It’s getting cold and staying cold now. Although it is never a wrong time to make a meal in a crockpot; there is something about a crockpot meal in the winter that is more satisfying. Another benefit from a meal in a crockpot is that dinner is ready for you by the time you get home! And with this being the “busiest time of the year” that just sounds like a win win situation.
CrockPot Bowtie Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 o) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- salt/pepper
- 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed (can also use fresh spinach)
- 16 oz. bowtie pasta, cooked
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
Directions:
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Put in crock-pot and add sauce, tomatoes and seasonings. Cook for 6-7 hours on low. Add the last 4 ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking and turn crock-pot to high. Add fresh spinach, pasta, parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella and mix well. Add the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella to melt on the top.
Creamy Salsa Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 16 oz salsa
- 1 can of corn
- 1 can of black beans
Directions:
Put all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Once it is cooked, shred the chicken and mix together. You may add cooked rice to the crockpot and mixed it all together. Options for toppings include: crushed lime tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado.
Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 16 oz salsa
Directions:
Put all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken. You can eat this alongside some rice and vegetables; or make shredded chicken sandwiches and serve with a salad.
Ranch Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4-6 pork chops
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
Put all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Once cooked shred the pork chops. You can serve this alongside mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, or even rice.
**First recipe from Weight Watchers; all other recipes from eatingonadime.com**