I recently wrote a blog post on the my love for the crockpot. It is my sous chef of sorts and helps me get dinner done a few times a week. Sadly I know everyone doesn’t utilize this wonderful appliance as they should. So I began to think of ways to help you see the wonderful benefits the slow cooker has and of course recipes came for mind. Here are 5 easy but delicious slow cooker recipes that you can add to your meal plan. I made sure to use simple easy to find ingredients and give you meal ideas to use along with them. For the purposes of this post we are not counting seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc) as one of the ingredients because those are things you should have on hand already. Feel free to season according to you and your family’s taste. Also I would suggest oiling or spraying your slow cooker with oil prior to use or pop in a liner. Now let’s see what we can get cooking!
Chicken Taco Meat
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or tenders (about 2 lbs)
- Ranch dressing mix
- Taco Seasoning mix
- Salsa
Add chicken breasts to slow cooker and add both packets of seasoning. Pour salsa over (you can also add a 1/2 cup of water but that’s optional) and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Shred chicken.
You can add this to tortillas or hard shell tacos and serve with rice or beans. This can also be used over nachos or a filling for enchiladas or a chicken version of Mexican stuffed shells.
Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- Pork loin or roast
- Can of dark soda (Dr. Pepper, root beer or cola)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Chopped or sliced onions (optional)
Add onions to slow cooker if using. Season pork to liking and add over onions. Pour over BBQ sauce and add can of soda. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred meat.
You can serve this in hamburger buns or sliders with French fries or chips on the side. Also the leftovers make great carnitas, just fry them in a sprayed pan til crispy.
Mississippi Roast
Ingredients:
- Beef roast (about 2-3 lbs)
- Ranch dressing mix
- Au Jus gravy mix
- Stick of butter
- Pepperonis (optional)
Add roast to slow cooker. Season with both packets of seasoning. I wouldn’t suggest adding additional salt because the seasoning used is already salty enough. Add pepperoni if using. Place stick of butter on top. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
This can be served with rice or mashed potatoes and whatever veggies you like. Also can use it to make Upside Down Mississippi Roast. Recipe here.
Angel Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or tenders (about 2 lbs)
- Cream of mushroom or chicken or both (whichever you prefer)
- 8 ounce block of cream cheese (room temperature)
- Italian dressing mix
- Mushrooms, fresh or canned (optional)
Season chicken to taste and add to slow cooker. Add Italian dressing mix, cream cheese, soup and mushrooms if using. You can add water if you want more sauce but this is optional as the chicken will make liquid while cooking. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
This is great over any pasta with a salad or steamed veggies on the side. Also makes a great filling for a chicken lasagna.
Meatballs – 2 ways
Ingredients:
- Package of frozen meatballs (usually found in the freezer section)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup Grape jelly
- 1/4 cup water (optional)
Or
- Package of frozen meatballs
- Italian dressing mix
- Jar of marinara sauce
Add meatballs to slow cooker. Warm BBQ sauce in microwave and then mix in grape jelly. Add over meatballs and pour in water if using. Cook on low for 2-3 hours
Serve as an appetizer night – I like to do this on Sundays with nachos or wings. Or add veggies and Mac and cheese.
Add meatballs to slow cooker. Add Italian dressing mix and marina sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Serve over pasta with a salad and garlic bread for dinner. Or add to hoagie rolls and top with cheese and put under the broiler for a minute or two for meatballs subs. Also cut them up and add a pizza topping to tortilla pizzas.
I hope these recipes I shared make you reach for and use your slow cooker more. It works while you are busy with life and and produces yummy recipes that can be used in various meals with a little imagination. Tell me in the comments which one you plan on trying! Also make sure you’re following me on Instagram @severalpeoplesmama and tag me if you try any!
Love Ricki
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