5 Easy Crock Pot One-Step Meals for Busy Cooks

5 Easy Crock Pot One-Step Meals for Busy Cooks

If you're constantly on the move with little time to prepare a gourmet meal, a crock pot might just become your best kitchen ally. These one-step meals can save you time and effort, ensuring you enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Here are five delicious, easy-to-make recipes that will keep your dinner plans simple and satisfying.

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stew

The beauty of this beef stew lies in its simplicity and the rich flavors it develops over time.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 5 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  • Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  • Stir occasionally if possible.

🌟 Note: For an extra richness, sear the beef pieces before adding to the slow cooker.

Chicken Enchilada Chili

A hearty dish that merges the spicy taste of enchiladas with the ease of a slow-cooked chili.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  • Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks when done and stir back into the chili.

🌟 Note: Serve with tortilla chips, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.

Pork and Sauerkraut

This traditional dish requires just a few ingredients but delivers a rich, tangy flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or butt roast
  • 1 large can (27 oz) of sauerkraut, undrained
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  • Season the pork with salt and pepper, then place in the cooker with all ingredients.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

A fiber-rich, filling meal that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter option.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:
  • Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
  • Cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

🌟 Note: Adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking can boost the nutrient profile of this dish.

Pot Roast with Gravy

An American classic that slow cooking brings to perfection.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs chuck roast
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, sliced
• Method:
  • Place the roast in the slow cooker.
  • Mix the soup mix, cream of mushroom, and beef broth, then pour over the roast.
  • Add the vegetables on top.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

In these whirlwind times where simplicity in meal preparation is not just a luxury but a necessity, the slow cooker offers an unmatched convenience. Each of these dishes only requires you to toss ingredients together in the morning and come back to a ready-to-eat dinner. They cater to a variety of tastes, from the savory heartiness of beef stew to the zesty zest of chicken enchilada chili, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Moreover, slow cooking can elevate the flavors of even the simplest ingredients, providing rich, satisfying meals with minimal effort.

How do you choose the right size of slow cooker?

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For small families or couples, a 3-4 quart slow cooker is sufficient. Larger families or those who like to meal prep might want to consider a 6-quart model or larger.

Can I prepare these meals ahead of time?

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Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be prepped the night before or even frozen in freezer bags for future use. Just thaw before cooking or cook from frozen on a longer setting.

What can I do to thicken the soup or stew if it’s too watery?

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You can thicken your stew by mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the liquid or by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir into the hot liquid) towards the end of cooking.