Give the gift of cozy, homemade Instant Pot dinners. Five of my favorite Instant Pot Freezer Meals below with packaging ideas and printable instruction labels perfect for gift giving!
Want to be the talk of the town this Christmas?
Want to give a gift that we'll have everyone's eyes lighting up in pure joy and excitement?
Do you want to be the giver of less stress, good food, and happy bellies?
Want to give something original and unique that will be remembered for days to come?
Well then, do I ever have a fantastic gift idea for you today!!!
Give the gift of a healthy, nourishing, family-friendly, and downright DELICIOUS Instant Pot Freezer Meal that your giftee can open and enjoy whenever they are ready for it.
Baked goods and soap are good, but a dinner that can be pulled out of the freezer and be cooking in less than a minute is not just a great gift, but an answer to so many mama's and papa's prayers after a hard, tiring day.
Before I dive into the recipes, let's talk about how to create this memorable gift.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT FREEZER MEALS FOR GIFTING
- GRAB SOME FREEZER BAGS: Grab a FREEZER SAFE ziplock bag. The freezer safe part is essential because the bags are stronger, less likely to leak, and will prevent freezer burn.
- GET A BAGGY HOLDER: To keep it open, I suggest using this inexpensive, but very useful Jokari Baggy Holder. It's the greatest kitchen gadget I've seen in a very long time. I use it for cooking, crafting, and beyond. I consider it an essential in the kitchen.
- LAYER IN THE MEAT: Layer in your ingredients, making sure that the meat goes in first. Press the meat out into a single layer as much as possible. This will ensure even and thorough cooking of the meat.
- ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS: Add the remaining ingredients to the bag.
- SHAPE IT CORRECTLY: If the meal is large, freeze it in the pot to help keep its shape or simply tuck in the corner edges of the ziplock bag. This will ensure that the frozen food will fit into the pressure cooker pot when your giftee is ready to use it.
- FREEZE THE MEAL: Freeze until solid, at least overnight.
- PACKAGE IT: Once frozen, you can package it up for gifting.
- ATTACH PRINTABLE: Make sure to attach the cooking instructions (free printables below)
- GIFT TO YOUR LOVED ONE: It is ready to go!
MY FAVORITE INSTANT POT FREEZER MEALS FOR GIFTING
I picked the following 5 meals because they are healthy, family-friendly, and simple to prep, cook, and feed to a family. They also happen to be some of my favorite meals to make from my blog. Here are the fab five, with links to the original recipes from my site as well if you would like to check them out.
- Instant Pot Triple Bean Chili
- Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken
- Instant Pot Meatball Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Important: For gifting purposes, refer to this post for how to stack and freeze the meals.
For each recipe I will outline 3 things:
- The ingredients and how to stack them in the bag
- The extra items to include in the gift that they will add to the pot before they cook it (like broth, tomato sauce, etc)
- Optional items you might want to gift to round out the meal. These are items that are not perishable that could sit in their pantry until they cook the meal.
To get the needed Printable Gift Tags and Recipe Instructions, fill out this form here and they will be emailed straight to your inbox. More details on the printables can be found below!
Let's get started!
INSTANT POT TRIPLE BEAN CHILI
Stack ingredients in the following order:
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans
- 1 4 oz can mild diced green chiles
- 1 cup diced onions
For this recipe, you will also need to give them:
- 29 oz can of tomato sauce
- 29 oz can of diced tomatoes
They will add this to the pot with the frozen ingredients.
Optional extras: Bag of corn chips, like Fritos
Full Recipe for Instant Pot Triple Bean Chili here.
PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION LABEL BELOW (click here to skip to section)
INSTANT POT HEALTHY CRACK CHICKEN
Stack ingredients in the following order:
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut breasts into 4 pieces each to ensure they are tender after cooked)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
For this recipe, you will also need to give them:
- 15 oz can of black beans
They will stir this into the pot after the chicken is cooked and shredded.
Optional extras: Bag of tortilla chips
Full Recipe for Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken here.
PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION LABEL BELOW (click here to skip to section)
Instant Pot Meatball Sandwiches
Stack ingredients in the following order:
- 30 frozen Italian meatballs (use pre-cooked meatballs from the grocery store freezer aisle)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 28 oz can whole tomatoes
- 28 oz can tomato puree
For this recipe, no additional items are needed for cooking.
Optional extras: Hoagie rolls that can be frozen with the meatballs
Full Recipe for Instant Pot Meatball Sandwiches here.
PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION LABEL BELOW (click here to skip to section)
INSTANT POT PEPPERONCINI BEEF SANDWICHES
Stack ingredients in the following order:
- 3 pounds chuck or rump roast cut into 3 pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
For this recipe, you will also need to give them:
- 16 oz jar of pepperoncini slices
- 15 oz can of beef broth
They will add this to the pot with the frozen ingredients.
Optional extras: Hoagie rolls that can be frozen with the meat
Full Recipe for Instant Pot Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches here.
PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION LABEL BELOW (click here to skip to section)
INSTANT POT CREAMY CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP
Stack ingredients in the following order:
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut breasts into 4 pieces each to ensure they are tender after cooked)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and chopped
- 3 cups chopped butternut squash
For this recipe, you will also need to give them:
- 1 quart of chicken broth (this will be added to the pot with the frozen ingredients prior to cooking)
- 2 (15 oz) cans of white beans (this will be stirred in after the meal is cooked)
Note: this recipe will require that the giftee owns a decent blender or immersion blender.
Optional extras: Bag of tortilla chips
Full Recipes for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION LABEL BELOW (click here to skip to section)
INSTANT POT FREEZER MEAL INSTRUCTION CARDS
For more flexibility, you have the choice between Holiday Gift Tags . . .
and more generic Everyday Gift Tags.
Here you will find all of the instruction cards ready to print off and tie to your package. Simply fill out the form and all of the instructions will be directly emailed to you to print and use as you please!
Note: On the instruction cards are “shopping lists” that include items that they might need to complete the dish. These are all perishable items that wouldn't make sense for you to gift to them since you don't know when they will actually be preparing the dish. These items include cheese, fresh produce, bread, etc. You may want to bring that to the attention of the giftee so they know to look over the recipe and shopping list before cooking the freezer meal.
I can't wait to see how you package your meals!!!
Take a picture and tag me on Instagram @marcitidbits. I will be sure and share your wonderful creations!
Here is a little inspiration for you, again in both holiday style and everyday style.
Just think pretty ribbons . . .
Maybe a little glitter . . .
A pretty plate . . .
The sky is the limit!
The gift of an easy, comforting meal is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give.
While this is a great idea for Christmas gifts, I do hope you will keep this in mind for the many other opportunities where a little love and ministering might be needed.
Just think of all the people that could benefit from such a simple, yet thoughtful gift!
New moms, single busy parents, those who are ill or recovering from surgery, a friend, neighbor, or family member, those suffering heartache, or even to someone who has reason to celebrate.
All of the above would be grateful to receive the gift of an easy, comforting, delicious hot meal.
If you have a second, please let me know who you decided to gift one of these freezer meals too. I've been overjoyed to hear the stories from my local friends and I would love to hear your stories as well!
Give generously, Love freely, Happy Holidays!
OTHER INSTANT POT GIFT IDEAS:
- Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats in a Jar
- Instant Pot Elderberry Juice in a Jar
- Instant Pot Crio Bru in a Jar
- Instant Pot Wassail in a Jar
HOLIDAY THEMED INSTANT POT RECIPES
- 25+ Best Instant Pot Christmas Recipes
- Favorite Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
- 25+ Best Instant Pot Easter Recipes
- Instant Pot Valentine's Day Recipes (to fall in love with)
Such astonishing, I would like to try it, thanks for sharing~
Oh Happy Christmas Sweet Marci! This is a wonderful idea for gifts. I’ve done freezer meals for years and use a vacuum seal bags for our meals, they can be frozen for much longer than in ziplock freezer bags.
I label the bags with the name, date, and amount, this prevents the “I wonder what this is” six months later. To make the bags the shape of the instant pot, I borrow a trick from bag making and “square” the corners so I have something that resembles a pocket book/purse on the bottom. I wish I could add pictures, it’s easy and the “aha” moment comes as soon as you see it. I flash freeze my contents (put them in the freezer with the bag open), once it’s frozen I seal the bag. With flash freezing, especially meats, it prevents the juices/liquids from being pulled into the vacuum sealer.
Stay well my dear blogger friend – G-d bless.
Tamara, I love the vacuum seal bag idea! I’ve searched high and low for those bags that would give me the round surface I want for the pot. Haven’t found them yet. I hadn’t thought to freeze first then seal – you are a genius! Thank you!
I LOVE this! What an awesome idea!!
Do you have any recipes like this that are KETO that I can do this with?
Thanks. 🙂
I’m loving your Instant Pot recipes and this ingenious gift idea is just what I was looking for! I’ve already made the vanilla extract and wrapped for gifts, but this freezer meal goes the extra mile. Thank you for the packaging suggestions, too. So clever!
Laurie, I’m excited it spoke to you! I think it’s such a fun, unexpected, unique gift to give!
Marci, this is such a great idea! Thank you! I am loving your column and recipes. I started on tidbits with your sister, (and I am eagerly awaiting her planner) but now I’m hooked on yours too! I do have peeps who do not own an IP. Would these work in a crock pot, do you think?
Ellen, I’m so happy to have you here! I Love my sister’s blog as well, so I’m glad you could find a place in your world for both of us :). If they make it in the slow cooker, they’d need to let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. Then the standard “6-8 hours on low” should work.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else
experiencing issues with your website. It appears as if
some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to
them as well? This could be a issue with my browser because I’ve
had this happen before. Cheers
I haven’t had any complaints about this! Let me know if you continue to have problems
You might try a different browser.
Very nice article, exzactly what I needed.
About how long does it take to come to pressure? I gave these to my SIL for Christmas and she’s doing the meatball subs. She just called and say it’s taking forever to reach pressure.
I don’t know what to tell her!
Michelle, This is, of course, coming too late, but frozen meals can take longer to come to pressure. Did it end up working out for her?
This is going to sound silly but, how do you get it out of the bag when it’s frozen to put it in the instant pot?
I’ve never done a freezer meal before 🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
Hey Ashley! It’s super easy. I do it 2 ways. 1) I tear down the side seam and just pull the bag from the food or 2) I run it under hot water for about 30 seconds and pull the bag away from the food. Both work! You’ll love it!
I’m getting my grown son an ip for xmas and this is an excellent idea for me to gift with the pot!
Angela, Yes it would be a great combo! Great idea 🙂
I signed up for the emails but did not receive one with the printables either. Thank you in advance for your help.
Michelle, hmm, I wonder if it went to your spam folder. Send me an email at marci@tidbits-marci.com and I’ll get it to you.
Are you the one that does the Lees Mkt frozen meals?
Judy, No Citrus Pear does them at Lees. We are InstaFreeze Meals at Smith’s Marketplace. Our concept is a bit different since the recipes are created for the electric pressure cooker and they are meant to be cooked from straight frozen. I don’t think ahead of time well enough to thaw my frozen meals!
Excited about this!!
Mary, You’ll love it!
Do you have recipes like this for vegetarians and or vegans? Or can these be adapted?
Susan, I do have some vegetarian recipes that could be adapted to this, but from the ones in this post, the Chicken Enchilada Soup is amazing even without chicken and you could swap for vegetable broth. The chili would also still be really yummy without the meat.
This is an amateur question, but do I cook the meat ahead of time or put it in the ziplock baggie frozen? I think it could go in raw for the chicken recipes, but wouldn’t the ground beef just cook into a big glob?
Beth, yep uncooked. The great thing about the ground beef (and I learned this from experimenting) is that after it’s cooked, you can scoop it out and break it apart just like you would chicken, and add it back to the chili. Of course, if you prefer, you could precook it.
I’m excited to make this for my sister in law’s family who is adjusting to a new baby. However, I am having a problem opening up the last three tags. I’m getting a message saying, “failed to open pdf document”
Nicole, so sorry about that! It’s fixed!
Thank you! I got everything printed, now to shop.
This is going to be the perfect gift for my sister in law and her family as they just had a baby. However, for some reason when I click on the last three tag files/pdfs I’m getting an error that says “failed to load PDF document” Anybody else having that issue? All the other files open without a problem.
Nicole, Oh no! Thanks for letting me know. I will get that fixed today!
Can you send me a link to the printables please
Neha, when you add your email to the box, the link will be emailed to you, did you try that?
E mail only gave Instructions for cooking day. No ingredient list!
Yes, the ingredient list is in the post itself.
These recipes look awesome. Thank you! Are the cooking instructions for right out of the freezer or should the ingredients be thawed first??
Kathy, They are for right out of the freezer, no thawing required 🙂
I was not able to find the link to sign up to get the printables either. The recipes look great, and I would like to give them to my son’s girlfriend along with the Instant pot to help her get started with using it.
Sandy, Hmm…I’m trying to figure this out. Did you submit your email to the box in the post? That should email a link to you.
These are great. Is there any way you could add slow cooker instructions on the tag as well. I do t know if all of my neighbors have an instant pot, but they’d likely have a slow cooker if they don’t have an IP.
Liz, I haven’t tried it in a slow cooker, but if I tried it I would let them thaw overnight and then do the standard 6-8 on low cook time.
Do the instructions include slow cooker instructions in case the giftee doesn’t own an instant pot?
They don’t include slow cooker directions. I haven’t used a slow cooker in so long I didn’t even test them that way! If I cooked them with a slow cooker though, I would let them thaw overnight then use the standard 6-8 hours on low cook time. I hope that helps!
Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness — you have included some of my favorite recipes from you – the crack chicken, the creamy chicken enchilada soup! Can’t wait to try the others. And what a GREAT idea to gift a busy cook! I could not find a link to sign up for the cards, instructions, etc. Maybe I’ll try a different browser. Thanks so much for this!
Kathy, I know, I picked my favorites too:). In the post there is a box where you drop your email then they get emailed to you. Do you see it?
Oh dear. I feel foolish. I’m using a tablet to read this and I cannot find a button for the link to print the recipe cards, instructions, etc at the end of this post. Am I mistaken that you did not provide a link to these?
Elizabeth, there is a gray box in the post that you put your email in and then they get emailed to you. Do you see that?
Oh yes it’s there now today. Thank you.
I am assuming these are scaled for a 6 qt pot. Any idea how much I can scale them up for an 8 qt IP? I want to prepare them for my son’s family of 6.
Cheryk, I’ve cooked them in a 6 quart and 8 quart. Either will work!
what a great idea! looking forward to the How-To’s. Happy Holidays!
I would love to do this for my daughter. She is a single mom with a very busy 7 year old and has an instant pot but lacks the energy to really delve into cooking with it. Hopefully this will inspire her!
Barbara, she will love it! This makes learning it so easy.