My Crock Pot has a permanent spot on my counter these days. I used to put it away after every use, but I got tired of taking it out of the cabinet every weekend. Recently, I’ve been gravitating toward Crock Pot recipes.
From oatmeal to dessert, you can make a ton of things in a slow cooker. What I have been using it most for is dinner. There’s minimal effort on my part and the result is a full-flavored dinner my family loves (plus leftovers for lunch).
I love Karie Houghton’s (Milton, WA) Slow Cooker Shredded Taco Chicken because it’s tasty and versatile. “We had this super duper easy flavorful chicken in several different meals this weekend,” shared Karie.
She turned it into tacos, enchiladas, an omelet and more. Make it once and reinvent it for different meals. That’s my type of recipe. Terri Bailey (Emporia, KS) doubled the recipe for a family gathering (13 people!) and only had a little bit leftover. She thinks this taco chicken is a keeper and I do too.
Another flavorful Crock Pot chicken recipe is Sara Andrea’s (Eugene, OR) Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. “Quick and easy with delicious results” is how Sara describes her recipe. She goes on to say, “I tend to use boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into large chunks. However, the recipe is also great with thighs. Bone-in is also an option.” Basically, use whatever is on sale or in your freezer.
All the fresh veggies and Italian seasonings really give this dish lots of flavor and it smells so good while cooking. If cooking for a family, I would recommend doubling the recipe. People will definitely be asking for seconds (maybe thirds!).
Soup more what you’re craving? Try Jen Lobb’s (Manchester, MD) Super Easy Kielbasa Bean Soup. “My dad got this recipe from a friend year’s ago and it’s a staple in my home,” says Jen. “It’s so easy and can be prepped early and cooked on low in a Crock Pot.”
The subtle flavor of vinegar in the beans adds a special flavor note to this soup. What a wonderful dinner for a cool winter night. Serve it with a nice salad or a warm slice of cornbread. Yum!
Robynne Glenn’s (Lake Arrowhead, CA) Pulled Pork & Crispy Onion Ciabatta Sandwiches is a filling dinner, but it would also be a great recipe for the big game in a few weeks.
Just the title of this recipe alone had our mouths watering, so image the state of affairs in the kitchen when we began to smell the aroma of it cooking! The pork becomes so tender and melts in your mouth. This sandwich is all you imagine it to be… and then some.
“This is so tender, delicious, and flavorful,” shares Samantha Jacobs (Manchester, NH) of her Best Ever Pot Roast with Boursin Mashed Potatoes. “I could eat this all day every day and it might be even better the next day!”
This pot roast lives up to its name – it is the best ever! There are a few steps to this recipe, but every step enhances the wonderful flavors. The roast and gravy are bursting with flavor from all the fresh veggies and herbs. The wine reduction adds something a little extra making it a bit different than your average pot roast.
Adding Boursin cheese to the mashed potatoes makes them not only creamy but packed with flavor. If you’ve never tried Boursin cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese with herbs like dill, basil, and chives. It just melts into the potatoes. Everything together is a marriage made in heaven!
These are just a few ideas to get you crockin’ in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, check out these Crock Pot recipes. Happy Pinching!