WELCOME

Welcome to this slow cooker/crockpot blog. I believe slow cookers are the best thing to happen to modern day cooks. I used mine often when I worked outside the home and continue to do so even in retirement. It is so nice to put food on and forget about it. Slow cookers also allow us to cook many things we would normally have to use the oven for; what a relief in hot Texas weather! Some of these recipes are mine, many are ones I have collected over the years.

Friday, October 29, 2021

PIZZA SWISS STEAK OVER SPAGHETTI

1 (2 lb) round steak, 1-inch thick
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp hot canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
1 can (8-oz) pizza sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp oregano
Hot cooked spaghetti for 6

Cut the round steak into 6 serving size pieces.
Stir the flour, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Dredge meat in the flour mixture to coat. Using a meat mallet or a saucer, pound steak to about half the original thickness. Brown the meat in a skillet in the hot canola oil; drain.

Separate the onion slices into rings and layer over the bottom of the cooker. Place the steaks over the onion rings. In a small bowl stir the tomato sauce, pizza sauce, water, sugar, and oregano together; pour over the meat.

Place lid on cooker and cook meat on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

Serve over the hot cooked spaghetti.

Yield: 6 servings
clipart

Thursday, October 28, 2021

VEGGIE TOPPED RUMP ROAST

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
dash of pepper
1 (2-lb) boneless beef rump roast
2 tbsp canola oil
12 small potatoes
6 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
1 green bell pepper, large diced
1 can (10.5-oz) vegetable beef soup
1/4 cup water
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup cold water
3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Combine the 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, paprika, and pepper; coat meat with the mixture. In a heavy skillet, heat the canola oil and brown the roast in the oil. Brown on all sides.

Put the potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell pepper into the cooker. Place the browned roast over the vegetables. Combine the soup with the 1/4 cup of water and the bay leaf. Pour mixture over the roast. Place the lid on the cooker and cook on low setting 10 to 12 hours.

To serve, remove the bay leaf. Arrange the meat in the center of a large serving platter and arrange the vegetables around the meat. To make a thicker gravy, if desired, blend the cold water into the flour in a saucepan and add the liquid from the cooker. Cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Serve over or with the meat.

Yield: 6 servings

clipart

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

DEVILED STEAK CUBES

1 (1 1/2 lb) beef round steak, 3/4-inch thick
2 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
2 tsp prepared horseradish
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup water
2/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
hot cooked noodles for 6 servings

Trim the excess fat from the meat and cut meat into cubes. Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the cubed meat on all sides; drain. Transfer the meat to the cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce, onion, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of water. Add the lid to the cooker, set cooker on low setting and cook for 8 to 10 hours.

Turn setting to high. Blend the cold water with the flour until smooth. Gradually stir the mixture into the meat mixture. Cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Serve over the hot noodles or rice.
Yield: 6 servings

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

MEXI-STYLE CHILI

2 cans (15 1/2-oz each) red kidney beans
1 can (28-oz) tomatoes, cut up
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (6-oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 can (4-oz) green chili peppers, drained, seeded, and chopped
2 tbsp sugar
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp garlic powder
dash of black pepper
1 lb ground beef

In a crock-pot or slow cooker combine the kidney beans, tomatoes with their juice, celery, onion, tomato paste, bell pepper, green chili peppers, sugar, bay leaf, salt, marjoram, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain well. Stir the drained beef into the mixture in the cooker. Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Yield: approximately 10 servings

clipart

Monday, October 25, 2021

ROUND STEAK WITH VEGETABLE GRAVY

3/4 cup finely chopped carrot
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 (2 lb) round steak about 3/4-inch thick
salt and pepper
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup catsup
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1/2 cup cold water
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

In crockpot or slow cooker put the carrot, onion, celery and bell pepper. Trim excess fat from the round steak and cut it into 6 equal-sized pieces. Place the meat atop the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Combine the catsup with the 1/3 cup of water and vinegar; pour mixture over the steak. Place lid on the pot and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

Remove the meat from the cooker. Skim the excess fat from the cooking liquid then pour the vegetable/liquid mixture into a saucepan. Return the meat to the cooking pot.

Slowly pour the cold water into the flour blending well; stir into the vegetable mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Place the meat on a serving platter. Spoon some of the gravy over the meat. Pass the remaining gravy, if others want more.

Serves 6 to 8 people.
 Note: File Photo

Sunday, October 24, 2021

SMOKED PORK WITH SAUERKRAUT

2 medium yellow onions, cut into 8 wedges
1 (2 b) boneless smoked pork shoulder
1 can (27-oz) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 can (8-oz) diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp caraway seed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup sour cream

Place the onion wedges over the bottom of the slow cooker or crockpot. Place the pork shoulder over the onions. In a mixing bowl combine the sauerkraut, undrained diced tomatoes, bay leaf, paprika, caraway seed, and black pepper; pour over the pork. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. Remove the bay leaf. Remove the pork to a warm serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm.

Skim the excess fat from the surface of the sauerkraut mixture, if necessary. Pour the sauerkraut mixture into a saucepan. Blend the cold water into the cornstarch until smooth and stir slowly into the sauerkraut mixture. Cook while stirring until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in the sour cream. Sprinkle with a dash of paprika for garnish, if desired. Serve the sauerkraut mixture with the pork.

Note: File photo of similar recipe.

Friday, October 22, 2021

ROUND STEAK CASSEROLE

2 lb round steak, 1/2-inch thick
garlic salt, according to taste
salt, according to taste
pepper, according to taste
1 onion, sliced
3 large or 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
1 can green beans, drained
1 can (10 3/4-oz) tomato soup
1 can (16-oz) stewed tomatoes

Season the steak with the garlic salt, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Cut into serving-size pieces and place in the crock-pot or slow cooker. Add the onion, separated into rings. Add the potatoes and top with the green beans. Pour the tomato soup over all and top with the stewed tomatoes. Cover and cook 8 to 10 hours on low.
 Note: File Photo

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

FRENCH ONION SOUP

1 quart beef bouillon
3 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup grated Parmesan

Pour the bouillon into a 2 to - 3 quart crock-pot; place the lid on pot and set on high. Cook onions slowly in the butter in a large skillet; cover and let cook 15 minutes. Uncover and add salt, sugar, and flour; stir well. Add to the crock-pot. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 hours.

 Note: File Photo

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

SWISS ONION CHICKEN

2 cups sliced yellow onion
2 tablespoons butter
8-cups day-old bread cubes
2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons snipped parsley

In a skillet cook the onion in the butter until tender.

Grease a large coffee can and place a third of the bread cubes in the bottom of the can. Add half the cooked onions, half the chicken, and half the cheese. Repeat layers ending with the last third of the bread cubes. Press down lightly. Beat the eggs, milk, and salt together; pour over the bread. Cover the can with the foil, pressing edges to the can, to seal. Set the can in the crock-pot. Pour half cup of water into the cooker. Place lid on the cooker and cook on low heat setting for 8 to 9 hours. Remove from the cooker and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

Run a sharp knife around the inside of the can to loosen. Carefully turn out into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the snipped parsley to garnish.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

NOTE: BE SURE TO USE A METAL COFFEE CAN. DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR CARDBOARD!

Sunday, October 17, 2021

DUTCH-STYLE BEEF AND CABBAGE

1 1/2 lb round steak, 3/4-inch thick
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp canola oil
3 large yellow onions, sliced
3/4 cup hot water
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp instant beef bouillon granules
1 small head cabbage

Trim any excess fat from the steak and cut meat into cubes. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper; coat meat on both sides with mixture.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, quickly add the steak and brown on all sides. Drain off the fat and place the meat into a slow cooker or crockpot.

To the meat in the pot, add the onions. In the same skillet meat cooked in, combine the hot water, vinegar, and bouillon granules. Stir, scraping bits from the skillet. Pour the mixture into the pot with the beef and onions. Cover the pot and cook on low for 8 hours.

About 15 minutes before serving time, cut the cabbage into 4 or 5 wedges and cook in a large sauce pan of boiling, salted water until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well.

To serve, pour the beef mixture over the cooked cabbage wedges.

Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Note: I do not have a picture so I just choose this fun clip-art cabbage.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

BEEF BOURGUIGNONNE OVER NOODLES

1 lb boneless beef roast, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tbsp canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 cups Burgundy wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp dried thyme
3/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
3 cups whole fresh mushrooms
4 medium carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 cups frozen small whole onions
3 tbsp quick-cooking tapioca
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 slices bacon, crisp fried, crumbled
3 cups hot buttered noodles

In a large skillet heat the oil until hot. Add the beef cubes, onion, and garlic; cook until the beef is browned and onion is getting tender. Drain.

In a 4-quart or larger crock-pot or slow cooker layer the mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Sprinkle the tapioca over all. Place the meat mixture atop the vegetables and add the thyme, bay leaves, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Combine the Burgundy and the beef broth; pour over the meat.

Place cover on pot and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard the bay leaves then stir in the crumbled bacon. Serve over the hot buttered noodles.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.

 Note: File Photo

Friday, October 15, 2021

BELL PEPPER-CORN CHOWDER

1 cup chopped yellow onion
5 cups frozen whole-kernel corn
2 cans (14-oz each) chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 green onions, chopped

Combine all ingredients, except green onions, in a slow cooker or crock pot; stir to blend and cover the pot. Cook on low to medium setting 4 to 6 hours. Before serving sprinkle each bowl with the chopped green onions and a dash of freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

 Note: File Photo

Thursday, October 14, 2021

MY SISTER'S COUNTRY-STYLE BARBECUED RIBS

I got this recipe from my sister over 45-years-ago. This makes some of the best ribs I have ever tasted. You owe it to yourself to try this recipe at least once.

4 lb country-style pork ribs
1 can tomato soup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
dash of cayenne pepper

Layer ribs in crock pot or slow cooker.

In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato soup (undiluted), vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, celery seed, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to blend well. Pour mixture over the ribs; cover pot and cook at medium setting for at least 8 hours. Skim the fat from the juices before serving.

Note: This is a file photo.

Saturday, October 9, 2021

HASH BROWN LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

1 (32 oz.) bag frozen hash browns
1 (32 oz.) box chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish
3/4 cup crumbled bacon, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Combine hash browns, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, crumbled bacon and cream cheese in slow cooker.

Season with salt and pepper; use a spoon to break up cream cheese and mix things together.

Place lid on cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until potatoes are tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with rosemary and/or more cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
Note: File Photo

Friday, October 8, 2021

CROCK-STYLE BEANS WITH HAM

1 lb dry navy beans

8 cups water
6-oz diced cooked ham
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp pepper

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, bring the beans and water to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool somewhat. Drain the beans, reserving a cup of the liquid.

In crock-pot, place the beans, cup of liquid, ham, onion, molasses, brown sugar, pepper and mustard. Cover and cook on low heat 12 hours.

 Note: File Photo

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

BALSAMIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Add olive oil, Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker, and stir well to thoroughly coat.

Cook on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours.

To make the glaze, heat balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, until it starts to simmer. Let simmer until liquid reduces by half, about 5-10 minutes.

When Brussels are cooked through, drizzle with glaze and top with Parmesan.

Serve warm and enjoy!

 Recipe and Photo from 12 Tomatoes

Monday, October 4, 2021

CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN CHILI

One of my facebook friends posted this some time back. If you follow my blogs you know I don't eat chicken but everyone else loves this

2 chicken breasts
1 can (15-oz) black beans
1 can (15 1/4-oz) can corn
1 tsp onion powder
1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp chili powder
1 packet Ranch Salad Dressing mix
1 tsp cumin
1/2 of an 8-oz block of lite cream cheese

Place chicken in the bottom of the cooker and top with the beans, corn, and tomatoes. Top with the onion powder, chili powder, dressing mix, and cumin; stir together and place cream cheese on top.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low 6 to 8 hours.

Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir chicken and cream cheese into the chili. Replace lid and cook another 30 minutes.

file photo