Category: Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup

I love baked beans. As a side dish. I never thought about making a soup out of them. Well, lemme tell ya! Add some smoked sausage and give it a few hours in the slow cooker and you’ve got the best slow cooker hearty sausage and beans soup around. This is the kinda soup winter is afraid of. After a bowl of this I’m ready to shovel snow, rake leaves, chop firewood… you name it!

Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup

A Flavor-Packed Soup

There’s just the right amount of ‘juice’ in this slow cooker hearty sausage and beans soup to make it stand out from being just baked beans. The broth is fantastic. I’d drink it out of the bowl. It’s packed with flavor, despite how simple this dish is to make.

Browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker is optional. Personally, I want a little ‘char’, a little bite, to my sausage. The onions don’t really need to be partially cooked ahead of adding them to the pot either. Onions take forever in a slow cooker and often they don’t get cooked through enough. So I let them spend a little time in a hot skillet beforehand to soften up a bit.

Elite Gourmet MST-250XS# Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, with Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Soups, Roasts, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe (1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)
Elite Gourmet MST-250XS# Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, with Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Soups, Roasts, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe (1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)

Also try my Creole-style bean soup.

Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup

This soup is packed with flavor, despite how simple it is to make.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword slow cooker, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings 8
Calories 406kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.
  • Add the sliced sausage.
  • Brown on all sides, stirring.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • Add the onion and saute for 3-5 minutes to just soften.
  • Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3.

Notes

Serve with hot cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1233mg | Potassium: 744mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Deluxe Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Some crockpot recipes really set the bar high. This deluxe slow cooker Mongolian beef is one of them. The steak is not only tender it is absolutely packed with flavor. The combination of Asian BBQ sauce (Hoisin), soy and the real kicker, apricot jam, makes for a sauce that is fantastic just by itself. I loved everything about this dish, especially considering just how easy it was to make. This dish is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice great flavor when you are using your slow cooker. You can have ease-of-use and enjoy the dish too!

Deluxe Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Cheap Cuts Work Best

You don’t have to use an expensive cut of meat for this deluxe slow cooker Mongolian beef. But, if you do use a cheaper, fattier steak make sure to trim as much fat away as you can. The meat will get tender on it’s own after hours in the slow cooker but you don’t want it to be swimming in fat. Ewwwww! (If you do get a bit of fat on top, don’t freak out! Just ladle it off before serving!).

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

So why is this called deluxe? Well, because I’ve made another variation on this recipe before. I have to say, this one is just as good if not better!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Version 2.0
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Deluxe Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Some crockpot recipes really set the bar high. This slow cooker Mongolian beef is one of them. The steak is not only tender it is absolutely packed with flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine Side
Keyword Asian, beef, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 574kcal
Author Inspired by The Recipe Rebel

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place steak, peppers and onions into your slow cooker.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, Hoisin and apricot jam. Pour over the steak mixture. Stir and cover.
  • Cook on low 5 1/2 hours or until the steak is tender.
  • In a small bowl or glass, combine the corn starch and water.
  • Turn the slow cooker to high and stir in the corn starch mixture.
  • Cover and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over warmed rice.

Notes

Add a few pinches of red pepper flake for a nice little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 3092mg | Potassium: 726mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy

I woke up last Tuesday and all of a sudden it hit me. Eureka! I needed to make something simple but comforting in my slow cooker. I don’t know why, but the idea crept into my head and I could not get rid of it. Fact is, I hadn’t had cubed steak in years and years, so that seemed like a good start. Gotta have gravy too, then. My slow cooker cubed steaks with gravy hit the spot. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated. Just toss a few ingredients into the slow cooker and let ‘er go for a bit.

Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy

Beef And Gravy Goodness

Sure, I love the beefy flavor of the cube steaks. And oh, they are so tender and juicy! But I have to I admit, it’s the gravy that is the star of the show for me. That’s due in large part to the fact that I am a gravy-aholic. Big time. It’s my favorite thing at Thanksgiving. Fortunately, these slow cooker cubed steaks with gravy make plenty of delicious, flavorful gravy. Perfect over the cubed steaks and awesome over mashed potatoes!

What? No French Onion Soup?

As an aside, if you can’t happen to find French onion soup at your grocery store, you can substitute a can of beef broth or gravy. I guess everyone around me had the same idea and raided all of the French onion soup the day I went to the market so I had to improvise. No problem, everything still came out great!

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from The Country Cook.

Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy

Comfort food at its best!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword slow cooker, steak
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 409kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Country Cook

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add in the packet of au jus, both cans of soup and the water. Stir well.
  • Season the cube steaks (I'd go light on the salt, but heavier on the pepper) and add to the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If desired, flip the steaks once halfway through the cooking time to get the sauce well-coated onto the cube steaks.
  • In a small glass or bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until well combined.
  • Carefully remove the steaks from the slow cooker and place on a plate.
  • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker.
  • Add the steaks back in and turn the heat to high.
  • Cook another 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
  • Serve steaks covered in the gravy.

Notes

Great served with mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 641mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 139IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Rice

I didn’t have a reason to make rice in a slow cooker. It was something that I just wanted to try it. I usually just make rice on the stove top and most times I get it right. I don’t have a fancy rice cooker.

My slow cooker was sitting there with that ‘use me’ look on it’s face so I fired it up, added the rice and a few other ingredients. In just over 6 hours, I had a big ole batch of cooked rice. I can’t imagine anything any easier!

Slow Cooker Rice

The No Boo-Boo Zone

It ain’t fancy, but slow cooker rice is exactly what I was looking for: a big batch of rice with no fuss and little chance of me making a boo-boo. I needed the rice for an upcoming dinner. Time would be tight and I knew that if I made the rice last minute, when the pressure was high, I might over or under cook it and I wouldn’t have time to re-make it. So I just cooked it a day in advance and kept it in the fridge overnight. It was just as good leftover.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Slow cooker rice is perfect served with chicken sauce piquante.

Slow Cooker Rice
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Rice

My slow cooker was sitting there with that ‘use me’ look on it’s face so I fired it up, added the rice and a few other ingredients. In just over 6 hours, I had a big ole batch of cooked rice. I can’t imagine anything any easier!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, rice, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 117kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups water
  • 1 cup rice
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Instructions

  • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add all ingredients.
  • Stir and cook on low 6-8 hours until done. Start checking for doneness after 5 hours just in case.

Notes

Fluff with a fork before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Cold crappy weather. All I wanted was something easy to throw into the slow cooker. Something tasty. Something with a Hawaiian twist. Slow cooker Hawaiian pineapple chicken fit the bill perfectly.  It had a wonderfully sweet combination of honey, brown sugar and pineapple. Crunchy veggies and plenty of salty soy sauce. The chicken was tender and packed with flavors. It wasn’t fancy but it was good. I’m a pineapple addict, and this dish satisfied my craving and then some!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Searing For Success

I’m kind of a stickler about texture when it comes to meat in a crockpot. Searing gives this slow cooker Hawaiian pineapple chicken that texture I was hoping for. Whenever possible I sear the meat first. I need that contrast, a little crunch, a little char along the edges. Not fully cooked through, but seared just enough. You can skip it if you prefer to just add the chicken directly to your cooker.

I used boneless skinless chicken thighs but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts instead. If you prefer to sear them like I did the thighs, I recommend that you butterfly them first so they have the same thickness throughout for more even cooking.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker French onion soup.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

A wonderfully sweet combination of honey, brown sugar and pineapple. Crunchy veggies and plenty of salty soy sauce. The chicken is tender and packed with flavors. It’s not fancy but it’s good.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 690kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Dinner Then Dessert

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Season thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Working in batches, heat oil in a large skillet and brown the thighs on both sides, 3-5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  • Place the pineapple and honey into a slow cooker.
  • Add the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and sesame seeds. Stir.
  • Add the chicken and any juices that have accumulated in the plate.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
  • Stir in the bell peppers.
  • In a small bowl or glass combine the cornstarch with the water.
  • Stir into the slow cooker and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice garnished with parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for the thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 648mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 1109IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

The Best Slow Cooker Recipes

I’m a huge fan of my slow cooker. Nothing boring here, just great easy recipes!

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes
1
Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
I’ve eaten my share of shrimp boils. But honestly, there’s no such thing as having had too many shrimp boils.
Check out this recipe
2
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
This slow cooker Salisbury steak meat patties not only tasted fantastic they had the perfect texture.
Check out this recipe
3
Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup
Slow Cooker Hearty Sausage and Beans Soup
This soup is packed with flavor, despite how simple it is to make.
Check out this recipe
4
Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy
Slow Cooker Cubed Steaks with Gravy
Comfort food at its best!
Check out this recipe
5
Slow Cooker Kielbasa sauerkraut and Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sauerkraut and Potato Soup
You can leave out the caraway seeds if they aren't your favorite.
Check out this recipe
6
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Incredibly delicious comfort food!
Check out this recipe
7
Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder
Slow Cooker New England Clam Chowder
This slow cooker New England clam chowder was much. much better than I ever expected. 
Check out this recipe
8
Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs
Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs
Slow cooker down-home chili dogs are perfect for those lovers of sloppy, dripping, great dogs.
Check out this recipe
9
Slow Cooker Ranch Corn Chips
Slow Cooker Ranch Corn Chips
Packed with Ranch flavor, you can't beat this simple snack recipe.
Check out this recipe
10
Slow Cooker Kid's Sloppy Joe
Slow Cooker Kids’ Sloppy Joe
I like to keep these simple, like I remember as a kid.
Check out this recipe
11
Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili
Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Chili
Three meats to satisfy any carnivore’s desires. The perfect combination of spices and heat. This is the perfect chili for a cold day.
Check out this recipe
12
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Perfect on a cold day, this soup is packed with fantastic onion flavor.
Check out this recipe
13
Slow Cooker Beans 'n Wieners
Slow Cooker Beans ‘n Wieners
When I was a kid bean n’ wieners were one of my favorites. Here I am many years later and well, nothing much has changed because I still love them. 
Check out this recipe
14
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
Yummy meatballs in a flavorful sauce, with the pasta already mixed in. It really doesn’t get any easier.
Check out this recipe
15
Slow Cooker Holiday Green Bean Casserole
Slow Cooker Holiday Green Bean Casserole
We’ve all had it. The traditional holiday green bean casserole. Well, scrap that and move on to this slow cooker holiday green bean casserole. Same idea, but oh, so much better.
Check out this recipe
16
Slow Cooker Party Shrimp
Slow Cooker Party Shrimp
This is absolutely the easiest way to cook up a big batch of shrimp for a party.
Check out this recipe
17
Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
It was a cold day. The kind of day that screams stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. These slow cooker stuffed cabbage rolls hit the spot and then some.
Check out this recipe
18
Slow Cooker Chopped Corned Beef Reuben
Slow Cooker Chopped Corned Beef Reuben
There’s nothing fancy about this Reuben. It’s your standard fare. Slow-cooked corned beef, tender, and then chopped. Mixed in with well-rinsed and drained kraut. Easy dressing, cheese, and rye. Done.
Check out this recipe
19
Slow Cooker Delta Sausage
Slow Cooker Delta Sausage
Smoked sausage is great in this slow cooker Delta sausage dish, but if you find  Andouille sausage, use it instead. It’ll add even more flavor to an already delicious meal. 
Check out this recipe
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

My wife has declared this our ‘go-to’ easy slow cooker ground beef chili and I definitely have to agree. It could only be easier (but certainly not as yummy) if it came out of a can. The southwestern flavors have lots of time to really carry through every ingredient as the chili cooks in the slow cooker for a few hours. I don’t consider it to be a spicy chili even with the addition of spicy V-8 juice and a jalapeno. If you prefer a spicier version, use a hotter pepper and use hot chili powder instead.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

That Pasta Thing

My wife prefers her slow cooker ground beef chili served over cooked elbow macaroni. The first time I ever heard of such a thing I made a face. Who does that? Well apparently, everyone in Indiana and the surrounding area. But I have to admit, I’m coming around to the idea. I’m ok with chili ladled over pasta as long as I can still top it with sour cream, green onions, and sometimes a little shredded cheese.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

If you prefer a thicker chili leave out the tomato sauce, but don’t omit the V-8 juice. It really adds great flavors to the chili.

Also try my slow cooker Sloppy Joes.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

My wife has declared this our ‘go to’ easy slow cooker ground beef chili and I definitely have to agree. It could only be easier (but certainly not as yummy) if it came out of a can. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, chili, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 225kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until almost done.
  • Add the onion and cook until the beef is done. Drain.
  • Add remaining ingredients except for garnishes to a large slow cooker and stir to combine.
  • Stir in the cooked beef and onion.
  • Cook on low for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with desired garnishes.

Notes

You can use ground Italian sausage instead of beef. 

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff

Just because I’m throwing a bunch of stuff into the slow cooker doesn’t mean I don’t expect greatness in 8 hours or so. This slow cooker meatball Stroganoff really hit the spot on a cold day. Tender meatballs (you can use pre-cooked or make your own, whatever floats your boat!). Creamy sauce (I could’ve eaten a bowl of the sauce when no one was watching). Just what I wanted. Simple comfort food at its best.

Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff

Super Easy And Delicious

I used store-bought meatballs from the freezer section because, hey, they were on sale! That and I didn’t have time to make meatballs from scratch for this slow cooker meatball stroganoff. If you do use homemade meatballs make sure you cook them fully first. You do still want to get a bit of a sear on the outside. Texture is important when cooking in a slow cooker and that sear will give you just that. Plus the yum-yums leftover in the pan after browning the meatballs really makes the sauce taste fantastic. Don’t just throw the meatballs into the crockpot as is, brown them first!

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker Mongolian beef.

Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff

Just because I’m throwing a bunch of stuff into the slow cooker doesn’t mean I don’t expect greatness in 8 hours or so. This slow cooker meatball Stroganoff really hit the spot on a cold day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, meatballs, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 323kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meatballs and brown on all sides to give the meatballs a little texture. Remove to a slow cooker sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and flour to the skillet. Scrape up any yum-yum bits that are on the bottom of the skillet and saute for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the broth and reduce the heat to medium and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the sherry.
  • Fold in the sour cream. Stir well and pour over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
  • Serve over hot cooked egg noodles.

Notes

Also good served over pasta or rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sauerkraut and Potato Soup

It was cold. Darned cold. And windy. Just yucky out. But it was nice inside because I had a big ole batch of slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut and potato soup. Yeah it’s a mouthful to say, but it’s great German-inspired comfort food at its best. Nothing fancy. Great kraut flavor, but not so overpowering. Tender potatoes that soak up lots of flavor after hours and hours in the slow cooker. Kielbasa sausage in every bite. Yes, every bite! Like I said, nothing fancy. Just good.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa sauerkraut and Potato Soup

Winter 0 Me 1

If you’re not a big fan of caraway seeds you can actually leave them out and still have a great tasting slow cooker kielbasa sauerkraut and potato soup. Trust me. My wife isn’t a fan of them, so I had to omit them. This despite the fact that it pained the German in me greatly.

I used Russet potatoes because they are my favorite and I always have a big bag of them on hand. You can substitute other potatoes. Just make sure that the potatoes are all about the same size so they cook in the same time. If you use smaller potatoes you might have to reduce the cook time a little.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa sauerkraut and Potato Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sauerkraut and Potato Soup

You can leave out the caraway seeds if they aren't your favorite.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 6
Calories 445kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from The Southern Lady Cooks

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Polish sausage pre-cooked. Sliced then sliced again into half circles
  • 2 pounds sauerkraut rinsed, drained. You can use less if you want.
  • 6 medium Russet potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Brown the cut sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Transfer to a slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
  • Stir gently every hour or so.

Notes

Polish sausage, kielbasa, smoked sausage… Try them all!

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1674mg | Potassium: 1330mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker Fried Rice

I’ve been on a slow cooker kick lately. That almost always means a main dish, but it dawned on me that I could also make slow cooker fried rice, a side I was needing for some leftover slow cooked chicken. You can’t get any easier than this. No fancy rice cooker. No worrying about exact cook time. Just toss it all into the slow cooker and come back later.

Slow Cooker Fried Rice

Customize Your Rice

This recipe for slow cooker fried rice also works great for ‘just’ rice (leave out the egg). Or you can add whatever other vegetables and seasonings you want. It doesn’t have to be traditional with peas and carrots. Broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts… you name it. All are great in slow cooker rice.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

Also try my slow cooker Teriyaki chicken.

This recipe is based on a recipe from A Year of Slow Cooking.

Slow Cooker Fried Rice
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Fried Rice

You can’t get any easier than this. No fancy rice cooker. No worrying about exact cook time. Just toss it all into the slow cooker and come back later.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, fried rice, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 231kcal
Author Based on a recipe from A Year of Slow Cooking

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add all ingredients.
  • Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours,

Notes

Fluff before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1825IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count