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One-pot meals for a hot plate, crockpot or microwave

Use when someone has only a hot plate, crockpot (slow cooker) or microwave and wants simple one-pot meals.

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These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. Hot plate: one-pot chili mac
  3. Crockpot: beans and chile
  4. Crockpot: green chile stew
  5. Microwave: mug egg scramble
  6. Microwave: baked potato meal

1Before you start

You can ask"What do you cook with: a hot plate, crockpot, microwave or nothing? Do you have a fridge?"
No kitchen at all? See the guide "Has no kitchen or stove and needs to eat well anyway".
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and gives out food boxes.

2Hot plate: one-pot chili mac

Makes 3 servings. About 20 minutes.
  • 1 1/2 cups macaroni, 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 can beans, drained, 1 can diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt
  1. Put everything in one pot. Bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer, stirring often, 10-12 minutes until the pasta is soft and most liquid is gone.
  3. Add cheese or canned meat if you have it.

3Crockpot: beans and chile

Makes 8 servings. 8 hours on low.
  • 2 cups dry pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
  • 6 cups water, 1 onion, garlic, 2-3 spoons red chile powder, salt (add at the end)
  1. Put everything in the crockpot. Beans should be covered by 2 inches of water.
  2. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4-5 hours until soft.
Never cook dry red kidney beans in a crockpot without boiling them hard for 10 minutes first.

4Crockpot: green chile stew

Makes 6 servings. 6-8 hours on low.
  • 1-2 cans chicken, beef or 1 pound pork pieces
  • 3-4 potatoes cut up (or canned potatoes), 1 can corn, 1 onion
  • 1 cup green chile, 4 cups water or broth, garlic, salt
  1. Put everything in the crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours (raw meat) or 3-4 hours with canned meat.

5Microwave: mug egg scramble

Makes 1 serving. About 3 minutes.
  • 2 eggs, 2 spoons milk, cheese, chile, salt
  1. Beat everything in a big greased mug.
  2. Microwave 45 seconds, stir, then 30-45 seconds more until fully set.

6Microwave: baked potato meal

Poke a potato with a fork. Microwave 5-8 minutes, turning once, until soft. Split and top with beans, chili, cheese or canned vegetables.

More help like this

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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.