You know those days when you're feeling a little lazy or under the weather, and the thought of cooking a delicious, wholesome meal might feel out of reach? We've all been there! That being said, our go-to recipes for when we're feeling this way all center around one important kitchen tool - the crockpot! 

Slow cooker recipes are not only super simple, but offer tons of variety! Craving an effortless method to cook your chicken? Give the crockpot a whirl! Want a hearty meal that'll keep you full for hours? The crockpot can do that, too. Plus, don't even get us started on crockpot desserts... delicious! 

Here are a few crockpot recipes that we've found online and are loving, and don't worry, we've given them all a little Montana flair! 

Deep Pit Beef Tips

If you are looking for a low-effort, high-protein, and utterly delicious meal, you've got to try out these Deep Pit Beef Tips! These melt-in-your-mouth steak bites are the ultimate meal for when you're craving something wholesome, but don't have the energy to throw a couple of filets on the grill. Plus, with very few ingredients necessary, you'll likely have just about everything you need in your pantry.

To give these delicious beef tips a little taste of Montana, we've swapped out ranch seasoning for our popular Deep Pit Seasoning by Montana Bounty Foods. This made in Montana seasoning blend features onion, garlic, canola oil, paprika, basil, red and black peppers, parsley, cilantro, lemon peel, and turmeric. This spice mix is a one-stop savory addition to really any and all dishes - veggies, fish, pork, beef, you name it!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of Cubed Sirloin Steak
• 1 Cup of Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp of Deep Pit Seasoning
• 1 tsp of Salt
• 1 tsp of Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a crockpot. Stir!
2. Cover with lid, and heat mixture on low for 6-8 hours. If you are short on time, you can cook on high hear for 3-4 hours! 
3. Once done cooking, serve over rice. Garnish with parsley if you would like!

Together as a Family - Crock Pot Steak Bites

Haywire Chicken and Rice Soup

There's nothing better than indulging in some comfort food, especially when it is as easy as can be to make! Our Haywire Chicken and Rice Soup is definitely a favorite here at Montana Gift Corral. This nutritious, jam-packed meal is all you need in one go! Filled with rice, dehydrated veggies, garlic, onion, and herbs - it's a ready-to-eat mix! Just toss it in the slow cooker, and you're ready to go.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bag of Haywire Chicken and Rice Soup
• 12-18 Cups of Water (Depending on Consistency)
• 1 lb. Cubed Chicken (If Desired)

Directions:

1. Combine soup mix and 12-18 cups of water in crockpot, depending on what consistency you prefer your soups. 12 cups of water will result in a thicker soup, while 18 will be more watery! Add cubed chicken if you are looking for a protein boost.
2. Cover and heat mixture on low for 8 hours.
3. Enjoy! This mix serves about 6-8 people.

Huckleberry BBQ Meatballs

Another easy recipe that is just as delicious as it is easy are these Slow Cooker Huckleberry BBQ Meatballs! Not only are these meatballs a great snack for whenever you're needing a sweet and savory fix, but they are a real crowd-pleaser! We love to bring these Huckleberry BBQ Meatballs to parties and get-togethers. This recipe blows any typical Superbowl party dish out of the water!

To give this already yummy recipe a Montana kick, we've swapped out a typical barbeque sauce with our Huckleberry BBQ Sauce by Huckleberry Haven. The combination of sweet and tarte huckleberry flavors paired with the classic taste of barbeque sauce is just phenomenal! Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Ingredients:

• 40 oz. Frozen Meatballs
• 16 oz. Huckleberry BBQ Sauce
• 1 Small Sweet Yellow Onion

Directions:

1. Dice yellow onion.
2. Combine frozen meatballs, huckleberry BBQ sauce, and diced yellow onion in a crockpot. Stir!
3. Cover crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 hours. If you are getting a late start, you can cook mixture on high heat for 2.5 hours! Make sure to stir mixture occasionally, ensuring the meatballs do not burn. 
4. Serve with toothpicks, pair it with rice, or even serve on a hoagie bun for a killer meatball sub. Your options are endless!

The Magical Slow Cooker - Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Creamy Crockpot Cocoa

Craving something sweet? Us too! One simple and dreamy concoction we love to make in our slow cooker is this Crockpot Hot Chocolate. Especially during the cold winter months in Montana, there is nothing more comforting than enjoying a rich and delicious hot cocoa, snuggled up in our favorite blanket, while reading an awesome book. 

Our favorite hot cocoa mix to use for this recipe is our Yellowstone Cocoa Tin by Huckleberry Haven. Made in Montana, this delicious mix serves up to 5 cups of hot chocolate, and offers that velvety chocolate flavor. Try it out!

 Ingredients:

• 3 Cups of Whole Milk
• 1 Cup of Half-and-Half
• 6 oz. of Chopped Dark or Bittersweet Chocolate
• 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 4 tbsp. Yellowstone Cocoa
• 1 tsp. Instant Espresso Powder

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a crockpot. Stir until well mixed! Ensure that the powders are dissolved, and not floating to the top of the mixture.
2. Cover crockpot to turn to low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
3. Keep crockpot on "keep warm" setting while serving. Garnish with chocolate chips and marshmallows if you would like. Enjoy! 

Well Plated - Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Huckleberry Honey Balsamic Pork Chops 

Last, but most certainly not least, we have these Huckleberry Honey Balsamic Pork Chops. For those of you who like to get creative in the kitchen, this unique recipe is sure to impress. These well-flavored, perfectly cooked pork chops are a hit amongst even the most critical meat lovers!

To add a little Montana-made inspiration, we've subbed out a traditional honey for our delicious Huckleberry Honey by Huckleberry Haven. The huckleberry clover honey, alongside the savory taste of pork, and the acidity of the balsamic, is a combination you won't soon forget. Seriously, we crave this recipe daily! 

Ingredients:

• 2 Thick Cut Pork Chops
• 2 tbsp Huckleberry Honey
• 1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Add pork chops to a slow cooker. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and huckleberry honey! Add seasonings.
2. Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 2 hours. 
3. Serve over rice, on a salad, or even on a bun to enjoy a delicious pulled pork sandwich. It is so delicious any way you'd like to enjoy it!

Real Simple Good - Crockpot Honey Balsamic Pork Chops

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Written by: Alexa Jorgenson, MGC Content Creator

Blog Cover by: Averi Thompson, MGC Graphic Designer