I have to admit I’ve never understood or appreciated the act of being a taxi for my children more than now {yes, I’m well aware it is just beginning}. Between preschool drop off, kindergarten pick-up, dance, gymnastics, swimming practice and church, lets say there is no surprise that I’ve developed a love relationship with my slow cooker.
While we may be starting a season of busy, one thing that is non-negotiable around here is family dinner. It may not be pretty or put together or complete but it happens. That is why I’m relying on my steadfast slow cooker to get the job done.
Yet I’ve quickly learned that my previous slow cooker, you know the basic, standard round crock pot just wasn’t cutting it. So I put that one into retirement and upgraded to the Cadillac of slow cookers. It’s oval {because that is a big deal in slow cooking world <-If you haven’t experienced an oval slow cooker over a round one you don’t know what you’re missing out on}. It is larger and has the capacity to turn on and off when I set it. Oh and the lid locks with great handles, because this is important business, right?
I mean who knew a slow cooker could have so much meaning and such baggage to carry around between being round and oval. But seriously, no one really tells you any of this when you’re about to get married, creating a registry with items you’ve only witnessed being used and have no real clue what it’s like to turn into a taxi, house cleaner, chef, babysitter, laundry service all while still trying to hold down a full-time job, am I right? So my friends, oval it is, just trust me on this one.
Not to mention, this slow cooker, has pretty much saved our weeknight meal times and that makes my heart complete. So I wanted to fill you in on the must-have slow cooker and 20 healthy slow cooker recipes for any night of the week! Boom!
First up, the much-anticipated slow-cooker….
The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker. Now, don’t shut down on me yet. I mean I won’t fill you in on the description {find it here} but here are the features:
- 6 quart capacity is perfect for 7+ people or a 6 lb. roast
- Easy-to-use locking lid featuring lid gasket for extra seal for less mess on-the-go
- Programmable digital control lets you program cook times anywhere from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Shifts to Warm Setting Automatically once the cook time is complete
So if you’re in need of upgrading you’ll want to check this one out. Once you have it then you can start embracing the beautiful experience of coming home to supper being complete. It’s the most beautiful thing your Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night needs.
20 Quick & Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Beef Fajita Tacosbecause there is nothing better than savory meat with slow cooked vegetables topped with the mixture of fresh salsa, cilantro and avocado. A family favorite for sure.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Taco Bowlsbecause taco bowls always equals a win. Let everyone choose their own toppings creating a dish they love. Plus, those grilled plantains, umm yes please!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Slow Cooked Short Ribshas to be one of the greatest foods to ever exist. The flavor and texture profile is Ah-mazing and it is so easy to get.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chilibecause football season, cold winter nights and everything in between call for soup, especially buffalo chicken soup.
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Beef with Chimichurri Saucefor the nights when you’re looking to get outside of your traditional meal rut and find something new and exciting while keeping it easy. This is your recipe.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Sweet Pepper Hashbecause we should never underestimate the power of breakfast for dinner or just a slow-cooked breakfast.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork TacosI mean who wouldn’t want this for supper. Slow cooked pulled taco meat is at the top of my list weekly and the pineapple just takes it up a notch.
Caribbean Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wrapsare my new obsession. So fresh, yet flavorful and satisfying. It’s the perfect compromise to health and flavor.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash and Meatballsbecause you can slow cook spaghetti squash at the same time in the same slow cooker as meatballs. Who knew?!?
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccolithere are never any arguments with beef and broccoli. Am I right?
Crockpot Italian Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Chilifor those nights you are sick of traditional chili and want a little more robust flavor with an Italian spin. This is it for the win!
Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cupsbecause more lettuce wraps. Seriously, embrace the power of lettuce wraps. They are a game changer.
Slow Cooker Thai Curry Chickenbecause curry doesn’t have to be complicated.
Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Chili Recipeis vibrant, delicious and fresh of course all while being hardy and warming.
Korean BBQ Bangkok Burritothe picture says it all. I want it all now!
Shredded Beef Ragu with Sweet Potato Gnocchithis is definitely a family favorite here. I could possibly eat this at every meal and it is so easy!
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Skillet Nachos with Pineapple Guacamolebecause weekends call for gourmet nachos.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chickenis delicious. Like seriously so flavorful and makes for great leftovers. Never do plain chicken again with this recipe!
Chicken Pot Pie Stew with Flaky Buttery Biscuitsthe picture doesn’t do it justice, but this is everything you wanted in a pot pie without all of the excess carbs.
Slow Cooker Granolabecause granola is amazing and expensive but made at home is quick and cheap.
