Category: Main Dishes

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

The sauce on these slow cooker Delta shrimp is absolutely incredible. It’s another example of how simple Cajun-inspired ingredients can produce a fantastic dish. Although I used large Louisiana shrimp, you can easily substitute sliced Andouille  sausage or chopped chicken pieces.

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

Canned Tomatoes Work In A Pinch

The original recipe for slow cooker Delta shrimp called for fresh, diced tomatoes, which are definitely not in season here right now. So I substituted the next-best-thing: canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes. They add much more flavor to the sauce than just ‘regular ole’ tomatoes. I recommend substituting fire-roasted tomatoes into any dish that calls for tomatoes if you can’t find fresh.

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 Delta sausage.

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Delta Shrimp

The sauce on these slow cooker Delta shrimp is absolutely incredible. It’s another example of how simple Cajun-inspired ingredients can produce a fantastic dish.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, shrimp, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 152kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large sauce pan 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 shrimp.
  • Stir and cook for 3 1/2 hours. If the sauce gets too thick add a bit more water and stir.
  • Add the shrimp and cook 30 more minutes.
  • Serve over hot cooked rice.

Notes

Use spicy Rotel instead of the tomatoes for a nice kicked-up version.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 695mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1706IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 95mg | 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

Cheddar Cheese Soup

I’ve never been to Epcot. I really want to go, if for nothing else but the foods from the various places around the world. I might take in a few rides too, but I’m all about the food first. So since I haven’t been there I can’t really say for sure that this cheddar cheese soup is a copycat of the Canadian cheese soup you can get at the Le Cellier Steakhouse. I do know that this soup is crazy good, though. Heavenly good. Creamy. A bit smoky thanks to the bacon. And there’s just a slight kick of heat.

Cheddar Cheese Soup

A Great Cheese Makes For Great Soup

I used the best white cheddar I could find to make this cheddar cheese soup, and although you can go with a cheap brand, I think a quality cheese can really make this dish, while a lesser one can just make it ‘ok’. So splurge on a good cheese and you’ll be glad you did.

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 creamy pimento cheese soup.

Cheddar Cheese Soup
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4 from 1 vote

Cheddar Cheese Soup

This soup is crazy good. Heavenly good. Creamy. A bit smoky thanks to the bacon. A just a slight kick of heat.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cheddar, cheese, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 574kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add bacon to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the red onion, celery, and butter. Sauté until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the flour. Stir, and continue stirring for 4-5 minutes until the flour is cooked over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add milk. Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer slowly for 15 minutes.
  • Remove pot from the heat and stir in cheese, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until the cheese is melted.
  • Stir in warm beer.
  • Serve garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

White cheddar cheese can be hard to find. You can substitute orange but of course the soup will have a slightly different color.

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 563mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

It was one of those days. Too much to do, and just not enough time to put together a complicated meal. And worse, it was mighty cold out. Crazy bad cold And snowing. Crazy bad snowing. The best solution to my problems? This slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup. Yes, three ingredients. That’s it. Great Campbell’s spicy V8 flavor (you could substitute any V8 flavor that you love!), with yummy kielbasa sausage. Oh, and cabbage. It’s deceptively good, actually, and not what you might expect from something so easy. It’s perfect for a busy day.

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

Oh, That Delicious Broth!

I prefer to brown most meats before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds a bit of texture and color and better flavor, in my opinion. But you don’t have to brown the kielbasa for this slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup first. No matter how you do the sausage, the broth is going to make it taste 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)

Don’t let the ‘spicy’ part of the recipe name scare you. For us, at least, this soup did not come out overly spicy at all. The flavors mellow a bit as the soup cooks throughout the day. But one man’s mellow might be another man’s spicy.

Also try my slow cooker tortellini soup and you’ll love my slow cooker French onion soup.

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

Don’t let the ‘spicy’ part scare you. For us, at least, this soup did not come out overly spicy at all. The flavors mellow a bit as the soup cooks throughout the day.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cabbage, crockpot, kielbasa, slow cooker, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 -10 servings
Calories 15kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ head green cabbage shredded
  • 1 64 ounce spicy V-8 vegetable juice
  • 2 14 ounce Kielbasa sausages cut into 1/2" rounds (lightly browned in a skillet with a splash of oil, if desired)

Instructions

  • Add cabbage to bottom of slow cooker.
  • Add juice, followed by the sausage.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring every hour or so.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the V-8.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 23mg | 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

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

Oh my goodness. There’s just about every taste I love in one bowl. I could eat this green chile mac and cheese stew all day long. Spicy Mexican chorizo. Beefy broth. Tomatoes with chiles. Beans. All with a lot of kick. This is not a wimpy savory bowl of stew here. Nope, it’s not for the faint of heart (or stomach). But it is the perfect dish for a cold day. It’s gonna warm you up for sure!

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

A Bit Of Everything In One Bowl

Just about any cheeses can be used in this green chile mac and cheese stew, but I kept the spicy theme going and topped it with a freshly shredded habanero jack cheese. There’s nothing wimpy about it. This dish has some serious kick in each every spoonful!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this stew 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

For a nice twist, substitute a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes for the tomatoes with chiles.

Also try some Chet’s Truckers stew.

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew
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5 from 1 vote

Green Chile Mac and Cheese Stew

Oh my goodness. Just about every taste I love in one bowl. I could eat this green chile mac and cheese stew all day long. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword stew
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 365kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper Magazine, December 2015

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the chorizo into a large pot over high heat.
  • Cook until done.
  • Add the onion.
  • Cook until tender, 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and pepper flake.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta, stir and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 7-8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (just slightly undercooked).
  • Add the green chile sauce and Velveeta.
  • Cook until the cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve garnished with Habanero Jack cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

This stew has a nice spicy kick to it.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1323mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 879IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

I have a slow cooker (er, crockpot) for the same reasons everyone else does. I on occasion like a great, easy meal that I can toss into the pot and not have to fuss with. A Dutch oven over low heats works just as well, specially if you need to brown something first. For this slow cooker spicy spaghetti and meatball soup it doesn’t matter whether you go low-and-slow in the crockpot or Dutch oven, the end result is great. It’s like having Campbell’s SpaghettiOs™ but with much better, richer flavor, and a nice kick. And really big meatballs. Who didn’t want more meatballs in their SpaghettiOs™ when they were a kid? I sure did. I probably threw fits about it, too! Well, problem solved!

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

A Great Meal For A Crowd

I used packaged frozen meatballs for this slow cooker spicy spaghetti meatball soup. Our homemade Italian meatballs (made on the stovetop or in the Char-Broil Big Easy) would be great too. Outstanding, even. Either way, this makes a good batch of soup. Plenty for a small crowd.

You can leave out the red pepper flake, but I think you’ll want to add at least a little. And don’t be shy with the basil either.

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’re feeling adventurous, try out my homemade SpaghettiOs. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

I have a slow cooker (er, crockpot) for the same reasons everyone else does. I on occasion like a great, easy meal that I can toss into the pot and not have to fuss with
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, meatballs, slow cooker, soup, spaghetti, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 118kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Plain Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the pasta into a slow cooker. Add more basil or red pepper flake as desired.
  • Cook on high for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Set slow cooker to high and add the pasta. Cook for another 20 minutes.
  • Serve with more Parmesan cheese as desired.

Notes

Great served with a slice or two of garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | 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

Three-Meat Spicy Chili

I’m pretty much in cold weather cooking mode this week. Time-to-hunker-down, it’s-brrrr-cold-outside cooking mode. Anything I make is gonna have to warm me up and keep me warm. Time to make three-meat spicy chili! Great meaty flavor, beans, and of course, a spicy kick. I know it’s not ‘traditional’ but I love Italian sausage in chili. Love it! It adds so much more flavor than using boring ground beef!

Three-Meat Spicy Chili

Spicy Smoky Greatness

This chili also is full of one of my other favorite flavors: chipotles in adobo. Chipotles add that great smoky flavor, and just enough heat that you’re going to notice it. The chili comes out rich and flavorful, absolutely perfect for a cool fall day. I make sure to make a big batch of three-meat spicy chili and freeze some of the extra in single-portion containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

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 McIlhenny chili. It’s flat-out fantastic too.

Three-Meat Spicy Chili
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Three-Meat Spicy Chili

I’m pretty much in cold weather cooking mode this week. Time-to-hunker-down, it’s-brrrr-cold-outside cooking mode. Time to make three-meat spicy chili! 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 417kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Nancy Fuller

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Crumble the meats into a large Dutch oven or pot over high heat.
  • Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned.
  • Drain any fat that accumulates, if desired.
  • Reduce heat to medium-high.
  • Add the minced garlic, bell peppers, chipotles, onion, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
  • Stir, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the peppers and onion have started to soften.
  • Add the tomatoes and beer.
  • Bring to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Add more salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add the beans and heat through, about 10 minutes.

Notes

Serve with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Nashville Hot Chicken

There’s good and then there’s great. Nothing beats Nashville hot chicken when it comes to great fried chicken. The best, light, crunchy coating that you can imagine. Tender, moist chicken. And of course, heat. Plenty of heat. I could make and eat Nashville hot chicken any day of the week.

Nashville Hot Chicken

I Dream Of This Chicken

Because I prefer chicken wings over say, split chicken breasts, I used wings for this dish. They were crazy good. No need for blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, either. Just pick them up and get to eating.

Nice And Spicy

I don’t recommend being too shy with the spicy coating that you brush on the chicken just before serving. It’s hot, trust me, but I didn’t find it to be so hot that I couldn’t stand it. But don’t get me wrong, your eyes will water. At the minimum.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

You’ll find that the coating is so good you’ll want to use it for other things, like chicken nuggets or fingers.

Also try my Nashville hot pickles.

Nashville Hot Chicken
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Nashville Hot Chicken

There’s good and then there’s great. Nothing beats Nashville hot chicken when it comes to great fried chicken. The best, light, crunchy coating that you can imagine. Tender, moist chicken. And of course, heat. Plenty of heat. I could make and eat Nashville hot chicken any day of the week.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, deep-fried, spicy
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 532kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dry brine

For the dip

For the dredge

For frying

For the spicy coating

For serving

Instructions

For the dry brine

  • Season chicken and place into a baggie or resealable container.
  • Seal and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.

For the dip

  • Whisk together the milk, eggs and hot sauce in a pie pan or shallow bowl.

For the dredge

  • Whisk together the flour and salt in a pie pan or shallow bowl.

For frying

  • Heat a few inches of oil (enough to cover the chicken) in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 325 F.
  • Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the flour. Shake off excess.
  • Dip chicken into the milk mixture. Shake off the excess.
  • Return the chicken to the flour and dredge again. Shake off excess.
  • Transfer chicken to the hot oil and fry until done (165 F internal temperature), flipping occasionally, 10-15 minutes.
  • Place on a rack to cool and drain. (I kept my chicken in a hot warming drawer while I finished cooking the rest of the chicken.)

For the spicy coating

  • When you're done frying the chicken, ladle 1/2 cup of the hot oil into a small saucepan and whisk in the spicy coating ingredients.
  • Brush mixture over the chicken. The more you brush on, the hotter it’ll be.

For serving

  • Serve with dill pickle and white bread slices, if desired.

Notes

Use your favorite chicken cuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 3593mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 958IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

My wife and I both agreed that these slow cooker spicy Italian beef sandwiches were absolutely fantastic. And besides tender, juicy beef, you also get great Italian spice flavors. All served on a sub bun with plenty of smoky provolone cheese. Every bite of this sandwich is perfect.

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Kick it Up Even More

To really kick up your slow cooker spicy Italian beef sandwiches use hot pepperoncini and Giardiniera, and substitute habanero jack cheese for the provolone. You’ll have the perfect game-time sandwich.

You may or may not need all of the peppers and Giardiniera I listed for the sandwich build. It all depends on how much you like on your sandwiches. Me, I like pepperoncini, and lots of it, on top. I only used the Giardiniera in the slow cooker and didn’t add any to the sandwich. To each his own!

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)

I love sandwiches topped with tender slow-cooked beef. Try my beef debris po boy and French dip sandwiches too.

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Spicy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Besides tender, juicy beef, you also get great Italian spice flavors. All served on a sub bun with plenty of smoky provolone cheese. Every bite of this sandwich is perfect.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, Italian, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 493kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Italian beef

For the sandwiches

  • 10 Hoagie buns or steak sandwich rolls
  • 10 slices Provolone cheese sliced
  • 1 12 ounce peperoncini slices, drained
  • 1 12 ounce Giardiniera drained, lightly chopped

Instructions

For the Italian beef

  • Add beef broth to slow cooker set to high.
  • Stir in the dressing seasoning and red pepper.
  • Add the peppers and Giardiniera.
  • Add meat and cover.
  • Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-11 hours until the meat can be shredded.
  • Remove meat, shred, and return to the slow cooker and cook another hour.

For the sandwiches

  • Open buns and add cheese slices. Make sure to cover the bread with the cheese – it’ll help keep the buns from getting overly soggy.
  • Add shredded meat.
  • Top with pepperoncini and chopped Giardiniera as desired.

Notes

Have plenty of napkins nearby.

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 422IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 14mg

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 Gumbo Joes

The sloppier the sandwich, the better it is. I’ve made chorizo Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Cubans, and kicked-up regular ole Sloppy Joes. All were sloppy. All were fantastic. These slow cooker Gumbo Joes pack in fantastic bayou flavors with traditional Sloppy Joe ingredients such as ketchup, mustard, and onion. Thick and messy. It’s gonna drip and it’s gonna make a mess. It’s gonna be great.

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes

Gumbo-licious

This recipe for slow cooker Gumbo Joes is also a great way to use up leftover gumbo. I don’t usually have leftover gumbo. It seems to disappear very quickly around here. That’s why I had to use a few cans of gumbo instead. It’s surprisingly good on its own. But it’s fantastic in this great take on a Sloppy Joe.

Go Open-Faced

As much as I like to eat these sandwiches like… sandwiches, my preferred way is actually to enjoy them open-faced. I like to toast some hamburger buns until they get a bit crusty. With a bit of a crunch to them. Then I pile the meat mixture high and dig in!

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)

You can also make this dish on the stovetop. Just bring it to a slow simmer and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, stirring often and checking if it gets too dry. If it does, just stir in a bit of water.

Also try my slow cooker gumbo.

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Gumbo Joes

These slow cooker Gumbo Joes pack in fantastic bayou flavors with traditional Sloppy Joe ingredients such as ketchup, mustard, and onion. Thick and messy. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, gumbo, sloppy Joes, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 396kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Ground the beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Drain and transfer to a slow cooker set to low.
  • Add onion, soup, ketchup and mustard. Stir.
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve on buns.

Notes

Also great served heaped on hot dogs.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 100mg | 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

Breakfast Cups on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

These low-carb breakfast cups are the perfect fast morning meal. I usually make a batch on Sunday for the week’s breakfasts. You can mix them up so you don’t get bored. Add chopped spinach. Or mushrooms. Substitute bacon for the sausage. Use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Add a splash of milk. Add some hot sauce. You name it, you can’t go wrong with breakfast cups made on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

Breakfast Cups on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Ideal Breakfasts

You can just as easily bake these breakfast cups in the oven, but I love my Char-Broil Big Easy, and I love cooking with it, so I tossed them into the cooker. For cooking in the oven bake them at 350 F until done.

These cups keep well in the freezer, so make extra and keep some on hand for those days when you just want to grab a quick breakfast. Toss them into the microwave for 30 seconds or so, and it’s time to eat!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Did you know you can make your entire breakfast on your Big Easy? Make bacon, breakfast sausage and even eggs!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Breakfast Cups on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Breakfast Cups on the Char-Broil Big Easy

These low-carb breakfast cups are the perfect fast morning meal.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, breakfast, Char-Broil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 210kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs
  • ½ pound breakfast sausage bulk (not links), cooked, crumbled
  • handful cheddar cheese
  • Your favorite seasoning like Mrs Dash

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Spray ramekins with non-stick spray.
  • Crack eggs into a large bowl. Use a fork to beat them.
  • Add in the sausage and cheese, along with your favorite seasoning to taste.
  • Use a fork to combine everything.
  • Divide mixture between the ramekins.
  • Place 3 ramekins in the Big Easy basket and the other 3 in the bunk bed. Lower into the Big Easy and cook for 20-30 minutes or until the eggs are done. I test them using a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are done.
  • Remove from the Big Easy and let cool before handling. The eggs should pop right out of the ramekins. If not, run a knife along the edges to loosen them then turn them over to remove the egg mixture.

Notes

You’ll need 6 3.5 ounce ramekins and the Big Easy Bunk Bed for this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 275mg | Sodium: 335mg | Potassium: 186mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket