Crock Pot Meals :: Simplifying your Evening Routine

Are you that mom that has no idea what to make for dinner? Or that mom that works until 5:30 every night and the last thing you want to think about is prepping a meal, cooking it and then doing dishes? Or are you at stay at home mom that has her hands full during the day and can’t focus on meal prep for dinner? If so, then please read on!

I don’t know about you, but I am all of those things. I’m a mom, a real estate agent who sometimes works some crazy hours and sometimes, I’m chasing my toddler with no time to prep a meal. I’m also not a very good cook! In the beginning, my husband did most of the cooking in our family. He would make elaborate dinners from homemade gnocchi to chicken marsala to the best chocolate chip pancakes you have ever eaten. And then, we had a baby and those fancy meals when right out the window. Well, except for special occasions. He still wows me with some amazing meals but, in an effort to trim up our waistlines and save some time in the kitchen, I started to become a HUGE fan of crock pot meals. Now, not every crock pot recipe is healthy, but there are a ton of recipes out there that use simple ingredients and spices and create a wonderful result!

First things first, you need to buy a crock pot or dust off the old one that is hiding in your kitchen. Then, invest in some amazing Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners, which make clean up a breeze. Then, start researching some of your favorite meals with the words “crock pot” included. You will be amazed at how many recipes can be made in your crockpot! I’ve seen everything from meatloaf to overnight oatmeal! If you have a Costco or Sam’s membership, I also recommend stocking up on chicken broth, minced garlic in the jar and tomato sauce. I seem to use quite a bit of these items in my recipes, and it helps to have them on hand, in bulk.

Here are a few of my favorite go-to recipes for the crockpot:

Buffalo Chicken Bowls

Buffalo Chicken Bowls are a great option if you are craving wings! This recipe is so easy, and I promise your husband will be your biggest fan after you cook this! It’s healthy, too!

• 2 lbs Chicken Breast
• 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
• 2 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 1/3 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Greek Yogurt Ranch packet
• 1 can corn (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (drained and rinsed)

– Add chicken breasts, sauce and garlic to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours

– Shred chicken (I use Pampered Chef’s Salad Choppers, and they work really well) Replace shredded chicken in liquid.

– Mix black beans, corn, and tomato

– Prepare Greek yogurt dip as indicated on packet

– Combine bowls: Shredded chicken, veggie mixture and top with greek yogurt dip

Link to original recipe here.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

With St. Patty’s Day right around the corner, this is a great recipe that is hearty and seriously so easy! It’s a great meal to serve when it is chilly out!

• 3 lb beef brisket with seasoning packet
• 1 package baby carrots
• 4-5 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 1 head cabbage (quartered)

– Place beef fat side up and cover completely with water and sprinkle seasoning packet included with the meat

– You can go ahead and add all veggies at this point, or if you like more crisp veggies, I would add them a little later, maybe halfway through. I definitely recommend adding the cabbage 1-2 hours before eating

– Cook on low for 8-10 hours

– Serve with horseradish or mustard

In addition to using your crock pot, I also highly recommending taking 30 minutes on Sunday to write out your meal plan for the week. It helps hold you accountable and also reminds your husband what you will be serving during the week!

What are some of your favorite crock pot recipes and what other tips do you have to simplify the evening dinner routine?