer-friendly delight!

Why you’ll Love this Easy Jambalaya Freezer Meal Recipe

  • Time-Saving Recipe
  • Flavorful 
  • Balanced and Nutritious 
  • Spice to your Liking
  • Make-Ahead and Store
  • One-pot Wonder
Jambalaya Freezer Meal Recipe
A flavorful freezer meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana: Jambalaya. This freezer-friendly dish is a lifesaver for busy days when you're craving something delicious, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 427 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 crockpot
Ingredients
 
 
  • 1 lb Chicken thighs boneless skinless
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 lb raw frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 cup celery
  • 2 cups chicken broth or broth of preference
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1-2 tbsp Creole seasoning
Optional: Homemade Creole Seasoning ( Blend Together)
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Onion powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
Instructions
 
Prep/Freezer Directions:
  • Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
  • Add all ingredients, except shrimp, to labeled gallon freezer bag. Freeze shrimp in its own bag in freezer. (TIP: purchase shrimp in 1lb bags and throw into the freezer when you get home.)
  • Store in freezer for 3-4 months.
Cooking from frozen directions:
  • Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  • Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into slow cooker. (Do not add shrimp yet).
  • Cook on low 7-8 hours.
  • Stir in shrimp during the last 30 min cook time.
  • Stir and serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 10384mgPotassium: 1767mgFiber: 29gSugar: 15gCalcium: 876mgIron: 31mg
Keyword crockpot dinners, crockpot dump jambalaya, crockpot jambalaya recipe, freezer meals, grandma’s jambalaya recipe
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Equipment Needed to Make Cajun Jambalaya Recipe to Freeze

  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 crockpot

Ingredients for your Jambalaya Freezer Meal

  • 1 lb Chicken thighs
  • 1 lb Sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 lb Frozen shrimp, uncooked (peeled and deveined)
  • 14 oz Can diced tomatoes
  • 1 Large onion, diced
  • 1 Large bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup Celery, diced
  • 2 cups Chicken broth or broth of preference
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1-2 tbsp Creole seasoning
  • Optional: Homemade Creole Seasoning ( Blend Together)
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Onion powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil

How to Make a One-Pot Jambalaya Meal

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
  2. Add all ingredients, except shrimp, to labeled gallon freezer bag. Freeze shrimp in its own bag in freezer. (TIP: purchase shrimp in 1lb bags and throw into the freezer when you get home.)
  3. Store in freezer for 3-4 months.

Cooking directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into slow cooker. (Do not add shrimp yet).
  3. Cook on low 7-8 hours.
  4. Stir in shrimp during the last 30 min cook time.
  5. Stir and serve over rice.

What to serve with your Freezer-Friendly Jambalaya?

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions:

Substitutions:

  • Turkey Sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the sweet Italian sausage with turkey sausage. It provides a similar savory flavor but with less fat.
  • Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have creole seasoning on hand, you can use Cajun seasoning as a substitute. Both seasonings share similar flavor profiles, although creole seasoning may be slightly milder.
  • Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb alternative, you can replace the traditional rice with cauliflower rice. It’s a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while enjoying the flavors of Jambalaya.

Additions:

  • Okra: Okra is a classic addition to Jambalaya and brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Add about 1 cup of sliced okra along with the other vegetables for an authentic touch.
  • Andouille Sausage: To enhance the smoky and spicy flavors of Jambalaya, consider adding some sliced Andouille sausage. It’s a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine and will add depth to your dish.
  • Green Onions: Garnish your Jambalaya with chopped green onions just before serving. They provide a fresh and slightly pungent flavor that compliments the richness of the dish.

How to Reheat and Store Jambalaya after cooking

Best way to store Authentic Jambalaya Recipe Leftovers?

To prolong the shelf life of your Jambalaya leftovers, it’s crucial to store them correctly. Begin by allowing the leftovers to cool down until they reach room temperature, ideally within two hours. Then, transfer the cooled Jambalaya recipe into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, minimizing the amount of air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.

To track freshness, always label the containers with the date of preparation and recipe name. If you anticipate keeping them for an extended period, consider using the freezer. Frozen leftovers can stay safe and maintain their quality for an extended period, typically up to several months.

How long will Jambalaya last in the fridge?

The shelf life of leftovers in the fridge varies depending on the type of dish and how it’s stored. Typically, leftovers can stay fresh for 3-5 days when properly cooled and stored in airtight containers. If you intend to keep them for a more extended period, the freezer is a viable option, as it allows leftovers to maintain their taste and safety for several months.

Can I freeze Healthy Jambalaya after cooking?

Absolutely, freezing your leftovers for future meals is a great way to prolong the shelf life of your meal. After prepping your delicious meal, allow the leftovers to cool on the counter to room temperature. Once the Jambalaya has cooled, portion it out into serving sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount that you need for each meal. Transfer your leftovers into airtight safe containers or freezer bags.

Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, label each container or bag with the date of freezing to help keep track of freshness. You can safely store your leftovers in the freezer for 2-3 months.

How to Reheat Make-Ahead Jambalaya?

Here’s how to reheat Jambalaya leftovers using both the stovetop and microwave methods. 

  • Stovetop Method: Start by selecting a saucepan large enough to accommodate the amount you want to reheat. Place the pan over medium-low heat and add the leftovers. Stir the Jambalaya occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the Jambalaya appears a bit dry or has lost moisture during storage, you can add a small amount of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Continue heating until the Jambalaya reaches a gentle simmer, and then allow it to cook for a few minutes, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated.
  • Microwave Method: Transfer the desired portion of leftover Jambalaya into a microwave-safe container. Reheat the Jambalaya on medium heat to avoid overheating or overcooking. Microwave the Jambalaya in short intervals, typically 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, pausing to stir between each interval. Continue microwaving and stirring until the Jambalaya reaches your preferred temperature.

Easy Jambalaya Freezer Meal Recipe FAQs

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    Hi! I'm Hannah

    As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!

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