Favorite Crock Pot Recipe

HappyDoc

Hello lovely ladies! Cooking has been one of the things that I have completely lost interest in (I think DH has lost 10 pounds over the past couple months), so I am trying to get motivated to cook more often, and I want to accomplish this with new crock pot recipes. Anyone care to share one of their favorites? Here is mine:

Pulled Pork:
Place pork shoulder or butt in crock pot, season with McCormick's Grill Mates Smokehouse Maples seasoning, add one can of peaches (including juices). Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Take pork out of crock pot, drain and throw away peaches and juices, place pork back in crock pot, and pull apart. Add 1 bottle Bull's Eye Carolina Style BBQ sauce, mix well, cook on low for another 30 minutes, and serve.

MrsGraham06

Shoot, I don't remember it, I'm going to have to look it up!

My mom got me a slow-cooker cook book for my birthday one year. I've only tried 1 thing from it, but it's GREAT!

KEfam5

I have to choose just one??!?!

I really love this one.

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-spicy-white-chicken-chili/b4e4fe42-27a2-44a0-8170-fc2343fa7ff8

I also do roasts in the crock pot when it's too hot to use the oven.

flufy82

I'm with you! My poor DH has been starving too...will brainstorm my fave crock pot meal and be back later :-/

Arrgcr

Loaded Mashed pot:

8 c mashed potatoes, skins can be attached (NOT INSTANT)
1 pkg ranch mix
1/2 c. Sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
1/4 c butter, softened
1 tsp parsley flakes

Mash all together and put in crockpot. In order sprinkle desired amounts of following toppings:

Shredded cheese
Bacon bits
Green onions, chopped

Cook on medium for two hours or until cheese is melted.

I NEVER have left overs when I take this to potlucks and I always get asked for the recipe!

wedbliss5

Cranberry Pork Roast

INGREDIENTS

1 (3 lb) Boneless pork loin roast
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 C honey
1 tsp Orange zest
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Place pork roast in slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.

Combine all remaining ingredients well and pour over roast. Cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Remove roast and allow to set for about 10 minutes for the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve, topping with the cranberry cooking liquid.

Dishylo

I loved this one.  DH and I love Asian / Eastern foods.  We also like spice and whilst the recipe was good, it needed a whole lot more spice added to it!

https://www.mealplanning101.com/2009/07/slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala.html

Arrgcr

wedbliss5 said:

Cranberry Pork Roast

INGREDIENTS

1 (3 lb) Boneless pork loin roast
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 C honey
1 tsp Orange zest
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Place pork roast in slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.

Combine all remaining ingredients well and pour over roast. Cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Remove roast and allow to set for about 10 minutes for the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve, topping
with the cranberry cooking liquid.

Oh I absolutely adore things with cranberries in them!!!! That sounds delish!!

wedbliss5

I also do most of my soups and stews in the crock pot, including chili!

 

FSUNole31

I am loving this thread because since being back to work cooking has not been my first priority.  I will have to look and see what I can come up with so I can participate in the recipe sharing as well! 

LMCB12

I have tried a whole chicken twice and DH is obsessed. I didn't follow a recipe, but here's what I do.

Get a whole chicken and clean it
Pat it dry
Cover in olive oil and a dry rub of your choice. I made my own of creole seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, etc.
Cut up an onion and a carrot or two and place in the crockpot
Put the chicken on top and cook on low for 6-8 hours
At the end I broil the chicken and veggies in the oven so the chicken skin can get crispy.
I serve it with baked or mashed potatoes and a salad or corn on the cob

Dishylo

wedbliss5 said:

I also do most of my soups and stews in the crock pot, including chili!

 

Ahem ahem @wedbliss5 - recipes please!! 

moosebaby2011

I also love pulled pork in the crock pot, but I just toss the pork in there with some root beer, cook on low for 8 hours, drain & shred, then top with bbq sauce. Yum.

I tried this recipe from pinterest a couple of weeks ago and it was tasty: https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2013/04/slow-cooker-quinoa-chicken-chili.html

I'm also going to try this one out this week: https://www.thecountrycook.net/2013/04/crock-pot-lemon-garlic-chicken.html

moosebaby2011

Dishylo said:

I loved this one.  DH and I love Asian / Eastern foods.  We also like spice and whilst the recipe was good, it needed a whole lot more spice added to it!

https://www.mealplanning101.com/2009/07/slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala.html

This sounds good. I also like trying out different ethnic foods, and I have a chicken tikka recipe that I like but it takes FOREVER to prepare. This sounds much easier.

valigrl21

This is one of my favs:
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/chicken/chicken-jambalaya/

valigrl21

And this one is really delicious too: https://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-latin-chicken/

HappyDoc

I can't wait to try some of these. DH will be eternally grateful to you all!

RingOfFire11

Honey Ginger Apple Pork is a favorite in my house.

https://paleomg.com/honey-ginger-apple-shredded-pork/

Dishylo

If you and DH like ribs, try this recipe:

https://www.todaysparent.com/recipe/slow-cooker/crock-pot-bbq-ribs/

I had to get a few ingredients for this one (who knew you could buy liquid smoke!!) but it was worth it.  Only suggest would be to use 1/2 or 2/3 of the liquid smoke as the house ended up smelling for a bit afterwards.  DH devoured them!!!

sarahmarie2

Our favorite is a weight watchers chilli recipe. I add different beans depending on my mood, but its super easy and delicious.

-1 or 2 cans of corn
-4 cans of beans (i usually use black, pinto, red kidney and pink kidney)
-8oz tomato sauce
-24 oz diced tomatoes (i get a can with chipoltle seasoning and one with chillies)
-1 package of taco seasoning
- lb. Chicken breasts

Put all the canned ingredients and seasoning into the crockpot and blend. Add chicken to the top, throw some seasoning on it (i sprinkle chilli powder, cumin and salt). Cover and cook, i think low for 6 hrs. Mine stays on alllllllllllllll day. Take the chicken out, shred with two forks, mix back in, and done!

LadyJ2949

Yes! Love this thread. The loaded mash pot sounds incredible so I copied that one. I have to go through and look through all the others, too! Crock pot cooking is soooo much easier and I especially love it for the fall/winter.

Here's one for ham that sounds gross but was fantastic. It also frees up your oven so you can make other side dishes with it. I got SO many compliments on this. You can't taste the coke at all and it was juicy and delicious.

Coca Cola Ham in Crock Pot

 

3 -4 lbs fully cooked boneless ham

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon mustard

2 (12 ounce) cans Coca-Cola

Directions:

 

1. Remove ham from packaging.

2. Lightly score ham in diagonal lines first one way, then crosswise, to form a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut any deeper than about a eighth of an inch. (You can score both sides if you like).

3. Make a paste of brown sugar and mustard (I used Boar's Head Honey Mustard).

4. Rub paste into ham on sides that have been lightly scored.

5. Transfer to crock pot.

6. Pour in two cans of coca cola into bottom of pot, not pouring directly over ham to wash away brown sugar paste.

7. Cook on low 7-8 hours. 

Read more at: https://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-cola-ham-49786?oc=linkback

 ** edited to fix crazy formatting.

LadyJ2949

Also, here's a copycat recipe for Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli soup. It's not exactly like the original but it is really close. 

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Copy Cat

 

2 lbs ground beef

1 onion, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained

1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained

3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock

3 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons pepper

5 teaspoons parsley

1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)

1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

8 ounces pasta

Directions:

 

1. Brown beef in a skillet.

2. Drain fat from beef and add to crock pot with everything except pasta.

3. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.

4. During last 30 min on high or 1 hour on low, add pasta. 

** TIP: Do not add all of the pasta to the soup at the end. Ladle out the soup in portions and then add the pasta to each bowl according to taste. There are typically left overs unless you are making this for a big gathering (this makes a TON of soup! I have a 6 quart crock pot and it just fits). If you add all the pasta at once it will get mushy and not reheat well.  I love to make this for DH and I and then freeze portions. Then I just make a little side of pasta as I'm reheating the soup and voila! Instant dinner.  

 

Read more at: https://restaurant.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli-soup-in-a-crock-pot-copycat-31717?oc=link back

nbbride06

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Put tri-tip roast in crockpot.  

Barely cover with water.

Throw in some spices (salt, pepper, garlic - whatever you like).

Sometimes I throw in an onion.

Cook on low about 10 hours.

Pull out meat, remove fat, and shred with a fork.

Put in a 9x12 dish with enough BBQ sauce of your choice to coat well + a little extra.

Add in a little bit of the liquid leftover from the crockpot.

You can serve on hamburger buns at this point, but I like to put mine in the oven for 10 minutes or so to get the top a bit crispy and then serve on buns.

wedbliss5

Southwestern Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 can Corn (15 oz)
2 cans Chicken Broth (14.5 oz)
1 can Black Beans, rinsed (15 oz)
1 can Rotel (10 oz)*
Chicken**
1/4 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Chili Powder
1/4 ts[ Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp White Pepper

TOPPINGS
Sliced Avocado
Lime wedges to squeeze
Shredded Cheese
Tortilla Chips

*Rotel is diced tomatoes and green chili's. I used the one with lime and cilantro and hope to always use this one with this recipe, it was fantastic!

**I used an 8 oz package of pre-cooked chicken for ease of preparation. I was going to use a store bought Rotisserie chicken, but it had whey protein which I can't have. It was great with the chicken we used but I can see how the rotisserie would have been better.

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients through white pepper in large sauce pan. Bring soup to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer. That's it. Seriously. Serve with your choice of toppings, but I suggest them all. You can adjust the spiciness as needed.

Pasta E Fagioli (a la Olive Garden)

 

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef
1 C diced onion
1 C grated carrot
1 C diced celery
1 small zucchini, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
29 oz crushed tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans
1 can great northern beans
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 can chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 lb ditali pasta

DIRECTIONS

Brown meat in a large stock pot, drain off any fat.

Add onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, and garlic - saute about 10 minutes.

 

***For crock pot, cook above together (minus zucchini) and then toss everything into the crock pot.

Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for about an hour.

Cook pasta per directions to al dente.

Spoon pasta into bowl and top with soup - enjoy!

 

***I don't keep the pasta and soup together even as leftovers since I feel the pasta gets gummy.

 

Lentil Soup

 

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbl Olive Oil
2 1/2 C Chopped Onion (sweet is preferred)
1 C Chopped Celery
1 C Chopped Carrot
1/2 tsp dried Thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 C green lentils
4 C chicken broth
1 C water
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite cut diced tomatoes, drained
2 Tbl lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
3/4 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Throw it all in the crock pot.  I will also add beef stew meat and mixed vegetables.

 

Serve with crusty bread or rolls.

And my favorite:

 

The Best Damn Chili Ever

 

INGREDIENTS

2 Lbs beef stew meat
1 can black beans, drained
1 can pinto or kidney beans, drained
1 can chili beans in spicy sauce
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 onion, diced
2 bell pepper, seeded and diced (any color or combination - I use 1 red and 1 green)
2-3 green chile peppers, seeded and diced
1 Tbl bacon bits
4 cubes beef bouillon
1/2 C beer
1/4 C chili powder
1 Tbl Worcestershire
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbl dried Oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar

TOPPINGS (optional)

Frito's Corn Chips
Diced onion
Sour cream
Shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

Place beef in slow cooker, add all other chili ingredients and stir to mix. Simmer on low at least until meat is cooked. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. I will mix all the ingredients the night before then place the removable pot in the refrigerator so I can just put it in the cooker and simmer all the next day. Works perfectly for a week day meal that is ready when you get home.

CAUTION - make sure your slow cooker is larger enough for all ingredients.

AprlShwrs18

I highly recommend this pulled chicken recipe - served with Alexia sweet potatoes and a roll.  YUM  https://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/2011/03/pulled-chicken-bbq-via-crock-pot.html

AprlShwrs18

I also just made this to kill my chicken soup recipe.  Instead of making the chicken from raw, I bought a rotisserie and cut up the breast.  https://www.creativelydomestic.com/2010/10/guest-post-crockpot-chicken-and-noodle.html

Arrgcr

My fav ham crock pot recipe is a ham with half a coke poured over it. Then I rub brown sugar on it, get a can of pineapple rounds and a jar of cherries. I lay a slice of pineapple down, put a cherry in the middle, and secure with a tooth pick. I try and cover the whole ham that way. It's delish!

Dishylo

Arrgcr said:

My fav ham crock pot recipe is a ham with half a coke poured over it. Then I rub brown sugar on it, get a can of pineapple rounds and a jar of cherries. I lay a slice of pineapple down, put a cherry in the middle, and secure with a tooth pick. I try and cover the whole ham that way. It's delish!

@Arrgcr - that sounds delish!  How long do you put it on for and is it high or low?

Arrgcr

Dishylo said:

Arrgcr said:

My fav ham crock pot recipe is a ham with half a coke poured over it. Then I rub brown sugar on it, get a can of pineapple rounds and a jar of cherries. I lay a slice of pineapple down, put a cherry in the middle, and secure with a tooth pick. I try and cover the whole ham that way. It's delish!

@Arrgcr - that sounds delish!  How long do you put it on for and is it high or low?


Usually on the ham package you get it gives you how long. (Depending on the size) If not, I'd say high for 6 hrs. I've only make it about once or twice a year on special occasions! Or when my husband begs really nicely for it lol.

PreDempsey

LadyJ2949 said:

Also, here's a copycat recipe for Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli soup. It's not exactly like the original but it is really close. 

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Copy Cat

<?xml:namespace prefix = o />*snip*

I bought all the stuff to make this on my last grocery trip!

blue_elle

Here's one that incredibly simple for when you forgot to thaw chicken. Really you can put frozen chicken in with most recipes, as long as you adjust the moisture level to account for the fact that the chicken will let off a lot of moisture as it thaws and cooks.

Chicken Stroganoff

1 lb frozen chicken

1 can cream of mushroom soup

16oz. fat free sour cream

1 envelope dry onion soup mi

Cook 8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high. Serve over rice or noodles.

Dishylo

@blue-elle - thanks for that....I've often thought you shouldn't put frozen chicken in the slowcooker because it might damage the slow cooker?!  Now (Some 9 months later) I find out you can!  Genius!

blue_elle

And this is one of our favorite meals. It looks like a lot of stuff, but it's mostly seasonings and canned items, so it's easy. 

The original is great, but we've change it somewhat from the original recipe to suit us. it's a really flexible recipe - we usually omit the shrimp and add smoked sausage, sometimes I add okra. I also put in less chicken that they call for (just one breast) and more broth than specified (chicken broth works fine in lieu of the beef broth). I like the broth to sufficiently cover the ingredients so when it's done there's plenty to spoon over the rice. 

Chicken Jambalaya

https://www.food.com/recipe/jambalaya-for-the-crock-pot-41705?scaleto=6&mode=null&st=true

LadyJ2949

PreDempsey said:

LadyJ2949 said:

Also, here's a copycat recipe for Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli soup. It's not exactly like the original but it is really close. 

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Copy Cat

*snip*

I bought all the stuff to make this on my last grocery trip!

It's so great! Just make sure you have a giant crockpot.   You'll have to let me know what you think!

flufy82

I've got a few faves;

Pot Roast
https://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/16066/awesome-slow-cooker-pot-roast

I don't add water (plenty of moisture and makes its own gravy) but I DO add some veggies: chunks of about half of 1 onion, red or gold potatoes, and carrots...all raw. Layer all that in the bottom of pot, starting with potatoes so they absorb ALL other flavors, and top with meat, soup, onion mix. I always do LOW for 8-9 hours. Amaze.

flufy82

And if you like Mexican....

https://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/139603/slow-cooker-carnitas

Pork butt is cheaper and just as delish.

OLE!

flufy82

For some down home BBQ pulled pork sammies:

https://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/21174/bbq-pork-for-sandwiches

My fave BBQ sauce for this is Trader Joe's Kansas City Bold and Spicy (I think that's what it's called). Throw it all in.

3 ingredients. BOOM.

HappyDoc

@LadyJ2949

I am making your recipe for Coca Cola Ham in Crock Pot for dinner tonight. It has been in the crock pot for about 4 hours and it smells wonderful!

nancyvi

I don't think I saw an Italian recipe, so here goes a super easy/delicious one!

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs, with the bone, skin removed
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (Tuttorosso my favorite!)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/2 large onion, sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for topping

Directions:
Quick method: Season chicken with salt and black pepper and place in the slow cooker. Pour tomatoes over the chicken, top with onions and peppers, add oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir and cover. Set crock pot to LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours. When the timer beeps, remove lid and keep the crock pot on HIGH one hour to help it thicken.

Better method but requires more prep:  Heat a large skillet over medium-high, lightly spray with oil (I use my Misto) and brown chicken on both sides a few minutes, season with salt and pepper. Add to the slow cooker. To the skillet, spray with a little more oil and add onions and peppers. Sauté until juices release and the vegetables become golden, a few minutes.

Add to the slow cooker. Pour tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables, add oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir and cover. Set crock pot to LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours.

Remove bay leaf, adjust salt and pepper and enjoy! 

ETA: I serve this over pasta al dente. YUM!

LadyJ2949

HappyDoc said:

@LadyJ2949

I am making your recipe for Coca Cola Ham in Crock Pot for dinner tonight. It has been in the crock pot for about 4 hours and it smells wonderful!

Yay! Let me know how it turns out. I got rave reviews when I made it last.

HappyDoc

@LadyJ2949

It was a big hit with DH, thanks again for sharing!