As the hustle and bustle of everyday life continues, finding time to prepare meals can be a daunting task. That’s where slow cooker meal prep comes in – it’s a simple and effective way to simplify your week and ensure you have delicious, healthy meals ready to go. With a little bit of planning and some tasty ingredients, you can create a week’s worth of meals in just a few hours. In this article, we’ll share 10 slow cooker meal prep ideas that are not only easy to make but will also save you time and energy in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a full-time student, or simply looking for a more efficient way to meal prep, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your weekly routine. So, let’s dive in and discover some delicious and hassle-free meal prep ideas that will help simplify your life!
Cooking with a slow cooker has many benefits, especially when it comes to meal prep. Here are some of the reasons why slow cooker meal prep is a game-changer:
1. Saves Time and Energy
One of the most significant benefits of slow cooker meal prep is that it saves time and energy. You can prep your ingredients in the morning or the night before, toss them in the slow cooker, and forget about them until dinner time. This frees up your day to focus on other tasks, and you don’t have to worry about cooking a meal when you’re tired after a long day at work.
2. Budget-Friendly
Slow cooker meal prep is also budget-friendly. You can use cheaper cuts of meat and still end up with a tender and flavourful meal. Plus, the slow cooker is an energy-efficient appliance, so it won’t cause a significant increase in your electricity bill.
3. Healthy and Nutritious
Slow cooker meals are often healthier and more nutritious than fast food or takeout. You can control the amount of salt, sugar, and fat that goes into your meals, and you can use fresh, whole ingredients. Plus, the slow cooking process helps to retain the nutrients in the food.
4. Versatile and Convenient
Slow cooker meal prep is versatile and convenient. You can make a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and roasts. Plus, you can make large batches of food that can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated later.
Before we dive into the recipes, here are some slow cooker meal prep tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Size Slow Cooker
Choose a slow cooker that’s the right size for your needs. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller slow cooker will suffice. However, if you’re cooking for a family or planning to make large batches of food, you’ll need a larger slow cooker.
2. Prep Your Ingredients Ahead of Time
Prep your ingredients ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Chop your vegetables, trim your meat, and measure out your spices the night before.
3. Layer Your Ingredients Correctly
Layer your ingredients correctly to ensure even cooking. Start with the meat on the bottom, followed by the vegetables and liquid.
4. Don’t Lift the Lid
Avoid lifting the lid of your slow cooker during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, you release heat and steam, which can increase cooking time.
5. Use a Slow Cooker Liner
Use a slow cooker liner to make clean-up easier. Simply remove the liner and throw it away when you’re done cooking.
Now that you know the benefits of slow cooker meal prep and some tips to get started, let’s dive into the recipes.
Beef stew is a classic slow cooker meal that’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe is hearty, flavourful, and filling, and it’s easy to make.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, chopped
– 4 potatoes, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables, and stir to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
These chicken fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for meal prep. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the vegetables are packed with flavour.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 bell peppers, sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Flour tortillas, for serving
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, jalapeño pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot with flour tortillas.
This vegetarian chili is a great option for those who don’t eat meat or want to switch things up. It’s packed with protein and fibre, and it’s delicious.
Ingredients
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the onion, bell peppers, garlic, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.
Pulled pork is a favourited in many households, and it’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is flavourful and tender, and it’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients
– 4 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Serve hot on sandwiches or in tacos.
Teriyaki chicken is a favourite in many households, and it’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is flavourful, tender, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Minestrone soup is a classic Italian soup that’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe is hearty, healthy, and packed with vegetables.
Ingredients
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup macaroni
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the macaroni to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Brisket is a favourite in many households, and it’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is flavourful, tender, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
– 4 pounds beef brisket
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the beef brisket, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and slice it against the grain.
5. Serve hot with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Salsa Verde chicken is a favourite in many households, and it’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is flavourful, tender, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar salsa Verde
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Flour tortillas, for serving
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, salsa Verde, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Serve hot with flour tortillas.
Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy soup that’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe is flavourful, filling, and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
– 8 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Creamy tomato chicken is a favourite in many households, and it’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is creamy, flavourful, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to combine.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare meals can be a daunting task. However, with slow cooker meal prep, you can simplify your week and ensure you have delicious, healthy meals ready to go. The benefits of slow cooker meal prep are numerous. It saves you time and energy by allowing you to prep your ingredients ahead of time and forget about them until dinner. It’s also budget-friendly, as you can use affordable cuts of meat and the slow cooker is energy-efficient. Moreover, slow cooker meals are often healthier and more nutritious, as you have control over the ingredients and the slow cooking process retains the nutrients. Additionally, slow cooker meal prep is versatile and convenient, allowing you to make a variety of dishes and store large batches for later.
To get started with slow cooker meal prep, we provided you with ten easy and tasty recipes that will become staples in your weekly routine. From beef stew to vegetarian chili, there’s something for everyone. We also shared some essential tips, such as choosing the right size slow cooker, prepping ingredients ahead of time, layering them correctly, and avoiding lifting the lid during cooking. These tips will help you make the most out of your slow cooker meal prep experience.
By incorporating slow cooker meal prep into your life, you can simplify your cooking routine, save time, and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals throughout the week. So why not give it a try? Dive into the world of slow cooker meal prep and discover the joy of hassle-free, mouth-watering meals that will help simplify your life. Bon appétit!
