Prepared!

Crock-pot Meals

So, we have an army of 6 to feed everyday, and I am pretty much the only one who cooks in this house! As I'm sure most of you are also. Occasionally my kiddos will cook a meal or two, with little supervision, and that is completely okay with me! It is just too rare...and the hubby, well, he is good with the grill (sorry babe). I am tired of having to spend hours everyday in the kitchen. I don't prepare crock-pot meals nearly as much as I should, but I feel so accomplished when I do, This round I made 7 meals, and it took me only two hours to prepare them. When the day comes I just have to pull them out of the freezer the night before, throw everything in the crock-pot with seasonings the next day and let the slow cooker do all the work!! It gives me more time to sit back and read a book or sip a warm cup of coffee...yea right. More like, take the kids to soccer, or baseball, or dance, or church...Never ending busy life right here. But it definitely makes my evenings go a LOT smoother and less stressful. So here they are. I doubled two of the recipes so there are 5 here to choose from. I will post others when I make them and I am ALWAYS willing to try new ones if you have any suggestions. When you prepare the bags, I suggest writing out all the names and any other cooking directions on them before filling. Then, line them all up on the counter open so that as you chop, you can easily add all of the ingredients.           

::Hint:: ::Hint:: I try to sneak in as many veggies as I can for my picky eaters and usually there is no fuss. My oldest is the worst. She takes after her Nanni. 

Teriyaki Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast - sliced

1/2 head of cabbage - chopped

1 Zucchini - chopped

8 oz Mushrooms - sliced

1 cup Soy Vay Teriyaki Merinade & Sauce 

(you can use whichever you prefer)

On the day of, place thawed ingredients into slow cooker and set on High 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours

You can also make steamed rice that evening to go with it or if you are watching carbs just skip it all together and you have a healthy, yummy meal!

Chicken Fajitas

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast - sliced

1 onion - chopped

1 of each green, red, yellow bell peppers - chopped

Place thawed ingredients in the slow cooker, add your favorite Fajita seasoning. (I listed mine below) and set High 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast - sliced

1 onion - chopped

1 of each green, red, yellow bell peppers - chopped

1 jar Alfredo sauce

2-3 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning

 Place thawed ingredients into slow cooker and set on High 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours

Cook fettuccine pasta that evening according to directions. I usually make salad and garlic bread to go along with this meal. This is a favorite of my families!

Chicken Alfredo

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast - sliced

4 cups fresh spinach

8 oz Mushrooms - sliced

1 jar Alfredo sauce

 Place thawed ingredients into slow cooker and set on High 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours

Cook fettuccine pasta that evening according to directions

Chicken Pot Roast

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast 

(you can substitute meat with pork or beef)

6 medium red potatoes - chopped into 1 inch cubes

1 pkg of baby carrots (or more if you eat them like my hubby)

1 pkg french onion soup mix

Place thawed ingredients into slow cooker and set on High 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours

Fajita Seasoning

1 tbsp chili powder (I use Ancho Chili)

1 tbsp white pepper

1 tbsp garlic powder

1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons paprika

1-1/2 teaspoons salt