Crock Pot Dinners Archives - mom makes dinner

Slow Cooker Spare Ribs

Kelley — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:43:15 +0000

Sometimes you need to take your BBQ favorites inside but don’t want to sacrifice any of the flavor. My honey garlic spare ribs are slow cooked to perfection and are bursting with flavor. Let me show you how to make easy and delicious honey garlic slow cooker spare ribs!

Ribs are one of those foods that ALL my kids like! There aren’t many foods that all 4 kids like at the same time. Ribs are one of them! We try to make them at least once a month so that we know that we have at least one meal that everyone will love! These honey garlic spare ribs are our go-to on rib night!

What are Spare Ribs?

Spare ribs come from the belly portion of the pig. They tend to be thicker and meatier than the baby back ribs. (Now I have that old Chili’s jingle in my head.. I want my baby back baby back riiiibs). You can find them in most grocery stores or butcher shops.

Crock Pot Spare Rib Ingredients

One of the best things about these honey garlic ribs is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients! A few simple ingredients and you have amazing slow cooked ribs! You will need:

1 rack of baby back ribs
garlic
soy sauce
honey
onion powder
paprika powder
cumin

Spare ribs – Grab a rack of spare ribs from the meat section of the grocery store. You are going to want to grab one that is 8-10 pounds. Although that may sound like a lot, the bones factor in as well as the juices from the meat. That size rack of ribs should feed 4-6 people.

Garlic – I suggest 4 cloves of garlic for these slow cooker ribs. Here’s the thing about garlic though – you measure with your heart. Four cloves will make these ribs have a good garlic flavor. Want a stronger flavor? ADD MORE GARLIC! Heck, add powdered garlic and garlic cloves. We are measuring with our hearts here!

Soy Sauce – I used 2 different soy sauces for these ribs – dark and sweet. Can’t find one or the other? No worries! Any soy sauce will do as long as you have 1/2 cup total. I also love using coconut animos (a soy free soy sauce) in this recipe.

Honey – You will need a fourth of a cup of honey. This does two things – helps bind everything together and cuts the garlic just a bit. If you can – raw, local honey is best, but whatever honey you have on hand or prefer to use will work just fine.

Spices – Onion, paprika and cumin round out the ingredients for these ribs. I suggest starting with these spices and then adding your favorites. Spices are an easy way to personalize a recipe.

How to Make Ribs in the Slow Cooker

The good thing about these ribs is that the ingredients are easy to find and the prep is QUICK! There are only 4 steps from start to finish to make fall off the bone ribs in your slow cooker. Let’s get started –

Step 1 – Combine the spices to make a dry rub for the ribs. Mix together the onion powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the spices over the whole rack of ribs.

Step 2 – Make the marinade. Mince the garlic and add it to the soy sauces and honey. Mix until combined – the garlic will make it chunky. Use a pastry brush to brush over the dry rub. (Make sure the you rub the spices in so you don’t lose any when you add the marinade.) Reserve some of the marinade.

Step 3 – Cut the ribs. Some ribs may come pre-cut OR your ribs may fit in your slow cooker. Most racks of ribs will not – so you will need to cut them in half to get them in there. You can cut them before or after you add the marinade, your choice.

Step 4 – Cook. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 hours on high. Remember that marinade that we saved? Brush some of that one every hour or so to keep the ribs moist and juicy during cooking. No time to brush it on? Save it for the last 30 minutes of cooking and add it on the ribs. You want all that extra flavor – trust me!

Side dish recommendations

This is BBQ food so we need BBQ related sides here. Some of my suggestions for the side dishes for slow cooker spare ribs are:

Slow Cooker Spare Rib Tips and FAQs

This rib recipe is pretty straight forward and I would say it’s a beginner cook friendly recipe, but here are some quick tips and questions that may make it even easier.

How do you cook spare ribs in the slow cooker? Easy – start with a dry rub, add a marinade and cook for 4-5 hours on HIGH or 7-8 hours on HIGH. The marinade will keep the pork ribs juicy while cooking and you will get fall of the bone ribs when they are done.

TIP: Start with the spices listed in the recipe and add your own to customize the flavor!

Should ribs be covered in liquid in the slow cooker? No, they don’t have to be. Why? Because the ribs release their own juices while cooking, as done most meat. You can add a 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker if you would like, but it is not necessary when cooking the ribs.

TIP: Reserve some of the marinade to brush over the ribs will they are cooking. While the meat releases juices, this will keep the ribs moist.

What’s the difference between spare ribs and baby back ribs? Spare ribs come the belly area of the pig making them fattier and larger. Baby back ribs come from the spine area and they are thinner, less meat and more curved in nature.

Other slow cooker recipes to try

Looking for other slow cooker recipes to try? We love them in our house! Here are some of our favorites:

Slow cooker spare ribs

Slow Cooker Spare Ribs

Yield: 1 rack of ribs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

How to make tender, fall off the bone honey garlic spare ribs in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

1 rack of baby back ribs
4 cloves of garlic
¼ cup dark soy sauce
¼ cup sweet soy sauce
¼ cup raw honey
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika powder
½ tsp cumin

Instructions

Combine the onion powder, paprika powder and cumin, and rub the ribs with dry rub.
Mince the garlic and add the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce and honey. Mix until well combined. Brush over the ribs. Save some of the marinade.
Cut the ribs in half and place them in the slow cooker. Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Brush the rack of ribs every hour with the remaining marinade.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 378Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1742mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 21g

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? PIN THE IMAGE to your favorite dinner board!

The post Slow Cooker Spare Ribs appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Kelley — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:19:58 +0000

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this delicious Mongolian beef dinner! You only need a few minutes of prep and you are on your way to a meal everyone will love. Let me show you how to make this quick and easy dinner using your slow cooker!

We love quick and easy dinners around here. We also love quick and easy dinners that taste just like take-out that we can make at home. With 4 kids and all of them in some sort of activity, we need all the help we can get. This Mongolian beef checks all the boxes and leaves everyone happy after dinner. We love this slow cooker Mongolian beef because:

Fast prep time
Deliciously tender beef
Everyone in the house loves it

What is Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef is a Asian inspired dish that consists of thinly sliced beef, typically flank steak, made with vegetables and covered in a flavorful sauce. It is a common menu item in most Chinese restaurants and is often paired with steamed rice. This version takes some of the elements of classic Mongolian beef and uses the slow cooker to give you a super tender and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Another thing that I love about this quick and easy dinner recipe, is that you only need a handful of common ingredients. Even the ones that aren’t as common are great additions to your kitchen for future Asian inspired dishes. To make Mongolian beef in the slow cooker you will need:

flank steak
garlic
ginger
scallions
soy sauce
brown sugar
cornstarch
water
avocado oil
sesame oil
sesame seeds
salt and pepper

Flank steak – This is my personal favorite cut of beef. It is so tender when cooked correctly and flavorful on it’s own. It comes from the ab muscle on the cow. I love it for fajitas too!

Garlic and Ginger – Fresh garlic and ginger bring the most flavor to this dish. You can find both in the produce section of a grocery store. Minced or even powder garlic or ginger will work here too.

Soy sauce – We use coconut aminos whenever a recipe requires soy sauce. It is a soy-free alternative and tastes better if you ask me! You can find it in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store or buy our favorite coconut aminos here.

Brown sugar – Any brown sugar will work in this recipe. It helps create a caramelized taste and add a bit of sweetness.

Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce. Looking for a corn-free substitute? Try arrowroot powder! It works the same way.

Sesame oil – Sesame oil helps add a more authentic Asian flavor to this beef dinner. Once you buy sesame oil, you’ll be amazed at how often you use it! Buy it online here or at any grocery store.

How to make Mongolian Beef in a Crock Pot

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients you’ve done most of the leg work! You will also need to grab your Crock Pot, measuring cups and spoons and mixing bowls.

Step 1: Cut the beef. Slice the flank steak against the grain in strips. Then dice the beef into cubes. Place the steak in a bowl and toss with the cornstarch.

Step 2: Add spices. Mince the garlic and ginger. Add it to the beef/cornstarch mixture. Also add the brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, soy sauce and water. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook. Pour the oil into the slow cooker pot. Place the seasoned beef in and give it one more stir. Cook for 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.

Step 4: Serve. Slice the scallions and serve the Mongolian beef over rice. Use your Instant Pot to make steamed rice!

How to make in an Instant Pot

Forget to thaw the meat or just want to make it faster? Try this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef version!

Side dish recommendations

While this slow cooker Mongolian beef is an amazing entree, it does need some sides to round it out. The best side dishes that I can recommend are:

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Slow cooker Mongolian beef is a beginner friendly recipe that I know everyone in your family will love! To make the recipe even easier, here are some tips and frequently asked questions about this dish.

What cut of beef do you need for Mongolian beef? The best cut of beef for Mongolian beef is flank steak. It is cut from the underside abdomen of the cow and is tender and juicy. You can use other cuts of beef, but be sure to slice them thin.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker? No, you do not need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. You can brown it to help lock in juices before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes! You sure can! Use THIS RECIPE to make Mongolian beef in the Instant Pot.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover Mongolian beef in a Tupperware or Ziplock bag and place in the fridge. Make sure the seal is tight and this beef will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Microwave or heat in a skillet to enjoy again.

Can I freeze Mongolian beef?

Yes, you can! Make the recipe as written and allow to cool completely. Place the beef in a Ziplock bag and remove all the air to ensure it lays flat. Put in the freezer for up to 3 months. Only freeze the beef, not the rice or other sides.

Other Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

Looking for more Asian inspired recipes to try? My family and I suggest:

Beef and broccoli
Honey garlic chicken – slow cooker recipe!
Korean beef lettuce wraps
Egg roll in a bowl – keto friendly!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 lbs. flank steak
3 garlic cloves
1 inch ginger
1 scallion
½ cup reduced salt soy sauce or coconut aminos
1/3 cup brown sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ cup water
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Thinly cut the flank steak against the grain, and then dice. Put the steak in a bowl.
Season flank steak with salt and pepper to taste, and coat with cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
Mince your ginger and garlic.
At the bottom of the slow cooker, add the avocado oil and then add the steak.
Then add the garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and water. Mix until well combined.
Turn the slow cooker on 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Then stir when done cooking.
Slice the scallion.
Garnish the Mongolian beef with scallions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Kelley — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 01:48:54 +0000

If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner with tons of flavor – you’ve found it! This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is bursting with flavor and is easy to make. Slow cook the chicken all day until it is pull apart tender and serve over rice for a weeknight dinner everyone will love!

My family loves slow cooker dinners. My kids know something good is for dinner when I start adding ingredients to the crock pot early in the morning. You could say that all my crock pot dinners are kid approved since there isn’t one they don’t like. This honey garlic chicken is no different – kid approved for sure! My whole family loves take-out so being able to make this take-out worthy meal on a busy weeknight is the best!

Honey garlic chicken

One of popular flavor combinations in Asian inspired food is honey and garlic. It is used in recipes like my sesame cauliflower and other dishes often. This chicken version combines the classic honey garlic flavor with the convenience of crock pot cooking. Your family will loves this meal because –

it is full of flavor
there is minimal prep required
healthier option than take-out
it can easily doubled and used for other meals

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Ingredients

One of the best parts of this honey garlic chicken recipe, is once you have the ingredients needed you can use them for other dishes. Most of the ingredients listed are common in Asian inspired cuisine.

chicken
soy sauce
honey
hoisin sauce
vinegar
sesame oil
garlic
scallions
sesame seeds
salt/pepper

Chicken – You can use any boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. I prefer breasts, but thighs will work too.

Soy sauce – Feel free to use your favorite soy sauce here. We use coconut aminos in all of our Asian inspired recipes at home, which is a soy free substitute.

Honey – Use locally sourced honey, if possible.

Hoisin sauce – This is a staple in Asian cuisine. You can find it in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store. Same goes for rice vinegar and sesame oil. These three are often used together.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is what you need for this honey garlic chicken. I use my garlic mincer to easily dice the garlic for meals.

Sesame seeds – These are great for topping your chicken. They are optional, but a great addition.

Scallions – This is the green part of green onions. You can find these in the produce section of the grocery store.

How to make slow cooker honey garlic chicken

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you will also need to grab measuring cups and spoons and your slow cooker. This crock pot dinner is really a dump go meal so the dishes needed for prep is minimal.

Step 1: Add ingredients. Add the chicken. Grate your garlic and then it and the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce plus salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine

Step 2: Cook. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Shred. Shred the chicken and serve over rice.

Side dish recommendations

This recipe makes a delicious chicken but you may be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some great side dishes that pair perfectly with this honey garlic chicken –

Recipe FAQ and Tips

While this is a simple crock pot dinner, there are a few tips that can make it even easier. Here are our honey garlic chicken tips and frequently asked questions.

Do I have to brown chicken before slow cooker? No, you do not need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. You can brown it, if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. Browning locks in flavor and keeps the chicken moist.

What type of chicken do I need? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work here as well. I do not recommend bone-in chicken as it will not shred as easily and then you have to worry about bones in the meat.

How much garlic do you need? You will need 6-8 cloves of garlic for this chicken. That may seem like a lot of garlic, but it mellows out a bit in the slow cooker.

Pro tip – Use a handheld mixer to easily shred the chicken while it’s still in the slow cooker.

Instant Pot directions

Want to make this chicken even faster? Use your pressure cooker! Follow the directions below –

Add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Stir to combine.
Add 1 cup of water.
Pressure cook for 8 minutes on high pressure.
Let pressure release naturally.
Shred.
Serve and enjoy!

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 days in the fridge. Remove and microwave to re-heat. You can also reheat it in a skillet with some water.

Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?

Yes! You can freeze this honey garlic chicken. Allow the chicken to cool and place it in a Ziplock bag. Remove all the air and lay flat on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, remove from the cookie sheet and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To re-heat – remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the fridge. Microwave the chicken or use a skillet with some water to warm it up.

Other chicken recipes

Are you looking for other chicken dinners? Here are some of our other favorites that make dinner time easier!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Make a tender and flavorful chicken in your slow cooker!

Ingredients

2 lbs (4 pieces) of chicken breast
1 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
½ cup honey
¼ cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
6-8 cloves of garlic
2 scallions
1 tsp sesame seeds
¼ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Grate your garlic.
In your slow cooker add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Make sure to flip the chicken breast over when cooked halfway.
Once fully cooked, shred the chicken. I use a hand mixer for easy shredding.
Serve with rice and top with scallions and sesame seeds

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board! THANK YOU for the support!

The post Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos

Kelley — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:17:51 +0000

Taco Tuesday doesn’t have to take a back seat to busy weeknights! Whip up some ground beef tacos in your slow cooker and have dinner waiting for you when you get home. These slow cooker ground beef tacos are simple to make and full of flavor. Let me show you how to simplify dinner and make tacos in your Crock Pot.

My family has 2 meals almost every single week – some sort of taco and spaghetti. (I prefer my one pot spaghetti!) Our tacos vary between chicken and beef and sometimes we switch it up and have fajitas. But tacos are a must every week in our house. That’s why I love adding these slow cooker tacos to our menu! They are simple to make and everyone loves them.

You and your family will loves these ground beef tacos because:

Prep takes a few minutes.
Full of Mexican inspired flavors.
Your slow cooker does most of the work!
Come home to tacos on busy nights.

What are slow cooker ground beef tacos?

The name really gives it away – LOL! These tacos are made with ground beef and taco seasoning and slow cooked in your Crock Pot. They require very little prep and can be used in meal planning and prep. The best part of these tacos is that you can easily customize then to however your family likes! My family loves avocado in their tacos so we add extra when making them. Not an avocado fan? Feel free to omit them from your toppings!

Slow cooker ground beef taco ingredients

There are two parts to these ground beef tacos – the taco meat and the assembly. For the taco meat portion you will need:

ground beef
taco seasoning

Ground beef – You can use your favorite ground beef here. I do suggest using at least 80/20 fat content so that you have some juice while it’s cooking.

Taco seasoning – Feel free to use your favorite taco seasoning here. Stock bought or homemade will work. I love using my homemade taco seasoning for our tacos!

Taco topping suggestions:

jalapenos
avocado
onions
tomatoes
lettuce
cheese
sour cream

How to make ground beef tacos in the slow cooker

The best thing about these tacos is how easy they are to make! No standing over the store and browning ground beef – not here! Simply add your ingredients (all 2 of them!) to your slow cooker.

Step 1: Add your ground beef. Add your ground beef to your Crock Pot and break it apart into pieces with a fork or spatula.

Step 2: Add spices. Add your taco seasoning to your ground beef. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4+ hours.

Step 4: Serve. Scoop the taco meat into your favorite tortillas and add your toppings.

FAQs about ground beef tacos

Is it safe to put raw ground beef in a slow cooker? Yes, it is. Slow cookers gradually cook the beef and as long as the internal temperature is 160 degrees and no pink remains, it is safe to eat.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it? No, you don’t have to brown it first. If you prefer to brown your ground beef, feel free.

What kind of tortillas do I need? Feel free to use your favorite tortillas for this recipe or even try your hand at homemade tortillas! We love corn tortillas but flour work too!

How many tacos will 3 pounds of ground beef make? This recipe makes a bunch of tacos! You can probably make 24 tacos if you fill each one with 1/4 cup of meat. The taco meat is great for meal prepping!

Do I need to add any liquid? No, no liquid is needed for these tacos. The ground beef will release some grease that can be drained later.

What toppings do I need? Whatever you like on your tacos! We love onions, avocados, tomatoes, cheese, jalapenos and sour cream! Feel free to add your favorite toppings.

Side dish recommendations

These tacos can be eaten alone or have a Tex-Mex inspired side dish added along with them! Some side dish suggestions are:

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover taco meat in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. The taco meat will keep for up to 5 days if stored properly. I do not suggest making the tacos and putting them in the fridge. The meat will make the tortillas soggy.

Can I freeze them? You can freeze the taco meat, but I do not recommend freezing pre-made tacos. To freeze the meat, place on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the frozen taco meat to a Ziplock bag and remove all the air. Place in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Other tacos to try

Who doesn’t love a good taco? Some of our other taco favorites are:

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos

Yield: 24 tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

How to make delicious ground beef tacos in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

3 pounds ground beef, thawed
3/4 cup taco seasoning

Instructions

Place the ground beef in the bottom of the slow cooker. Use a spatula to crumble it up.
Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Cook on HIGH for 2.5 hours or LOW for 4 plus hours.
Use a slotted spoon to drain the grease.
Assemble the tacos and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board! THANK YOU for the support.

The post Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Kelley — Thu, 04 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Busy weeknight? These easy crock pot chicken tacos will become your new favorite dinner. Shredded Chicken Tacos combine juicy and flavorful shredded chicken with a mixture of canned beans and corn. The shredded chicken mixture is scooped into tortillas and can be topped with a choice of salsa, sour cream, or creamy guacamole!

I have four kids and I work from home. So, when Im not chasing them around or busy working, I somehow have to worry about dinner. I love to throw everything in a crock pot and go about my day. Plus, it is hot yall! Like I don’t want to turn my stove on hot. I try to find ways during the summer to not use either to save on the electric bill and save my sanity. [Momma doesn’t like to be hot.] My solution is to use my slow cooker more and these easy chicken tacos are my favorite.

Im all about quick and delicious meals, so these easy crockpot tacos are my go to meal. I call them my ‘set them and forget them‘ tacos because I toss all my ingredients in and let them simmer all day.

This recipe is from 2013 so some of the pictures are from my phone – my old Blackberry phone. Yea. The recipe is solid – some of the pictures are old. I hope you enjoy!

What Are Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos?

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos consist of a shredded chicken mixture cooked in a Crock Pot with canned beans and corn until fork tender and juicy.

Once the cooked chicken breasts have cooked through, they are moved, shredded, and returned to the Crock Pot mixture to be scooped into tortillas to make assembled shredded chicken tacos.

Top these delicious shredded chicken tacos with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!

Shredded Chicken Tacos Ingredients

2 chicken breast
2 Cans of beans of choice
1 Can of corn
1 Taco Seasoning packet or homemade

Ingredient Notes

Chicken – I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for my chicken tacos. Chicken thighs also work great. You can use bone-in chicken, you just need to remove the meat from the bone before adding them to your tortillas.

Beans – Feel free to use whatever beans you’d like for your tacos. We like black beans and navy or kidney beans. Any beans work for some added flavor and protein!

Taco seasoning – You can use a packet of pre-made spices, or whip up a batch of homemade taco seasoning to have on hand!

How to Make Chicken Tacos in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the Crock Pot with the beans and corn and cook on high or low, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Tacos

Scoop the shredded chicken with the corn and bean mixture into tortillas and serve alongside your favorite Mexican side dishes!

How to make in the Instant Pot

While I love making these tacos in the slow cooker, sometimes I need them done a bit quicker. Enter my pressure cooker! Follow the directions below to make these chicken tacos in your Instant Pot:

Add the chicken to your inner pot.
Add the taco seasoning and corn with liquid.
Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
Allow pressure to release naturally.
Shred the chicken and add it along with the beans back to the pot.
Stir to warm up the beans.
Serve and enjoy.

Side Dish Recommendations

Recipe FAQs

What Cut of Chicken Works Best for This Recipe?

Chicken breast is the most popular cut of chicken when shredding for meals such as tacos, but you can use any cut of chicken. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative since they are lean, tender, and easy to shred.

Can I Use Pork Instead?

Yes! In fact, shredded pork is a great substitute. It will give you a similar result to these Crock Pot Pork Carnitas.

How Long Do You Need To Cook Chicken In The Crock Pot for Tacos?

You have the choice of cooking the chicken on HIGH for 4-6 hours in the Crock Pot or on LOW for 8 hours.

Can I Add Frozen Chicken In The Crock Pot?

Yes. When adding frozen chicken to the crock pot, increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. I would suggest adding an additional 2 hours to your cooking time.

How Do I Prevent The Chicken From Drying Out?

To keep your chicken juicy, stop cooking the chicken once the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F. The cook times in this recipe are a good guide for ensuring that you get succulent chicken that won’t overcook.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Add leftover shredded chicken to an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The leftover shredded meat can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven, with a splash of liquid (water or broth) to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Can I Freeze Leftover Shredded Chicken?

Absolutely! Once completely cool, store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge and reheat before assembling into fresh tacos or using in other Mexican-inspired recipes that call for shredded chicken.

Can I Make Gluten-Free Shredded Chicken Tacos?

Yes! When assembling these tacos, make sure that you use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour-based tortillas. Corn tortillas are another option when catering to gluten sensitivities.

Other Taco Recipes To Try

Love tacos? We do too! Here are some of our other taco favorites:

Easy CrockPot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

2 Frozen chicken breast
2 Cans of beans of choice
1 Can of corn
1 Taco Seasoning packet or homemade

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.

Pour in the beans and the corn.

Set on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8 hours.

Stir occasionally.

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return to crock pot.

Scoop into tortillas and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for your to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board. THANK YOU for the support!

The post Easy Crock Pot Chicken Tacos appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

Kelley — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 17:19:58 +0000

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas are an easy and delicious Tex-Mex meal for midweek family dinners or lazy weekend meals. Making your chicken fajitas in the Crock pot means that you can get on with the rest of your day, guaranteeing juicy and flavorful chicken by the end of the cooking time! Let me show you how to make chicken fajitas in your slow cooker!

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge fan of Tex-Mex food! I love a good bowl of homemade guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas. Toss in an aqua fresca and I am one happy girl! Know what I love even more than Tex-Mex? Being able to make it all in my slow cooker for an easy meal and even easier clean up! Yes, please!

What Are Chicken Fajitas?

Chicken Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of juicy and tender shredded or sliced chicken with bell peppers, onions, and classic Mexican spices.

The chicken mixture is loaded into soft flour tortillas and can be served as is or topped with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.

While I’ve made chicken fajitas, you also do shrimp fajitas, beef fajitas, and other fajita recipes made with different types of meat.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Ingredients

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Yellow Onion
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Orange Bell Pepper
1 Poblano Pepper
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Granulated Garlic
1 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Olive Oil (optional)
Flour Tortillas

Ingredient Notes

Chicken – Feel free to use whatever chicken you prefer here. We like breasts, but thighs work just as well. You can also use leftover chicken, too. (I would leave that out of the slow cooker until the last hour of cooking so it doesn’t get rubbery.)

Peppers – I love adding a poblano pepper to my fajitas. It adds so much flavor. Feel free to add one (they can be found next to the bell peppers) or omit it.

Spices – The spices used are a classic Tex-Mex blend. You can use the spices listed or taco seasoning or even fajitas seasoning packets.

Olive oil – This is optional, but helps coat the chicken and veggies with the spices.

Topping ideas – These fajitas are great with just the meat and veggies, but you can also add:

sour cream
guacamole
salsa
cilantro

How to Make Chicken Fajita in the Crock Pot

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Add the chicken, bell peppers, and onions to the Crock pot and cover with spices. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Cook

Cook the chicken fajita mixture on LOW for 4-6 hours.

Step 3: Slice/Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and slice or shred it. Add it back to the Crock Pot.

Step 4: Assemble the Tortillas

Add the chicken fajita mixture to a tortilla and serve with your favorite side dishes.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Want to make these fajitas even faster? Use your pressure cooker!

Place the chicken and sliced vegetables in the inner pot.
Add the spices to top and stir to combine.
Add a cup of water or chicken broth to the pot.
Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
Naturally release the pressure.
Remove the chicken and shred.
Add the veggies and chicken to a bowl.
Serve into tortillas.

Side Dish Recommendations

Recipe FAQs

Can I Put Raw Chicken in the Crock Pot?

Absolutely! It’s completely safe to do so, even when adding other ingredients to the mixture. The Crock Pot will tenderize the meat and soften the vegetables in the natural juices of the chicken, mixed with the seasoning.

Should I Cut Chicken Fajita Before Cooking?

Cutting the chicken before cooking is recommended when using the stovetop or the oven to make chicken fajitas. You won’t need to cut the chicken when cooking this dish in the Crock Pot as the chicken is removed and sliced (or shredded) after cooking and then returned to the Crock Pot mixture for assembling the tortillas.

Do I Need to Brown the Chicken Before Adding It?

No, you don’t. Browning is a process used to lock in the chicken’s juices, which gives a dish added flavor.

While this additional step has not been taken in this recipe, if you have extra time to first sear the chicken breasts before continuing with the cooking, even better!

How Should I Store Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas?

Store any leftover chicken fajita mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend storing assembled tortillas in the fridge, as the chicken mixture will make the tortillas soggy.

Can I Freeze Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas?

Yes! This chicken fajita mixture will store well for 2 months in the freezer in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and use in freshly assembled tortillas or in other chicken fajita-inspired recipes.

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

Yield: 4-6 tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

How to make tender chicken fajitas in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Yellow Onion
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Orange Bell Pepper
1 Poblano Pepper
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Granulated Garlic
1 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Olive Oil (optional)
Flour Tortillas

Instructions

Wash and cut the vegetables into strips. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Add olive oil and then the spices on top of the veggies and meat. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Remove the chicken and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Slice, shred or cut the chicken into pieces.
Assemble the tacos with meat, veggies and toppings of your choice.
Enjoy!

Notes

Make in the Instant Pot -

Place the chicken and sliced vegetables in the inner pot.
Add the spices to top and stir to combine.
Add a cup of water or chicken broth to the pot.
Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
Naturally release the pressure.
Remove the chicken and shred.
Add the veggies and chicken to a bowl.
Serve into tortillas.

Other Chicken Recipes to Try

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board.

The post Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Creamy Corn Chowder

Kelley — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 14:36:25 +0000

You are going to love this creamy corn chowder recipe! It is a quick and easy dinner recipe that will fill everyone right up. With a few common ingredients, you can be enjoying this easy corn chowder for dinner. This recipe also makes great leftovers and freezes well too!

Sometimes the simplest meals are the best and most filling. This creamy corn chowder falls into that simple category. You only need a handful of common ingredients to make a truly delicious soup. The best part? This easy dinner recipe is fully family approved – meaning even my kids love this one!

What is creamy corn chowder?

This corn chowder is a classic soup recipe. Although chowder normally refers to a thick soup with seafood, this version does not have any oysters or clams. The corn replaces the seafood making this a perfect dinner recipe that I know everyone will enjoy.

Creamy corn chowder ingredients

Like I mentioned, you only need a few common ingredients to make this creamy corn chowder. You will need:

Onion
Butter
Chicken broth
Potatoes
Salt
Corn
Milk
Heavy cream
Bacon
Green onions

Ingredient notes

Onion – Feel free to use your favorite onions in this recipe. I like to use sweet onions or Vidalias. You can also omit the onions, if you are not a fan.

Butter – Use unsalted butter or omit the salt and use salted.

Chicken broth – Try a low sodium chicken broth for this corn chowder. You can also add salt, but you can’t take it away from a recipe. Want to take it to the next level? Try a homemade chicken broth for this chowder.

Potatoes – Russets or golden potatoes work best here.

How to make corn chowder

Another great thing about corn chowder, is that you can easily make it on the stove top, in your Crock Pot or even your Instant Pot. Depending on how quickly you need the recipe, you have the option to make it quick or have it cook all day. To make it on the stove top follow the directions below.

Step 1 – Clean your prep your vegetables. Wash your potatoes and corn (if using fresh). Then dice up your onion, potatoes, corn and green onions.

Step 2 – Cook the onions. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, place the butter and onions. Cook until the onions become fragrant and translucent – about 5 minutes.

Step 3 – Add most ingredients to the pot. In your large pot add your potatoes, salt and chicken broth. Cook for 30-40, just long enough to soften the potatoes.

Step 4 – Add corn and milks. Add in the corn and cook for 15 minutes. Pour in the milks and cook until they are heated through.

Step 5 – Garnish and serve. Scoop into bowls and top with bacon and chopped green onions.

How to make in the Crock Pot

Want to prep this chowder in the morning and enjoy it at dinner time? You can easily make this creamy corn chowder in your Crock Pot!

Saute your onions and butter until translucent on the stove top.
Add the onions, potatoes, broth and salt to your slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add in the corn for 15ish minutes.
Pour in the milk and heavy cream and allow to heat through.
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Forget to prep your meal before hand and need it ready FAST? Make this corn chowder in the Instant Pot!

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and cook the onions and butter for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the potatoes, broth and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
Manual release and stir in the corn. Place the lid back on for 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream and place the top back on for 5 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.

Side dish recommendations

This chowder can be a whole meal itself, but an easy side dish will round it out. Some great sides would be:

Frequently asked questions

This chowder is a pretty simple recipe, but these are a few common questions that I have been asked about it.

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn. You will need to add a few minutes to cook time after you add it in to compensate for it not being fresh.

What potatoes work best for this chowder? Russets or yellow/golden potatoes produce the best tasting soup.

Can this be dairy free? You can make this dairy free by using olive oil instead of butter. Sub out the milk for your favorite milk alternative (coconut, almond, oat..) making sure they are unsweetened. Use coconut cream for the heavy cream.

Can I add other spices? Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices to this chowder! I suggest making it as is, and then adding in your spices before serving. You may find that less is best for this hearty corn chowder.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover soup in a Tupperware with an airtight seal. Wait for it to cool before adding it to the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes! You can easily freeze this soup for later. Place the cooled soup in a large Ziplock bag (you may need to use 2). Place it on a baking sheet and flash freeze it for 2-3 hours in the freezer. Remove the baking sheet and place the bag flat in the freezer. Reheat but allow to thaw in the fridge and warming in the microwave or on the stove top.

Creamy Corn Chowder

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Make a super creamy corn chowder perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
2-3 cups chicken broth
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups milk
4 slices bacon, already cooked, chopped
3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Wash, dry, prep your vegetables and set aside.
In your Dutch oven or large pot, add in the butter and sauté the onions until they are translucent.
Next, add in the potatoes, salt, and chicken broth and turn the burner to medium and let the chowder simmer for 30 – 40 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
Then, add in your corn and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Then add in the heavy whipping cream and milk. Let the chowder continue to simmer until the milk and cream have warmed up.
Serve and top with bacon and the sliced green onions.

Notes

How to make in the Crock Pot

Want to prep this chowder in the morning and enjoy it at dinner time?
You can easily make this creamy corn chowder in your Crock Pot!

Saute your onions and butter until translucent on the stove top.
Add the onions, potatoes, broth and salt to your slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add in the corn for 15ish minutes.
Pour in the milk and heavy cream and allow to heat through.
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Forget to prep your meal before hand and need it ready FAST? Make this corn chowder in the Instant Pot!

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and cook the onions and butter for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the potatoes, broth and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
Manual release and stir in the corn. Place the lid back on for 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream and place the top back on for 5 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.

Other easy soups to try

Looking for another hearty soup that will fill you up? Check out:

The post Creamy Corn Chowder appeared first on mom makes dinner.

French Onion Roast Beef

Kelley — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:11:40 +0000

Do you love French Onion Soup? Then you’re going to love this French Onion Roast Beef recipe! It’s a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that will have your family and friends raving! The roast beef is cooked in a delicious onion soup broth until it’s perfectly tender, then sliced and served with your choice of sides.

I have always been a big fan of onions. I’m pretty sure I get it from my mom! She puts onion in everything. And I’m ok with that! Saute, caramelized, raw – I’ll take them! I love using them in meals too. My French Onion Pork Chops have been a family favorite for awhile and for good reason! I’ve also done a French Onion chicken that is so, so good! This roast is just another way of getting more onions in our lives!

What is French Onion Roast

French Onion Roast is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for chilly weather. The dish is made with beef roast, onions, and a variety of seasonings.

The beef roast is cooked slowly in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, allowing the flavors of the onions and seasonings to infuse the meat. The result is a tender, flavorful roast that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve French Onion Roast with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

French Onion Beef Roast Ingredients

Beef chuck roast– I use a beef chuck roast, but you could use prime rib roast, rump roast, or whole sirloin.
Olive oil– You will need oil for browning the roast. You can use any oil you prefer.
Beef stock– If you don’t have beef stock, you could use beef broth instead. Although stock gives a better flavor.
Onions– You can’t have onion roast beef without onions. I recommend using yellow onions because they become sweet and flavorful during the cooking process.
Onion soup mix– Onion soup mix is an easy way to add all the flavor to your meat without using individual spices. It’s a combination of paprika, minced onion, onion powder, celery seed, black pepper, bouillon, and parsley.
Red wine vinegar– If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

How to Make French Onion Beef Roast in the Instant Pot

If you want to make your french onion roast beef quickly, you can use your Instant Pot! Follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Season the Roast

First, season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.

Step 2: Saute the Meat

Next, hit the saute button on your Instant Pot. Add the oil to the pressure cooker, and brown the roast on both sides.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Add the Ingredients

Place your roast in the beef stock and top it with onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Put the lid on the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to “sealing.” Then, hit the “pressure cook” or “manual” and set the time for 1 hour.

Step 6: Quick Release

When the cook cycle is completed, quickly release the pressure by flipping the pressure valve to the venting position.

Serve the beef roast with the au jus and onions. Enjoy!

How to Make Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker

If you prefer to have your roast ready when you get home from work, you can put it in the slow cooker before you leave. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Season the Roast

First, season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the skillet and brown the roast on both sides.

Step 3: Deglaze & Transfer

Deglaze the bottom of the skillet by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon. Then, transfer the roast and the beef broth to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Ingredients

Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker with the lid, and put it on low. Allow the roast to cook for 8 hours.

Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Enjoy!

Side Dish Recommendations

I recommend serving French Onion Roast with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Here are some great recipes:

What Cut of Beef Works Best for This Recipe?

French Onion Roast is a family favorite in my house. It’s easy to make and always comes out flavorful and moist. The key to a good French Onion Roast is to use the right cut of beef. I like to use a chuck roast for this recipe. Chuck roast is a flavorful, fatty cut of beef that gets more tender the longer it cooks. This makes it ideal for French Onion Roast, which is cooked slowly.

Additionally, rib roast or sirloin roast are good options as well. Rib roast has more fat, which means it will be more flavorful. However, it can also be tough if not cooked properly. Sirloin roast is slightly leaner, but it is also more tender.

How Do You Keep Chuck Roast Moist?

Chuck roast is a tough cut of meat that can be difficult to cook. If not cooked properly, it can be dry and tough. However, there are a few simple tips that can help to ensure a moist and tender chuck roast.

First, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. Look for a roast that has marbling, which is fat interlaced with the muscle tissue. This will help to keep the roast juicy as it cooks.

Second, make sure to sear the roast before cooking. This will help to lock in the juices and prevent the roast from drying out.

Finally, cook the roast slowly, either in the Instant Pot or in a slow cooker. This will give the tough fibers time to break down, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Do You Have to Brown a Roast Before Putting it in a Crock Pot?

Generally speaking, you don’t need to brown meat before putting it in a crock pot. The slow cooking process will eventually break down the connective tissues and render the meat tender and juicy. That being said, browning does have some benefits.

First of all, it helps to seal in the juices, which can make the final product more flavorful. Browning also gives the meat a nice color and texture that may be lacking if you skip this step. So, if you’re looking for optimal results, you may want to take the extra time to brown your meat before adding it to the crock pot.

French Onion Roast Beef

Yield: 1 roast

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

How to make a tender and juicy roast beef full of French Onion flavors!

Ingredients

3 pound beef chuck roast
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup beef stock
2 onions, sliced
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

1.Heat the “saute” function until “hot.”
2.Season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.
3.Add the oil to the electric pressure cooker and brown the roast on both sides.
4.Deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.
5.Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.
6.Cover the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to “sealing.”
7.Program the electric pressure cooker using the “pressure cook” or “manual” function for 1 hour. When the cook cycle is completed, quick release the pressure.
8.Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Notes

Slow Cooker directions -

11. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
10.Season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.
11.Add the oil to the skillet and brown the roast on both sides.
12.Deglaze the bottom of the skillet by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.
13.Transfer the roast and the beef broth to the slow cooker.
14.Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.
15.Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
16.Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Other Beef Recipes to Try

The post French Onion Roast Beef appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Minestrone Casserole

Kelley — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:07:34 +0000

I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to cook with my slow cooker, and this minestrone casserole is a real winner. It’s easy to put together, and the end result is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for winter weather.

My kids are like their mama and love a good pasta! Plus, I love finding new ways to add a package of pasta to our meals. This Minestrone Casserole Recipe is simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights and one that everyone will love!

What is Minestrone Casserole?

Minestrone casserole is a hearty dish that is perfect for a chilly winter day. The casserole is made with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Beans and pasta are also often added to the mix, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

The casserole is usually topped with cheese or bread crumbs, and it can be served with a side of garlic bread or a salad. Minestrone casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. So whether you are looking for a hearty winter meal or a light summer lunch, minestrone casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Minestrone Casserole Ingredients

For this delicious casserole, you’ll need lots of veggies and pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:

Onion- You will want to dice up your onion, so you don’t have big chunks of onion.
Bell pepper- I used red bell peppers for a sweeter flavor, but you could use yellow, green, or orange if you prefer.
Zucchini- Cut your zucchinis in half and slice them up. Try to make sure all your slices are about the same width so they cook evenly.
Beans- I used canned kidney beans. If you want to use dry kidney beans, make sure to soak and cook them before adding them into the casserole.
Mushrooms- Use any mushrooms you like for this casserole.
Tomatoes and paste- You will need diced tomatoes and tomato paste to create a tomato based sauce for your minestrone casserole.
Broth- I used chicken broth, but you could use vegetable broth as well. The broth helps to thin the paste to create the perfect sauce.
Seasonings- To season this casserole, you will need Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Pasta- Before beginning this recipe, make sure your shell pasta is cooked and drained according to the instructions on the box.
Shredded cheese- I used mozzarella cheese, but you could use cheddar cheese, Colby, Swiss, or Monterey jack if you prefer.
Parmesan- Although optional, I recommend garnishing your finished casserole with a bit of Parmesan cheese just like you would spaghetti.

How to Make Minestrone Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Making this minestrone casserole in the slow cooker is a great way to have your food ready to eat when you come home from work. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

First, spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray so that casserole doesn’t stick to the sides.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Add the onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, beans, and mushrooms to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all of the seasonings together in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Add Sauce

Then, add the sauce to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the vegetables.

Step 5: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Step 6: Add the Pasta & Cheese

After the veggies have cooked, stir in the cooked pasta. Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until the cheese has melted.

Serve garnished with grated Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

How to Make in the Instant Pot

If you don’t want to wait 5-6 hours for this to cook in your slow cooker, you can easily make it in the Instant Pot. Follow this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup recipe, and then add the cheese at the end just as you would for the slow cooker recipe.

Where Does Minestrone Come From?

Minestrone is a hearty soup that originates from Italy. It typically includes a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-based broth. While there are many regional variations of minestrone, the dish is generally believed to have peasant origins.

In the past, poor families would often make soup from whatever ingredients they had on hand. Over time, the soup became a popular dish among all social classes. Today, minestrone remains a staple of Italian cuisine and can be found on menus all over the world.

Side Dish Recommendations

Looking for a simple side for this meal? Some of our favorites are:

How to Store Leftovers

The best way to store minestrone is in an airtight container in the fridge. Minestrone will keep in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat the casserole on the stove until it’s piping hot.

Can I Freeze It?

You can also freeze minestrone for longer-term storage. Minestrone will keep in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and then heat it on the stove.

Minestrone casserole

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 8 minutes

Take a classic soup favorite and turn it into a hearty casserole with this easy minestrone casserole recipe.

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 zucchini, halved and sliced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) shell pasta, cooked according to the instructions and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan, as garnish if desired

Instructions

1. Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. To the slow cooker, add the onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, beans, and mushrooms.
3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and seasonings. Add the mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
5. Stir in the cooked pasta. Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until the cheese has melted.
6. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

How to make in the Instant Pot -

Place everything in the Instant Pot, except the cheese.

Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.

Manually release the pressure. Remove lid and stir.

Add the cheese, place the lid on loosely for it to melt.

Garnish and serve.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

Here are some of our other favorite weeknight slow cooker recipes to try:

The post Minestrone Casserole appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Kelley — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:42:53 +0000

Looking for an easy way to prepare cube steaks? Look no further than your slow cooker! Cube steaks are a budget-friendly cut of meat that can be easily cooked in a variety of ways. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious and tender cube steaks using your slow cooker.

Using my slow cooker to be able to create a whole meal on a busy day is the best thing ever. You can prep everything before leaving and come home to a deliciously tender meal. These slow cooker cube steaks are no exception! With only a few minutes prep, you will be enjoying a hot and tender dinner in the evening.

What are Slow Cooker Cube Steaks

Slow Cooker Cube Steaks are a type of steak that is cut into small, square-shaped pieces. The name “cube steak” comes from the fact that the meat is cut into cubes, which helps it cook more evenly and quickly. Cube steaks are often used for dishes such as stews, stir-fries, or fajitas, as they are relatively lean and tenderize well when cooked slowly.

One of the benefits of using a slow cooker to prepare cube steak is that it allows you to infuse the meat with flavor by cooking it in a variety of sauces or seasonings. Additionally, slow cookers help to tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and flavorful.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak Ingredients

You won’t need many ingredients for this easy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cube steak: When shopping for cube steak, be sure to look for cuts that are not too thick or thin; otherwise, they may not cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder is always a great seasoning for meats. It really brings out the flavors of the cube steak.
Salt & pepper: You’ll season the cube steaks on each side with salt and pepper.
Onion soup mix: This mix is packed with seasonings including onion flakes, beef bullion granules or paste, onion powder, parsley, celery seed, paprika, & black pepper.
Brown gravy mix: The gravy makes these steaks nice and tender when mixed with the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup.
Cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup adds a thick and creaminess to your sauce.
Water: You will need some water so that the gravy and soup mix are thinned to perfection. If you prefer, you could use beef broth for additional flavor.

How to Make Cubed Steak in the Crock Pot

All you have to do with crock pot cube steaks is season, and let the crock pot do the work! Follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Season the cube steaks with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Then, set them to the side.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

In a large bowl, mix the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix and water together until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Cube Steaks

Place ? of the soup mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, put 2 steaks on top. Cover the steaks with another ? of the soup mixture, and layer the remaining two steaks.

Step 4: Cover in Sauce

Spoon the remaining soup mixture over the top

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker with a lid and cook your cube steaks on low for 6 hours.

Serve and Enjoy!

How to Make It in the Instant Pot

If you don’t have 6 hours to prepare your cubed steaks, you can make them just as tender in the Instant Pot. To make it in your Instant Pot, you will need to use 1 ½ cups of water and make a slurry after the meat is cooked. You’ll hit the manual or pressure cook button and set the time for 10-minutes. Or, you can follow this Instant Pot Cube Steak Recipe.

Side Dish Recommendations

Looking for a side dish to pair with these easy cube steaks? Some of our favorites are:

Can I Use Homemade Mixes?

Absolutely! If you prefer certain seasonings, you can use those instead. Just make sure that you add enough water to keep your cube steak moist and delicious.

What Cut is Cube Steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by running it through a mechanical tenderizer, also known as a cube steak machine. This process creates small indentations, or “cubes,” on the surface of the meat. As a result, cube steak is usually more tender than other cuts of beef and is well suited for dishes that require extended cooking times, such as stew or braised beef.

Can I Use Other Meat?

While it is sometimes sold as a cut of meat, cube steak can also be made at home by purchasing a less expensive cut of beef such as chuck steak or round steak and tenderizing it yourself. Either way, cube steak is an excellent option for those looking for a delicious and affordable way to enjoy beef.

Slow Cooker Cube Steak

Yield: 4 steaks

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Make tender and delicious cube steaks in your slow cooker!

Ingredients

2 lbs cube steak, about 4 steaks
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 envelope brown gravy mix
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
½ cup water

Instructions

Season the steaks on both sides with garlic powder and salt & pepper, set aside
In a large bowl mix the remaining ingredients until well combined
Place ⅓ of the soup mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker
Place 2 cube steaks on top of the mixture
Cover the steaks with another ⅓ of the soup mixture
Layer on the remaining 2 cube steaks
Spoon the remaining soup mixture over the top
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Instant Pot directions -

Season the steaks.

Place them in the Instant Pot on a trivet.

Cover with the soup ingredients.

Add 1 ½ cups of water.

Cook for 10 minutes.

Allow the pressure to naturally release.

Other Slow Cooker Dinners to Try

Need other slow cooker dinners? We suggest:

The post Slow Cooker Cube Steak appeared first on mom makes dinner.