Delicious Crockpot Dinners for Busy Families

Delicious Crockpot Dinners for Busy Families

The All-American Crockpot Chili

Chili is a classic for a reason! It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. For a basic recipe, brown a pound of ground beef (or use turkey for a leaner option) and drain off the excess fat. Then, toss it into your crockpot with a large onion (chopped), two cloves of garlic (minced), a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a 15-ounce can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), a 15-ounce can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed), a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and a half-teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat). Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings. Leftovers are even better the next day!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This is a ridiculously easy recipe that yields endless possibilities. Simply place 1.5-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your crockpot. Pour a jar of your favorite salsa (the spicier, the better!) over the chicken, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4. Shred the chicken with two forks once it’s cooked through. Use it in tacos, burritos, salads, quesadillas – the options are truly limitless! This is a great way to meal prep for the week.

Tender and Juicy Crockpot Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make in a slow cooker. Season a 3-4 pound pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Place it in your crockpot, fat side up. Add about a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (or use a mix of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices for a homemade option). Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-6. Once it’s cooked through and easily shreds with two forks, pull it apart and mix it back into the sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.

RELATED ARTICLE  Fresh Ingredient Family Meals Simple Recipes

Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew

Perfect for a chilly evening, this beef stew is packed with flavor and vegetables. Brown 1.5 pounds of stew beef cubes in a skillet and then transfer them to your crockpot. Add one large onion (chopped), two carrots (chopped), two celery stalks (chopped), four potatoes (cubed), a cup of beef broth, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of dried thyme, and a bay leaf. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4. The beef will be incredibly tender, and the vegetables will be perfectly cooked. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Simple and Satisfying Crockpot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights. Combine 1.5-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a cup of uncooked long-grain rice, a can of diced tomatoes (undrained), a can of cream of mushroom soup, a cup of chicken broth, and your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder work well). Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4. The chicken will be incredibly tender, and the rice will be perfectly cooked. It’s a complete meal in one pot – cleanup is a breeze!

Delicious Crockpot Lasagna

Yes, you can make lasagna in a crockpot! Layer uncooked lasagna noodles (use no-boil noodles for best results), ricotta cheese mixed with eggs and spices, your favorite meat sauce (store-bought or homemade), and mozzarella cheese in your crockpot. Pour a jar of your favorite pasta sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set. This is a fantastic make-ahead meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. Visit here about family fresh meals crockpot

RELATED ARTICLE  Nourishing Your Family Simple, Delicious Meals