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Super Easy Crock Pot Recipes to Help Save Time in the Kitchen

Last updated on March 4th, 2020 at 05:22 am

Since it’s the holiday spirit of giving, I wanted to share some fantastic crock pot recipes with you!  Because, as busy moms we’re always looking for ways to save time.  But we also want to feel good about the meals we serve our families.  So to help you spend more time with your families, and to be proud of the meals you’re feeding them, be sure to follow along for my “12 days of Crock Pot Cooking” holiday series. In addition, with all the time you’re saving in the kitchen, you’ll not only have more time with your family, but you’ll also be able to finally catch up on your favorite Netflix shows:)

 

Therefore, for the next 12 Days, I’m going to be sharing different crock pot recipes to help save you time in the kitchen!

 

 

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The 12 Days of Crock Pot Recipes

 

Day 1:  The Most Mouth Watering Crock Pot Ribs Recipes

 

Day 2: The Best Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipes

 

Day 3: The Coziest Crock Pot Chili Recipes to Warm You Up

 

Day 4:   Crock Pot Meatballs that are Crowd Pleasing Good

 

Day 5: Simple and Easy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

 

Day 6: Crock Pot Roast Beef Your Family Will Rave About

 

Day 7: The Most Delicious Crock Pot Ham Recipes

 

Day 8: The Perfect Crock Pot Pork Roast Recipes

 

Day 9:  The Most Family Pleasing Crock Pot Pork Chops

 

Day 10: Crock Pot Potato Soup That Will Warm You Up

 

Day 11: The Best Crock Pot Chicken In The Kitchen

 

Day 12: The Most Finger Licking Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

 

 

 

You’re going to love these next 12 days of tasty recipes!

 

 

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[post contains affiliate links; if you click-through and make a purchase I may be compensated]

 

 

group-of-vegetables-near-stainless-steel-cooking-bowl

 

But today I’m going to talk about crock pot basics in case you’re new to crock pot cooking.

 

 

Crock Pot Cooking Basics

 

 

What is a crock pot?

Crockpots are helpful pieces of kitchen equipment.  Also referred to as a slow cooker, it’s used to slowly cook a delicious meal in a matter of hours.  Some crockpots have fancier features but the basic ones usually have at least a low, high, and warm setting.

 

 

 

Why is crock pot cooking useful?

  • Saves time in the kitchen–moms can work on other things while dinner cooks; or even be out of the house
  • Crockpots are easy to use and don’t take up a lot of space
  • Moms can easily serve a  healthier meal; therefore, avoiding less healthy options or stopping to grab fast food
  • Versatile–you can cook a variety of meals in crock pot; they can even cook appetizers, desserts and things like oatmeal
  • Saves money–crock pots allow you to cook in bulk and freeze leftovers
  • They make large meals–great for family cooking
  • Easier cleanup–Making a one pot meal in your crockpot usually results in less dishes to clean

 

 


 

 

As a kid growing up in the 90’s, I remember my mom cooking in her crock pot.  Whenever mom pulled her crockpot out of the cabinet I knew I was going to love dinner.  Above all, our favorite crockpot meal that mom made was her BBQ pulled pork.   Not to mention, those snowflake potato rolls she served with the pulled pork were the best!  My sister and I would do our homework on the living room floor while watching Oprah after school, eagerly awaiting dinner.  So today, memories of mom’s crockpot meals, and the smell of dinner cooking in the kitchen, make me think of family togetherness and the love and security of my childhood.

 

 

What items do I need to cook with a crock pot?

Firstly, you’ll need an actual crockpot to cook your meal.  In addition,  other useful items to help you prepare the meal and store leftovers are those such as:

 

  • Crock pot
  • Cutting board for chopping/prepping veggies
  • A good set of  knives
  • Food storage containers for food prep and for leftovers
  • A lunch bag to transport leftovers
  • Mixing bowls and other cooking utensils to prep the food

 


 

 

Crock pot cooking tips

 

  • Crock pots come in different sizes; make sure you select one that will be a good fit for your family
  • Read all of the instructions that come with your crock pot before using it
  • Plan your crockpot meals in advance to save you the most time. If chopping and prepping is needed for your recipe, you can do this the night before.  Then all you have to do in the morning is just dump in all your ingredients, set the crockpot, and go!

 

top-view-of-pork-ribs-and-vegetables

 

In conclusion, I hope you and your family enjoy these super easy crock pot recipes!  Which ones are you looking forward to making first? Let me know in the comments!

 

And don’t forget to pin this post!

 

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PIN IT FOR LATER

 

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See Related:

The Most Scrumptious Christmas Appetizers Ever

The Best Thanksgiving Desserts to Top Off Your Feast

3 Super Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas for Kids

Super Bowl Food That will Make a Game Day Touchdown

The Most Holly Jolly Christmas Cupcakes Ever

 

 

See Also:

  • 21 Simple Lunch Ideas for Kids to Be Excited to Eat
  • No Frills Toddler Snack Ideas that are Simple and Easy
  • Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Chicken Chili: A Nutritious One Pot Dinner Idea

 

 


 

 

cheers-meatballmom

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Filed Under: CROCK POT RECIPES, FAMILY FOOD, FOOD, LIFESTYLE, MOM LIFE Tagged With: crock pot, crock pot cooking, crock pot recipes, easy dinner, family dinner, family food, recipes, slow cooker meals

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