Is there any kitchen helper we rely on more than our trusty slow-cooker? Some quick prep in the morning and you can fill your day with fun while dinner simmers away...it doesn't get much better than that!
This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, 101 Slow-Cooker Recipes and includes 6 recipes that you can mix & match all week long. Whether you're gathering with friends or just looking for a new family favorite, you'll find what you're looking for here!
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Honey Sesame Wings
Kimberly Hancock of Murrietta, California shared this recipe with us. She writes, "These are always a hit with young and old alike...they're sweet and tangy, but not too spicy. We just love 'em!"
3 lbs. chicken wings
salt and pepper to taste
2 c. honey
1 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. catsup
1/4 c. oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish: sesame seed
Place chicken wings on an ungreased broiler pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place pan 4 to 5 inches under broiler. Broil for 10 minutes on each side, or until chicken is golden. Transfer wings to a slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients except sesame seed; pour over wings. Cover and cook on low setting for 4 to 5 hours, or high setting for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Arrange on a serving platter; sprinkle with sesame seed. Makes about 2-1/2 dozen.
Chipotle Shredded Beef
Lisa Bett of Thousand Oaks, California shared this recipe with us. She writes, "My family asks for this often and it smells so good while it's cooking! Add a side of beans and dinner is served."
2-1/2 lb. beef chuck roast,
trimmed
14-oz. can diced tomatoes
7-oz. can chipotle sauce
4-oz. can diced green chiles
1 onion, chopped
2 T. chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
2 c. beef broth
salt and pepper to taste
6 to 8 6-inch corn tortillas,
warmed
Garnish: shredded Cheddar
cheese, shredded lettuce,
sliced black olives, chopped tomato
Place roast in a slow cooker. Top with remaining ingredients except tortillas and garnish. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. With 2 forks, shred roast in slow cooker; stir well. Spoon into warmed tortillas; add desired garnishes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Bayou Chicken
Dawn Dhooghe of Concord, North Carolina shared this recipe with us. She writes, "The slow cooker always seems to be going at our house. This is one of my husband's favorites and it's so easy to put together!"
3 boneless, skinless chicken
breasts, cubed
14-1/2 oz. can chicken broth
14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes
10-3/4 oz. can tomato soup
1/2 lb. smoked pork sausage,
sliced
1/2 c. cooked ham, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 t. Cajun seasoning
hot pepper sauce to taste
cooked rice
Combine all ingredients except rice in a slow cooker; stir. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. Serve over cooked rice. Serves 6 to 8
Grama’s Minestrone Soup
Lori Czarnecki of Milwaukee, Wisconsin shared this family recipe with us. She writes, "This is a recipe my grandmother used to make on the stovetop...I adapted it to the slow cooker."
1/4 c. zesty Italian salad
dressing
1 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/2 c. carrot, peeled
and chopped
14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes
15-1/2 oz. can kidney beans,
drained and rinsed
2 14-oz. cans vegetable broth
3 c. water
1 t. Italian seasoning
12-oz. pkg. small shell pasta,
uncooked and divided
Combine all ingredients except pasta in a slow cooker; mix well. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. Measure out 1-1/2 cups pasta, reserving the rest for another recipe. Stir uncooked pasta into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for an additional 30 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Serves 6.
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Early Bird Reviewer, Nancy Girard of Chesapeake, Virginia shared this recipe with us. It's a convenient recipe that's become a family favorite.
3 lbs. redskin potatoes,
quartered
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. olive oil
1 t. salt
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. spreadable cream
cheese with chives
and onions
1/4 to 1/2 c. milk
Place potatoes in a slow cooker. Add garlic, oil, salt and water; mix well to coat potatoes. Cover and cook on high setting for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours, until potatoes are tender. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or fork. Stir in cream cheese until well blended; add enough milk for a soft consistency. Serve immediately, or keep warm for up to 2 hours in slow cooker on low setting. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Praline Apple Crisp
Frequent contributor, Katie Majeske of Denver, Pennsylvania shared this recipe with us. She writes, "What's more comforting that warm apple crisp? I often make this for work, church, potlucks or family."
6 Granny Smith or Braeburn
apples, cored, peeled
and sliced
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats,
uncooked
1/3 c. brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. chilled butter, diced
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. toffee baking bits
Optional: whipped topping
Toss together apples and cinnamon. Place in a slow cooker that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray; set aside. Combine oats, brown sugar, flour and butter; mix with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Stir in pecans and toffee bits; sprinkle over apples. Cover and cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Top with whipped topping, if desired. Makes 10 servings.
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