Easy Crockpot Meals to Keep You Warm this Winter

Staying in this winter season has its perks, one of which is experimenting in the kitchen. Crockpot meals are a wonderful way to make enough for a few days’ leftovers. These dishes are also great options for multitaskers who want to do it all while staying at home! With not much active time involved, these are 3 quick, easy, and healthy recipes that only have a few ingredients (many   of which you probably already have around your home).

Slow-cooked Salsa Chicken

First up is an easy, healthy option!

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast per person eating (or plan for some leftovers…this keeps great!)
• 1 medium jar favorite salsa at the spice level of your liking
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cajun seasoning (optional, but this will give it a kick)
• Brown rice

Steps:

1. Place chicken breast in crockpot, season lightly with salt and pepper. (NOTE:  If you’re cutting salt out of your diet for health concerns, try saltless seasonings like Mrs. Dash.  For this recipe, the Garlic & Herbs Mrs. Dash seasoning is a great option!)
2. If you like (and can handle) spiciness, add 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning spread along the top of all chicken breasts.
3. Pour salsa on top of the chicken. Cover the entire top of the chicken breast with salsa.
4. Cover crockpot and cook chicken on low for 4-5 hours (until cooked through).
5. Once chicken is cooked, white all the way through, cook brown rice according to directions on the box.
6. Remove chicken from crockpot, shred with a fork (or cut into pieces), and serve over rice with a side of veggies – this dish goes great with a spinach salad or oven-roasted broccoli.

 

Quinoa Mexican Tacos

Next up is for the ultimate taco Tuesday!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes in tomato juice
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
• Whole Wheat (or gluten-free) tortillas

Steps:

1. Place all ingredients except tortillas in crockpot on high for 4 hours.
2. When quinoa is cooked all the way through, serve on tortillas, and add salsa and sliced avocado as a little addition!
3. That’s it. It’s really that easy!

 

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

This is a modern, healthy switch up to the classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 can cheddar soup, condensed
• 1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
• Salt & pepper
• 2 cups low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. Grease crock pot with olive oil cooking spray and place cauliflower florets in pot.
2. In medium saucepan, combine remaining ingredients over medium heat and stir constantly until cheese is melted.
3. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower florets in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 3 ½ – 4 hours.

We hope you enjoy these quick, simple, and healthy crockpot meals. If you make too much, use them for tomorrow’s lunch or freeze for dinners to come later on.