While you might not be able to press "pause" on the schedule, you can give your family the chance to connect over a meal that with very little fuss on your part. Not only does the slow cooker let you prep in advance, it helps you make healthy, hearty meals that taste like you worked for hours.
Beef and Vegetable Stew
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There's nothing like a warm bowl of stew on a cool night, especially after a very long day.
Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup baby carrots
1 28-oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp. paprika
3 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine and cook on low for six to eight hours.
Time-Saver Tip: Use frozen diced potatoes pre-chopped onions from the produce section of your local grocery store.
Southwest Beef Burritos
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Burritos from your favorite fast casual restaurant are fine, but this recipe lets you customize dinner for the family for less calories and cash.
Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
1 packet taco seasoning
2 4-oz. cans green chiles
Directions: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, toss to combine and cook on low for six to eight hours. Shred beef and serve over rice or rolled in a tortilla. Garnish with store-bought shredded cheese, salsa and guacamole.
Time-Saver Tip: Prepare your rice in a rice cooker, or make it in advance and store in the refrigerator until burrito night.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
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Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite, but it's time-consuming to make. This recipe brings the flavor to a weeknight without the hassle.
Ingredients:
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 32-oz. jar marinara sauce
4 sandwich rolls
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses
Directions: Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in the slow cooker. Top with onions and garlic, and pour sauce over top. Cook on low for six hours. Shred chicken, mix with sauce and serve on rolls topped with cheese.
Time-Saver Tip: Buy pre-chopped onion and garlic in the produce section of the grocery store.
Chicken Pumpkin Chili
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Pumpkin is the premier flavor of fall, and this recipe takes it from sweet to savory.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 4-oz. cans green chiles
2 16-oz. cans white beans, rinsed and drained
Directions: Place the chicken in the slow cooker, and add remaining ingredients over top. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Shred the chicken, return it to the chili and ladle into bowls. Garnish with your family's favorite chili toppings.
Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
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This super-simple recipe is the perfect pair for leftovers. Try sweet potatoes for a fun twist.
Ingredients:
4 to 6 baking potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Directions: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Wrap them in foil, place in slow cooker and cook on low for seven to eight hours. Serve with leftover chili or stew, broccoli and cheese, sour cream and bacon or the toppings of your choice. The only limit is your family's imagination!
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