Convenience is key on crazy weeknights, and a slow cooker can save the day (and dinner). Follow my slow-cooker tips for a perfectly cooked meal every time.
Be sure to check out our one-pot recipes from Eat Right, Not Less, including: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (p. 247), Chicken and Dumplings (p. 256), Bolognese Skillet Lasagna (p. 258), Cauliflower Mac & Cheese (p. 267) and Smoky Habanero Chili (p. 271). Italian Stuffed Cabbage (p. 251) and Year-Round Barbecued Brisket (p. 268) are great in the slow cooker.
You can also take your pick from my family-friendly options for weeknight meals that can easily be modified for your low carb lifestyle:
- Burger bar
- Salad bar
- Taco bar
- Chili bar
- Make-your-own pizzas
And try these “souper” easy low carb soup recipes:
Last but not least, you can follow these low carb slow cooker and one-pot meal shopping tips so you’re always prepared, even when time is tight:
- “Stock up” on stock. Chicken, beef or vegetable broth or stock is the savory and naturally low carb backbone of many low carb slow cooker recipes, one-pot meals and soups. Most unopened packaged or canned stock or broth will last up to a year in your pantry. Or you can make your own chicken, beef or vegetable broth. It stays fresh in your refrigerator for up to three days and up to three months in your freezer. Bone broth is also a nutrient-rich and flavorful addition to any recipe. Flip to page 161 of Eat Right, Not Less for our Basic Bone Broth. You can make any of these recipes in your slow cooker, and a mug of warm broth is a delicious and comforting low carb snack.
- Shop the canned foods aisle. Fill your pantry with cans of tomatoes, green chilies and chipotle and adobo peppers. If you’re in Phase 2 of Atkins 20 or doing Atkins 40 or Atkins 100, pick up cans of fiber-rich beans as well. Jars of banana peppers, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts also add flavor to your recipes. And don’t forget to freshen up your dried herb and spice supply.
- Go for convenience. Cut down on prep and cooking time and buy pre-diced onions, jars of crushed garlic, and cartons of spiralized zucchini, broccoli florets and more. And you can never go wrong with the trusty rotisserie chicken.
- Buy in bulk. Save money and time and buy your meat and poultry in bulk. Then you can portion it out and freeze it. But make sure you pick the right cut of meat. Fatty and tougher cuts of meat such as brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shanks, chuck roasts and short ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender under the moist, slow heat of a slow cooker. Dark meat chicken thighs and legs are also juicier. Leaner cuts of meat like chicken breasts and pork tenderloin tend to dry out.
When you plan ahead, shop smart and have a go-to menu of low carb slow cooker and one-pot meal recipes, you can have a delicious, warm meal waiting for you and your family at the end of the day (and low carb lunch leftovers).
