Busy Life? Here’s Why a Crockpot Will Change the Way You Cook!

These days, life is like a never-ending juggling act—work, family, pets, appointments, and that never-ending pile of laundry (seriously, where does it all come from?!). The last thing you want to do at the end of a long day is stand over a stove, chopping, stirring, and waiting for dinner to magically appear.

Well, what if I told you there is a bit of magic that can make your life easier? Enter the crock pot—your personal kitchen assistant that asks for nothing in return (except maybe a wipe-down after use).

Why a Crock Pot is a Lifesaver in a Busy World

1. Set It and Forget It (Literally!)

The beauty of a crock pot is that you can dump all your ingredients in, press a button, and go about your day. No stirring, no checking, no risk of setting off the smoke alarm because you totally meant to take that casserole out 20 minutes ago.

Imagine this: In the morning, you toss in some chicken, veggies, and broth. You head off to work, run errands, or chase after your kids/pets/life in general. By dinnertime, a fully cooked, delicious meal is waiting for you. It’s like having your own personal chef—except this one doesn’t complain or charge you a fortune.

2. No More "What’s for Dinner?" Panic

We’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM, and you’re staring into the fridge like it’s going to magically assemble a meal for you. Meanwhile, your family is hovering, asking, "What’s for dinner?" with that hungry, slightly desperate look in their eyes.

With a crock pot, you can plan ahead! Spend five minutes in the morning, and you’ll have dinner sorted by the time everyone gets home. No last-minute takeout runs, no kitchen meltdowns. Just a warm, home-cooked meal, effortlessly prepared.

3. Saves Money (Because Takeout Adds Up!)

Speaking of takeout, let’s be real—it’s way too easy to fall into the "I’ll just order something" trap when you’re tired. But those quick fixes can cost a fortune over time. A crock pot helps you cook delicious, budget-friendly meals at home with minimal effort.

Instead of spending $50 on pizza, you can throw some cheap cuts of meat, beans, and spices into your slow cooker and have a hearty meal for a fraction of the cost—plus leftovers for the next day!

4. Perfect for Meal Prepping (a.k.a. Future You Will Thank You)

If you want to feel like an actual organized adult, the crock pot is your best friend. You can make big batches of soups, stews, or shredded meats that last for multiple meals. Freeze portions for later, and you’ll have ready-to-go dinners for those nights when life is extra chaotic.

Bonus: It’s also a lifesaver for school lunches. Leftover crock pot meals often taste even better the next day—no sad, soggy sandwiches needed.

5. Hands-Free Cooking = More YOU Time

Let’s talk about what you can do instead of standing over a stove:

✔️ Catch up on your favorite show

✔️ Read a book (or at least pretend to while scrolling on your phone)

✔️ Play with your kids or pets

✔️ Take a nap (seriously, you deserve one)

A crock pot literally gives you back your time, which is priceless in a world where we’re all constantly busy.

What Can You Cook in a Crock Pot? (Spoiler: Almost Anything!)

You might be thinking, "Okay, this all sounds great, but what can I actually cook?" The answer: practically everything.

✔️ Hearty Stews & Soups – Just throw in your ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest.

✔️ Tender Meats – Chicken, beef, pork—slow cooking makes them fall-apart delicious.

✔️ Pasta Dishes – Yes, you can cook lasagna in a crock pot. Mind-Blown.

✔️ Breakfasts – Oatmeal, egg casseroles, even cinnamon rolls!

✔️ Desserts – Yep, you can make cakes, cobblers, and even brownies in a crock pot.

Honestly, the crock pot is like that one friend who’s good at everything—except it never brags about it.

What Size Crock Pot Should You Get? (Because Size Does Matter!)

Before you rush out and grab the first crock pot you see, let’s talk size—because getting the wrong one can be a real headache. (Imagine trying to cook a whole chicken in a crock pot the size of a cereal bowl. Not ideal.)

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size for your household:

1.5–3 Quarts (Small & Mighty) – Best for singles, couples, or small side dishes like dips and sauces. If you’re just making meals for yourself or a plus-one, this is plenty big. But if you want leftovers? Go bigger.

✔️ Perfect for small meals, dips, and side dishes

✔️ Compact and easy to store

✔️ Budget-friendly

4–5 Quarts (The Sweet Spot for Small Families) – Perfect for a family of 2-3 or smaller meals like soups, pasta dishes, and shredded meats.

✔️ Great for soups, casseroles, and small roasts

✔️ Simple manual controls (high, low, and warm settings)

✔️ Affordable and reliable

6–7 Quarts (Family-Sized Feast Maker) – The most popular size! Great for families of 4-6, meal preppers, or anyone who likes big batches and leftovers. You can fit a whole chicken, large roasts, or enough chili to feed a small army.

✔️ Best size for most families (feeds 4-6 people)

✔️ Digital timer with programmable settings

✔️ Locking lid for easy transport (great for potlucks & meal prepping)

8+ Quarts (Go Big or Go Home) – Ideal for large families, parties, or serious meal prepping. If you like to cook in bulk and freeze portions, this one’s for you.

✔️ Ideal for big batches, meal prep, or entertaining

✔️ Simple, no-fuss manual controls

✔️ Large enough to fit a whole turkey or roast

🔹 My advice? If you’re unsure, go with a 6-quart—it’s the perfect balance between everyday cooking and having extra room for leftovers. Plus, it can handle everything from soups to slow-cooked roasts without taking up too much counter space.

No matter which size you choose, one thing’s for sure: your future self will thank you for making dinnertime easier!

What to Look for When Choosing a Crock Pot

Not all crock pots are created equal! Here are some extra features to consider before making your pick:

1️⃣ Programmable vs. Manual Controls

Manual: Basic “High,” “Low,” and “Warm” settings. Simple but effective.
Programmable: Lets you set a timer so it automatically switches to “Warm” when done (no overcooking!). Great if you're gone all day.

✔ Personal Recommendation: If you have a busy schedule, go for a programmable crock pot with a digital timer. That way, dinner won’t turn into mush if you’re late getting home.

2️⃣ Locking Lid for Travel (No More Spills!)

If you ever take food to a potluck or a family gathering, get a crock pot with a locking lid. It keeps things from sloshing around in the car. (Because no one wants chili all over their backseat!)

✔ Personal Recommendation: The Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry is great for taking meals on the go.

3️⃣ Size Matters (Think About Storage!)

Crock pots can take up a lot of counter or cabinet space. If your kitchen is small, you might want a compact model or one with a removable stoneware insert for easy storage.

✔ Personal Recommendation: The 4-Quart Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker is great for small kitchens!

4️⃣ Dishwasher-Safe Parts (Because Who Likes Washing Dishes?)

Look for one with a removable, dishwasher-safe insert—because the only thing worse than cooking after a long day is scrubbing.

✔ Personal Recommendation: Most Hamilton Beach & Crock-Pot models have dishwasher-safe parts.

5️⃣ Extra Functions (If You Want More Than Just Slow Cooking)

Some crock pots double as pressure cookers, air fryers, or even sous vide machines. If you love versatility, check out multi-cookers like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.

✔ Personal Recommendation: If you want one appliance that does everything, go for the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer.

The Best Kitchen Gadget on Amazon – You’ll Wish You Got One Sooner!

I’ve done the hard work for you—after searching through Amazon’s top-rated options, I found the ultimate kitchen lifesaver: The Instant Pot

This isn’t just a slow cooker; it’s a 7-in-1 multi-cooker that pressure cooks, sautés, steams, and even makes yogurt! Whether you’re juggling work, family, and pets or just want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen, this appliance does all the heavy lifting for you. Imagine tossing in your ingredients in the morning, pressing a button, and coming home to a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed meal—without lifting a finger!

And here’s the cherry on top: the Instant Pot Duo comes with a free app packed with over 1,900 recipes, so you’ll never run out of meal ideas. From hearty stews and slow-cooked roasts to quick one-pot wonders, this app is like having a personal chef guiding you every step of the way. No more meal-planning stress, just easy, delicious home-cooked meals waiting for you. If you’re ready to make cooking effortless, this is the kitchen gadget you need in your life!

Ready to make cooking effortless? Check out the Instant Pot Duo and get 1,900+ free recipes to simplify mealtime! Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/4kki4lT

Tips for Making Cheap Meals That Go a Long Way (Especially with Meat!)

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and you don’t need to break the bank to feed a hungry family! With a little planning, you can make meals that stretch far and taste amazing. Let’s dive into some meat-smart tips and tricks to save money while keeping your meals hearty, filling, and delicious.

1️⃣ Choose Cheaper Cuts of Meat (The Hidden Gems)

Some cuts of meat are way more affordable than others but still pack a ton of flavor and can be tenderized with the right cooking method. Here are some top picks:

Beef:

Chuck Roast – Often cheaper than sirloin or rib-eye, chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow in a crock pot.
Ground Beef – A versatile and budget-friendly option. You can stretch it in spaghetti, chili, tacos, or meatballs, and it works great in casseroles.
Brisket – Another tough cut that benefits from slow cooking or braising, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat perfect for shredding.

Pork:

Pork Shoulder (also called Pork Butt) – This is a winner for slow cooking or braising. It becomes incredibly tender and can be used in tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or stews.
Pork Belly – Often more affordable than other cuts, it’s perfect for roasting, stewing, or slow cooking. Bonus: Crispy skin anyone?
Pork Chops (Bone-In) – Bone-in pork chops are usually cheaper than boneless ones and stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked.

Chicken:

Whole Chicken – Buy a whole chicken, and you get multiple meals! Roast it, use the leftovers for soups or chicken salad, and even use the bones for homemade stock.
Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On) – Thighs are often more affordable than breasts and stay juicier. Roast, grill, or throw them in a slow cooker!
Chicken Drumsticks – An excellent budget-friendly choice, drumsticks can be baked, grilled, or slow-cooked. They have more flavor than chicken breasts and are perfect for kids.

2️⃣ Get Creative with Ground Meat

Ground meat is incredibly versatile and one of the best ways to stretch a dollar. You can stretch it out by adding inexpensive ingredients like beans, rice, or vegetables to bulk up the meal.

Meatloaf or Meatballs – Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, oats, or even veggies like grated zucchini to stretch it further while adding moisture.
Tacos & Burritos – Ground beef, pork, or chicken mixed with spices, beans, and rice makes for a hearty, low-cost meal.
Stuffed Vegetables – Use ground meat in stuffed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the meal go further without increasing the cost.

3️⃣ Make the Most of Leftovers

Cooking once and eating multiple times is one of the best ways to save money. Here’s how to repurpose leftovers:

Soup & Stews – Leftover meat can be added to broth with vegetables, beans, and grains to make a hearty soup or stew.
Casseroles – Shred leftover meat and mix with pasta, rice, or potatoes for a filling casserole that serves multiple people.
Sandwiches or Wraps – Leftover roasted meats make perfect sandwiches or wraps the next day.
Curries or Stir-Fries – Use leftover meat in curries or stir-fries by adding vegetables and rice for a quick and easy meal.

4️⃣ Stretch Meat with Beans & Lentils

Beans, lentils, and other legumes are a fantastic way to stretch your meat and add protein without adding a lot of extra cost. Add beans or lentils to chili, tacos, or soups to bulk up the meal. Here are some great options:

Black Beans – Perfect for chili, soups, and tacos.
Kidney Beans – Great in stews, chili, or as a side dish.
Lentils – A fantastic addition to curries, soups, and salads. Lentils cook quickly and are cheap to buy.

5️⃣ Slow-Cook or Pressure-Cook for Maximum Flavor

When cooking cheaper cuts of meat, slow-cooking or pressure-cooking helps make them tender and juicy. These methods also allow you to cook larger batches, saving both time and money.

Crock Pot (Slow Cooker) – Perfect for tougher cuts of meat like pork shoulder, beef chuck, or chicken thighs. Throw in the ingredients in the morning, and come home to a tender, flavor-packed dinner.
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) – If you’re short on time, pressure cooking is a great option. You can cook tougher cuts of meat in a fraction of the time it would take in a slow cooker.

6️⃣ Add Vegetables to Bulk Up the Meal

Vegetables are usually cheaper than meat, and they can help bulk up your meals. Add in affordable vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, or cabbage to create filling meals that last longer. Here are some ways to use them:

Roast Vegetables – Add inexpensive veggies to a sheet pan with your meat to make a one-pan meal.
Stews & Casseroles – Add hearty vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, or corn to soups and stews.
Stir-Fries – Toss in a variety of veggies with your leftover meat and some soy sauce for a quick, budget-friendly dinner.

7️⃣ Plan Your Meals & Shop Smart

Meal planning is key to saving money on meat. Stick to a shopping list, buy in bulk when possible, and look for sales.

Shop in Bulk – Buy larger cuts of meat (like a whole chicken or pork shoulder) and use them for multiple meals.
Freezer-Friendly Meals – Cook in batches and freeze portions for later. It’s a great way to save time and money.
Buy Frozen – Frozen meats can be cheaper than fresh, and they last longer, which is perfect for stocking up. My No.1 tip is to buy them when they are on sale!

Sample Budget-Friendly Meals Using Cheap Cuts of Meat

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Pork shoulder, slow-cooked with BBQ sauce and served on buns.
Beef and Bean Chili – Ground beef, beans, and chili spices cooked to perfection.
Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry – Chicken thighs with mixed vegetables and rice.
Stuffed Bell Peppers – Ground meat, rice, beans, and spices stuffed into bell peppers.
Shepherd’s Pie – Ground beef, mashed potatoes, and vegetables baked into a comforting casserole.

Final Thoughts:

Cheap Doesn’t Mean Boring!

Eating on a budget doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With the right cuts of meat, smart planning, and some creativity, you can make meals that are both delicious and affordable. So, next time you're at the butcher or grocery store, don’t shy away from the cheaper cuts—embrace them! Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Get Yourself a Crock Pot, Seriously

If you’re always busy (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), a crock pot will change your life. It saves you time, money, and stress—all while serving up delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort.

So, the next time you’re too tired to cook, remember: the crock pot has your back. Now go enjoy that extra free time—you’ve earned it! Buy Yours Today!

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