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Minimal effort for maximum relaxation.
Throwing your feet up on the couch after a long day of work always beats prepping for dinner, lunch or breakfast. And with these recipes, you might find the time to do just that. The only hard labor required: transferring a bag from the freezer to the fridge the night before. Check out these effortless bites you can whip together in your slow-cooker, oven or on the stove.
Chicken Cacciatore
Nothing could be easier than tossing five ingredients in a zip lock. Just remember to throw it in a slow-cooker in the morning. Serve with a pasta or grain. Or skip the carbs (and extra cooking) by loading up with veggies. Recipe here.
Two-Ingredient Marinated Salmon
2-Ingredient Marinated Salmon by The Seasoned Mom. Photo: The Seasoned Mom
Five-minute prep plus only two ingredients? We're sold. If you're feeling extra worn out, opt for a microwavable vegetable side. Recipe here.
Breakfast Quesadilla
Breakfast Quesadilla with Cheese Spinach and White Beans by Well Plated. Photo: Well Plated
These are great if you tend to run late in the mornings. Pop one in the microwave and your kids can eat them on the move. This recipe requires almost no thought as it's super customizable with whatever you have lying around. Recipe here.
Cranberry Pork Roast
Cranberry Pork Roast by New Leaf Wellness.
You only need four items to bring together this roast. After it's frozen, be sure to thaw it out the night prior to cooking. Recipe here.
Tomato Tortellini Soup
Tomato Tortellini Soup by Once A Month Meals. Photo: Once A Month Meals
Soup takes the lead spot in cold-weather meals. Concoct a big batch of this tomato and tortellini combo, and you can freeze it to last you through the winter. Recipe here.
4-Ingredient Baked Pesto Chicken
4-Ingredient Baked Pesto Chicken by The Seasoned Mom. Photo: The Seasoned Mom
This four-ingredient, five-minute-prep recipe is sure to be a hit with its vibrant colors and delicious taste. Tip: add the chicken last, so it's first to fall into the pot. Recipe here.
Lasagna Soup
Simple Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup by Thirty Handmade Days. Photo: Thirty Handmade Days
This simple recipe is a great way to use any extra noodles that aren't enough to make a whole lasagna. Combine the four ingredients and break out your slow-cooker on the chosen day. Add pasta 30 minutes prior to serving. Recipe here.
3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops by Pennywise Cook. Photo: Pennywise Cook
Cheat your way through dinner by mixing these three ingredients and sealing it away. The best part is you can yank this baby out of the freezer, run it under some warm water, and plop it into your slow-cooker. Recipe here.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow Cooker Taco Soup by Once A Month Meals. Photo: Once A Month Meals
If you don't have the opportunity to prepare frozen meals, this is another great dump-and-go recipe. Place ingredients in the freezer bag, and pour into the slow-cooker when you're ready to feast. Lazy tip: choose prepackaged taco seasoning for quick assembly. Recipe here.
Sausage-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Sausage-Stuffed Mini Peppers by New Leaf Wellness. Photo: New Leaf Wellness
These stuffed peppers are so quick to throw together. Instead of bagging it, lay them in a tray so you can easily remove from the freezer and slide into the oven. Recipe here.
Written by Haley Millan for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
