New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal Recipe

Do you fantasize about a recipe that is just so mouthwateringly delicious, and then imagine the feeling of knowing that this recipe was also a freezer friendly recipe that takes only minutes to prep? Indulge in the rich, bold flavors of New Orleans with our delicious gumbo freezer meal. This classic southern dish is a harmony of savory goodness, juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and fresh rice all melding in a thick, flavorfully cooked broth. Each tastes a delightful blend of spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana.

This freezer meal is going to become your very best friend. With the ease of preparation and the fantastic taste, this is a recipe for all the busy parents out there that need an easier evening routine. Imagine having a few minutes on a weekend available to prep an easy recipe, that will give you an easier meal during the week, a simple dump and go recipe that will cook for you.  With make-ahead meals like this, you can save time and still provide your family with a nutritious, comforting dinner that everyone will love.

Come along as we dive into the world of New Orleans cuisine in this blog post. Together, we’ll make meal prepping fun and effortless, turning your kitchen into a haven of easy, delicious dinners that smell incredibly delicious during the day. Let’s get prepping!

Why You’ll Love this Easy New Orleans Gumbo

• Nutritious: Full of protein, veggies, and spices, providing a balanced meal in one bowl.
• Time-Saving: Prep once, eat multiple times, saving precious time during busy weeknights.
• Minimal Hands-On Cooking: Once it’s simmering, you can step away and attend to other tasks.
• Perfect for All Seasons: A hearty meal that’s just as enjoyable in winter as it is in summer.
• Healthy Option: Load it with vegetables and lean proteins for a wholesome, nutritious meal.

New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal Recipe

Indulge in the rich, bold flavors of New Orleans with our delicious gumbo freezer meal. This classic southern dish is a harmony of savory goodness, juicy chicken, smokey sausage, and fresh rice all melding in a thick, flavorful cooked broth.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb Chicken breasts cubed
• 1 lb Andouille sausage sliced
• 1 Onion diced
• 2 Carrots peeled and chopped
• 1 Green bell pepper diced
• 2 Stalks celery diced
• 3 Cloves garlic minced
• 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes can
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning depending on spice level preference
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 2 Bay leaves

Day of Cooking:

• 4 cups Chicken broth gluten-free
• 1 cup Rice uncooked

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Instructions

 

Prep/Freezer Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients, except day of cooking and for serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 4 cups chicken broth.
• Cook on high for 4-6 hours, add 1 cup rice during last 90 minutes of cook time.
• Once the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors of the gumbo, stir well and serve.

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
3. Stir in rice, Select the “Sauté” function and allow the gumbo and rice to simmer together until the rice is cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. 
4. Once the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors of the gumbo, stir well and serve.

 

Dietary Adjustments

Make It Gluten Free: 

 

• Ensure Chicken broth is gluten free

 

Make It Dairy Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally dairy free

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Equipment Needed to Make Easy New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Recipe

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal

• 1 lb Chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 Green bell pepper, diced
• 2 Stalks celery, diced
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes, can
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, depending on spice level preference
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• Day of Cooking:
• 4 cups Chicken broth, gluten-free
• 1 cup Rice, uncooked

How to Make a New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal

Prep/Freezer Directions:

1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
2. Add all ingredients, except day of cooking and for serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:

1. Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
2. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 4 cups chicken broth.
3. Cook on high for 4-6 hours, add 1 cup rice during last 90 minutes of cook time.
4. Once the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors of the gumbo, stir well and serve.

What to Pair with your Make-Ahead New Orleans Gumbo For Busy Families

Sides:

• Fried Green Tomatoes 
• Cornbread 
• Louisiana Dirty Rice

Desserts:

• Beignets
• Pralines
• Bananas Foster

Mocktails:

• Virgin Hurricane
• Sweet Tea Lemonade
• Cucumber Mint Cooler

When serving sides I am always on the hunt for unique pieces. I LOVE a large serving bowl, but it feels like I can only ever find super standard sizes. Here is a link to a fantastic custom serving dish that features many different sizes for those summer salads, popcorn movie nights, or anything else you can dream up.

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

1. Chicken Breasts to Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breasts, which makes them more flavorful and tender, especially after slow cooking. Substitute 1 pound of chicken breasts with 1 pound of chicken thighs, diced.
2. Green Bell Pepper to Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and have a more robust flavor compared to green bell peppers. Substitute 1 green bell pepper with 1 red bell pepper, diced.
3. Rice to Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well without altering the dish significantly. Substitute 1 cup of uncooked rice with 1 cup of cauliflower rice. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Additions:

1. Okra: Okra is a traditional ingredient in gumbo that helps to thicken the stew and adds a unique flavor. Okra freezes well, add 1 cup of sliced okra to the gumbo during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Shrimp: Adding shrimp brings in a classic seafood element typical of many gumbo recipes. Shrimp freeze well when added to the gumbo and can be thawed directly during reheating. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
3. Corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and extra texture to the gumbo. Add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

These substitutions and additions not only diversify the flavor profile of your New Orleans Gumbo but also ensure that the dish remains freezer-friendly and convenient for make-ahead meals.

How to Reheat and Store New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal

Best way to store Freezer-friendly New Orleans Gumbo leftover?

 The best way to store your leftovers is to allow your Gumbo leftovers to cool completely. Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container and place in the fridge.

How long will New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal last in the fridge?

When you have properly allowed your recipe to cool to room temperature, and have stored it in an airtight container, your leftovers will remain fresh for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze Authentic New Orleans Gumbo for Meal Prep?

Yes! Freezing is a great option when you are looking to extend the shelf life of your leftovers. When you are needing to freeze your leftovers, follow the same procedures with cooling and store in a resealable bag.

We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, by adding all ingredients, except the day of and serving ingredients, into a labeled gallon freezer bag, and store for up to three months. 

How to Reheat Healthy New Orleans Gumbo Freezer Meal?

Reheating this recipe is very simple. We recommend using the stovetop or the microwave. To reheat in the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds. Stirring between each interval until your leftovers are heated through.

To reheat on the stovetop, place a splash of broth or water in the skillet over medium heat, then place the desired amount of leftover gumbo on the skillet and stir occasionally until evenly heated through.

Best New Orleans Gumbo Recipe for Freezer Meals FAQs

Other Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

• Coconut Curry Shrimp Freezer Meal 
• Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Freezer Meal 
• Spicy Shrimp Fajitas Freezer Meal 
• Maple Mustard Salmon and Brussels Sprouts Freezer Meal 
• Jambalaya Freezer Meal

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