I’m always looking for frugal and easy ways to feed my family of seven. And, quite honestly, I look to the slow cooker often just so I won’t have to mess with fixing anything during those busy evening hours. This is a variation of the three packet slow cooker roast because all I had on hand was the one packet of ranch dressing mix. I also added some freshly chopped … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup
When life is busy it is even more important for my family to find time to eat together. There is something so relaxing about sitting around the table together chatting, laughing, and reconnecting. However, it can be rough to throw together a family dinner when we walk in the door a few minutes before dinner time. Yes, I can throw together a pretty decent meal in 10 minutes, … [Read more...]
When Life Gives You Craziness, Respond by Making…
{Imagine a countertop with 10 gallon size baggies. If you're curious, they look like this.} In order to prepare for all the craziness that will become my life in the next 4 weeks, I've decided to take the stress out of at least 1 area of my life...dinner. Between the contracts, earnest money checks, meetings, inspections, bubble wrap and packing tape, there's the last week … [Read more...]
Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I love pulled pork sandwiches. My husband adores pulled pork sandwiches. My son is wild about pulled pork sandwiches. This pulled pork recipe is easy, delicious and healthy. It is made at least a day before for improved flavor. Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches This pulled pork recipe is easy, delicious and healthy. 1 medium onion, … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Vegetables Feed the Larger Family
As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save is by having veggie night once a week. And sometimes the slow cooker helps me out. All I do is rinse and slice … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Goulash
Last week I decided to tack onto my batch cooking plan...doubling up on browning some ground beef. I ended up doing spaghetti for dinner one night and saved the other half of the beef I ground. I thought I'd use it later this week or next week...but ended up making this goulash over the weekend. I had all the other ingredients on hand...and it was perfect for a chilly, dreary … [Read more...]
Loaded Slow Cooked Potatoes
Slow Cooker Loaded Potatoes are the ultimate side dish! Load and go. Yep, that's how I'm rolling this week! I made these the other night, using the some of the bacon from the package that I cooked up on Wednesday. I used the rest of the bacon for the wedge salads I made last night (recipe coming soon!). These potatoes were simple, delicious and the perfect busy … [Read more...]
3 Tips to Make Slow Cooking Healthier
I am so excited that it is slow cooker week here at $5 Dinners! My slow cooker has been a life saver for me in the kitchen. As a registered dietitian, I love to make my favorite recipes healthier. Here are my tips for boosting the nutrition in your favorite slow cooker recipe: Increase the veggies. Start by gradually increasing the amounts of the vegetables that your recipe … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
Batch cook your Marinara Sauce in your slow cooker...love this idea and measuring tip from Jackie at Mom on a Mission! Be sure to add that to your list for your next batch cooking session, freezer cooking day or the next time you make spaghetti sauce. Photo Credit … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Truly the easiest way I have found to feed my family of seven is to put the slow cooker to work for me. Whether I am out for the day or busy with homeschooling our age range, I can serve up slow cooker deliciosity. My slow cooker history will prove my love: A few of my slow cooker recipes here on $5 Dinners. Chicken, steak, hummus, yogurt and more. We enjoy Erin’s Slow … [Read more...]