Slow Cooker Meals: Easy Solutions for Busy Families

Many people rely on convenience foods or eating out, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits and high food costs. 

However, slow cooker meals offer a solution to this problem. Not only are slow cooker meals easy to prepare, but they also allow you to cook large quantities of food that can be reheated for several meals throughout the week. In this article, we will explore the convenience of slow cooker meals and how to make them work for your family.

The Benefits of Slow Cooker Meals

• • Time-Saving: Slow cookers allow you to cook meals for several hours without having to attend to the food. Simply chop up your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work. You can go about your day without worrying about cooking dinner.

• • Cost-Effective: Slow cooker meals are a great way to save money. By cooking in bulk, you can stretch your food budget and reduce food waste. Plus, you can use less expensive cuts of meat and still have a delicious meal.

• • Healthy Eating: Slow cooker meals allow you to control the ingredients that go into your food. You can add more fruits and vegetables and use healthier cooking methods, such as using olive oil instead of butter. Plus, you can avoid using preservatives and additives commonly found in pre-packaged foods.

Making Slow-Cooker Meals Work for Your Family

• • Plan Ahead: To get the most out of your slow cooker, it is important to plan ahead. Choose recipes that can be easily adapted for the slow cooker, and make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. You can also prepare ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to start cooking.

• • Use the Right Ingredients: When choosing ingredients, consider the cooking time and how they will hold up over the course of several hours. For example, delicate ingredients such as fish or shrimp should be added towards the end of the cooking process, while heartier ingredients, such as root vegetables, can be added at the beginning.

• • Experiment with Flavors: Slow cookers allow you to be creative with flavors. Try using different herbs, spices, and marinades to create unique and tasty meals. You can also use slow cookers to make soups, stews, and sauces, which can be used as a base for other meals.

• • Make Extra for Leftovers: Slow cookers allow you to make large quantities of food. Make extra portions for leftovers or freeze the extra for future meals. This saves time and money and ensures that you have a healthy meal ready when you need it.

• • Get the Whole Family Involved: Get your family involved in the meal preparation process. Have your children help chop vegetables, add ingredients to the slow cooker, or set the timer. This not only helps with meal preparation, but it also teaches your children valuable cooking skills.

In conclusion, slow cooker meals are a convenient and healthy option for busy families. By planning ahead, using the right ingredients, experimenting with flavors, making extra for leftovers, and getting the whole family involved, you can make slow cooker meals work for your family. So why not try incorporating slow cooker meals into your weekly meal plan today?

Three Easy Fool-Proof Slow-Cooker Recipes:

BBQ Chicken:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs Chicken Breast
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ Tbsp. Dried Onion
• 1 tsp. Dry Mustard Powder

Slow-Cooker Instructions: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or to an internal temperature of 165F. Shred and serve with rice, on sandwiches, or on salads

Salsa Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Chicken Breast
• 1 cup Salsa
• ½ cup Corn
• 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
• Squeeze of Lime

Slow-Cooker Instructions: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or to an internal temperature of 165F. Shred chicken and serve on tacos, salads, burritos, or enchiladas

Pot Roast

Ingredients:

• 4 lb Chuck Roast, pot roast
• 1 oz packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• Carrots
• Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)

Slow-Cooker Instructions:

1. Sear the roast before putting in the slow cooker (can use saute setting if available). This will add tons of flavor and seal in the juices.

2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or to an internal temperature of 160F.

3. When the meat is done, remove the roast and vegetables. Skim the fat off the liquid and pour the liquid into a saucepan. In a small bowl mix 1.5 tbsp. cold water 1.5 tbsp. Of cornstarch. Pour into a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until thickened. Serve over meat and vegetables.