The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes For Busy Moms

CLARA

8 min read

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Jul 10, 2024

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The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

Life as a mom is a whirlwind of activity! From school drop-offs to soccer practices, grocery shopping to bedtime stories, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like an impossible feat. Thankfully, the slow cooker is here to save the day!

This magical appliance allows you to throw ingredients into a pot in the morning, set it, and forget it, returning home to a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal. No more rushing around the kitchen after a long day!

Why the Slow Cooker is a Busy Mom's Best Friend:

• Effortless and Convenient: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and go!
• Flavorful and Healthy: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld and develop, creating delicious and nutritious meals.
• Time-Saving: No more frantic meal prep or takeout nights!
• Versatile: Slow cookers can handle everything from soups and stews to chicken and pulled pork.

Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipes perfect for busy moms:

**1. ** Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (10.75 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
4. Add peas and corn to the slow cooker.
5. Drop biscuit dough into the slow cooker, separating each biscuit.
6. Cook on low for 30 minutes, or until biscuits are cooked through.
7. Stir in shredded chicken and serve.

**2. ** Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and water in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
2. Place beef, onion, and bell pepper in the slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture over top.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

**3. ** Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain off excess fat.
2. Place ground beef, onion, bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.

**4. ** Chicken Enchilada Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onion, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
4. Stir shredded chicken back into the soup.
5. Stir in shredded cheese and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.

**5. ** Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce mixture over pork shoulder.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred pork with two forks and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

With these easy and delicious slow cooker recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying quality time with your family. Happy cooking!