With this easy slow cooker banana oatmeal I can make a big batch on Monday morning and store it in to-go sized containers throughout the week on the ready!
I am trying really hard to get back into a routine. You know, those habits that are supposed to make us work smarter and not harder….
Lately it’s been eating with a bit more goal in mind – like how to fuel the body through the bike rides. And that means planning out the food and knowing when to eat (you know, before the ride… not after).
This make ahead oatmeal has become my total jam. One, it’s easy. Two, it tastes great. And when I want a simple ready and healthy meal first thing, it totally fits the bill.
Why Make Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker?
One, it is easy. That can be enough there. No constant stirring and tending to the pot. And two, if you have a programable slow cooker, you can have it start while you’re sleeping and wake up to delicious warm oatmeal. Win win.
The Joy of Slow Cooker Banana Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been the true breakfast of champions for thousands of years. Sure, after all that time, plain old oatmeal might not sound that exciting. But we aren’t talking those quick cooking oat cereals that taste like paste. We are talking nutty, nutritious. Sweet and delicious.
Because this is a powerhouse version of oatmeal. With the bananas in there we are talking the prince of breakfast foods. All rise to this majestic take on oatmeal. It elevates ordinary oatmeal to the level of royally good, like courting dessert level good.
But it is still oatmeal. And in case you missed it, oatmeal should definitely be a regular on your menu for a number of reasons.
The Benefits Of Eating Steel Cut Oats
Oatmeal sits on a throne all its own for the health benefits of eating it. Steel cut oats carry all the great nutritional value of the groats. Then it is full of soluble and insoluble fiber. That’s right. Fiber squared and multiplied to the power of ten.
The insoluble fiber is part that keeps you regular as a sunrise and rent being due. But the soluble fiber, that is where things get interesting. Because that is the type of fiber that helps you lower cholesterol and stabilizes glucose blood sugar levels.
We aren’t just talking healthy. This is quality of life and treating our body as a temple level healthy.
Steel cut oats are an amazing source of vegetarian iron. If you have cut back on meat or gone fully veggie, then you best take note.
Worried about gluten? Then chase your worries right out the door and hope they get carried off by a big bald eagle. Steel cut oats do not have gluten. Nada. None.
Because it is so good at keeping blood sugar levels consistent, you don’t end up getting food cravings, or worse… sugar cravings. Smooth sailing through the hungry times of the day means you will make better food choices when it is time to eat.
Instead of getting those crazy cravings. You know the feeling. Like when you want to suddenly drive into the nearest fast food drive thru and order the entire left side of the menu… with an extra large fries and soda.
Steel Cut Vs Quick Cooking Oats
Don’t go down the path of quick oats. We wouldn’t be calling this “slow cooker banana oatmeal” if you were supposed to cook it within a minute, right? Let the slow cooker work its magic.
Quick oats might be convenient, but there is so little nutritional value compared to steel cut that they aren’t even in the same class. Slow cooking a nice pot of banana oatmeal can set you up with an entire week’s worth of oatmeal breakfasts.
Take out the pre-made servings and heating them up is quicker than even the quickest minute oats. So time should not even be an issue.
Besides, the smell of banana oatmeal cooking makes the wait worth it. You don’t get that kind of perk from quick cooking oatmeal.
More Breakfast Meals To Check Out
One way to get into eating breakfast is to bust out of ancient and repetitive habits. If eating breakfast is so important, then making sure to make breakfast interesting and appetizing is critical to the effort.
I have a few recipes to recommend to assist the effort…
- Breakfast pizza – Ok, I don’t mean eating that slice leftover from the night before… (Was that out all night?)
- Breakfast sausage ravioli – yes, ravioli for breakfast… You gotta problem with that? Take it up with your taste buds…
- Simple breakfast parfait – Another nutritious dessert.. I mean breakfast idea.
- Breakfast burgers and bloody mary’s – You didn’t realize bloodies were a health food? The case can be made…
Slow Cooker Banana Oatmeal
AmericanIngredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 7 1/2 cups water
- 4 bananas - mashed
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and arrange the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 7 to 10 minutes, mixing once half way though. Allow to cool. Chop and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the oats and toast until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring as needed. Transfer to a large slow cooker.
- Pour in the water, bananas, walnuts (though, I saved a few for topping), brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir, cover and let cook for 4 to 6 hours on low.
- If serving right out of the crock pot – let sit for 10 minutes. Store up to 4 days in containers in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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I eat oatmeal M-Th and while I love it I need to change things up and make this ASAP. Love the bananas in there
That looks amazing!! I love banana in the morning!
Mmm I love a hearty oatmeal like this in the morning! Yum!
This is such a perfect good-for-you morning breakfast! And to have it ready for you and waiting [for a week of meals] is even better. I need a bowl!
Looks delish! It’s funny because I love in Australia (in north West Queensland for those playing at home) and we are still hitting 38 degrees C most days (that’s just over 100F). So I’m super jealous of you guys being frosty cold! I guess the grass is always greener 🙂 Love the blog!
I always remember to think about making slow cooker oatmeal in the morning…but I forget at night. Your version sounds delicious.
It’s definitely a relief to hear the birds chirping at 5:30 am (there were a few moments in March when I was sure they’d never return). And the sunlight pouring into my eyes is a welcome site. The only thing missing in my bleary morning world is a hearty breakfast; I think I could do this oatmeal! It’s gorgeous!!