Slow cooker or Dutch oven meals are perfect for those ‘dump it and go’ types of days. You’re busy enough working all day, so why spend time you don’t have making dinner?
Here are four easy weeknight slow-cooked meals that will be ready in no time (well, in a few hours but without any heavy lifting on your part!)
1. Mexican-style chicken enchilada stew
This recipe serves 6 and is a guaranteed family-pleaser.
Ingredients
- A splash of vegetable oil
- One yellow onion, diced
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped finely (OR you can use a handful of canned jalapeños instead)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
- 2 tablespoons mild chili powder (depends on how spicy you like your food)
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 can tomato passata (pure tomato sauce), OR 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 cup water
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can red or black kidney beans (drained)
- 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts (no skin)
- Salt and pepper
Optional serving ingredients
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Method
Heat some oil in a skillet or an Uno Casa Dutch oven. Saute the onions (and fresh jalapeño, if using) for a few minutes, then add the rest of the spices and saute for 2 more minutes.
Add in everything else except for the corn, beans, and chicken and bring to a boil. Then toss in the remaining ingredients and cover, cooking till the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re using a Dutch oven, cook for about an hour on low heat, checking from time to time.
Top each serving with the cheese, cilantro, and sour cream. Yum!
2. Easy vegetable soup
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
- A dollop of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
- 2 zucchinis, sliced finely
- 2 yellow squash, peeled, deseeded, and finely cubed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 3 large handfuls fresh kale, wide stems removed and then chopped
- Salt and pepper
Method
Heat the oil in your skillet or Dutch oven, and saute the onion and garlic for a few minutes. Add in the diced veggies and saute for a further 5 minutes. Toss in the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and cover. If you’re using a Dutch oven, reduce the heat and let simmer till the squash is cooked, about 30 minutes. If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours (otherwise on low for 8).
Serve with bread or rice, and enjoy!
3. Chinese style beef broccoli
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 pounds chuck roast, sliced thinly
- 1 bag frozen broccoli florets (a 12-ounce bag)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari (tamari being gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup water
For serving (optional)
- Cooked white rice, quinoa, buckwheat, or other favorite grain
- Sesame seeds
Method
In your Dutch oven or a skillet, heat the sesame oil and sauté the garlic for a minute or two. Add the chuck roast and brown them for a few minutes, then add the frozen broccoli florets and stir well. Toss in the remaining ingredients, and mix well. Bring to a boil, then cover and lower the heat to a simmer.
If using a Dutch oven, cook for 20 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 3 hours.
Serve over white rice or other grain, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
4. Quick one-pot chili
This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, any color
- 1 packet chili seasoning (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder)
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 4 cans kidney beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
Optional serving ingredients
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
Method
Heat the oil in your skillet or Dutch oven, and then sauté the onion and pepper for a few minutes. Add in the spices and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add in the ground beef and brown gently. Pour in the remaining ingredients, cover, and let simmer. If using a Dutch oven, simmer for 30 minutes – if using a slow cooker, cook on low for one hour.
Serve with optional goodies and enjoy!
