Okay, so I’ve been wanting to use my 7-quart slow cooker more, you know, to make life a little easier. I found a bunch of recipes online, and decided to try seven of them over the course of a week. It was a bit ambitious, but hey, I was committed!
Day 1: Pulled Pork
I started with a classic – pulled pork. I grabbed a pork shoulder – nothing fancy, just a regular one from the grocery store – and rubbed it with some spices I had in the pantry: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a little brown sugar, salt, and pepper. I tossed it in the slow cooker with about a cup of chicken broth and half a sliced onion. I set it on low for about 8 hours while I was at work.
When I got home, the house smelled amazing! The pork was super tender, I just shredded it with two forks. I mixed in some barbecue sauce – my favorite store-bought kind – and we had pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. So good, and so easy!
Day 2: Beef Stew
Next up, beef stew. I found some stew meat at the store, already cut into chunks. I browned the meat in a pan on the stove first – just to get some color on it. Then, I threw it in the slow cooker with chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, and an onion. I poured in a can of diced tomatoes, some beef broth, and a little Worcestershire sauce. I also added a bay leaf and some dried thyme.
This one cooked on low for about 7 hours. I stirred in some frozen peas about 30 minutes before serving, just to heat them through. It was a hearty and delicious meal, perfect for a chilly evening.
Day 3: Chicken Tacos
I wanted something a little lighter, so I went with chicken tacos. I put some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a packet of taco seasoning and a jar of salsa. I set it on low for 6 hours.
When the chicken was cooked, I shredded it with two forks, just like the pork. We used it to fill taco shells, and everyone added their own toppings. Super simple, and everyone loved it!
Day 4: Chili
Chili is always a good slow cooker meal. I browned some ground beef in a pan, then drained off the grease. I put the beef in the slow cooker with a can of kidney beans, a can of black beans, a can of diced tomatoes, and a chopped onion. I added chili powder, cumin, and a little cayenne pepper for some heat.
This one cooked on low for about 6 hours. We topped it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and some chopped green onions. Another easy and satisfying meal!
Day 5: Pot Roast
I decided to go for a classic pot roast. I found a chuck roast at the store, and seared it in a pan to get some color on it. Then, I put it in the slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, and an onion. I poured in some beef broth and added a sprig of rosemary and some thyme.
This one cooked on low for about 8 hours. The roast was fall-apart tender, and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. It was a real comfort food meal.
Day 6: Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies
I was craving somthing more healthy and light, so I did a Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables
I found a whole chicken 5-6 pounds. Cleaned it up and put lemon slices, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper inside. Then, in the slow cooker, I put a bed of roughly chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions. Put the chicken on top of the vegs. Squeezed a bit more lemon juice all over and a splash of chicken broth at the bottom.
I cooked on low for around 7 hours. I checked to make sure the chicken internal temperature reached 165F. It was juicy and yummy. Good change.
Day 7: Lentil Soup
For the last day, I wanted something vegetarian. I made lentil soup. I rinsed some brown lentils and put them in the slow cooker with chopped carrots, celery, and an onion. I added a can of diced tomatoes, some vegetable broth, and some dried oregano and basil. I also added a bay leaf.
This one cooked on low for about 8 hours. It was a hearty and healthy soup, and a great way to end my slow cooker week.
Overall, it was a fun experiment! My slow cooker definitely got a workout, and I discovered some new favorite easy recipes. It was great having dinner ready when I got home from work, and it made my weeknights so much less stressful.
