Step 1

Label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and “use-by” date. (Three months from when you prepped the meal.)

Step 2

Add all ingredients except the orzo and smoked almonds to the freezer bag.

Step 3

Carefully remove as much air as possible, seal and freeze for up to three months.

Step 4

Add to crockpot and cook on “low” for 4-6 hours or “high” for 3 hours.

Step 5

Twenty minutes before you want to eat, stir in the orzo, and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6

Serve topped with smoked almonds.

Step 7

Put the frozen meal into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Close the lid and twist the pressure knob to seal. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes, and then let the pressure release naturally.

Step 8

Open the lid and turn on the sauté setting to bring the stew to a bubble. Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 9

Serve topped with smoked almonds.