Hopefully the hottest weather is behind us, but temperatures are still plenty warm here. This week’s gluten-free menu plan includes meals that take advantage of the slow cooker and stove top so you don’t have to turn the oven on every night.
Slow cooker recipes are often great candidates for freezer meals (like the sloppy Joes linked to below). I’ve been doubling up on a number of them and freezing the extra meals for my parents. I double the recipe but not in the same pot – I have two slow cookers. If you only have one, you could do all the prep for the 2nd recipe and place it in your crock after dinner (if there’s time) or cook it the next day. Let the food cool down some before putting it in zip top freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze and they will thaw more quickly than a thick lump.
Main Dish
This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe recipe uses 3 pounds of ground beef, so it can feed quite a few people or last for more than one meal. They’re great served on my homemade hamburger buns. And if you like having wine with your meal, here are wine pairing suggestions from an expert – specially for this recipe!
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic combination of flavors and a meal that most people really enjoy.
The addition of egg in this Zucchini Scramble helps to stretch the meal. I found it was a great way to feed three boys and get them to eat their veggies!
Mexican Beef Bowls combines roast beef, beans, and salsa in the slow cooker. It can then be served over rice (or not) and topped with a variety of choices. Let each person make their own bowl.
Italian Sausage with Quinoa and Broccoli is a flavorful one-dish stove top meal that’s easy to make.
Cheeseburger Fries are a delicious and easy Friday dinner that the kids will love.
Sides
I love the combination of flavors in this Watermelon Avocado Basil Salad.
This Beet Smoothie it pretty to look at and tasty to eat. Smoothies are a great way to get kids to eat fresh vegetables. Add more fruit for them if needed.
These Dairy Free Bread Balls are a treat for my family. They’re good to accompany a meal or just as a snack.
Breakfast
Having muffins on hand in the morning make breakfast time much easier. Try these Multi Grain Carrot Walnut Muffins.
These Healthy Carrot Muffins are grain-free and therefore lower in carbohydrates.
Dessert
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp is a great way to enjoy apples!
Chocolate Avocado Pudding is perfect for summer when you want dessert but don’t want to turn on the oven.
I love slow-cooked meals in the crock pot, especially how my mother used to make them. They were delicious!