The crock pot is in full force around here. I have been busy painting and getting things done. I really don't want to stop and take the time to make dinner or another mess! The crock pot is so easy! Here is a great meal I came across on Pinterest. I highly recommend it!
Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
1 (19oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
1lb sausage (I used Italian)
1 bag fresh spinach
2 cans Italian style diced tomatoes
2 cans low-fat chicken broth (I used low sodium)
1 (8oz) cream cheese, cut into cubes
1. Brown the sausage in a skillet on the stove top until cooked and crumbled. Drain.
2. Add the sausage and remaining ingredients to a 6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low for 5 hours, stirring twice during cook time.
We had this with garlic bread!
I would imagine everyone has tacos on their menu at some point during the month. But if you don't, it is very simple and easy to do.
You can choose to do beef or chicken, hard shell or soft. That is about as complicated as it gets!
We like to do a taco bar around here at least once a month!
Shells: I always keep hard and soft shells around. I also make my own shells, but they are only for special occasions ;) since they are fried and take longer to make... The recipe for those is under Mexican if you would like to try them sometime!
**I do recommend warming the hard and soft shells before using. Especially the hard shells. They have a stale taste to them when they come right out of the box...
I make beef and/or chicken using low sodium taco seasoning. When making beef, I usually follow the directions on the envelope. When making chicken, I chop the chicken and then I just sprinkle some seasoning over the chicken and cook it on the stove until it is not pink. You don't have to use a seasoning, but once I introduced the kids to it one time, now that is what they prefer... You could just season the beef or chicken with some cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, season salt... whatever sounds good or whatever you have on hand!
Toppings:
cheese (I like to use Monterrey Jack)
lettuce
salsa
sour cream
tomatoes
guacamole
corn
nacho cheese
Pretty much anything goes! The kids love being able to make their own tacos!!!
Some families like to designate one night to tacos each week, some like to have a Mexican night each week, but not always tacos, and then there is us, who it fits when it fits! Every now and then I do theme weeks for a month or two, but then I get bored with it...
Margaritas and nachos or guacamole dip go well with tacos too! ;)
The kids also love setting up the taco bar and helping me get out everything we need!
