Top 3 Crock Pot Recipes

1. Pot Roast

This is perfect for Sunday dinner. I put it in the crock pot in the morning and it’s ready just in time.  All I have to do is whip up some rice or mashed potatoes and biscuits. Don’t tell my grandmother, but sometimes I cheat and make instant potatoes and canned biscuits. 

So how do you make a magnificent pot roast in the crock pot? First pick a good roast. I try to pick one with enough fat to give it flavor, but not too much. It’s also important to make sure your roast isn’t too big for your crock pot. You’ll also need some beef broth. I like to get the ready-made version in a carton, but you can use a roast seasoning packet with water from the spice aisle or make a broth from beef bouillon. The last thing you’ll need to make your pot roast is the vegetables. I like to get bags of frozen “stew” vegetables from the freezer section just to make it easy on myself. If you want, you can cut up your own carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. How much should you use? That depends on your taste and the space you have left in your crock pot. Remember, the meat and vegetables will cook down some, so will the liquid. Keep that in mind when you’re filling up the pot. After I’ve arranged my vegetables and roast, I sprinkle salt and pepper over it all and pour the carton of broth over top. Cook it all on low for 8 hours. Warning: it will make your whole house smell divine!

2. Baked Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken is a great way to save money. A whole chicken usually costs less than buying a chicken that has already been cut into portions at the store.  Cooking a whole chicken can be a little intimidating in the beginning. I usually like to cut off as much skin as I can before I put it in the crock pot.  I put the chicken in with the breasts facing up. Then season the chicken with salt and pepper. I also like to sprinkle my chicken with premixed seasoning. McCormick makes some great chicken seasonings. You can find them on the spice aisle at your grocery store. After you’ve seasoned liberally, pour in a carton of chicken broth. Cook on low for 8 hours. When the chicken is ready, you can make amazing gravy by spooning some of the sauce into a small sauce pot and thickening it with flour or corn starch. 

My husband’s favorite way to serve this sort of chicken is with mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, and toast. Start by toasting some bread in the toaster, then layer a scoop of mashed potatoes (you can save yourself some time with instant mashed potatoes). Put a few slices of the super tender chicken on top of the potatoes and pour gravy over top. Serve your peas on the side and you have a complete meal! It’s delicious!

3. BBQ Pork

I really cannot think of a better way to make BBQ than in the crock pot. It’s so easy! Get a nice looking pork butt from your local butcher. Remember, it has to fit in your crock pot, so don’t go too crazy. You don’t even need to thaw it out, just put the whole butt in the pot. Then pour a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce over the pork and put the lid on. That’s it! Cook on low for 8 hours just like the other recipes. 

What do I serve it with? I usually serve it on hamburger buns with pickles. Easy side dishes include frozen broccoli, boxed mac and cheese, French fries, or potato chips. Another great thing about this meal is that there are always plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.

What are your favorite crock pot recipes? I’m always looking for new ways to use my beloved crock pot, especially when it saves me time and money!

Written by: Sara Parise