Add in our 2025 goal of paying off debt and cutting down on takeout, and suddenly home-cooked meals have become a must, not a luxury. With inflation making restaurant prices soar, meal prepping has become one of the smartest strategies for saving money and staying sane.
Enter: this super simple, sweet-and-savory Crockpot Pineapple Chicken. It’s one of my go-to freezer dump meals that takes maybe 10 minutes of prep time, and I almost always have the ingredients on hand—especially when my husband impulse-buys multiple pineapples because they were "on sale." (Guess who ends up cutting them up?)
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to serve hearty, budget-friendly meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Between working, raising kids, and managing the everyday chaos that comes with parenting, I need recipes that are both comforting and convenient. That’s why I love this Slow Cooker Venison Tenderloin recipe.
This meal has become a staple in our home, especially during the colder months when comfort food just hits differently. It's rich, savory, and perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have the energy to hover over a stove. You can even set it and forget it before school pickup or afternoon activities and come home to a house that smells like you’ve been cooking all day!
As soon as the leaves start turning and there’s a crisp breeze in the air, I find myself reaching for my slow cooker more and more. There’s just something comforting about walking through the door to the smell of dinner already simmering, especially when your day has been packed with school drop-offs, after-school chaos, work deadlines, and that never-ending mountain of laundry.
If you’re looking for a hearty, low-effort meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, this Crockpot Chop Steak recipe is it. It’s one of our go-to dinners during fall and winter, not only because it’s incredibly simple, but also because it checks every box for a family-friendly, budget-conscious, flavorful meal.
So I thought I was so original when I came up with this idea. I had a box of Velveeta shells with cheese and half the stuff to make burrito bowls, then thought, "I bet I could whip something up both of those". So here is my version of Fajita Mac and Cheese. I have also included the recipe to make your taco seasoning as well as your cheese sauce, so you don't have to worry about so many preservatives. But there is nothing wrong with making dinner easy on yourself and using boxed. Also please ignore this terrible picture. I didn't take one and only realized it after the fact, so this is a screen shot from a video that you can find HERE.
So Here is what you need for Homemade Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese:
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meals that the whole family will actually enjoy. Bonus points if it doesn’t leave my kitchen looking like a tornado hit it. That’s why I absolutely love this Turkey & Sweet Potato One-Pan Hash, it's one of those go-to meals that checks all the boxes.
Whether you're trying to eat healthier, track macros, or just get a wholesome dinner on the table fast, this dish delivers. It’s savory, nutrient-packed, customizable, and yes, even weight loss friendly. In fact, this was a regular in my rotation while I was on my 65-pound weight loss journey. (Yes, you can still eat potatoes and hit your goals!)
Hi! I'm Diana. Mommy to my elementary aged son & middle school daughter. I am a former Nanny living in Georgia, who thought I knew everything about raising children until I had my own. Lover of coffee, traveling, and all things Disney. I like to share my thoughts on budget conscious parenting, traveling with kids, crafts, and family friendly recipes. I serve with the children's ministry at my church and am now a teacher at the preschool.
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