What This Mama Made- A Week Of Slow Cooker Meals (2)
I’ve said before that I’m not much of a cook. With 3 active boys at home, I’ve found that often it’s necessary to rely on slow cooker meals for dinner. I love the convenience of putting the meal in the appliance early in the day, before the tantrums have started or life gets crazy. They can cook on their own all day long with no additional work from me. When #thehubs gets home, we’re nearly ready to sit down as a family to eat. Keep reading to check out the cook book of slow cooker meals I chose recipes from this week!
OUR WEEK OF SLOW COOKER MEALS
First, Let’s Get This Out Of The Way
I want to make sure this is clear up front, guys. First, I’m not a dietitian, doctor, food photographer, baker, or chef. I’m a mom who really isn’t a great cook, trying her best to put some relatively tasty, not-too-unhealthy food in front of her picky kids each evening. You won’t find 100% organic, from scratch, or totally restrictive menu ideas here. I plan to share what we’re really eating- processed portions and all. Also, you’ll notice I only plan 5 meals each week. My parents inevitably invite us over one night, or we meet them out, or just eat leftovers one evening… Planning for 5 meals is more ‘do-able’ for us, and means we are less likely to waste food when plans change last minute.
What Inspired Our Family Meals This Week?
This week, I was ALL about meals I could put together in the morning, when #thehubs is still around to run interference with the kids. I love choosing a slow cooker meal for the main dish, so all that’s left in the evening is to wash some fruit and mix the salad. (After a day home alone with my kids, I need low-fuss options at the end of the day!) This week, I chose recipes from Taste of Home’s Slow Cooker.
The Family Meals + The Family’s Thoughts
Carrie’s Cincinnati Chili
Served with: fresh mango, red grapes, + salad.
#thebigone: ★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? I’m honestly not sure if we’ll make it again. #thebigone wasn’t a fan of the allspice and cinnamon it calls for- he said it tasted like apples. While my husband and I were ok with the spice, we probably won’t make this one often.
Lentil + Pasta Stew
Served with: fresh cherries + salad.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? We will definitely eat this meal again. The leftovers were tasty, and it made quite a bit (8 servings), so it means we had extra for lunches during the week as well. Super tasty!
Slow Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Served with: green grapes + corn chips.
(There was supposed to be a salad served with this meal! I was at #thebigone’s soccer game while #thehubs was home with the little boys, and he forgot to pull that out of the fridge!)
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: ★★★★★
#thehubs: ★★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? We definitely will. #thelittleone was ALL about this meal, surprisingly, and ate leftovers later in the week. When #thebigone heard I made this while he was with his dad, he was super disappointed to have missed it. It’s a ridiculously simple meal to prep, so we’ll absolutely have this again.
Shredded Chicken Gyros
Served with: salad, red grapes + feta cheese.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★★
Would we make it again? Yup! This is another meal #thebigone was super sad he missed, so I’ve already promised him we’ll make it again. I loved the lemony flavor, and the leftovers tasted great too. Definitely a new favorite recipe for me!
Italian Sausage Dinner
Served with: salad, pineapple + shredded mozzarella.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? I think we will, but likely when #thebigone is with his dad, since he’s not really a fan of Italian sausage. #thehubs and I both loved the meat and veggie combo in this meal. (Gimme ALL the zucchini!)
Notes:
- Meals rated out of 5 stars.
- ‘N/A’ for #thebigone generally means he was with his dad and couldn’t try the meal.
- ‘N/A’ for #thelittleone generally means he ate his fruit and side dishes, but didn’t try the main course.
- We don’t force the kids to eat anything, but don’t cater to them either. I always serve fruit with dinner though, so even a picky kiddo will find one thing they’re happy to eat.
- Liking our dishes and trays? We mainly use the Pillowfort line from Target!
Do you love slow cooker meals too? What about pressure cooker meals? Let me know which appliance you prefer in the comments.