Crockpots or slow cookers are the perfect kitchen appliances for busy individuals who love good food. They are easy to use, and all you need to do is prepare your ingredients, set it and forget it. You can also make some delicious and healthy meals with a crockpot. In this article, we will share with you ten delicious crockpot meals for busy weekdays.
1. Chicken Curry
Chicken Curry is a delicious Indian dish that is easy to make with a crockpot. All you need to do is place some boneless and skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker, along with some vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Then, add your favorite curry spices, coconut milk and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some jasmine rice or naan bread.
Health Benefits: Chicken curry is packed with nutrients that promotes good health. It is rich in protein, Vitamin B6, Iron, and Zinc. It also contains turmeric, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
2. Beef Stew
Beef Stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make with a crockpot. All you need to do is add some beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and beef broth into a slow cooker and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Serve it with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Health Benefits: Beef Stew is a good source of protein, Iron, and Vitamin B12, which is essential for healthy blood cells production. It also contains vegetables like carrots and celery, which are rich in antioxidants and can protect against free radicals.
3. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a healthy and delicious vegetarian option, perfect for a meatless Monday. All you need to do is add some lentils, vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, vegetable broth, and some spices into the slow cooker and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers.
Health Benefits: Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, Iron, Zinc, and folate. The fiber in lentils can help in regulating blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, and promote gut health.
4. Chili
Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weekday dinner. All you need to do is brown some ground beef or turkey and add it to a crockpot with some beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and your favorite spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some cornbread or tortilla chips.
Health Benefits: Chili is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from beans and meat. It also contains spices like cumin, which is a good source of Iron, and chili powder, which contains capsaicin, a compound that can reduce inflammation and boost metabolism.
5. White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili is a delicious twist on the traditional beef chili. All you need to do is add some boneless chicken breasts or thighs, white beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and your favorite spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some sour cream and shredded cheese.
Health Benefits: White Chicken Chili is a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It also contains immune-boosting ingredients like garlic and onions.
6. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwiches is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for family gatherings. All you need to do is add some pork shoulder or pork butt, some BBQ sauce, onions, and garlic into the crockpot and let it cook for 8-10 hours. When it’s done, shred the pork with forks and serve it on some buns with coleslaw.
Health Benefits: Pork is a good source of protein, Iron, and Zinc. It also contains thiamine, which helps the body convert food into energy.
7. Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a healthy and comforting dish that is perfect for a rainy day. All you need to do is add some vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, green beans, and some vegetable broth into the crockpot and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers.
Health Benefits: Vegetable soup is low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, Vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It can also help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
8. Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for pasta lovers. All you need to do is add some ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme into the crockpot and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Serve it with some spaghetti or fettuccine.
Health Benefits: Bolognese sauce is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
9. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty and healthy Italian soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. All you need to do is add some vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, green beans, potatoes, and some cannellini beans into the crockpot with some vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and some Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some crusty bread or crackers.
Health Benefits: Minestrone soup is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can also help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
10. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is a healthy and vegan dish that is perfect for a meatless Monday. All you need to do is add some sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika into the crockpot and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Serve it with some avocado and cilantro.
Health Benefits: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. It also contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, which can protect against free radicals that damage cells.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen meat in a crockpot?
A: It is not recommended to use frozen meat in a crockpot as it can affect the cooking time and safety of the food. It is best to thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the crockpot.
Q: Can I cook vegetables in a crockpot without a liquid?
A: No, it is not recommended to cook vegetables in a crockpot without a liquid as it can affect the texture and flavor of the vegetables. It is best to add enough liquid like broth or water to cover the vegetables.
Q: Can I cook rice in a crockpot?
A: Yes, you can cook rice in a crockpot. Mix rice, water, and some salt in a crockpot, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a crockpot is a perfect kitchen appliance for busy individuals who love good food. You can make some delicious and healthy meals with a crockpot like chicken curry, beef stew, lentil soup, chili, white chicken chili, pulled pork sandwiches, vegetable soup, Bolognese sauce, minestrone soup, and sweet potato and black bean chili. These meals are easy to make and packed with nutrients that promote good health. So, give a crockpot a try and enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
