We know the feeling; you wake up every Saturday morning, and you feel like you don’t want to get in the kitchen for the next two days. Weekends are for fun, self-care, and pleasure. But a girl has to eat! And what now? If you don’t feel like spending all your money on takeaways, or one of your New Year’s resolutions is to have a healthier diet, then your only solution is to cook. But what happens if you don’t want to? Crockpot is the secret! 

The “set it and forget it” mindset of crockpot is a game changer for all of us productive people who don’t want or don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The appeal of Crockpot is that you can toss ingredients into the pot in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. Crockpot, in contrast with the traditional cooking methods, doesn’t require your constant attention, so you happily wave “bye-bye” to the constant stirring or monitoring and free up your time for other more fun and productive activities.

Also, slow cooking is traditionally considered the most optimized way of cooking for many reasons. You can use inexpensive cuts of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients, and the slow cooking process will tenderize them and bring out their flavors. The long, slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in richer, more complex dishes and hearty meals. So, you basically spend less money and the results are equal to a highly rated restaurant. What more do you need? 

And if you are looking for inspiration, here are some hearty, delicious, and inexpensive recipes for your Crockpot to try this weekend.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Nothing can go wrong with chicken, especially when combined with honey. Chicken is not just a meal; it's an experience. Effortlessly elegant yet undeniably comforting, it's perfect for a weekend dinner or a casual gathering.  Serve it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone craving more.

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

If you follow a balanced diet, then meat should be consumed 1-2 per week. And pork is such a tasty meat that combined with honey, honey and shallots will give you an hearty wholesome experience. 

Slow-Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes are our go-to carb and can stand as a complete and fulfilling meal. Now imagine creamy, tender slices of potato layered in a rich, velvety sauce, all slow-cooked to bubbly, golden perfection.  These Slow-Cooker Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food.  The potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth soft, infused with the luscious flavors of cream, garlic, and herbs.  The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating an elegant and utterly satisfying dish.  The top layer browns beautifully, creating a slightly crispy, cheesy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. Just yummy!

Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Italy knows noodles, and Crockpot is not only made for meat but also for soups. A hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a creamy broth. Minimal effort for the maximum taste, it’s the ideal dish for cozy weekend evenings and chill.

Crock Pot Pork Cassoulet

If you are looking for something European, this classic French Pork and White Bean Cassoulet is a truly delightful culinary experience. Cassoulet is a rich and savory stew, it features tender, flavorful pork combined with creamy white beans, creating a hearty and satisfying traditional dish. This recipe is a crockpot version of the original one and is so easy to make.

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

If you feel like you want something hearty but don’t mind the calories, then this BBQ crockpot chicken recipe is exactly what you need for a Saturday night or a Super Bowl night with your friends. They will for sure appreciate the effort and the taste. Serve with toasted buns and French fries and you will be the Burgen Queen of the night!

Slow Cooker Korean Beef

The magic of crockpot is that you can make exceptional stews with the minimum effort. Stews are a nostalgic, wholesome meal that is taking us back to those Sunday evenings when the whole family gathered for dinner and bring so many happy memories. Instead of the classic recipe, try this Korean beef stew recipe which is delicious and melts in your mouth. Just amazing!

Crock Pot Pizza with Deep Dish Crust

If you have never thought that making pizza in a crockpot doesn’t make any sense, then this recipe is going to change you mind. Pizza is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the go-to meal when you don’t know what to eat and nothing can go really wrong with pizza. Especially when it’s Chicago style pizza. The only thing you need to make this Crockpot pizza is dough and creativity to combine your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

Who could resist fluffy chicken meatballs combined with gnocchi? Nobody. A hearty and comforting Italian-style meal that won’t disappoint you or your loved ones and is exactly what you need for your weekend without spending time minding the cooking process. Creamy, cheezy, and delicious, this will be your go-to recipe for every occasion. You definitely have to try it.