Hmm, the days are getting colder and the boys have nearly finished their mini summer break from preschool and nursery, and although this doesn’t affect us too much, I’m imagining next year when Reuben will be heading to school and we have to get him ready, get his things ready and work to a tight schedule the night before, morning of and afternoon of too.
With that in mind I was thinking about what I do when I know I have heavy weeks on at work, and the answer is, I really rely on my sous chef, otherwise know as the slower cooker. So I have put together my favourite slow cooker recipes to help other parents get through that first week back to school!
Cottage pie
Cottage pie is so simple to cook in a slow cooker, and yet it isn’t something people often do!
Every one knows how to make Cottage pie, but let’s be honest, very few people think about doing it in the slow cooker and it really does improve the fast completely. You can click the image to be taken to the recipe via BBC Good Food, this is very similar to my own recipe and something that I can guarantee the kids will fill up on.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is something that can be done in 30 minutes, but if you prepare everything and slap it in the slow cooker before work and school, it’s all the better!
Another one that I do all of the time in the slow cooker, and every one loves it! The thing is, bolognese is one of those dishes that can be cooked within 30 minutes and it is tasty, but if you prepare it in the morning and cook it throughout the day on a slow cook, it is divine. 12 minutes to boil the spaghetti when you get home isn’t too much to ask for anyone!
Chicken curry
Chicken often get’s forgotten about when it comes to the slower cooker, but it can be really tasty in a saucy dish like this curry.
Curry flavours are usually a big hit with children, and so is chicken. This recipe is mild and creamy, and it was a huge hit with my whole family, especially the boys. Perfect for guaranteeing something slightly different at the dinner table, despite the heavy week!
Chilli Con Carne
One of the reasons I wanted to include chilli con carne in my slow cooker recipes for back to school, is because you can use this recipe for 2 or maybe even three nights, without guilt. There are so many ways to enjoy chilli con carne, and each one tastes wholly different.
Another family favourite, this one though can work with you for a couple of days! For Chilli Con Carne you can serve it with rice one evening, and the following evening you can make wraps or tacos… totally different meal! The other thing you can do with this is serve it with the old jacket potato favourite, though they take a while to cook in the oven, but with little effort. A final word on chilli con carne, I prefer mine minced, though you can cube yours like in the recipe for a slightly chunkier stew.
Country Style Beef stew
There is nothing more satisfying than knowing you are tucking into a healthy, veggie packed meal and all you had to do after a long day is grab a loaf of crusty bread. I clearly saved the best for last.
Ok, what could be simpler than making tomorrows dinner the night before, or even on the morning and leaving to slow cook for hours… especially when the meal inside is a COMPLETE meal, packed with nutritious vegetable for you and the family to munch on. All you need to accompany this beautiful style of stew is some chunky bread, which I’m pretty sure you or the hubby can pick up on the way back from work (along with the wine!).
Harriet x
I guess it’s time we cracked out the old slow cooker again! Love your top 5, I’m pretty sure we’ve actually done our jacket potatoes in the slow cooker before, then added a very simple topping ::)
Oh thanks Amanda, what a great suggestion!