Just in case you missed this post on Crock Pot Dinners Saving Money the first time we shared it a couple of years ago, we are republishing it. After Tiffany wrote this blog originally, we got an awesome response. This is one of the PYP Best Blogs!

Life seems to just keep getting busier and busier. It never really feels like we have time to slow down and enjoy the time we have. I know most of this is probably my own fault. I could choose to have the kids involved in less activities and make time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures but the truth is it just isn’t going to happen this week.

So instead of hurrying dinner along handing out a quick PB & J or grabbing take out on the way home, I’ve been looking for ways to have dinner ready to go when we walk in the door. Dinner time is about the only time we are all together and I love every minute of it. I’ve found the use of the crock pot to slow cook dinner is a great option for having dinner ready on the nights I know are going to be busy.

The crock pot is a great tool to have in the kitchen because it helps you make the most of the time you have. It makes me feel like I’m saving time because I am able to prepare a meal when I’m not in a crunch for time. Using a crock pot you can easily prep dinner ahead of time. In my free time the night before or in the morning I’ll prepare dinner, this will ensure that one can come home to a homemade healthy dinner ready to go. I love that it takes the stress out of the question, “What are we having for dinner?”, which I am sure to hear as soon as we get home. This is a welcomed thought on busy nights when we are running from tennis to scouts, basketball, swimming etc.

With careful planning the use of the crock pot can be a great money saving tool as well. On a busy week night the use of the crock pot keeps us on schedule. The small amount of preparation keeps me from having to make a stop for fast food and there by keeps money in my bank account. I can easily make dinner for much less than I would spend in the drive through and still have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunches.

Recipe for the Crock pot:

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 (14oz) can beef broth
3 pounds boneless pork ribs
1 bottle BBQ sauce

Directions:

Pour beef broth into the slow cooker and add the boneless pork ribs. Cook on high for 4 hours, or until the meat shreds easily.
Place meat in a skillet and add BBQ sauce.
Bake in a preheated oven for 30 mins or until it is heated through.