We’ve been experiencing a bit of a heat wave for late September/early October. It’s supposed to be 80 degrees today! I’m loving it, but I have to admit, I’m more of a cold weather cook. I love crock pot meals and casseroles. So, in that sense, I’m ready for fall to get here. In every other sense, I’m not ready for fall…don’t take away my flip flops!
As I was thinking about something to post that wasn’t a DIY project (I kinda need a break!), it occurred to me that I should share some of my favorite crock pot recipes. Who doesn’t love to walk into their house at the end of the day and the smell of dinner is filling the house?? And, it’s done! Uhhh, yes please! So, let’s get to it. Here are my 5 favorite crock pot recipes…
1. Tortilla Soup
This recipe is from The Pioneer Woman. I love her! She makes food that reminds me of the food my mom made when I was growing up. It’s healthy (mostly!) and satisfying. I have adapted a few of the ingredients. Sometimes, I’ll add drained black beans and frozen corn at the end just so they warm through. And don’t forget the toppings. That’s the best part. Fresh cilantro, lime, avacado, cheese and sour cream are a must and totally worth the extra effort.
2. Turkey Chili
This recipe is from The New York Times and technically isn’t a slow cooker recipe, but I’ve adapted it a bit. Just brown the turkey and onions in a skillet first and then add them to the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients besides the beans. Add them at the end with 30 minutes left to cook. You might want to make this the day after you make the tortilla soup so you have some leftover toppings!
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
I should rename this recipe because there’s nothing enticing about the title, so let me describe it to you…it’s got Asian flavors mixed with a bit of heat, and the chicken it so tender and soaks up the sauce. Guys, it’s so good. My family is pretty picky and they all wanted seconds. You could serve with cilantro, but some chopped green onions and even a few chopped peanuts would be sooooo good! I serve this over rice.
4. Hungarian Goulash
So, this recipe is my mom’s and it’s one of my favorites. I may have requested it for my birthday dinner when I was 12. It’s hearty, rich, creamy, and the beef just melts in your mouth. Please try this.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. beef tips or stew meat
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp paprkia
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
Heat a dutch oven or high-sided skillet on medium high with 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Cook onion until slightly soft, then add meat to sear all over. Do not cook through. Place meat and onions in crock pot with the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours. I also cook this on the stove top in a dutch oven using the same method except I turn the burner down to low and cook for 2 hours after I’ve seared the meat and added the rest of the ingredients.
5. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This recipe couldn’t get any easier! With a handful of ingredients and very little prep time, you’ll wish you made this sooner!
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 lb.) pork loin
- 4 garlic cloves
- chicken broth
- 1 medium onion
- salt and pepper
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
Lay out the pork on a large cutting board and make small slits in the meat. Insert pieces of the garlic cloves in the slits of the pork loin. Season the meat with salt and pepper and place in the crock pot. Add 2/3 cup of chicken broth and 1 medium onion, chopped. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
If there’s a little too much broth at the end of your cooking time, you can drain some of it out. No one wants a soggy sammich!
Then, just shred the meat and add your favorite BBQ sauce.
I always add a little mustard and brown sugar at the end. I think it gives it an extra kick!
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