What This Mama Made- A Week of Casseroles, Slow Cooker + Soups (5)
Life’s been pretty hectic lately guys! 4th grade at one school UPK at another, soccer practice, cooking classes, scout meetings… Our schedule is filling up fast! If we want to sit down to a homemade (or at least semi-homemade) dinner together, I’ve got to rely on my slow cooker more days than not. Keep reading to check out our week of Casseroles, Slow Cooker + Soups family friendly dinners!
OUR WEEK OF casseroles, slow cooker + soups 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. Second, 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?
We’re right in the thick of back-to-school season here in upstate NY. That means new schedules for everyone, extracurricular commitments starting again, and just a bit more stress to stay on track, schedule-wise. So, you guessed it- this week I was all about my slow cooker. I decided to try out 5 recipes from a Taste of Home cookbook, Casseroles, Slow Cookers & Soups. I have some other Taste of Home cookbooks that I love, so I was excited to taste some of these recipes.
The Family Meals + The Family’s Thoughts
Hawaiian Sausage Subs
Served with: red grapes + salad.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? I think we likely will. #thebigone was with his dad the night I prepared this dish, and I think it’s one he’ll love.
Beef + Veggie Sloppy Joes
Served with: fresh kiwi + salad.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? I actually really loved this. The recipe makes a ton of food, and we were happy to eat the leftovers for lunch all week. We will more than likely serve it over brown rice next time, so it won’t be a ‘real’ Sloppy Joe, but it will still taste great!
Anything Goes Sausage Soup
Served with: assorted fresh veggies, hummus + green grapes.
#thebigone: ★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★★
Would we make it again? We definitely will, but I think I’ll probably save this one for a weekend. There’s a lot of veggie chopping, so it was a little tricky to put together with a very clingy 6 month old!
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Served with: mandarin oranges + salad.
#thebigone: N/A
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? My husband really liked this dinner, and it was pretty easy, so I’m sure we’ll have it again.
Sausage Pepper Sandwiches
Served with: fruit + raw veggies with hummus.
#thebigone: ★★★★★
#thelittleone: N/A
#thehubs: ★★★★
#homeboundbuthopeful: ★★★
Would we make it again? Definitely. My oldest really liked it, so whenever I find something he’s a fan of, I try to make it again for him. There’s not photo of this one because we didn’t sit down to dinner as a family, due to soccer practice. Apparently one change in our routine and I’m just completely thrown off.
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!
- Don’t miss some other great Taste of Home cookbooks.
