This past weekend I tried something new, and I want to share it with you all! I pulled out my Crock Pot and tried the Crock Pot divider hack I had seen circulating Facebook. You take a sturdy piece of aluminum foil and create a wedge, and then use a liner so that you can put in two different recipes and it acts as a barrier. You can cook two different dishes at the same time to maximize your time. I wanted to get inspired for summer, so I did baked beans and mac and cheese. Both are perfect dishes to serve up at your next summer barbeque! If you want to learn how to do the crock pot divider hack or grab one or both of the recipes I did, then keep scrolling down!
We are finally beginning to feel like spring is in the air. While most areas get a glimpse of spring followed by a snowstorm lately. I think Mother Nature is trying to tell us something! Regardless of the weather I am pulling out my favorite spring and summer dishes and whipping it up for the family. Baked beans and macaroni and cheese both cooked in the Crock Pot make my heart and tummy happy. Minimal prep work is required, and they turn out tasty every time.
Now for the Crock Pot divider hack, make sure when you pick recipes that you try to find two that have the same cook time. Don’t do one that needs to cook for 6 hours and another recipe that is finished in an hour. Find two recipes whether they are sides, dips, or protein and a side, that have similar cook times. This will help you have a greater chance of success.
How To Do The Crock Pot Divider Hack
- Aluminum Foil
- Crock Pot Liner
You simply wad up pieces of aluminum foil to create a wall barrier. Once it is pretty sturdy, you place it in your Crock Pot. Then take your liner and put it in with an area for each side. Then just put your two different dishes on each side and cook as directed. Makes for easy cleanup!
Crock Pot Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 2-3 cans of Pork and Beans (depending on the size of your Crock Pot)
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of BBQ (any brand)
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tsp spicy or regular mustard
How to Make
Dice up your pepper and onion into small pieces.
In a pan saute them on low till they are tender, you can add a tiny splash of oil if you need it. Then follow it by adding all other ingredients.
Give a good stir and let it cook for just a minute or two, and then pour into the Crock Pot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or if you have a side dish that takes longer, they can cook all day. The longer they cook, the more flavors come out.
Mac and Cheese Crock Pot Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz of elbow macaroni
- 1 1/3 cup milk
- 5 oz evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cup sharp cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make
In the bowl mix, all your ingredients except the cream cheese together.
Pour into the Crock Pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stirring often. If you find that the liquid is gone, but pasta still needs to cook more add a little bit more milk, do a teaspoon at a time.
20-30 minutes before serving mix in softened cream cheese. It will add a nice creamy texture. Then just salt and pepper for taste.
As you can see both of these are easy and simple to make. They turned out perfectly and just serve with your favorite protein! Whether steak off the grill, hamburgers, or even hot dogs! Our family favorite is beer bratwurst! Happy cooking everyone!
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