Effortless and Economical Slow Cooker Meals

My slow cooker (aka crock-pot) and I are BFFs. It cooks —  I clean.  We have a perfect culinary partnership. I rely on my slow cooker so much that I use at least once a week — even more during the fall and winter. What I love most about using a slow cooker, is that it is almost like having a home cook meal prepared for me.

Of course, I had to put the ingredients into the crock-pot. Chances are good that there may have been some washing, peeling and/or chopping involved. However, once dinner time rolls around – any work that went into the preparation – is long forgotten.

If you have never used a slow cooker, first let me just say –“WHAT?!?!?!?!?! Oh my goodness darling — you have no idea what you are missing.”

Secondly, I have some great recipes to share with you. These simple recipes will have you on your way to becoming slow cooker savvy! If you have used a crock-pot before, you know the value of a great slow cooker recipe.

Here are three of the most simple, delicious and fairly inexpensive recipes that I make. These are family favorites in our house and I hope your family will like them too.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

• 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth
• Pork Loin, Roast or Chops
• Hoagie Rolls or Buns

1. Put the Pork into the crock-pot.
2. Mix together chicken broth and BBQ sauce then pour over pork.
3. Turn slow cooker on low and cook 8-10hrs
4. Toast rolls or buns (optional)

Slow Cooker French Dip

• 3 lbs Beef Sirloin Roast
• 2 tbs Oil
• 2 packets Dry Au Jus Mix
• 1 cup Water
• Hoagie Rolls
• Provolone cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil over med-high heat.
2. Brown roast on all sides then place in slow cooker.
3. Mix together water and one au jus packet; pour over roast.
4. Cook on low 6-8 hrs.
5. When ready to serve; prepare the second au jus mix, according to packet instructions.
6. Remove roast and either shred or slice.
7. Place meat into rolls and top with cheese if desired.
8. Serve with small bowls of  the hot au jus for dipping.

Three Envelope Chicken

• 3-4 lbs Whole Chicken
• 1 dry packet Ranch dressing mix
• 1 dry packet Italian Dressing Mix
• 1 dry packet Chicken Gravy Mix
• 1 can Chicken Broth

1. Wash and clean chicken (don’t forget to remove the giblets)
2. Put chicken into the crock-pot breast side down.
3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle each packet over the top of the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 4-6hrs
6. When the chicken is finished; remove the skin and remove the meat from the bones (it usually just falls off).
7. I usually serve this with mashed potatoes or stuffing  — and a green veggie of some kind.

If you don’t own a crock-pot, GET ONE!!! I am happy to report that they really aren’t too expensive and they last a long time. The slow cookers that are pictured here, can be found on amazon.com and range in price from $30-$45 at the time of this publishing. They all have pretty decent reviews so check them out.

The SCCPVL600-R. This cooker sells for under $30, comes in back and red.

The Hamilton Beach 33461. A thousand 5 star reviews can’t be wrong. Sells for about $35 bucks.

The Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget. This cooker is also hugely popular. It retails for under $50.

Do you use a slow cooker? What is your favorite slow cooker meal?