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As a busy mom of three, I’ve embraced the slow cooker as an essential tool for getting tasty meals on the table when I’ve had literally zero time to spend in the kitchen. While I’m running around doing multiple rounds of pickups and dropoffs, my slow cooker is preparing a family-friendly meal that we can all sit down and enjoy together at the end of our busy day.
If you don’t already own a slow cooker, I would encourage you to invest. Simple models start at around $40 and really, with this kind of appliance, fancy equipment does not equal better tasting food. As long as it’s got a high/low heat setting and a timer mechanism, you’re good to go. I like this Hamilton Beach model.
But the true beauty of the slow cooker can only be revealed when we eliminate the prep step. Because on those really busy days, we don’t even have time to be chopping veggies and mixing sauces, am I right?
So last fall I started making Slow Cooker Freezer Meals (check out this post with my favorite recipes to date). This defrost, dump and go approach to dinnertime has been a game changer. I can prep a bunch of meals whenever I have a chunk of free time, and they will keep in the freezer for months. And best of all, you only need 3 super simple and inexpensive tools to make this prep work a breeze– and you probably have two of them in your house already!
Zipper freezer bags, a permanent marker (like a Sharpie) and these ingenious bag holding stands that make it so easy to just toss and pour ingredients into the open bag.
Use the permanent marker to label your zipper bag with the contents and the date (most recipes suggest using within 3 months of freezing), pop the bag on the stand and go to town! If you want to get really fancy, you can set up multiple bags/stands so you can double (or triple!) a recipe and portion them out all out at once. These are the stands I am currently using (right now they are just 2 for $7 on Amazon!). I like them because they fold flat for easy storage (I actually store mine right in the box with the zipper bags and the Sharpie too so everything is ready to go when I need it).
That’s it! A little easy prep, a little slow cooker magic and poof, dinner = done 🙂
Don’t forget to check out my favorite Slow Cooker Freezer Meals for 10+ ideas for easy, tasty meals the whole family will enjoy.
More Momsense for Your Everyday Life!
Over the years, we’ve learned that being an “out and about mom” requires more than just a penchant for adventure. We also need to create a home environment that supports our active lifestyle. In our Out and About Mom Lifestyle series we’re sharing our best tips, tricks, ideas and advice for managing our home life in a way that leaves us plenty of time and energy for what we love most: experiencing new things with our families! Check out these ideas…
Whether you’re packing lunches for school, camp, picnics or other adventures, check out our favorite gear for keeping those meals fresh & tasty for hours. Because what good is packing the perfect lunch if your kiddos won’t eat it?
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Stress less about dinner (and spend less on takeout!) by stocking your freezer with easy meals that cook while you’re out having fun.
Want to connect with Connecticut families? Out and About Mom can help grow your business, organization or destination!
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