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.
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.
1-2tbspCajun seasoningdepending on spice level preference
1tspThyme
2Bay leaves
Day of Cooking:
4cupsChicken brothgluten-free
1cupRice uncooked
Get Recipe Ingredients
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
Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot.
Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
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.
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:
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.
What to Pair with your Make-Ahead New Orleans Gumbo For Busy Families
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
What is an interesting fact about Gumbo?
Gumbo is the melting pot of culinary experiences. WIth the combination of many different regional influences, Gumbo embodies the diverse cultural influences of Louisiana. An interesting fact about Gumbo is that it is often thickened using either Okra or Ground Sassafras Leaves, each lending a unique texture and flavor. This blend of ingredients and techniques reflects the region’s rich history and heritage.
What is the secret to making a great New Orleans Gumbo?
The secret to a great New Orleans Gumbo lies in creating a perfect base for the dish. A well-cooked roux typically made from flour and fat, is stirred continuously until it reaches a deep browning color. This imparts a rich, nutty flavor that defines the authentic gumbo flavor.
What is the origin story behind a Gumbo recipe?
The dish’s name likely derives from the West African word for okra, “ki ngombo” as okra was a common thickening agent used by African slaves. The French Settlers contributed the roux, while Spanish and Native American influences are seen in the use of spices and local ingredients.
What are the different types of Gumbo?
There are several different types of Gumo, each with its own flavor profile and unique prep directions. Seafood Gumbo typically consists of shrimp, crab, and oysters. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo consists of, you guess it, chicken thighs and Andouille Sausage.
Vegetable Gumbo caters to vegetarians using a multitude of fresh vegetables and sometimes to fu. Duck Gumbo offers a richer flavor profile with the use of duck meat. Each dish also consists of a thickening agent using a dark roux, okra, or filé powder.
What are the regional variations to a Gumbo?
Regional variations of Gumbo in Louisiana showcase the regionals diverse culinary traditions. Creole gumbo, found in New Orleans, often includes such ingredients as tomatoes and a variety of different seafoods.
Cajun gumbo, very popular in rural areas, usually omits the tomatoes and features the chicken, sausage, or other game meats. Gumbo z’herbes is a Lenten edition to the recipe, and is usually made with a mixture of different greens. These regional variations highlight local ingredients and influences in the area.
What is the best meat to use for a gumbo?
The best meat for use in a Gumbo is really a personal preference and regional traditions. Andouille sausage is a staple, as well as the use of Chicken thighs. Both give a spice and a rich taste that enhances the dish. For a lux touch, Seafood is also popular along the coastal zones. Each type of meat adds a different flavor profile, making gumbo super versatile and customizable.
What substitutes can you make in a Gumbo to make it healthier?
To make Gumbo healthier, you can substitute chicken sausage for the Andouille sausage to reduce the fat content. Use boneless/skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for a leaner protein option.
If you are looking to increase the fiber and nutrient, consider swapping the white rice for a brown rice or quinoa. More vegetables the better, feel free to add different vegetables to pack your recipe with nutrients. Reduce the roux if you are looking to add more vegetables.
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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