Today's Menu: Crockpot Minestrone Soup!

Today's Menu: Crockpot Minestrone Soup!

So this was the 1st of the 12 crockpot freezer meals I made pre-baby! I will outline how I prepped it for the freezer, then for the crockpot :)

You Will Need: 

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

2 cups carrots (chopped thin)

1.5 cups celery (chopped)

1 white onion (chopped)

1/2 cup zucchini (chopped)

1/2 lb. green beans

3 garlic cloves

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 tbsp. salt

1 tbsp. pepper

2 bay leaves

4 cups vegetable stock (or broth)

2 cups water

3 cups V8

1 can of kidney beans

1 can cannellini beans

1 cup ditalini pasta

Freezer Prep Directions:

1. First, chop up EVERYTHING! Tedious but worth it later :) 

2. Open up bean cans and drain them (they can be combined)

3. Place everything in a gallon size freezer bag EXCEPT the liquids, so your V8, water, and vegetable stock or broth. Depending on your storage situation, if you bag is going to be standing upright in the freezer, start with the heavier items on the bottom and work your way up. (hint: you do not want a bunch of smushed beans at the bottom!) 

Cooking Directions:

1. Take freezer bag out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator the night before. IF you forget to do this (like I did) take it out of the freezer and let it defrost in the sink for about 3-4 hours. I had to break mine up a bit after 3 hours, but it worked out just fine. 

2. Place the entire contents of the freezer bag in the crockpot and add your liquids. You may also want to season it up a little bit more, this is up to you! 

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 

4. Serve immediately! You can place leftovers back in the freezer or in the refrigerator depending on how quickly you are going to eat them!