Crock Pot Freezer Meal #1

Forgotten Jambalaya

Here is a recipe that my family loves and the best part of it is that you get to forget about it!  I love my crock pot and when I first tried this recipe I knew it was a keeper.  When I started seeing freezer recipes on the internet I searched and searched for ones that sound good and that my family will eat.  After no real luck, I decided to change some of my favorites into freezer recipes.  Here is the first recipe of what will surely be more!

Ingredients

1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (14-1/2 oz) beef or chicken broth

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

2 medium green peppers, chopped

1 medium red pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons dried basil

1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1-1/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices

Optional - 1/2 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Hot cooked rice

Directions

In a gallon freezer bag add cubed chicken breasts and sliced smoked sausage.  Next add tomato paste, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper and hot pepper sauce to the bag.  Next, add green peppers, red pepper, onion and celery to the bag.  Seal the bag removing as much air as possible.  Freeze it add forget it!  Save diced tomatoes, broth and shrimp for the day of cooking.

In a 5-qt. or larger slow cooker, place frozen jambalaya.  Pour diced tomatoes and broth over top. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook 15-30 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink. Serve with rice. Makes about 11 servings.

This recipe has been adapted for freezer use from the original Taste of Home recipe.