Category: Main Dishes

Roasted Tomato Soup

I make what I think is a mighty fine spicy tomato soup. Lately, I’ve been concentrating more on using roasted tomatoes in my dishes, so I decided to give this roasted tomato soup a try. It definitely came out chock full of great roasted tomato flavor. Just perfect. A little herb-y, and a little creamy. And a lot tomato-y.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Time Well Spent

The tomatoes took about an hour to roast. They came out looking and smelling absolutely fantastic. If it would’ve been a nicer day out I would’ve tossed them on my Weber grill, but the weather just wasn’t cooperating. Either way, they made this roasted tomato soup fantastic.

Roasted Tomatoes

Perfect Tomato Flavor

What a fantastically tomato-y soup!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my delicious roasted chicken noodle soup.

Roasted Tomato Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Tomato Soup

Lately, I’ve been concentrating more on using roasted tomatoes in my dishes, so I decided to give this roasted tomato soup a try. It definitely came out chock full of great roasted tomato flavor. Just perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword soup, tomato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 223kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Tiffani Thiessen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a Silpat,
  • Place the tomatoes cut-side up in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the tomatoes with 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, sugar, and thyme.
  • Roast the tomatoes until they are wrinkled and soft, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool until cool enough to handle. Remove skins.
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stir, and cook until starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic, stir, and cook another minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaf and the basil. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
  • Add the cream.
  • Using an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender you can transfer the soup to a blender, but let it cool first or it will explode in the blender. You have been warned!
  • Serve warm garnished with chives and croutons if desired.

Notes

Use fully-ripened tomatoes for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 781mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3076IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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 Tortellini Soup

I thought this slow cooker tortellini soup was absolutely fantastic. The sauce was perfect. Nice and tomato-y. But the big hit for me was the tortellini. It absorbed some of the great sauce and became great little scrumptious bites. I used fresh tortellini, but frozen would work just as well. So would ravioli.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

It’ll Warm You To The Bone

Sprinkled with a bit of freshly grated Parmesan, this slow cooker tortellini soup was the ideal dish on a cool day.

Fennel can be a little too strong (that licorice flavor can drown out everything!), so use as much or as little as you like. Or not. And don’t be afraid to add a few splashes of hot sauce or a good amount of dried red pepper flake for some kick.

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. Perfect on a cool day.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

I thought this slow cooker tortellini soup was absolutely fantastic. The sauce was perfect. Nice and tomato-y
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, slow cooker, soup, tortellini
30 minutes
Total Time 7 hours
Servings 6
Calories 448kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and tomato soup to your slow cooker.
  • Stir in the sugar and all of the seasonings.
  • Add the beef mixture and beef broth. Stir.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
  • Twenty minutes before serving, add the frozen tortellini to the slow cooker. If you were cooking on low, set it to 'high'.
  • Cook another 20 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with parsley, Parmesan and ricotta cheese.

Notes

Serve with a slice of hot garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1412mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 150mg | 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 Fire-Eater Pulled Pork

There’s no reason to make so-so pulled pork in your slow cooker. Give it some kick. Like my slow cooker fire-eater pulled pork. It’s got some kick. Fire-eater rub and hot sauce will wake up your taste buds, that’s for sure. Tender, moist pork makes for the perfect sandwich on a cold day.

Slow Cooker Fire-Eater Pulled Pork

Not Just For Sandwiches

I also ended up using this slow cooker fire-eater pulled pork in homemade hot pockets and on nachos. It’s great stuff, and can be used as just about any dish. Also try it on baked potatoes! Yummy! And baked potatoes? One of my favorites. Just heap on some of pork. Add sour cream. Black olives. Maybe a little chopped onion. A couple of jalapeno slices. Now that’s a baked potato!

I prefer Cholula original hot sauce in dishes like this fire-eater pulled pork. It’s spicy, but it’s not so overwhelmingly hot that you can’t still taste the dish.

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 BBQ beef.

Slow Cooker Fire-Eater Pulled Pork
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Fire-Eater Pulled Pork

There’s no reason to make so-so pulled pork in your slow cooker. Give it some kick. Like my slow cooker fire-eater pulled pork.
Course American
Cuisine Main
Keyword crockpot, pulled pork, slow cooker, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 234kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of rub around all sides of the pork.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add pork and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate.
  • Turn off the heat to the skillet and let cool slightly.
  • Slowly (keep your arms, hands and face back as it may splatter!) add 3/4 cup of water to the skillet and whisk.
  • Pour mixture into a slow cooker on low.
  • Add the vinegar, tomato paste, remaining 3 tablespoons of the Fire-Eater rub, and 2 cups of water to the slow cooker and whisk to combine.
  • Add the meat and cover.
  • Cook for at least 8 hours or until the meat is falling apart. If the liquid does not completely cover the pork you may want to turn it every few hours.
  • Remove the pork to a cutting board and chop.
  • Transfer the slow cooker liquid to a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir in the hot sauce. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
  • Return the meat to the slow cooker and add the reduced liquid.

Notes

Serve on buns, on nachos, on baked potatoes… however you prefer!

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 338mg | Potassium: 726mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 16mg | 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 Delta Sausage

Two bites into the slow cooker Delta shrimp I made the other day and I already knew I was going to make it again, but this time with sausage. Not that the shrimp version wasn’t absolutely fantastic, oh no. The vegetable mixture has such tremendous flavor, still a tad bit crunchy, and is perfect with anything from shrimp to sausage to chicken.  Perfect.

I use fire-roasted diced tomatoes almost exclusively now when a recipe calls for canned diced tomatoes. They have so much more flavor.

Slow Cooker Delta Sausage

Spice It Up A Bit

Smoked sausage is great in this slow cooker Delta sausage dish, but if you can find  Andouille sausage, use it instead. It’ll add even more flavor to an already delicious meal. Oh, and if the sausage you are using is fresh, not cooked, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.

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 crawfish etouffee.

Slow Cooker Delta Sausage
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5 from 1 vote

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. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, sausage, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 476kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and celery and cook until starting to soften.
  • Stir in the flour and allow to thicken.
  • Slowly add the water and stir.
  • Pour mixture into a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the sausage. Stir and cook for 3 1/2 hours. If the sauce gets too thick add a bit more water and stir.
  • Meanwhile, heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and brown lightly.
  • Transfer to the slow cooker and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice.

Notes

Also great made with andouille sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1647mg | Potassium: 611mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1586IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 71mg | 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

Baked Smothered Chicken Burritos

After making a big batch of slow cooker Mexican chicken I knew what was next. Burritos. But not just regular ole burritos. Burritos filled with spicy, tender, juicy chicken, topped with a fantastic creamy sauce full of cheese and fire-roasted green chiles. Served garnished with tomatoes, avocado and chopped cilantro. These baked smothered chicken burritos made for a fantastic dinner. I was pretty darned proud of myself because I felt this was one of the best dishes I’d made. I’d make this again in a heartbeat!

Baked Smothered Chicken Burritos

Wonderful, Bite After Bite

I loved that these baked smothered chicken burritos have a bit of crunch to them, thanks to spending a few minutes under the broiler. You don’t have to get them super crunchy, or crunchy at all, but it adds a nice textural contrast to the moist soft chicken.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my Mexican breakfast taco.

Baked Smothered Chicken Burritos
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5 from 1 vote

Baked Smothered Chicken Burritos

These baked smothered chicken burritos made for a fantastic dinner.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword baked, burrito, chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
Calories 200kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Carlsbad Cravings

Equipment

Ingredients

For the burritos

For the cream sauce

Instructions

For the burritos

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil.
  • Lay tortillas out on a flat surface.
  • Spoon 1/2 cup of the chicken into the center of each tortilla. Top with a small handful of cheese.
  • Roll the tortilla up like a burrito and place onto a baking rack seam-side down.
  • Place rack onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Place burritos under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Flip and broil the other side until crispy, about a minute.
  • Remove from the oven and plate topped with the cream sauce and your favorite toppings.

For the cream sauce

  • Warm the chicken broth in a small sauce pan.
  • Melt the butter with the oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, 2-3 minutes or until the flour has cooked.
  • Slowly add the broth while whisking. Cook until thickened, whisking constantly.
  • Add the cumin, salt and pepper and stir.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream. Then add the chiles and cheese. Stir to melt.
  • Add hot sauce to taste, stir, and serve.

Notes

Serve with avocado slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 516mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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)

Low-Carb Gumbo

We are cutting back on the number of carbs we are eating. Which means I had to find a still-great but lighter version of one of my favorite dishes, gumbo. This low-carb gumbo has most of the great ingredients you’d expect in a gumbo, minus a few that pack on the carbs, such as rice and flour (for the roux). Don’t expect to be disappointed, thinking the loss of all those carbs means a loss of flavor. This is an amazing gumbo, without the carbs.

Low-Carb Gumbo

That Little Something

You wouldn’t expect liquid smoke in a gumbo, and I know, some folk just think liquid smoke is evil, but without a roux, this low-carb gumbo needs something, and that hint of smoke is it. You can omit it if you like, but you’ll want to substitute something smoky. I recommend smoked salt as a substitution. If you use it instead, just leave out the kosher salt.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this gumbo and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

If you aren’t counting your carbs and are craving a more traditional gumbo, check out my favorite recipe here. If you’re short on time, my quick fix gumbo is ready in no time!

Low-Carb Gumbo
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5 from 1 vote

Low-Carb Gumbo

This low-carb gumbo has most of the great ingredients you’d expect in a gumbo, minus a few that pack on the carbs, such as rice and flour (for the roux).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword gumbo
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 588kcal
Author Based on a recipe from RouxBDoo’s Cajun and Creole Food Blog

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until starting to soften.
  • Add the celery, green bell pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and Italian herbs.
  • Stir and saute until the vegetables soften.
  • Add the okra and cook until it is tender.
  • Add the Andouille and chicken.
  • Stir and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the Rotel, Worcestershire, and liquid smoke. Stir.
  • Add in the chicken stock and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and let simmer for 1 hour.
  • Stir in the green onions, shrimp, and filé powder.
  • Stir, add more salt and pepper, to taste, if needed, and let cook for 15 minutes or until the shrimp have turned pink and are cooked through.

Notes

This recipe is great made with rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 588kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 1471mg | Potassium: 877mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 526IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Fire-Eater Reverse-Seared Prime Rib

Oh pinch me. Just pinch me. I thought I was dreaming when I first took a bite of fire-eater reverse-seared prime rib. Beyond flavorful. Beefy. Juicy. Cooked perfectly even throughout. And just a hint of spicy from the fire-eater rub. Truly an epic dinner, and just enough for the two of us. And fortunately, this approach can easily be scaled to any size roast that will still fit on your grill.

Fire-Eater Reverse-Seared Prime Rib

What Is This Reverse-Searing Thing?

Reverse-searing requires that you cook the meat fully over a fairly low heat. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly. With high heat the outer edges will cook first, before the inside. Once the meat is almost done the grill is cranked to absolutely maximum temperature and the roast is then quickly seared on each side. This adds a great crust and grill flavor. This Fire-Eater Reverse-Seared Prime Rib is perfect.

Drippings

If you are hoping to get some drippings to make au jus to go with the roast, set an aluminum pan underneath the meat while cooking. You’ll have to use a pan that is only as big as the roast, as the drippings will burn if the pan is too close to the heat source. I didn’t have a pan that would work, so instead I made my just-as-good homemade au jus.

Get yourself a good set of grill tools for this prime rib and anything else you grill. You won’t regret the extra few bucks they cost over the cheap ones that you’re going to have to replace in a few years. I have had several sets of Weber tools for decades and have yet to replace a single one.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

Also try my grilled rib roast with gravy. Same idea, but not reverse-seared or as spicy but oh so good.

Fire-Eater Reverse-Seared Prime Rib
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5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Reverse-Seared Prime Rib

Oh pinch me. Just pinch me. I thought I was dreaming when I first took a bite of fire-eater reverse-seared prime rib. Beyond flavorful. Beefy. Juicy. Cooked perfectly even throughout. And just a hint of spicy from the fire-eater rub.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword prime rib, spicy
Prep Time 13 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours
Servings 4
Calories 1353kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rub the roast with the rub. If the bones have been cut from the roast but are tied back on, sprinkle some rub in between the meat and the bones.
  • Wrap in foil and place in the fridge for 12 hours.
  • The day of cooking, remove the roast from the foil and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect 225 F cooking.
  • Place the roast over indirect heat and cook until the meat is within 10 degrees of your desired temperature. Desired temperatures for beef are below, so just subtract 10 from the one you want (Rare – 120 F, Medium Rare – 130 F, Medium – 140 F, Medium Well – 155 F, Well Done – 170 F).
  • Remove meat from grill and cover in foil while you crank up your grill as high as it’ll go, at least 500 F.
  • Return meat to grill over direct heat and sear on each side for 1 minute.
  • Remove, cover in foil and let rest 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Cooking times will vary on the size of the roast. Count on around 20 minutes per pound, plus at least 30 minutes resting time. I made this on a gas grill because it’s easier to get it to a high enough temperature to sear the meat in the end. If you are using charcoal you’ll want to have a chimney or two of lit, hot coals on hand to help speed up the searing process.

Nutrition

Calories: 1353kcal | Protein: 62g | Fat: 121g | Saturated Fat: 50g | Cholesterol: 274mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 1002mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Bayou Sloppy Joes

It doesn’t take much to kick up a normal ole Sloppy Joe dish and make it something special. Add some bold Bayou-inspired flavors, take a bite, and you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t make this a lot sooner. And there’s no reason to be shy with the hot sauce, either. I usually make a double batch of these Bayou Sloppy Joes and freeze some for later. It’s perfect for a quick lunch.

Bayou Sloppy Joes

A Delicious Twist On The Classic

If you aren’t a big fan of hot sauce, just substitute a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce. No harm, no foul! These Bayou Sloppy Joes are great either way.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make these Sloppy Joes and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my Philly cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and my crazy-easy slow cooker Sloppy Joes!

Bayou Sloppy Joes
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5 from 1 vote

Bayou Sloppy Joes

I usually make a double batch of these Bayou Sloppy Joes and freeze some for later. It’s perfect for a quick lunch.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, sloppy Joes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 513kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Drain any excess fat.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the buns. Stir.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in more hot sauce as desired.
  • Serve on buns.

Notes

I love to serve these sandwiches with tater tots or onion rings!

Nutrition

Calories: 513kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 947mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red

Slow Cooker Lone Star State Chili

Nothing beats a big pot (er…. slow cooker) of chili slow cooking all day long on a cold day. This slow cooker Lone Star State chili is pretty much your standard fantastic, beefy, yummy chili. With plenty of kick, of course. Do not fear adding more jalapenos – they do mellow a bit as the chili cooks throughout the day. This is a great, easy chili.

Slow Cooker Lone Star State Chili

Nice Chili With Nice Heat

For a nice twist on any recipe that uses canned diced tomatoes substitute fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead. They add so much more flavor than just ‘regular’ ole tomatoes. Especially to this slow cooker Lone Star State chili. If you’re lucky enough to live where there are good fresh tomatoes this time of year, put 3-4 onto the grill (or under the broiler) for a few minutes until they are nice and charred. Skin them, dice them and toss them into this chili for even more great tomato flavor.

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)

Although it’s not a requirement, I prefer to brown any meats before I put them into the slow cooker. The browning adds color (of course) and a much better texture. And more flavor. In fact, I might just say it is a requirement!

Also try Roger Staubach’s chili-in-a-bag.

Slow Cooker Lone Star State Chili
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5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Lone Star State Chili

This slow cooker Lone Star State chili is pretty much your standard fantastic, beefy, yummy chili. With plenty of kick, of course. Do not fear adding more jalapenos – they do mellow a bit as the chili cooks throughout the day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly brown the bacon and chuck in a large skillet.
  • Drain and transfer to a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Stir and cook 8 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally. Add water if the chili gets too thick.

Notes

Great served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 1045mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2869IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 6mg

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

Italian Meatballs and Gravy Grilled Country Style

Well, that does it for my search for the perfect meatballs and gravy. I’m done looking. These Italian meatballs and gravy, grilled country style, were absolutely fantastic. I used our Italian meatball recipe, which makes the best, tasty and tender meatballs you can find. We love them. I grilled them, but you can bake or smoke them instead. If you do grill your meatballs, use a skillet over the hot coals to make the gravy once the meatballs are done.

And as great as the meatballs were, the gravy is a new level of insanely tasty. Beef broth and coffee. Brilliant. And just a touch of garlic powder. Not only smooth, creamy, and tasty, but the gravy also has a really nice light coffee aroma.

Italian Meatballs and Gravy Grilled Country Style

The Perfect Combination

I served the grilled Italian meatballs and gravy grilled country style with our new favorite, creamy mashed cauliflower. You seriously cannot tell that you aren’t eating mashed potatoes, specially when they are covered in the fantastic country style gravy for the meatballs.

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish if you decide to grill the meatballs. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

I can’t recommend this dish enough. You can of course substitute your own meatball recipe, or use pre-cooked. You’ll want to try my Salisbury steak meatballs too.

Italian Meatballs and Gravy Grilled Country Style
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Meatballs and Gravy Grilled Country Style

As great as these meatballs were, the gravy is a new level of insanely tasty. Beef broth and coffee. Brilliant. And just a touch of garlic powder. Not only smooth, creamy, and tasty, but the gravy also has a really nice light coffee aroma.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword gravy, Italian, meatballs
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 13 hours
Servings 4 servings
Calories 624kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The BBQ Pit Boys

Equipment

Ingredients

For the meatballs

  • 2 pounds Italian meatballs I used our fantastic version, found here. Frozen pre-cooked meatballs can be used too.

For the gravy

Instructions

For the meatballs

  • Cook the meatballs. I grilled ours over indirect heat for about 45 minutes. You can also bake them until done.
  • Serve with gravy.

For the gravy (for extra flavor, make the gravy in a skillet on the grill after the meatballs are done)

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is cooked and the mixture is thick.
  • Add in the crumbled meatball, garlic powder, coffee, and broth. Stir.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and let simmer, stirring often, until thickened.

Notes

The gravy is great over chicken fried steak or chicken, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 624kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 246mg | Sodium: 1529mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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)