meal planning – making the slow cooker work for us

We survived last week….barely, it seemed like. We mostly stuck to our menu, but when Friday rolled around, my husband was feeling sick and not wanting to make salmon for dinner (so when I got home, I popped a pizza into the oven.) I had a lunch meeting on Thursday. Since it was all work, I’m on the fence on whether that counts against Eat in Month, or not? (I couldn’t show up at this meeting and just watch the other person eat lunch – that would have been awkward.) As a family and just individually, we’ve been able to stick to our challenge.

My husband was a champ last week and cooked every night. This week, we need to make sure the slow cooker is put to use. It does us no good when it’s hanging out in the cabinet.

Sunday – Chili

Monday – 3-bean chili (a Weight Watchers recipe)

Tuesday – Salmon packets. I promise to take photos this time around.

Wednesday – Vegetable beef stew (slow cooker recipe)

Thursday – Homemade macaroni and cheese

Friday – Pizza (I picked up a 3-pack of Digiorno pizzas at Sam’s Club for $9.98 this week!)

Saturday – Open at the moment. I bought a good amount of meat from our local farmer yesterday (I only see him every two weeks during winter) so we have frozen meat. Maybe I’ll try a slow cooker meal that day? I have some time to think it through.

Two weeks ago, I was super excited about the chicken burritos we were making (a slow cooker/Weight Watchers recipe) and it ended up being incredibly bland. I meant to mention that last week on the blog, but I think the meal was so forgettable that I did just that. Forgot about it. I’m hoping that the three-bean chili is much better!

What is your go-to slow cooker recipe? We’ve been fans of the McCormick seasoning packets (and following the recipes on the back.) I’d love to branch out with more, tastier options.