Eating healthy foods is a key aspect of aging well. Good nutrition helps seniors increase longevity, enhance brain function, and foster overall well-being. Crock-Pot meals are an easy way for seniors to maintain proper nutrition. According to the USDA, the daily recommendations for seniors are two servings of fruit, two cups of vegetables, 1,200 milligrams of calcium, six ounces of grains, and 65 grams of protein.
A Crock-Pot is a low-temperature electrical cooking appliance that is used for simmering, allowing unattended food to cook for many hours. Crock-Pot meals are an easy, delicious, and nutritious cooking method. Many recipes require minimal preparation and cleanup. Here are few easy recipes you can try:
Crock-Pot Recipes
Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chuck roast
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon tarragon
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Season the roast with salt and pepper. Place the roast in the Crock-Pot. Add water, garlic, herbs, vegetables, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces dried wide egg noodles
Preparation
Place onion, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper, vegetables, and bay leaf at the bottom of the crock-pot. Add chicken and stock. Cook on low for 8 hours until vegetables are softened. Add noodles to the soup and cook on low for 15 minutes until tender.
Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 16oz bag of frozen broccoli
- 1 cup rice
- 3 cups water
Preparation
Combine all ingredients and place in Crock-Pot. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Spicy Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops
- 1 15oz can of black beans
- 1.5 cups of frozen corn
- 1 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation
At the bottom of the Crock-Pot, place pork chops in a single layer. Mix herbs, spices, tomatoes, and beans in a bowl. Pour mixture over pork chops and top with corn. Cook on low for 6 hours.
Italian Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 2 sprigs rosemary, crushed
Preparation
Place chicken in the Crock-Pot. Pour pizza sauce over chicken. Add vegetables and herbs. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Stir well. Top with cheese and let stand 5 minutes to melt cheese.
Crock-Pot Safety
The Crock-Pot is convenient and safe for seniors to use as long as proper precautions are followed. It is important that you consult your manufacturer’s instruction manual that came with your Crock-Pot prior to use. Then gather your ingredients, cook, and enjoy!
