Crock-Pots are great for cooking meals in large quantities without having to do too much hands-on work. Sometimes this means you have some extra food, but why not put this gadget to work and create meals for yourself and your family that can for multiple days?
Here are eight, easy make-ahead recipes you can make on Sunday or Monday that will last you all week.
1. Overnight Breakfast Casserole
No need to rush in the morning when you have this breakfast casserole on hand. Filled with all the breakfast staples, including eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, and cheese, this slow-cooker recipe only takes 30 minutes to prep, but will give you multiple meals.
Recipe: The Gracious Wife
2. Italian Chicken
Dinner Monday through Friday is served — or if you prefer, you can freeze this savory herbed chicken instead, and use it in dishes later on. Crumble it in salads, toss it with pasta, or sandwich it between some bread slices for an easy meal that definitely doesn’t lack flavor.
Recipe: The Frugal Girls
3. Italian Meatball Soup
Soups are easy to make in bulk and even easier to store. Whether you want to keep it for the week, for the month, or maybe the whole winter season, this crockpot Italian meatball soup is hearty, filling and easy to throw together.
Recipe: Pillsbury
4. French Dip Sandwiches
This recipe is great to use for dinner one night and lunch the next day. Pot roast is cooked in the slow-cooker, then served on buns with melted cheese and au jus dip. It’s like eating at a restaurant—only at home.
Recipe: Chef Savvy
5. Chicken Fajitas
Prep these fajitas in a bag, freeze them for later and throw them in a Crock-Pot when you’re ready to eat them. You can serve them in tortilla shells, over rice or even wrapped up in a burrito.
Recipe: Mommy Savers
6. Pizza Bake
Pizza and pasta combined? Yes please. This Crock-Pot pizza bake is great for an entree or main dish, and it can last multiple meals. It’s also budget-friendly, made with a myriad of tasty but inexpensive ingredients such as sausage, penne, mushrooms, cheese, pepperoni and olives.
Recipe: Favorite Family Recipes
7. Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti bolognese is a classic dish, and if you make your bolognese in a crock pot, you’re filled with tons of new options for the entree. Use the meat with foods other than spaghetti if you’re feeling bored, or just enjoy the flavorful Italian meal all week.
Recipe: Spend With Pennies
8. Veggie Tortilla Soup
Crock-Pot meals don’t need to be filled with meat. This vegetarian version of tortilla soup is healthy, filling and easily frozen for later use. When you’re ready to eat it, you can top it with avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips and more.
Recipe: Oh My Veggies