Crockpot Meals

**blary54** · 11-12-2011, 01:45 PM

I just picked up a crockpot a few days ago. What are your favorite recipes/things to make in a crockpot? I need some ideas...oh and the simpler the better.

For its first use I threw a package of pork-chops, a couple cut up potatoes and a can of beef stock and let it slow cook for about 6 hours. Very tender, but kinda boring.

**David in Boston** · 11-12-2011, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by blary54

I just picked up a crockpot a few days ago. What are your favorite recipes/things to make in a crockpot? I need some ideas...oh and the simpler the better.

For its first use I threw a package of pork-chops, a couple cut up potatoes and a can of beef stock and let it slow cook for about 6 hours. Very tender, but kinda boring.

What do you mean by boring?

The taste?

**YetiDave** · 11-12-2011, 01:52 PM

Chilli. Well brown some big lumps of stewing steak (something with a bit of fat on it browned til a little crispy) then throw it in with onions, a ton of garlic, a good slug of dark beer, tomatoes, beef stock, cumin and chipotle.. Maybe some oregano and cinnamon, add canned beans about 30 mins before serving with some rice, cheese and sour cream. And more beer. Can't have chilli without beer

**blary54** · 11-12-2011, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by David in Boston

What do you mean by boring?

The taste?

Just kinda plain. That's why I made a thread looking for new ideas/recipes to try.

**blary54** · 11-12-2011, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by YetiDave

Chilli. Well brown some big lumps of stewing steak (something with a bit of fat on it browned til a little crispy) then throw it in with onions, a ton of garlic, a good slug of dark beer, tomatoes, beef stock, cumin and chipotle.. Maybe some oregano and cinnamon, add canned beans about 30 mins before serving with some rice, cheese and sour cream. And more beer. Can't have chilli without beer

I make a pretty good chili and always use an oatmeal stout as my "secret ingredient". Never tried adding beef stock instead of water though...good idea.

**David in Boston** · 11-12-2011, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by blary54

Just kinda plain. That's why I made a thread looking for new ideas/recipes to try.

Glad you started this thread.

I thought it was me but I also do find Crockpot cooking somewhat plain tasting.

Looking forward to some positive feedback as to spice up my meals.

**_JP_** · 11-12-2011, 06:16 PM

Next time put sauerkraut on them.

Gotta do ham and beans. Nothing like being inside on a cold day with a bean pot going. All bean dishes work well in a slow cooker. Try baked beans.

**urr-lord** · 11-12-2011, 10:26 PM

black beans with red pepper,onion ,garlic and diced ham.serve it with rice.
veggie beef soup.
golden joes--browned ground meat mixed w/golden mushroom soup,cheddar and other cheeses.serve on hamburger buns

**jones2289** · 11-13-2011, 07:47 AM

Vegetable soup, well any soup, really
Chicken fajitas - throw in some shredded chicken, peppers onions, a bit of water and whatever type of seasoning you like. I guess you could also do this with raw chicken and just let it cook longer
Roast- season a beef or pork roast with your favorite spices and rub in some meat tenderizer. Brown the roast in a skillet and toss in the crock pot. Throw in a large sliced onion, a bit of water, some potatoes and carrots. Let it cook all day.

I've seen several recipes online that looked tempting as well. One that caught my attention was a buffalo chicken recipe. Essentially just chicken breasts, butter, maybe some garlic, and hot sauce. I believe you just let it cook all day and then shred for sandwiches.

**David in Boston** · 11-13-2011, 10:59 AM

Folks don't take this in the wrong way.

I like the convenience of Crockpot cooking but some of the meals do border on plain tasting.

**SenorPartagas** · 11-13-2011, 12:46 PM

Chicken, rice and mushroom soup...my all time favorite

**kf4tqj** · 11-13-2011, 01:29 PM

A crock-pot can be a useful tool but there just isn't an interesting recipe for boiled meat.

**djm2** · 11-14-2011, 12:04 PM

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/s...ipe/index.html

**djm2** · 11-14-2011, 01:07 PM

Another possibility -- but use wine in place of the water.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/slow-co...bs/detail.aspx

**djm2** · 11-14-2011, 01:11 PM

http://www.food.com/recipe/decadent-...red-wine-64319

**maxman** · 11-14-2011, 01:18 PM

The "Taste of Home" magazine/cookbooks are very good.
They have some nice hearty meals.
I think they have a website too.

You can't go wrong with Chili. Chili's good any time.

It seems to me that my wife cooked a whole chicken in ours and it came out very tender and moist.

Oh and if you like meatloaf I've got a good recipe. the only thing is the fat has nowhere to go so you have to use lean beef.
I'm at work so if you want it, PM me cuz I'll likely forget.

**Luc** · 11-14-2011, 02:34 PM

Chilli con carne, Stew (any type of stew), Hungarian Chicken Paprika. You could also go as far as making your spaghetti sauce in there!

**David in Boston** · 11-14-2011, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by kf4tqj

A crock-pot can be a useful tool but there just isn't an interesting recipe for boiled meat.

Woody,

Please follow up with that comment.

**Walter Sobchak** · 11-14-2011, 04:10 PM

I agree that much of what comes out of a slow cooker can be a bit on the boring side. Boring meaning kind of one dimensional in terms of texture and taste. I have never (and I apologize to all my Irish ancestors) like boiled dinner for the same reason. I'm just not a fan of throwing a bunch of stuff in, cooking it until it's soft, and eating it as a unified meal. But there are some good uses for a slow cooker.

As mentioned, Chili comes out nice. I like making a spicy kind of home made sloppy joe. A lot of soups (I like crockpot Tortilla soup) come out very tasty. You can make a big batch of kale in a slow cooker that's pretty nice. Certain chowders, cobblers, bread pudding, and cocktail-foods as well.