Six Easy Ideas For Slow Cooker Recipes

Lots of us don’t have as much time to cook as we would like. Between work, looking after the children, keeping house and trying to fit in a social life, we’re always on the lookout for quick ways to get a healthy, tasty dinner on the table. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy people. Just load it up in the morning, turn it on and by the time you get home, dinner is ready, with minimal effort from you. If you’ve bought a slow cooker, but aren’t sure yet what to cook in it, there are lots of recipe ideas you can try that are tasty, easy and nutritious. 

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1. Soup. Soup is a classic slow cooker dish and it’s a great way to use up any vegetables you have lurking in the fridge that are past their best. Any vegetables that need using up can be chopped up and added to the slow cooker with water and a stock cube. Add in some herbs and season well. You could add chunks of meat too. Any kind of soup you like can be made easily in a slow cooker. 
2. Chili. If you love a chili bowl dinner when you’re out and about, then why not take inspiration from your favorite dish at home? Mince, cans of various beans, tinned tomatoes and plenty of herbs and spices all emptied into the slow cooker are an easy way to make a comforting classic to be eaten on nachos, rice or a jacket potato. 
3. Pulled pork. Any meat can be made into a tasty pulled dish with a slow cooker. Put a joint of pork, beef or chicken into the slow cooker and let it simmer away slowly (just make sure you use enough liquid to cover it). When it’s cooked, the meat will be so soft and tender that you’ll be able to shred it easily with a pair of forks. 
4. Stew. Stew is another good way to use up any loose vegetables that need eating up. Pick some stewing beef, root vegetables and button mushrooms for a tasty, winter evening dinner. Add paprika for a smoky finish. 
5. Gammon in cola. If your slow cooker is large enough, you can put a whole ham in there. Cover with cola and cook slowly for a tasty, tender, sweet treat to serve up for dinner. For an interesting twist, you could cook the gammon in something like ginger ale, instead of the cola. This could be a great option for dinner parties or if you have a lot of family visiting. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd and still impress your guests. 
6. Hot chocolate. Most slow cooker fans stick to ideas like soups and stews, but you can make hot chocolate in there too. Use real chocolate and cream for a rich, delicious treat. The children will love this treat too, especially if you pile it high with marshmallows when you serve up this amazing beverage.