Are you striving to eat healthy, but struggling to find the time? Are you looking for some new go-to recipes for both you and your family to enjoy? The crock pot or “slow cooker” can be your best friend when it comes to easy and nutritious meals. Check out this helpful guide for buying a crock pot that fits your family size and cooking needs.
I enjoy crock pot recipes because they are low maintenance and very hard to mess up. They are practical for making meals in large batches and enjoying for multiple days, or perhaps you can eat some and freeze the rest for another time. Whether you’re craving sweet, spicy, vegan, or meat, there’s something to please even the most picky palates.
Slow Cooker Chili
Turkey, beef, or vegetarian chili–they are all delicious! Beans amp up the amount of fiber in the meal, which helps you feel full and satisfied longer.
Here’s a classic take on turkey chili to try! In a large skillet, I add the meat, chopped onion, chopped pepper, seasonings, and cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the veggies are tender. I add the browned meat to a large slow cooker, add the rest of the chili ingredients (tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and your choice of beans), and mix until well combined. Depending on how much time I have, I will cook it on low heat for 8-12 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. The general rule I follow is one hour on high heat is equal to two hours on low heat.
Also, there are countless vegetarian chili options out there. One of my favorite vegetarian recipes includes quinoa (KEEN-wah), sweet potato, and black beans. Quinoa is a complete protein (provides all nine essential amino acids) and it’s naturally gluten-free. If you are following a plant-based diet, then consider talking to a registered dietitian to ensure you are consuming sufficient amounts of essential amino acids and nutrients.
Health tip: When using meat, opt for leaner versions such as lean turkey which are lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Additionally, when choosing canned tomato pastes and sauces, opt for lower sodium options.
Recipe tip: Try chili in a taco salad, or serve it with brown rice for some extra carbohydrates.
Stuffed Peppers
Now we’re talking! Another one of my go-to crock pot recipes is Mexican Stuffed Peppers. In this recipe, you clean out the insides of the pepper and then stuff them to the brim with a combination of ground turkey or beef, brown rice, beans, corn, cheese, enchilada sauce and spices.
Health tip: For your pepper stuffings, pick brown rice over white rice as brown rice is associated with more weight loss, lower blood pressure, and less inflammation. Additionally, brown rice may have blood sugar lowering effects, which is especially important for persons who are pre-diabetic or diabetic.
Recipe tip: To take this recipe over the top, add a pinch of Mexican shredded cheese!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to crock pot meal combinations! Check out some of the following blogs such as 365 Days of Crockpots, Moms with Crock Pots, or Slow Cooker Gourmet, as well as 125+ gluten free slow cooker recipes for some inspiration!
Talk with your friends and share your favorite recipes.
Enjoy,
Kylie McKenzie
Drexel University
Graduate Student in Nutrition
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