Why Are Crockpot Meals A Good Idea?
Let’s face it, most people lead extremely busy lives, leaving a limited amount of time to figure out what they want to make for dinner. For those busy people, especially ones with family members to tend to, crockpot meals are the PERFECT solution!
Crockpots were designed to not only simplify cooking, but to cater to healthy and budget-friendly recipes. These electric pots have been useful for soups, chicken dishes, pastas – the list goes on! The best part about these recipes is that they require minimal ingredients – leaving some extra cash in your wallet!
corners74/Shutterstock
What Are Some Budget-Friendly, Yet Time-Efficient Recipes?
Crockpots are meant to cook at a low-high temperature for as long as 12 hours! You can find some simple, yet DELICIOUS recipes that we’ve already picked out before right here!
But our following top picks are sure to make your mouth water!
Chicken Tacos
This recipe takes a total of 3 hours to cook – which is great when you’re in a rush! AND it only includes 3 ingredients!
- 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken
- 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
- 1 cup of mild salsa
Obviously the tortilla and toppings are a MUST (and an additional cost) but, let’s be real, the key ingredient in this IS the chicken!
grafvision/Shutterstock
How Much Does It Cost?
- 2 1/2 pounds of Boneless Skinless Chicken = $6.49
- 1 ounce of Taco Seasoning = $0.99
- 24 ounce jar of Mild Salsa = $2.68
Total = $10.16
Servings = 8
That’s an average of $1.27 per person, what a DEAL!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Are you a pasta lover? Check out this alfredo recipe. It’s a quick and easy meal for the whole family!
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
This is a great idea for fall and winter meals! If you like your soup on the “sweeter” side, this recipe is perfect for you!
eClick/Shutterstock
What Are Some Kid-Friendly Recipes?
These recipes will get your little ones hungry for more!
3. Lasagna
Can You Freeze Crockpot Meals After Cooking?
The answer is YES! Putting your crockpot ingredients into a freezer bag is actually a genius way to meal prep, however, only certain foods will keep safe frozen.
What Freezes The Best?
Meats, vegetables, and dried beans can all be put into a freezer bag. (Quick Tip: If it takes a long time to cook, it most likely can freeze!)
What Should You NOT Freeze?
Softer foods such as pasta, cooked beans, mushrooms, and zucchini will not work out well in the end! (There is a list of more foods from Money Saving Mom!)
How Long Can You Freeze Crockpot Meals?
Freezer meals can last anywhere from 3-6 months, if they are packaged correctly.
Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock
Other Helpful Tips:
1. If you are wanting to meal prep by freezing your ingredients, make sure to thaw them out the night before in the fridge!
2. There is a list of foods that should NEVER go in a crockpot – some of which include: bacon, eggs, and seafood.
3. If you’re in the market for a good crockpot, check out these products!
Remember, crockpots were created to not only make delicious meals, but to make your life just a little bit easier!
