I am the queen of easy meals, including the crockpot! But because the slow cooking method will break down many fresh ingredients, I do include bottled or canned ingredients. Just to get the ball rolling, though, here are some ideas:
BBQ Chicken Breasts or Pork Tenderloin – meat, BBQ sauce, cook all day, serve on buns
Chuck Roast – Sear Meat in skillet, put in CP, top with cream of mushroom soup and one packet of onion soup mix. Add carrots and potatoes later if you like them in the gravy.
Red (Kidney) Beans – Soak overnight, rinse and add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, spices to taste. Cook all day and serve with rice or cornbread
Black Bean soup – Black beans, rotel tomatoes, chicken bouillion, spices to taste. Add chopped carrots an hour before serving.
Spaghetti Sauce – Place frozen Meatballs or browned ground beef or turkey in CP, add sauce, cook all day and serve over pasta.
Veggie Lasagna – Layer marinara, uncooked noodles, desired raw or sauteed veggies, cream cheese, spices. Repeat layers 2-3 times, finishing with marinara. Last 20 minutes of cook time, top with mozzerella cheese.
Poor Man’s Stroganoff – Grease CP. Add uncooked egg noodles and top with marinara or tomato sauce, browned ground beef with onion, and spread 8oz cream cheese on top. Last 20 minutes of cook time, top with grated cheddar cheese.
I know there are a ton of soups and stews you can make in the crock pot, as well as things you may not have considered like meatloaf. Don’t forget to get a little crockpot to easily cook a veggie side or dessert.
Some of these may be heartier meals than you would eat every day, but then you can alternate with chicken or fish, or meatless meals to balance out your week.
Try Allrecipes.com for other ideas. Happy Crock Potting :0)!
