Tag: recipe

Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks

This slow cooker cheesesteak isn’t meant to be Philly cheesesteak. It’s nothing fancy. Oh you could add peppers or whatever if you want, and it’d be great. But for me, what I needed was something tasty, cheesy, meaty and done with minimal trouble. And that’s exactly what I got. This is a great sandwich any time of the year, but it really hit the spot after I had finished shoveling snow out of the driveway. I was hungry. It was slow cooker cheesesteak time.

Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks

Beefy Cheesy Deliciousness

You can use fresh ribeye, sliced super thin, if you want. For my slow cooker cheesesteaks I used the pre-sliced frozen ribeye I can find in my grocer’s freezer case. It’s right by the Steak Ums, but unlike them, the steak is nothing but sliced steak. It always comes out super tender and it’s actually very reasonably priced. And as an added bonus, I don’t have to slice steak into thin pieces. That can be a bit challenging.

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 cheeseburgers.

Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks

You can use fresh ribeye, sliced super thin, if you want.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker, steak
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings 8
Calories 551kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lightly spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add in the onion and steak and the jalapeno, if using.
  • Season well with salt and pepper.
  • Stir, cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
  • Add the Velveeta.
  • Cover and cook on low for 1 more hour.
  • Stir.
  • Serve on rolls.

Notes

Use Mexican blend Velveeta for a nice twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1270mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 575IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 400mg | 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

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Pimento cheese is one of those things that does not last very long in our house. Make a batch, do a quick errand, come back.. gone! It doesn’t seem to matter how much I make, it’s gone in an instant. Where does it go? Well, one place is in this delicious easy grits dish. Creamy, yummy grits with kicked up pimento cheese. You can’t beat it. Sure, pimento cheese is great on crackers or sandwiches, but in grits… oh me is it ever amazing. Always make extra.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Cheese Grits Elevated

As much as grits are a wonderful thing, the star of this show is the pimento cheese and it deserves the love and the attention it needs to be extraordinary. First, hand shred your cheese. None of that pre-shredded bagged stuff. It has cornstarch or other coatings on it to keep it from sticking. Nope, pass on that. If you’re not a big fan of shredding with your old hand-powered box shredder, get one of these. It’s awesome!

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

Second, make the pimento cheese the night before you make this dish. Let it get happy in the fridge, just hanging out. It’s better that way. The flavors and the consistency are better the next day.

Also try my smoked tomato cheese grits.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Great cheesy creamy grits!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grits, pimento cheese
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 818kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the grits

For the pimento cheese

Instructions

For the grits

  • Add the milk and water to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the grits, stirring as you pour.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Let the grits simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often, until they are thick and creamy.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the pimento cheese and season with pepper.
  • Serve garnished with parsley if desired.

For the pimento cheese

  • Place all ingredients except the salt and pepper into a bowl.
  • Combine.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • Refrigerate at least an hour before using.

Notes

You can make the pimento cheese the day ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 818kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1852IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 809mg | 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)

Philly Style Italian Hoagies

When we want a quick bite for lunch we grab a few Philly style Italian hoagies. They take no time at all to make and are absolutely packed with great flavor. And a bit of a kick. This is the perfect sandwich. Sometimes I  stick to the ‘original’, using fine deli meats and fru-fru cheese. And sometimes I just grab whatever is in the meat drawer. The key to this hoagie is the dressing.

Philly Style Italian Hoagies

Never Soggy. Always Delicious.

I often find myself making Philly style Italian hoagies for my wife’s lunch. It holds up well to bouncing around in a lunch cooler. To keep the bread from getting soggy I insulate the bread by making sure that the dressing and the spicy relish are in between the meat and cheese and not directly touching the bread itself. Boom, problem solved!

Cento Diced Hot Cherry Pepper (Hot) Hoagie Spread - 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Cento Diced Hot Cherry Pepper (Hot) Hoagie Spread – 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)

I also love topping this sandwich with spicy hot giardiniera. That’s a sandwich!

Also try my slow cooker cheesesteaks.

Philly Style Italian Hoagies
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Philly Style Italian Hoagies

When we want a quick bite for lunch we grab a few Philly style Italian hoagies. They take no time at all to make and are absolutely packed with great flavor. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, sandwich, submarine
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 1308kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Baker By Nature

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 hoagie rolls
  • 4 ounces prosciutto
  • 4 ounces capicola
  • 4 ounces genoa salami
  • 4 ounces hot soprassata salami
  • 4 ounces provolone cheese sliced thin
  • 1 large tomato sliced thin
  • 1 small onion sliced thin
  • ¼ cup iceberg lettuce shredded
  • ¼ cup hot pepper spread or relish

Instructions

  • Whisk together the vinegar and oregano in a small bowl.
  • Continue whisking while slowly adding the olive oil.
  • Slice the rolls horizontally and remove the bread from the center.
  • Spread half of the vinegar mix over the inside of the rolls.
  • Add the meats, cheese, onion, lettuce and pepper spread.
  • Drizzle with the remaining vinegar mix and serve.

Notes

The dressing is great on any sandwich.

Nutrition

Calories: 1308kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 5387mg | Potassium: 944mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1427IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 497mg | Iron: 15mg

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)

Fried Shrimp Basket

The flavor of the shrimp in this fried shrimp basket is absolutely fantastic. The Gullah seasoning originates from the islands off South Carolina and is inspired by Creole tastes. It’s what makes these shrimp soooo very good. I served them in a basket with some homemade fries. Food is always better when served in a basket. I learned that long ago and this fried shrimp basket is proof.

Fried Shrimp Basket

Wonderfully Seasoned Shrimp

You’ll have plenty of leftover Gullah seasoning after making a fried shrimp basket. That’s a good thing. Save it for more shrimp or use it in any recipe that calls for Creole seasoning. It’s also great for sprinkling on the fries you’ll want to make with these shrimp. It’ll keep for a long time, just store it in an air-tight container until you are ready to use it.

Since it’s just the two of us, I like to use my Fry Daddy for frying these shrimp and well, anything fried! You can’t cook all of the shrimp for this recipe in one batch in the small fryer, but you can get them done in two.

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

I’m convinced that everything tastes better when it’s served in a basket. My roadside shrimp basket is further proof.

Also try my batter-fried shrimp.

Fried Shrimp Basket
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Fried Shrimp Basket

Wonderfully-spiced shrimp perfect with a hot-out-of-the fryer fries!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 333kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Kardea Brown

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Gullah Seasoning (makes more than you'll need)

For the shrimp

Instructions

For the Gullah Seasoning

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Transfer to a resealable airtight container until ready to use.

For the shrimp

  • Heat 3" of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  • In one bowl (or a pie pan) combine the flour and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the Gullah seasoning.
  • In another bowl (or a pie pan) place the buttermilk.
  • Working in batches, dip the shrimp first in the buttermilk, then in the flour. Coat completely then shake off any excess. Place on the wire rack.
  • Place a wire rack over another baking sheet.
  • Fry the shrimp until golden brown, 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Remove to the rack to drain.
  • Serve immediately with hot fries.

Notes

The seasoning is great for burgers, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 5306mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 732IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 9mg

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

Tailgate Cocktail Smokies

For a moment there I thought that Hillshire Farm’s had changed the recipe for their Lit’l Smokies. I mean, I almost thought I was eating a shrimp cocktail. Ah, but it was that combination of ketchup and horseradish that was fooling me. After a few hours in the slow cooker those flavors found their way into every bite of sausage. These tailgate cocktail smokies were really, really quite good. Unexpectedly good. These aren’t your standard issue BBQ-sauce-and-smokies appetizers. I’d make these again. And again.

Tailgate Cocktail Smokies

Cocktail Smokies Elevated

I’m not usually a big horseradish fan. I mean, I like it but it can get overwhelming for me if there’s too much. Not in this case. I think the recipe for tailgate cocktail smokies is spot-on for the amount. Those 4 hours of time in the crockpot really mellow it out making it a wonderful flavor.

Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies Smoked Sausage, 14 oz
Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Smoked Sausage, 14 oz

Also try my slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages.

Tailgate Cocktail Smokies
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Tailgate Cocktail Smokies

These aren’t your standard issue BBQ-sauce-and-smokies appetizers. I’d make these again. And again.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cocktail, sausage
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings 24
Calories 154kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray a small slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add all ingredients and stir.
  • Cover and warm on low for 4 hours, stirring every hour or so.

Notes

This recipe requires no messing with it. These are addicting.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | 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

Crispy Cajun Fries

These crispy Cajun fries get their crunchiness from a combination of corn flour and cornmeal. They’re something I’d never experienced before. They’re different, quite different, than regular ole deep fried fries. They have much more flavor, and a totally different texture. The outside is crunchy, the inside is creamy. I could not stop eating them, that’s for sure, and they made for the perfect side for my fried Cajun shrimp.

Crispy Cajun Fries

Thinner Is Crispier

I like to cut my potatoes thin when I make these crispy Cajun fries. I reserve thicker cuts for baking or grilling. For deep frying I want them thin and all the same size so they come out cooked evenly and perfectly crunchy. I keep my knife super sharp for dishes like this, and my fries always come out great (not to brag… but I just did).

I use my lil ole Fry Daddy deep fryer for this fries when it’s just the two of us. Its perfect for small batches. It fries well and uses less oil than a big fryer. If I need to I can fry in batches. Fries don’t take long so I don’t worry about them getting cold in between batches.

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

Also try my quick fix herbed fries.

Crispy Cajun Fries
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Crispy Cajun Fries

These crispy Cajun fries get their crunchiness from a combination of corn flour and cornmeal.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, crispy, fries
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1256kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Louisiana Kitchen and Culture

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place uncooked fries into a large bowl of cold water.
  • Add the hot sauce and stir.
  • Let soak for 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375 F.
  • Place corn flour, corn meal and Cajun seasoning in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Drain the potatoes but do not pat dry. You want them damp.
  • Add to the seasoning bag.
  • Seal and shake to coat.
  • Fry potatoes (working in batches if needed) 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove to a wire rack on a baking sheet or paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best fry experience!

Nutrition

Calories: 1256kcal | Carbohydrates: 275g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 4472mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6910IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 13mg

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 Down-Home Chili Dogs

I was researching inexpensive lunch ideas for a crowd. That’s when I came across the idea for these slow cooker down-home chili dogs. We were challenged to feed close to 50 people for less than $100 (before prices went crazy!). It didn’t have to be fancy. But it did have to be good. These dogs satisfied the criteria perfectly. They’re easy, taste great, and are easy to transport. Win!

Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs

Messiest Dogs Around. And That’s A Good Thing.

Slow cooker down-home chili dogs are perfect for those lovers of sloppy, dripping, great dogs. You can also warm these in a crockpot without any additional ingredients. Between the two you can feed a crowd, satisfying those chili dog lovers and those that prefer their dogs a little more ‘plain’. Just set up a hot dog bar nearby with ketchup, mustard, mayo (yes, mayo), chopped onion, jalapenos, cheese… all the favorites!

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

The best way to get super-melted creamy cheddar on top of these dogs is to shred it by hand. Don’t use that pre-shredded stuff. It contains additives to keep it from sticking together and clumping. Those additives also keep it from melting well.

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 delicious slow cooker Sloppy Joes.

Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs

Slow cooker down-home chili dogs are perfect for those lovers of sloppy, dripping, great dogs.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, crockpot, hot dogs, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 451kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the beef in a skillet, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain.
  • Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add the hot dogs.
  • Top with the cooked beef and sprinkle with the onion.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Pour over the hot dogs.
  • Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours.
  • Serve dogs on buns topped with the chili sauce and plenty of cheese.

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1115mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 212mg | 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 BBQ Beef

There are probably thousands of recipes on the internet for slow cooker BBQ beef. So why another? Well, for my money this is the only recipe I need. It’s the ingredients of the sauce that make this worth the time and well, some trouble. Sure, I could fire up my Weber smoker and cook a beef roast (just as good as brisket but cheaper) all day and I often do, but sometimes the slow cooker will do just fine too!

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

Much Better Than I Ever Expected

Of course slow cooker BBQ beef is as tender as you’d expect. And juicy. And the sauce, oh the sauce. Like I said, it’s what makes this worth making time and time again. I like to make extra and freeze it. It’s nice to have on hand for a quicker BBQ sandwich dinner, BBQ beef baked potatoes, and one of my favorites, BBQ nachos.

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 roadhouse ribs.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

There are probably thousands of recipes on the internet for slow cooker BBQ beef. So why another? Well, for my money this is the only recipe I need. It’s the ingredients of the sauce that make this worth the time and well, some trouble.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, beef, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 507kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chuck roast in your slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, onion, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and celery seeds.
  • Pour sauce over meat. Cover and cook on low or until beef shred easily, about 9 hours.
  • Carefully transfer the meat to a cutting board and shred with a fork or chop with a knife.
  • Transfer the juices from the slow cooker to a sauce pan.
  • Bring to a slow simmer over medium heat.
  • Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl or glass. Whisk into the sauce and stir until thickened.
  • Return the meat to the slow cooker. Add the sauce.
  • Serve over buns or bread.

Notes

I place my cutting board inside a rimmed baking sheet so that the juices don’t run all over my countertop when I chop the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 834mg | Potassium: 713mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 98mg | 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

Copycat Pizza Hut Meaty Marinara Pasta

I don’t know what happened. I can’t explain it. It was the day after Thanksgiving, it’s not like I was starving, not by any means. But after the first bite of this copycat Pizza Hut meaty marinara pasta I was suddenly very hungry. I could not get enough of it. It’s just flat-out delicious and it hit the spot on a cool November day. I’d make this dish again and again, exactly like it’s written.

Copycat Pizza Hut Meaty Marinara Pasta

Great Sauce. Really Great.

The sauce in this copycat of Pizza Hut’s meaty marinara pasta is absolutely delicious. I’d definitely use it over spaghetti or in lasagna. And you have to have the cheese, and you have to get it just a bit browned. Oh… me yes! It is so good! I flashed back to the days of the Pizza Hut buffets where you’d find this great dish, pizza slices and crispy yummy salads!

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 real 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 copycat Pizza Hut Pan Pizza.

Copycat Pizza Hut Meaty Marinara Pasta
Print Pin
4.15 from 21 votes

Copycat Pizza Hut Meaty Marinara Pasta

I'd make this dish again and again, exactly like it's written.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 486kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Top Secret Recipes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the ground beef in a medium sized bowl.
  • Add the flour, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 the pepper, and all of the fennel seed. Using your hands, mix well.
  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the beef mixture and cook, breaking it up, until cooked through. Remove the beef to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Remove any excess grease from the pan. Add the oil. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add the onion and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the garlic and stir, continuing to cook until the onion is just starting to soften.
  • Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomato, Parmesan, basil, sugar, oregano and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
  • Increase heat to medium, stirring often, until the sauce starts to bubble.
  • Stir in the ground beef mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low so the sauce simmers. Let cook 30-45 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often.
  • Drain the pasta.
  • Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Add half of the pasta and spread it out evenly. Top with half of the sauce, spreading it out evenly also.
  • Add remaining pasta, again spreading it out evenly. Add the last of the sauce and and spread out evenly.
  • Preheat your oven broiler to high.
  • Sprinkle cheese over top of the dish, getting it from edge-to-edge.
  • Place the dish under the broiler and broil for 2-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it, until the cheese just starts to brown.
  • Remove and serve.

Notes

You can make extra meat sauce and freeze it for use later. Just stop at step #9.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 211mg | 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 Corned Beef

Never in my life have I needed an excuse to make corned beef. Whenever it goes on sale I am the first to load up my grocery cart. Yep, load up. Stack them high, I say. One of my favorite ways to prepare them is this slow cooker corned beef. Nothing fancy, nothing difficult, but awfully tasty, juicy and tender. Perfect for whatever I plan on using it in (most likely, Reuben sandwiches!).

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

A Couple Of Thoughts

It’s pretty easy to make minor changes to this recipe for slow cooker corned beef and end up with a totally different dish. Spicy chili sauce will add a nice kick. Cherry cola instead of ‘normal’ soda will add a nice twist. I highly recommend using my homemade onion soup mix. I think it’s much better than that stuff in a pouch.

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 spicy version of this recipe.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Never in my life have I needed an excuse to make corned beef. Whenever it goes on sale I am the first to load up my grocery cart. Yep, load up. Stack them high, I say.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword corned beef, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 236kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Recipes That Crock

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove corned beef from packaging. Rinse and pat dry. Reserve the spicy packet (try my pickling spice chicken wings!).
  • Combine remaining ingredients and pour over the corned beef.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

I recommend a regular cola, such as Coke or Pepsi and not a flavored soda.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1788mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 18mg | 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