Best Crock Pot Recipes: Slow Cooking at Its Best

Slow cookers are a convenient way to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. Here are three crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy days.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • In a large slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.

2. Add the Liquid:

   • Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

3. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender.

4. Thicken the Stew:

   • In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to form a paste. Stir the paste into the stew and cook for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.

5. Serve:

   • Serve hot with crusty bread.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 lime, juiced
• Tortillas, for serving
• Toppings (lettuce, cheese, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and pour the salsa, chicken broth, and lime juice over the top.

2. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.

3. Shred the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Forks

3. Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a slow cooker, combine the browned beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors are well combined.

4. Serve:

   • Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board

Background

Slow cookers, also known as crock pots, have been a kitchen staple since the 1970s. They allow for easy meal preparation, making them ideal for busy families. These recipes highlight the versatility and convenience of slow cooking.