crockpot recipes | I Crashed The Web

I love easy slow cooker meals that can be prepped ahead of time, are healthy, delicious and don’t take a lot of preparation. Slow cooker meals that require no cooking ahead of time (what’s the point of that?!) or browning of meat. Kid-friendly slow cooker meals. And, slow cooker meals that are just as good in the summer as they are in the winter.

That is why I love this dish. My husband, baby girl and I all love it. (Confession my picky toddler won’t eat any of it but the sweet potatoes) I can make it ahead of time AND it tastes good 1-2 days later! If you’re looking for an easy, healthy weeknight crockpot meal, here it is.

Crockpot Chicken, Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Curry

Here’s what you need:

1 15 oz can full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
3 tablespoons curry powder
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 whole cauliflower, chopped (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups)
1 medium onion thinly sliced
15 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen green peas
Optional; for serving: Rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa

Here’s what you do:

Combine coconut milk, chicken broth and curry powder and add to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add chicken breasts, cauliflower, onion, chickpeas, canned tomatoes and sweet potatoes. Gently toss together to make sure everything is coated with coconut milk/broth/curry.
Cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
OPTIONAL: Depending how much broth/juice you have after cooking, you can take out 1-2 cups of broth mixed with cauliflower and sweet potato and blend until mushy (yes that’s the technical term) before putting back in. I love doing this as it adds a nice thick sauce.
Stir in peas 5 minutes before serving. I like to serve mine over cauliflower rice for even more cauliflower goodness. But, you may enjoy it over regular rice, quinoa or even just with a side of naan.

Some questions:

What’s your go-to slow cooker meal?
Do you like curry?

I don’t know about you, but where I am is JUST starting to feel like spring! This past weekend was gorgeous, it’s supposed to be 60 today … but the past few weeks have been pretty chilly for April! We still have had a few chilly days, a few cold nights, and even some frosty mornings. That being said, I am trying to embrace it. So yes, we’re still eating soups, chilis and other wintry foods. Truth be told? I love chili and hot soup all year round so at least food-wise, I can’t complain.

Looking for a meat free chili that you can set and forget about? Here you go! I made this chili in the crockpot one night when I knew we’d only have 30 min to prepare and eat dinner … and since I like to sit and enjoy a meal, I knew I wanted to spend the 30 minutes eating (and not cooking/cleaning). This was the perfect solution, and even B enjoyed his meatless bowl! Just in time for Meatless Monday, here’s a slow cooker vegetarian chili you can enjoy.

slow cooker butternut squash %0Abean chili (3)

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Bean Chili

Here’s what you need:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
1 cup cauliflower, diced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (or even better, homemade!)
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tablespoons ancho chile powder
1-2 Tablespoons ground cumin (to taste)
1 tsp cayenne pepper or more (or to taste)
hot sauce (I like cholula) to taste
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, cheese, avocado, cilantro, more hot sauce

Here’s what you do

Place all the diced and chopped veggies in the crockpot (squash, onion, garlic, peppers, cauliflower).
Cover veggies with canned tomatoes, sauce, beans and spices (chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper).
Set crock pot on low for 7-8 hours. Add in hot sauce before serving and when plated (or bowled)? add your additional toppings! I love topping mine with cheese and avocado (vegetarian) or just avocado (vegan).

slow cooker butternut squash bean chili in the crockpot