Easy and Affordable Crock-Pot Recipes: Burrito Bowls with Lentil and Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Looking for quick, easy, and affordable crock-pot meals? Look no further! This article dives into two simple yet satisfying crock-pot recipes that highlight the versatility of this cooking appliance. From hearty burrito bowls with lentil to juicy shredded beef sandwiches, these recipes promise a delicious meal that doesn't break the bank.

Burrito Bowls with Lentil

If you're a fan of burrito bowls but want to switch things up with a plant-based option, consider giving lentil burrito bowls a try. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

1 pound inexpensive meat cuts, such as ground beef, turkey, or sausage 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced White potatoes, chopped (optional) Water or red wine (or a blend of both) Seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper)

Instructions

Place the meat cuts in the crockpot. Add chopped onion on top of the meat. Layer the sliced carrots and celery on top of the meat. If desired, add chunks of white potatoes. Pour water or red wine until it just covers the meat, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum level indicated in the model's directions. Add your choice of seasonings. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for about 8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, check the seasoning and adjust if needed. Stir and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes before serving. Remove the meat and let it sit for about 10 minutes covered with aluminum foil. Then, slice or shred it. Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables and keep them warm. Decide to serve the liquid as an au jus, which you can drizzle over both meat and vegetables, or use a thickener to make it into a gravy. If using a thickener, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and bring it to a boil to thicken.

Shredded Beef Sandwiches

For those who love the classic flavors of beef in sandwiches, this recipe for shredded beef sandwiches is a must-try. This heartwarming dish combines beef, onion soup mix, and all the flavors that make a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lbs beef roast or any cheap cut of beef 1 packet of onion soup mix Dairy-free alternative milk (optional, for better texture)

Instructions

Cut off any large pieces of fat from the beef and cut the beef into large chunks. Place the beef chunks in the crockpot. Mix the onion soup mix with 4 cups of water and pour it over the beef. Cook the mixture on low overnight or on high for 8 hours or longer. Shred the beef with a couple of forks and return it to the crockpot with the beef juice. Serve the beef mixture on buns with spicy brown mustard and coleslaw. Enjoy the juicy and flavorful beef soaking into the buns! Leftovers can be used as a base for vegetable beef soup, continuing to make use of the crockpot.

Benefits of Crock-Pot Meals

Crock-pot meals like these offer numerous benefits:

Convenience: The crockpot can cook on its own while you're busy with other tasks, meaning less time in the kitchen. Cost-effective: Inexpensive cuts of meat and vegetables can be used, making these meals budget-friendly. Healthy: Many crock-pot recipes allow for slow cooking of ingredients, retaining more of their nutrients.

Whether you're a seasoned crock-pot user or new to it, these recipes are designed to satisfy your cravings and fit into any budget. Give them a try today and enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.