It goes without saying that Moms and Dads on the run need quick and easy meals. And while the crockpot always seems like a good idea, we often don’t know exactly WHAT to make in the crockpot. Body Electric has simplified this for you, offering up our top 3 slow cooker recipes for your family. They’re all easy, and the best part? They do the work for you while you’re away at work or busy with your daytime duties.
Here they are. Enjoy!
1. Salsa Chicken
Ingredients:
3-5 thawed boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 28 oz. large can diced tomatoes
1 jar salsa (read ingredient label to ensure 0g of sugar); green salsa or red salsa is your choice!
Directions:
Place chicken breasts in crockpot and top with a well-mixed combination of the salsa and tomatoes. Reserve 1/3 of your salsa for later. Cook chicken on Low for 4 hours. Strain excess liquid and top with remaining salsa. Shred chicken and serve.
Serving Options:
- Serve on Ezekiel tortilla as a wrap with avocado and a dollop of Greek yoghurt
- Serve on mixed greens for a Mexican style salad
2. Balsamic Pork
Ingredients:
2 lb. pork shoulder roast
sea salt, to taste
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
Directions:
Season the pork with salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes and add to slow cooker. Mix together broth, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce and pour it over the pork, then pour the honey over the top and cook 6 hours on Low, or 4 hours on High.
Serving Suggestions:
- serve on rice or alone with vegetables
3. Crockpot Turkey Chili
1.3 lb. lean ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 28oz. can diced tomatoes
1 16oz. can tomato sauce
1 4.5oz. can chopped chiles
1 15oz. can chickpeas
1 15.oz. can black beans
1 15oz. can kidney beans
2 Tbsp. chili powder
Directions:
Brown turkey and onion in a medium skillet over medium high heat until cooked through. Drain and transfer to crockpot. Add beans, chiles, chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili powder, mixing well. Cook on High 6 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve topped with chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and/or cilantro.
4. Turkey Sloppy Joe’s
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 lbs. ground turkey breast
2 15oz. cans tomato sauce
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 cup organic ketchup
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Directions:
Heat oil in skillet. Cook pepper and onion until golden brown. Add turkey and cook until browned. Combine this mixture to remaining ingredients in the crockpot and cook on High for 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve on whole grain hamburger buns or in lettuce wraps.
5. Chicken and Apple Stew
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp. whole fennel seeds
3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 firm, sweet baking apples (we recommend Gala), peeled and cut into 6 wedges each
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
1 large sweet onion, halved and sliced
2 Tbsp. sliced fresh sage leaves
1 1/4 tsp. sea salt
3/4 tsp. black pepper
Directions:
Toast fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat. Cut chicken thighs in half. Add chicken, fennel seeds, and remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on Low until tender, about 6 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
- In a bowl, topped with a dash of cinnamon.