Posts tagged with "slow cooker"

Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips

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Life is so busy these days and my Crock Pot is my best friend when it comes to getting dinner on the table in a flash. Here’s another super easy yet delicious recipe for Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips that your entire family is sure to love!

Ingredients: 

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • small onion 
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 10 once can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 packages brown gravy mix

Instructions: 

  1. Place stew meat in the crockpot.
  2. Pour water, soup, gravy packets & bouillon cubes into a bowl. 
  3. Mix well.
  4. Pour over the beef in the crock pot.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  6. Serve over cooked rice & enjoy! If you prefer, you can also serve over Cauliflower rice. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

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Do you have a busy week ahead? The slow cooker can be your best friend! I use my slow cooker at least twice a week and it really does help me to get dinner on the table in just a few minutes. This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches is so delicious and it couldn’t be easier to prepare!

If you don’t have a slow cooker, there are several affordable options HERE. I highly suggest that you invest in one! It will make your life so much easier.

Ingredients 

2 lbs. Chicken Breasts

24 oz. jar Marinara Sauce 

Provolone Cheese Slices

Rolls 

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3hrs.
  2. Remove lid and shred the chicken using a fork. 
  3. Pour in marinara sauce. Mix well. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until sauce has heated.
  4. Take the rolls and scoop the shredded chicken onto each roll.
  5. Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich. 
  6. Serve & enjoy!

Low Carb Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

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If you are trying to watch your carb intake and eat healthier this new year, I have a delicious new twist on meatloaf for you! This recipe actually began as an accident. I asked my hubby Keith to get Ground Turkey when he went to BJ’s, but instead, he came home with Ground Chicken. That mistake, actually turned out to be a delicious recipe that I couldn’t wait to share with you! I came up with this Low Carb Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and my entire family loved it!

One of my tips for helping to keep this low carb was to use jarred pizza sauce instead of a traditional spaghetti sauce which can be higher in carbs. I have found that the Walmart brand of pizza sauce has 3 net carbs for 1/4 cup. I like to use this for my meatloaves and stuffed peppers since you are not needing much sauce anyway. It is also very delicious over zoodles (zucchini noodles, and much less in carbs than a traditional jarred spaghetti sauce!)

As far as carbs per serving, I am not certain of that; however, it can’t be much, because I used the low carb sauce, the ground chicken and cheese are not much and the veggies are not much if any. I was able to get 8 very large pieces out of this meatloaf as you can see from the photo above. I was only able to eat one piece as it was very filling, and we had leftovers.

 

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground chicken

2 cloves minced garlic

1 red pepper (you could use whichever color that you choose. That is what I had on hand)

1/3 onion

salt/pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 jar of Walmart Pizza Sauce

Shredded mozzarella cheese for melting

Instructions:

Sauté the onion, pepper and garlic in butter over low heat just until softened.

In a medium bowl add the onion, pepper and garlic mixture with the ground chicken. Add in the grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir together just until everything is combined.

Take the mixture and place in slow cooker to form a loaf. Pour the jar of pizza sauce over your meatloaf and cook on low for 4-6 hours. I like to sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top while it is cooking as well.

Test to check for doneness as it is cooking. Everyone’s slow cooker will vary. In the last 10 minutes of cooking time, sprinkle 1-1/1/2 of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to melt. You can also sprinkle extra Italian seasoning. Fresh Basil would also be delicious! Serve with your favorite salad or vegetable!

I hope that you enjoy this as much as we did! You will not believe how moist that this is!

Slow Cooker Meat Loaf

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It’s been awhile since I have shared this delicious and easy recipe here on the blog, so I thought it was time to repost. This is a wonderful recipe to have on hand for those days when you know that life is going to be crazy! Slow Cooker Meat Loaf is sure to be your new family’s new favorite way to enjoy meat loaf! Yep, you read that right meat loaf in the slow cooker! Now I know that you may be skeptical of cooking meat Loaf in a slow cooker. I know that I was at first. But let me tell you, it is the Best meat loaf that I have ever had and it is so moist! My guys must think so too because they devoured the entire thing! I really think that you will love it and that it will be a staple in your menu rotation!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2-2 lbs. Ground Turkey (you could use ground beef as well, but I like how moist the ground turkey is for this recipe)

2/3 Cup Bread Crumbs

2 Eggs

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Ground Onion

1 Tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 Tsp Pepper

1 Lb. Tri-Color Baby Potatoes Cut Into Quarters

1 Lb. Baby Carrots Cut into Halves

DIRECTIONS:

Take the first 7 ingredients and gently mix together. Form into a loaf and place in the middle of the slow cooker. Take the Quartered Potatoes and Baby Carrots and place around the outside edge of the meatloaf. Cook on low for around 5-6 hours.

About 30 minutes before taking off heat, mix together the glaze for the top of the meatloaf. Mix 1/4 cup ketchup, 3 Tbsp. brown sugar, and a dash of mustard. Mix together and place on top of the meatloaf. Cook for an additional 30 minutes just until the glaze is nice and set.

Serve and enjoy! I doubt that there will be any leftovers!

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

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Today is for all the Mexican fans out there! I love Chipotle and always opt for the Burrito Bowls so this recipe of Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls is my take on that. I will tell you that this make a lot so be prepared. I like to take the leftovers and the next day we actually make burritos. My boys LOVE this dish. I like that you can really customize it to your liking and add whatever veggies that you and your family prefer.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

2 Teaspoons Chili Powder

2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder

2 Teaspoons Onion Powder

2 Teaspoons Cumin

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Pepper

4 Cups Chicken Broth

1 Can Diced Tomatoes (drained, rinsed)

1 Can Corn (Optional)

1 Can Black Beans (drained, rinsed)

2 3/4 Cup Rice of your Choice (we love Jasmine)

Toppings of your choice: Avacado slices, Fresh Tomatoes, Green Onions, Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Etc…

DIRECTIONS:

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Pour the Chicken Broth, Diced Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder and Garlic Powder in the Slow Cooker.

Cook on low for around 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken from Slow Cooker and set aside. I like to cut the chicken up in chunks at this point.

Place Rice, Black Beans and Corn (if used) in Slow Cooker.

Place Slow Cooker on High for 45 Minutes-1 Hour or until Rice is cooked. (Do not over cook or rice will become mushy)

Add the chunks of chicken back in the Slow Cooker. You can also add the Shredded Cheese in at this point if you prefer, but we like to add it on ourselves in the bowls.

Serve the Chicken and Rice mixture in bowls and add your favorite toppings like fresh Avacado slices, Fresh Tomatoes, Green Onions, Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Tortilla Chips, Etc…

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

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Salsa Chicken is always a crowd pleaser not to mention it is super versatile. You can use it just as it is right from the slow cooker served over rice, or take your Taco Tuesday from Drab to Fab and serve the shredded mixture in tortillas with cheese and all of your favorite taco fixins! Yum! I also sometimes will add in a can of black beans or corn. You can also add in a block of cream cheese 30 minutes before you turn off the slow cooker and let in melt into the mixture. Ummm, yes, please! It is ridiculous! Let’s get to the recipe, right? Oh and did I mention the base of this recipe has 2 ingredients? Yep, SUPER easy!

INGREDIENTS:

3-4 Frozen Chicken Breasts

1 16-oz Jar of your Favorite Salsa

DIRECTIONS:

Place the frozen chicken breasts and salsa inside the Slow Cooker. Turn on Low Temperature for 6-8 hours.

Shred the mixture and enjoy just as is over rice or serve in your favorite tortillas as tacos. Either way, you will love this one and make it again and again!

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs is absolutely delicious and a great way to get the kiddos to eat their veggies! My boys actually jump up and down when I tell them that we are having this for dinner! I love to stock up on Frozen Meatballs when they are on sale BOGO and the Pre-Sliced veggies that you can buy in the Produce Department are such a timesaver! Remember, the Slow Cooker is your friend. It is a way to get meals on the table that are Easy, Affordable and Stress-Free!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Bottle of your favorite Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 Small Can of Pineapple Tidbits or Chunks

1 Package of Pre-Sliced Mixed Pepper Rings and Onions (these are a HUGE time-saver!)

1 Package of Frozen Meatballs

 

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in Slow Cooker and Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve over White or Brown Rice and Enjoy!  

Slow Cooker Lasagna

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If you love Lasagna but don’t enjoy the tedious task of assembling it, this dish is for you! Lasagna made right in your slow cooker! My family loves this dish and raves over it even more than when I make a regular lasagna in the oven. And, the best part? It can cook in the slow cooker and be ready for you when you need dinner on the table at night!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound of Ground Turkey or Ground Beef

1 Small Onion Diced

Dried Garlic

Uncooked Lasagna noodles

1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Brown the Ground Beef or Turkey with Diced Onion and Sprinkle Dried Garlic over. Drain. Spoon 1 Cup of Spaghetti Sauce over the bottom of the Slow Cooker. Place 2-3 Lasagna Noodles on Top of the Sauce. Next, Place 1/3 of the Meat mixture on top of the noodles. Spread 3/4 Cup of Cottage Cheese on top of Meat Mixture followed by 1/2 cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese. Repeat these steps 2 more times. For the last step, place the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese on top. Cook on low for 4 hours. Do not cook more than 4 hours or it may get overdone.

Quick and Easy Cuban Pork Sliders Made with Smithfield Pork #RealFlavorRealFast

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine. #RealFlavorRealFast

I can hardly believe that it is almost time for school to begin! I am not quite sure where the summer has gone, but alas, it is once again time to get back into a routine of prepping, planning and preparing easy weeknight dinners.

Since both of my boys will be in school full-time this year and they are involved in many extracurricular activities, it is especially important to me that I have easy and delicious meals on the table that require little effort but that provide real flavor, real fast. Easy and delicious meals will ensure that we have just a few more minutes in our day to enjoy as a family all while going about the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of my favorite items to prepare for quick and delicious dinners are Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork products purchased right in the fresh meat section at my local Safeway store. Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork allows me to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less any night of the week. These products are also super versatile as they can be grilled, roasted, sautéed or slow cooked. In addition, they are already marinated which means that they are packed full of scrumptious flavor.

My Safeway store had a wide variety of Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork products, so it was hard for me to decide on just one! When I saw the Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet, I knew right away that it was the one! This product is dry rubbed and marinated with garlic, onion powder, spices and natural smoke. Smithfield delivers real flavor, real fast right to my table any night of the week.

Sliders and sandwiches are always a fun and easy dinner and one that my boys will devour any day of the week. With the Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet, I was able to create a delicious Cuban pork slider that reminded us of our vacation last summer in South Florida.

The Cuban Pork Slider created with Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet was definitely a winner at my house! I first cooked the Smithfield pork in the slow cooker, which made it so tender and delicious! Using the slow cooker with the already marinated Smithfield pork saves you even more time in the kitchen, and you have a delicious meal on the table in just minutes!

Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet Cuban Pork Sliders

Ingredients:

Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet

12 slider buns

12 small pieces of deli ham

12 small pieces of Swiss cheese

12 pickles

Mustard

Directions:

Place the Smithfield Pork Loin Filet in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. You will want to ensure that the meat is cooked through to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Slow cooking the Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Herb Pork Loin Filet allows the flavors to really distribute throughout the meat and it becomes so tender and juicy!

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board while you set out the other items for the sliders. Slice the pork into medium sized medallions to place on the sliders.

Place a couple of pork medallions onto a slider bun and assemble the rest of the slider with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Voila! You have the perfect Cuban Pork Sliders! This quick and easy dish is sure to be one of your new family favorites and one that you will reach for again and again!

When you use Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork products, there is no need for marinades or rubs, as the meat is already pre-seasoned. This ensures that you receive real flavor, real fast and that you have a meal on the table the entire family will love!

Do you have a delicious recipe that you would like to share? Smithfield is also challenging you to submit your tips on how to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less using Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork. Head over to www.SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com for all the details. Submit an original recipe for a chance to win great prizes!

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

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Today’s recipe is for Slow Cooker Meat Loaf. Yep, you read that right Meat Loaf! Now I know that you may be skeptical of cooking meat Loaf in a Slow Cooker. I know that I was at first. But let me tell you, it is the Best Meat Loaf that I have ever had and is so moist! My guys must think so too because they devoured the entire thing! I really think that you will love it and that it will be a staple in your menu rotation!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2-2 lbs. Ground Turkey (You could use ground beef as well, but I like how moist the Ground Turkey is.)

2/3 Cup Bread Crumbs (I used Gluten Free because of My Food Allergy issues- my boys did not even know the difference)

2 Eggs

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Ground Onion

1 Tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 Tsp Pepper

1 Lb. Tri-Color Baby Potatoes Cut Into Quarters

1 Lb. Baby Carrots Cut into Halves

DIRECTIONS:

Take the first 7 Ingredients and gently mix together. Form into a loaf and place in the middle of the slow cooker. Take the Quartered Potatoes and Baby Carrots and place around the outside edge of the meatloaf. Cook on low for around 5-6 hours.

About 30 minutes before taking off heat, mix together the glaze for the top of the meatloaf. Take 1/4 Cup Ketchup, 3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar, and a Dash of Mustard. Mix together and place all over the top of the meatloaf. Cook for an additional 30 minutes just until the glaze is nice and set.