Jessica Roderick

If you’re like me, life can often feel like a whirlwind. Between work, school, sports, and extracurricular activities, the evenings can become an overwhelming blur of rushing from one event to the next. And on those nights when you’re barely holding it all together, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. This is where freezer meals—especially a comforting, flavorful one like this Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup—come to the rescue.

As a busy parent with kids involved in multiple sports and activities, my weeknights are packed. Between practice, games, homework, and other commitments, there’s often no time for a sit-down dinner. That’s where the magic of freezer meals comes in. This soup isn’t just delicious, it’s the perfect solution for hectic evenings when you need a meal that’s quick to prep but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. 

Why Freezer Meals Are a Game-Changer for Busy Families

Let me tell you, there is nothing more stress-relieving than knowing that you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal waiting for you in the freezer. With kids involved in various activities, my evenings are a balancing act. One kid has a game across town, another is heading to a dance rehearsal, and my spouse and I are trying to keep everything moving smoothly. In the middle of all this chaos, the last thing I want to do is be stuck in the kitchen chopping veggies or worrying about burning dinner.

This Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup is an absolute lifesaver on those crazy days. The beauty of freezer meals is that you can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them, and when it’s time to eat, you don’t have to worry about a thing. You literally take the ingredients straight from the freezer and pop them into the crockpot. No fuss, no mess, just instant relief. 

I’m always so grateful that I’ve taken the time to prepare freezer meals like this one. On those evenings when the clock is ticking and everyone is racing around, knowing that all I have to do is grab a bag from the freezer and put it in the slow cooker makes life so much easier. It’s like having a meal prep assistant right there in your kitchen—ready to save the day.

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The Magic of Programmable Crockpots

Speaking of ease, I can’t rave enough about how much of a game-changer my programmable crockpot has been. If you don’t already have one, let me tell you, you need one in your life. These magical kitchen tools make dinner prep a breeze, especially on those evenings when you’re running around like a mad person.

For me, the best part of making freezer meals like this Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup is the convenience of the slow cooker. When I’m getting ready to head out the door for one of my kids’ practices, all I have to do is set the meal up in the crockpot. I pull the frozen soup from the freezer, dump it in, add a little broth, and then program my crockpot to cook it. The beauty of a programmable crockpot is that you can set it and forget it. Whether I’m cooking it on high or low, I can program it to finish just in time for when we’re walking in the door. 

This allows me to focus on my kids’ activities, not on what’s happening in the kitchen. No stirring, no checking, and no worrying about dinner while we’re busy running around. It’s all taken care of for me. By the time we walk in the door, the house smells like a warm, cozy, delicious meal and dinner is ready to be served.

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Freezer Meals: Saving Time and Reducing Stress

Having a collection of freezer meals like this one is an absolute game-changer for anyone with a busy schedule. I’ll admit, there are times when I wish there were more hours in the day. But with these freezer-friendly meals, I feel like I’m able to regain some of my precious time. Instead of spending my evenings scrambling to get dinner ready, I can spend that time with my kids, cheering them on at their sports events or simply sitting down and talking about their day.

The fact that this Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup is gluten-free is just the cherry on top. I know that I’m giving my family a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The combination of creamy potatoes, tender broccoli, savory bacon, and all the spices makes this soup a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle or not, everyone will love it, and I always get compliments when I serve it. 

And when you add the extra toppings—cheese, crispy bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream—it’s an explosion of comfort in every bite. There’s nothing like a bowl of this soup to make you feel centered, comforted, and content, even on the busiest of days.

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Take the Stress Out of Dinner

With freezer meals, dinner becomes less of a stressful event and more of a simple, enjoyable experience. There’s no more last-minute scrambling to figure out what’s for dinner. No more wondering if you have the ingredients. Just take out the prepped meal from the freezer, pop it in your crockpot, and let it cook while you live your busy life. 

For me, this meal prep method has completely transformed how I approach weeknight dinners. It allows me to focus on what matters—spending time with my family, supporting my kids at their activities, and simply enjoying the precious moments we have together. At the end of the day, knowing that I have a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for us when we return makes everything feel a little less hectic and a little more manageable.

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Creamy Potato & Broccoli Soup (Freezer Bag Meal 8 Servings)

Fresh Ingredients (for prep):

2 tbsp butter (add day of cooking)

6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4–5 medium russets or Yukon golds)

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery ribs, diced

1 tsp of salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp thyme

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (add day of cooking)

1 cup heavy cream (add day of cooking)

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (add day of cooking)

Prepare:

Begin by preparing Potatoes, broccoli, onion, garlic, carrots, celery salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently and remove all air from bag.

Remove excess air: Seal tightly, and lay flat to freeze

Add : Broth, Heavy Cream, Cheese, and Butter the day of cooking

Cooking Instructions:

CROCK POT/ SLOW COOKER

Cooking Day Instructions:

Thaw overnight in fridge (or cook from frozen with extra time).

Slow Cooker (preferred):

Cook an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until melted and creamy.

Dump contents into slow cooker.

Add 4 cups broth.

Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until potatoes are soft.

Use an immersion blender (or transfer half to a blender) to puree partially or fully — your preference.

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter, and 1½ cups cheddar cheese.

Serving Ideas:

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast (for this recipe we thicken the soup with cornstarch)

Top with extra cheddar, crumbled bacon, or fresh chives

Out of all the recipes I make I would have to say this is one of the most requested from the kids. I have been making this for years and I absolutely love how easy it is to make and prepare. This can easily be made in the oven also but crockpots just make everything so much easier. This has become one of B’s favorite meals that I make too, she loves how herby is it and usually ends up adding a fresh squeeze of lemon once its cooks. 

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Conclusion: A Meal That Brings Comfort and Convenience

So, whether you’re in the middle of a sports season or just struggling to find time to make dinner, having freezer meals like this Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup in your arsenal can truly save the day. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about making your life easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful. By taking advantage of your programmable crockpot and prepping meals in advance, you’re freeing up time for the things that really matter—whether that’s cheering on your kids at their activities, spending time with loved ones, or just taking a moment to breathe.

So the next time you find yourself running from practice to a meeting to another game, remember that dinner doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing, time-consuming ordeal. With this simple, gluten-free, and delicious soup ready to go in the freezer, you’ve got one less thing to worry about. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’ll bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Freezer meals truly are the unsung heroes of busy families. They’re here to make your life easier, more manageable, and most importantly—more delicious. So go ahead, stock up, and enjoy the convenience of a crockpot miracle on your busiest nights. Your future self will thank you!