We’re calling it: It’s *officially* slow cooker season (not that we ever packed the appliance away for summer…). With that, we’re kicking off chillier, cozier evenings with seven Crockpot dinners even your picky kids can get behind. We’re talking soul-soothers like pasta fagioli, chicken piccata and deep-dish pizza. Read on for this week’s menu.
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (October 9 – 15)
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Shopping List
Produce
3 shallots
17 cloves garlic
5 lemons
6 carrots
1 quart cremini mushrooms
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 red onion
1 yellow onion
One 1-inch piece ginger
2 sweet onions
2 stalks celery
6 ounces spinach
1½ pounds baby potatoes
4 bunches parsley
2 bunches thyme
2 bunches basil
1 bunch scallions
2 bunches rosemary
1 bunch Lacinato kale
1 bunch oregano
1 bunch tarragon
Meat
8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5 slices bacon
3 pounds beef chuck
½ pound ground Italian sausage
One 4½-pound whole chicken
Dairy
1 stick unsalted butter
14 ounces shredded mozzarella
4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 Parmesan rind
Grains
6 ounces linguine
Cooked white rice, for serving
24 jumbo pasta shells
5 ounces short pasta (such as ditalini)
Canned and Packaged Goods
24 ounces chicken broth
Capers
8 ounces pearl onions
16 ounces beef broth
10 ounces red wine
Mashed potatoes, for serving
1 pound pizza dough
36 ounces marinara sauce
Sesame seeds, for serving
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
9 ounces dried white beans
4 ounces dry white wine
32 ounces vegetable broth
Pantry Ingredients: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, all-purpose flour, tomato paste, bay leaf, extra-virgin olive oil, Italian herb seasoning, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme
Monday: Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata
Briny, citrusy and chock-full of protein, this main basically prepares itself. The recipe is as simple as dumping in all the ingredients, letting the Crockpot work its magic and prepping a pot of linguine while the chicken cooks.
Tuesday: Cheater’s Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Embrace your inner Julia Child with this French staple that’s basically like a bear hug in a bowl. The recipe calls for essentials like beef chuck, pearl onions, carrots, cremini mushrooms and red wine, but the stew tastes most complete served over mashed potatoes.
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Deep-Dish Pizza
Yup, your slow cooker can make a Chicago-style pie with minimal help from the chef. The recipe suggests marinara, mozz, bell peppers and sausage, but you can riff with whatever produce, protein and sauce you have on hand.
Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Your picky eaters don’t stand a chance against this kid-friendly, sweet-and-savory main. Serve it over noodles, in a wrap or on a bun if they aren’t feeling white rice. (A steamed vegetable, like broccoli, couldn’t hurt either.)
Friday: Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Crispy on the edges, soft on the inside and stuffed to the brim with ricotta cheese—yup, tonight’s dinner is an easy win. Did we mention it’ll feed six people in one fell swoop?
Saturday: Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Get in, we’re going to Tuscany. It’s important to start with dried white beans instead of canned; precooked beans will turn mushy in the Crockpot after seven hours. All they need is an overnight soak before you begin.
Sunday: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Potatoes
Nothing is more awe-inspiring than a whole chicken roasted to perfection. Add a flurry of fresh herbs, bold spices and tender baby potatoes, and it’s a dinner your guests (or roommates) won’t forget.
