Tag: slow cooker

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

This is when I have to admit that I’m addicted to onion rings. I love them dipped in ketchup, BBQ sauce or remoulade, but I love them even more on a great sandwich or burger. So, I decided on slow cooker barbecue beef sandwiches. I made a big slow cooker full of barbecue beef, spooned it onto buns, topped it with as many onion rings as I could fit, and a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese, and I was happy. The crunchy rings are a nice contrast to the tender, juicy beef. And yeah, I did have more rings on the side. Darn right I did. I’m addicted to them.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Beefy Deliciousness

The beef on these slow cooker barbecue beef sandwiches is really flavorful and tender. Does it taste like a brisket that has been smoked for 14 hours? No. But it’s mighty good, and not just great on sandwiches, either. Save a little for nachos or for topping hot dogs or burgers.

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)

Yes, you could skip the onion rings. You could add sliced red onion instead. I recommend letting the onion soak in cold water for at least 10 minutes before using. That’ll help cut some of the onion-ness.

Also try my slow cooker Hungarian beef.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

I made a big slow cooker full of barbecue beef, spooned it onto buns, topped it with as many onion rings as I could fit, and a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese, and I was happy.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 sandwiches
Calories 567kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Crocking Girls

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the roast into your slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • Pour the mixture over the beef.
  • Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender.
  • Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with a fork.
  • Divide beef between buns.
  • Top with onion rings and cheese and serve.

Notes

The onion rings are optional but I think they add a nice crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 1082mg | Potassium: 831mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 226mg | 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

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

Pulled pork is a popular dish around our house. Normally I make it on the smoker, low and slow. It may take most of the day (or night) but it is well worth the time. Specially when the end result are some slow cooker balsamic pork sliders. These little morsels of goodness disappear in no time. They’re like eating popcorn.

Now, I don’t believe in a grilling or smoking ‘season’, but the other day it was flat out cold and windy here and there was no way I was going to babysit the smoker. Call me wimpy. So, it was time for Plan B. And Plan B was good. Very good.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

It’s All About The Sauce!

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic. I was scared (really) of using fish sauce. I mean that stuff has an ‘aroma’. But it was great. I’m not afraid of it at all any more. It adds an amazing and new (to me) flavor that is quite intriguing.

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)

These slow cooker balsamic pork sliders will definitely become a go-to winter-time recipe for us. Also try my crazy-good bold Ranch slow cooker pork chops.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders
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4 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Sliders

This slow cooked tender balsamic pork has tremendous flavor. It’s sweet. It’s savory. The sauce is so delicious. And the Asian slaw? Fantastic.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, pork, sliders, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 419kcal
Author From Just A Taste

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Balsamic pork

For the Asian slaw

Instructions

For the Balsamic pork

  • Put the pork into a slow cooker set on low.
  • Whisk together the honey, vinegar, jam, Hoisin, broth, garlic.
  • Stir in the onion.
  • Pour sauce over pork and cook 8-9 hours until fall-apart tender. Make the slaw (below) while the pork cooks.
  • Remove pork to a bowl to cool slightly then shred.
  • Pour sauce from slow cooker into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly pour into sauce while whisking.
  • Bring sauce to a boil and continue stirring until thickened, 3-5 minutes.
  • Pour sauce back into the slow cooker and add the shredded meat. Stir.
  • Serve meat over rolls topped with Asian slaw.

For the Asian slaw

  • Whisk together all but the cabbage and green onions in a medium bowl.
  • Add in the cabbage and green onions and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Make sure to get plenty of the sauce on the meat as you assemble the sandwiches. They’ll be messy but its worth it.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 689mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 73mg | 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

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

I know my buddies on the grilling and smoker forums are going to give me grief over making slow cooker baby back ribs. But I am always up to trying something new (to me). Now, yes, I know these baby back ribs don’t sit in a smoker for 6 or so hours and get a beautiful smoke ring. But, they are tender, almost fall-off-the-bone tender, and with a little help, quite tasty. And hey, when it’s blowing 45 MPH winds outside with a wind chill well below 0, slow cooker baby back ribs will do just nicely.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

A Little Smokiness

Like with boiling ribs (ok, don’t hate me for boiling ribs!) before grilling them, you have to add something so that the ribs get some flavor to them. Last time I boiled ribs, I added Old Bay seafood boil seasoning. When I made these baby back ribs I added a drop or two of liquid smoke and a little smoky BBQ sauce to boot. Sure, it’s not the same as sitting over hickory smoke for a long time, but those smoky flavors do absorb into the meat as it cooks.

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 Vietnamese ribs.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Sure, it's not the same as sitting over hickory smoke for a long time, but those smoky flavors do absorb into the meat as it cooks.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, ribs, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 487kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Separate the ribs into sections, 2-3 bones each.
  • Season the ribs on both sides with plenty of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy.
  • Add the water to the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce.
  • Add the ribs. Top with the onion and sprinkle with the garlic.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Remove ribs, discarding the onion.
  • Coat ribs in BBQ sauce on all sides.
  • Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has set.

Notes

I recommend a smoky hickory BBQ sauce to give you that ‘just off the smoker’ flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 552mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 72mg | 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 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
Print Pin
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