3 Super Simple Crockpot Dinners for When Life Gets Busy

With a new school year underway, we all know how hectic life can quickly become. In addition to getting the kids to school on time and making sure homework is done, you’ve got your own work, shuttling the kids to extracurriculars, errands to run, laundry to do… The last thing you want to think about some days is what you are going to feed your family that night. 

So here are 3 super simple dinners you can make in your crockpot. Simply put all the ingredients in before you leave in the morning (or even the night before– just don’t forget to plug it in and turn it on the next day!) and serve when you’re ready!

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

This is one of my family’s favorites. The best part is that you don’t even have to thaw the chicken first!

What you need

2 lbs (or as needed for your family) frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 jar buffalo wing sauce 

1 bag of tortilla chips

Optional: shredded Mexican style cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, chives

What you do

  1. Put frozen chicken in the crockpot. Cover with buffalo wing sauce. 
  2. Turn to low for 6-8 hours. (Leaving it longer does not seem to cause issues)
  3. After 6-8 hours, use 2 forks to shred the chicken (still in the crockpot).
  4. Spoon over tortilla chips and garnish with desired toppings.

Variations

  1. Serve on hamburger or slider buns instead of chips for buffalo chicken sandwiches.
  2. Use barbecue sauce, ranch sauce, salsa verde, or other desired wing sauce or dressing instead of buffalo sauce to change up the flavor.
  3. Serve the chicken over rice. (Bust out that rice cooker!)

Jam Chops with Baby Carrots

What you need

boneless pork chops

any flavor jam

bag of baby carrots

What you do

  1. Cover the bottom of the crockpot with an even layer of baby carrots.
  2. Arrange the pork chops on top of the carrots in an even layer.
  3. Spoon your jam over the pork chops.
  4. Turn to low for 6-8 hours. (Again, leaving it longer doesn’t seem to cause any issues)
  5. Serve pork chops and carrots!

Variations

Try different flavors of jam. We have done this with orange marmalade, grape jelly, strawberry preserves, mango jam… it’s all good!

Baked Potatoes

What you need

baking potatoes (however many you need for your family)

salt

olive oil (or vegetable oil)

desired toppings (cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon…)

aluminum foil

What you do

  1. Clean the potatoes and then prick them each several times with a fork. Rub with oil and then sprinkle with salt.
  2. Wrap each potato individually with aluminum foil and place in crockpot.
  3. Turn to low for 7-8 hours.
  4. When ready to serve, carefully remove from the crockpot. Split the potatoes open with a knife and fill with desired toppings.

***Bonus meal*** Breakfast Casserole

Set this up before going to bed and have a hearty breakfast ready when you wake up!

What you need

1 bag frozen hashbrowns

10-12 strips of bacon

1 cup milk

1 onion, peeled and chopped

8oz bag of shredded cheese

12 eggs

salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

What you do

  1. Spray crockpot with cooking spray.
  2. Cook bacon and cut into pieces. Saute the onion.
  3. Layer the ingredients in this order, using 1/3 at a time and repeating until all used: frozen hashbrowns, bacon, onion, cheese.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, and seasonings, then pour over everything in the crockpot.
  5. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
  6. Go to bed and wake up to a yummy breakfast casserole.

Variations

  1. Use cooked sausage or chopped ham instead of/in addition to bacon.
  2. Add veggies. 
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Ginny
Originally from Dauphin Island, AL, I am a stay-at-home mom who likes to do anything other than just stay at home. My husband and I have lived in 5 states together and are in the Atlanta area now for the second time. I have a Master’s degree from GSU in Multiple and Severe Disabilities and was a special education teacher for 8 years before deciding to work with adults with autism and then becoming a SAHM. I now work as a preschool teacher and fitness instructor. I enjoy spending time with my daughter at parks, libraries, and anywhere else that we can explore our world.