Frugal Monday - crockpot love!

As we work to cut down we are eating out less. Not only do we save money but it is so much better for us. I must confess though - I am not a fan of cooking. When I get home in the afternoons I do NOT want to cook and clean up supper. I know that is bad but it is the truth! It is my crockpot to the rescue!!

I love the fact that I can put it in first thing in the morning and then it is ready when I get home.  Here are 4 of my favorite recipes

1. Lasagna -  have you tried this?? So easy and taste great! You do have to brown your hamburger meat ahead of time but that is it. You just layer everything in the crockpot - do not cook the noodles ahead of time. Put them in raw. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5. 

2. Porkchops - Oh WOW! These are soooo good!! I am not a big fan of porkchops but these melt in your mouth. So yummy! Simply put a can of soda (any kind will work - I've used coke, rootbeer and this week mellow yellow ... don't judge :) It was all I had!) . Mix in ketchup ( I don't really measure. I just give it 3 or 4 good squirts) and some brown sugar (again - I don't measure ) Mix it together and add your porkchops. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. They are so tender they fall off the bone!

3. BBQ - This is also a family favorite and we have even cooked it camping and got rave reviews. Simple add 2 cans of soda ( I don't know what it is about the soda that makes the meat so tender! And why wasn't I told about it earlier?? You can also use diet soda if you want)  Put in your meat (we use boston butt) and cook on low around 5 hours. Add some of your favorite BBQ sauce and finish cooking. It will fall off the bones! Makes great sandwiches.

4. Chicken & dumplings - Add your chicken and some cream of chicken soup & chicken broth. Slow cook for 6-8 hours. Add your dumplings when you have about 2 hours left to cook. I buy store bought dumplings and add them and they taste great. I've also heard of people cutting up biscuits and they say they are good. If you can make homemade dumplings I am jealous!

Another way to cut back - don't buy paper plates. This has been a HARD one for us! Paper plates are just easy!! I haven't bought any in 2 weeks though. Baby steps!!

What is your favorite crockpot recipe? I'd love to hear from you!