Slow Cooker Meal Ideas

Life is hectic, between getting the kids to school, going to work, shopping, and household chores, it is next to impossible to find the time to cook a healthy meal every day. Many people have faced this dilemma over the years. Tricks and cooking techniques have been formed to handle this problem, one of the most popular being the slow cooker.

A slow cooker was initially designed to allow people to cook poorer cuts of meat at a low enough temperature over a long period. This helped soften the meat, and it allowed the flavors to absorb into the meat better. The first recipes started by people tossing in slow cooking vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes. From there, a burst of creativity burst forth, leading to hundreds of unique and tasty meals for families. Now before heading out into the world all you have to do is throw some things into the slow cooker and they will be ready for you once you return home. Today, I am going to discuss some of my favorites. 

Pot Roast

Utilizing potatoes, pot roast (a cheap cut of beef,) and carrots, this dish is what most people visualize when they hear of a slow cooker meal. Simply brown the meat, toss it in with the rest of the ingredients, and come back in the evening.

Chili

Beans take a great deal of time to cook properly, when starting from their hard state. Stick them in the slow cooker the night before, along with plenty of spices and meat, and let simmer until the following evening. This will give the beans time to soften, and time for the seasonings to mix in with every crumb. Your family has not had chili until they tasted slow cooker chili!

Quiche

Eggs taste delicious when cooked slowly, oven even heat. Prepare all of the ingredients and set it on the slow cooker for five to six hours when you get up in the morning. This is perfect for midday brunch, and can be served warmed up in the oven. 

Soft-crusted Bread

This may surprise many people – but the slow cooker used to cook dinner can make bread for lunch as well. The ideal cooking temperature for bread is 200 degrees Fahrenheit and many slow cookers have this temperature available. Since it takes around two hours, the bread rises and cooks at the same time. This is great for break makers, reducing concerns for first time bakers. The only negative component of this is that there is no high blast of heat to form a hard crust. However, for those looking for soft crusts then this is the perfect way to easily make bread!

Nearly any recipe can be made in a slow cooker, as long as you know your ingredients. For families on the go, this simple tool can be used to create healthy meals that are ready whenever you are. Do not allow limited time and energy to get between you, your children, and a healthy meal. Pick a recipe and start cooking today!

What is your favorite slow cooker meal?

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