Call for Recipes: Crock-Pot Favorites
The only draw back is that I’m spending more time in the car driving to and from school. We used to be within walking distance and now it’s a 20 minute drive. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be and I actually don’t mind it in the morning because it makes us all get up and get moving on our day instead of putzing around. Eric picks up 2 days a week and I do the other 3. Those 3 days are the days that I find crock-pot meals to be a big help to me.
So….what’s your favorite crock-pot recipe? And while we’re at it, what kind of crock-pot do you have? My crock-pot is 8 years old and not so great to begin with, so I’m in the market for a new one. Do you have any suggestions?
Christine says
I make a pulled pork and beef bbq in my crockpot. I love it!! I don’t have a site so heres the recipe. I always double or triple it.
1 1/2 pounds boneless chuck roast
1 1/2 boneless pork shoulder roast
1 onion
1 green pepper
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c cider vinegar
chili powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon Wocestershier Sauce
1 8oz can of tomato paste
I add it all in the crock pot and put it on high for two hours then add 1 cup of water and then put it on low for about 6 hours.
Take it out. Use two forks to seperate and enjoy
Diana says
I’ve found that newer crockpots don’t cook at quite the same temp as the old ones.. I think part of the reason is the lids are usualy plastic and not the old thick glass and as such don’t weight too little to seal as well. I now put a small soup bowl upside down on the lid and it really helps… seems to almost pressure cook. shortens the cooking time and holds the moisture in better.
Emily @ LaForce Be With You says
I love using my crock pot… mine is pretty old and was my grandmother’s so I may be in the market for a new one soon too.
I like to make turkey chili and pot roast and a few other things. I just tried this recipe last week and we loved it: Peasant Stew
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000451343
I couldn’t find mexican stewed tomatoes so instead I used 2 cans of mild rotel and then I did not add the chiles. It was very tasty and pretty healthy too!
Erin O. says
I’m picky about my crock-pot recipes…it still has to be real food in there! This is a great recipe: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pulled-pork-tacos-00000000008021/index.html
I half the amount of cocoa powder though. Katie, I would LOVE it if you would post some of your favorite crock pot recipes after you’ve had a chance to test them out.
Katie says
Thanks, Erin. That one looks great! And I feel the same as you with the picky-ness. I hadn’t thought to check out Real Simple’s website for crock pot recipes. I will definitely post some of the recipes I try!
Lee Hemming says
Italian Beef Sandwiches – Put left over beef roast in the crockpot. Pour the juice of a jar of dill pickles over the meat. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over all.Add chopped green pepper to taste. Let it go on low all day. Shred the tender meat and serve on your favorite Italian style buns.
Traci says
I have an old Rival crockpot. which interestingly looks even older than yours! mine has flowers on the front. I like the newer stainless/black looking ones and keep thinking that I will buy a new one but can’t justify it since mine hasn’t died yet.
I just made a to die for mexican corn chowder in mine. Here’s the link! http://wp.me/pOvJG-lV
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
I made your pumpkin pecan cheesecake pots… with a few variations… and linked you on my blog! Thanks for such a great recipe! 🙂
Renee says
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2007/01/santa-fe-pumpkin-chowder.html
bmk112302 says
Great post. Looks like some great recipes to add to my list. Here are a few of our favorites:
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2009/08/saucy-barbecue-ribs.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2009/08/slow-cooker-spaghetti-casserole.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2009/08/slow-cooker-pork-chops-with-apples-and.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2008/08/slow-cooker-sausage-and-black-bean-soup.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2007/11/slow-cooker-braised-sage-chicken-and.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2007/07/slow-cooker-apple-crisp.html
http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/2007/09/crock-pot-tortilla-soup.html
Judy says
My favorite crock-pot recipe is super easy, and my family really loves it. Get a large-ish English roast, pop it in the crock pot. Mix a bottle of beer with one envelope of the onion soup mix (yea, I know, but it works here). Add a couple of teaspoons of sugar and a couple of teaspoons of your favorite herbs–I used rosemary, basil, thyme, and sage. Pour the liquid over the meat and cook for 8 to 10 hours–the meat will fall apart nicely. Then serve it on Italian bread or a nice baguette with a green salad. Yum!
Barbara Bakes says
What a fabulous list of recipes your getting. Here’s my favorite http://barbarabakes.com/2008/02/spicy-chicken-soup-2/
Donna C says
My favorite way to cook chicken for all kinds of things–salad, casseroles, any thing that calls for cooked chicken–is to put bone-in breast halves in the crockpot with a couple of stalks of celery cut into chunks, a couple of carrots cut the same, and an onion cut into quarters, and about a tablespoon of whole peppercorns. Cover with water and cook on low overnight (about 8 hours). About the last hour, add some fresh herbs if you like–rosemary and/or thyme are good. The next morning they are perfectly done, and you have that wonderful broth to use or freeze for later–strain the solids out of it, and after it chills, remove the layer of fat. Remove the meat from the bones, discaring skin, and use it or freeze for later. So easy and always moist and tender.
Kristin @theschellcafe says
I love my crock pot and in the cooler months use it at least 2x per week! I hosted a Crock Pot link up and you can find yummy recipes here:
http://www.theschellcafe.com/?p=2181
Ginger @ Crock Pot Recipe Exchange says
I love the fact that everyone is getting into using their crock pots. I’ve been using my crock pot for years and am always on the lookout for new crock pot recipes. I can’t wait to see what everyone has to offer. The crock pot recipes so far look delicious!
It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but I’m more recently starting to use my crock pot(s) to make warm beverages for my family. It’s great. I make it when I get up (because I’m the early bird ’round here LOL) and everyone helps themselves as they get up.
Crock Pots Rock!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Here are a couple of the only ones I’ll ever make. I haven’t had good luck w/ any crockpot cookbooks or recipes otherwise:
Tex-Mex Chicken & Beans
http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/09/15/slow-cooker-tex-mex-chicken-and-beans/
Carnitas Tacos
http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/09/18/slow-cooked-carnitas-tacos/
Katie says
That is my problem too – a lot of the ones I’ve tried are just not the kind of food we would eat. And sometimes turn out gloppy and generally unappetizing. I’ve really only used it for making shredded chicken, beef, or pork.
rachel says
The trick is using the right ingredients and ratios of liquids. And using fresh ingredients/seasonal ingredients. I’ve never had anything turn out “gloppy”.
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
Ooo, this is great – I’m ALWAYS searching for a new crock pot recipes! I have a large, programmable crock pot with a removable/dishwasher safe insert. It is probably my #1 favorite kitchen appliance! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
Shredded BBQ Sandwiches:
http://iowagirleats.com/2010/02/25/cookie-alert-crock-pot-recipe/
French Dip Sandwiches:
http://iowagirleats.com/2009/11/12/french-dip-a-la-crock-pot/
Plus, like the others said, anything from Crockpot 365!
Tara @ Feels Like Home says
I have a ton of CrockPot recipes! We use ours several times a week.
Beef stew – http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2008/03/beef-stew/
Pot roast – http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2010/01/slow-cooker-pot-roast-use-up-leftover-soda-pop/
Potato chowder – http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2010/02/slow-cooker-potato-chowder/
There are more 🙂 Here’s my main recipe index – http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/archive/home-cooking-index/
Ange says
I am a crockpot freak!! I use mine most days, and love it so much I blog about my favorite recipes. I’d have to say Crockpot Skinny Chicken is my favorite, but I love Thai Chicken Soup – http://www.angelicious.com
Brenna says
Here’s a few of my favorites:
http://www.pieceofcakekitchen.com/menus/63-crockpot-chicken-tacos
and
http://letsdishrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/02/slow-cooker-green-chili-pork-tacos.html
someone already mentioned but this one is great
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Thai-Peanut-Pork/Detail.aspx
Jodi Whisenhunt says
Here’s an easy way to make queso dip:
-Brown chorizo sausage in skillet then transfer to crockpot.
-Cut one 1-lb block of Mexican Velveeta into cubes and add to crockpot.
-Add 1/2 can chicken broth to crockpot. Reserve remainder – may need to add more if cheese sauce turns out too thick.
-Turn crockpot to Low and cover. Stir frequently and serve with tortilla chips when cheese is completely melted.
I’m following you from Spotlight Saturday blog hop. I think you’d have fun at http://www.magicalmouseschoolhouse.com, where Disney IS school. Hope you can stop by!
Kelly says
I love crock pots on busy days. Here are some things we have made in it recently:
Thai Pork Wraps:
http://noemptychairs.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/crock-pot-thai-pork-wraps/
Southwestern Ham and White Bean Soup:
http://noemptychairs.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/southwestern-ham-and-white-bean-soup/
Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Chili:
http://noemptychairs.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/prize-winning-shredded-chicken-black-bean-chili/
Also: Fondues are great for the crock-pot. This Pizza Fondue is a kid-favorite around here:
http://noemptychairs.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/four-fun-fondues/
Beth says
Crock pot meals are a time saver for sure. I got my favorite recipe from a poster on an on-line food forum a few years ago and it’s turned into my husband’s favorite beef pot roast.
Italian Beef Pot Roast
1 – 2-3 lb. Beef Chuck Roast
1 Pkg. Dry Brown Gravy Mix
1 Pkg. Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1 Pkg. Dry Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
1/2 c. water
Put raw chuck roast into crock pot (lined with Reynolds crock pot liner for easy clean up). Open all dry mixes and stir together to mix well. Spoon dry mixes onto top of beef roast – it will look like a lot. Pour water around edge, not on top of roast. Add lid and cook on low for 8 – 12 hours – – do not open as the condensation dripping on the roast causes the seasonings to “melt” into the meat and it tastes as if it was seared.
Leftover roast can be shredded and reheated with some of the “juice” to have Italian Beef Sandwiches – Toasted sub buns and a slice of mozarella or provolene cheese.
I have a Hamilton Beach crock pot with a “locking lid” that is wonderful for times when you want to deliver a meal to a friend or carry soup to a relative with a cold. There’s a leak-proof gasket that assures your car won’t have to be steam-cleaned after your mission of mercy! I also heartily endorse the Reynolds Crock Pot Liners – a soapy swish and my crock pot is clean! No more soaking and scrubbing.
Katy says
Here are a couple more recipes:
Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder http://katy-alphabetsoup.blogspot.com/2010/01/nacho-cheese-chicken-chowder.html
Pepper Pork Sandwiches http://katy-alphabetsoup.blogspot.com/2010/01/pepper-pork-sandwiches.html
Tickled Red says
My friend let me borrow her Southern Living Slow Cooker cookbook and there was a fabulous “Easy Chicken Cassoulet” that the guys loved. I couldn’t find it online for you but here is another version. Enjoy 🙂
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001108223
Rachel says
You can’t beat slow cooker meals especially in the colder months.
I have this model: http://www.crock-pot.com/Product.aspx?cid=113&pid=7159 I like it because it’s a good size (5.5qt) but also for the warm feature. When it’s done cooking it automatically switches over to warm. Definitely a must if you won’t be home when it’s cooking.
Here are some of the recipes I’ve made that have been a hit around here…
Italian wedding soup: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/10/slow-cooker-italian-wedding-soup/
Chicken and wild rice soup: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/05/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
Corn chowder: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/05/slow-cooker-corn-chowder/
Beef stew: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/02/slow-cooker-beef-stew/
I’m always looking for great new slow cooker recipes so I’ll be sure to check out the links others have shared.
Chandy says
Here is one of my favorites, for something a little different:
Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce
http://mccartyparty.blogspot.com/2009/08/slow-cooker-scrumptious-thai-pork-with.html
Kristy @momhatescooking says
I’m torn between 2 that I love, http://www.mommyhatescooking.com/2010/08/slow-cooker-bbq-chicken.html
and http://www.mommyhatescooking.com/2010/10/slow-cooker-taco-soup.html
The chicken is truly my favorite I think, but the soup comes closely behind.
Taylor at Household Management 101 says
I love my crockpot. Here is one of my family’s easiest recipes that all the kids love just as much as the adults.
It is a crockpot pot roast recipe, and you put the vegetables in with it so you basically make the main dish and the sides at the same time. Talk about a time saver. Plus, we try to buy the roast when it is on sale, and then it is also a very frugal recipe!
http://www.household-management-101.com/crockpot-pot-roast-recipes.html
I hope you enjoy it!
Kristen says
The other day I made a wonderful Apple Roasted Pork Roast. You have to try it. It’s a great double recipe. Roast for supper on night one; Night two, toast up a sandwich roll for a nice pork sandwich.
http://hopeabound.blogspot.com/2010/11/apple-roasted-pork.html
Rachel says
I have this model: http://www.crock-pot.com/Product.aspx?cid=113&pid=7159 The size is perfect because you can make a lot or a little (5.5qt) and the button controls are great because it will switch over to warm mode when it’s done cooking (instead of the knob versions). I’d definitely recommend a moderately large sized model and one that has at the very least a warm setting.
Here are some recipes that have been big hits here:
Italian Wedding Soup: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/10/slow-cooker-italian-wedding-soup/
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/05/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/
Corn Chowder: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/05/slow-cooker-corn-chowder/
Shredded Taco Meat (great for many meal options): http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/04/spicy-shredded-taco-bites/
Beef Stew: http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2010/02/slow-cooker-beef-stew/
I’m always looking for more great recipes though so I’ll be checking out the ones shared.
audrey says
just found your blog. LOVE IT! i think i’m going to make the pumpkin cinnamon rolls this weekend.
crock pot recipes? i LOVE LOVE LOVE this one served over some jasmine rice! AMAZING!! can’t wait to see if you try it. it’s one of our faves and SOOO easy! Sweet and spicy asian pork shoulder
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/sweet-spicy-asian-pork-shoulder-00000000028082/index.html
Katie says
Welcome, Audrey! Thank you for that recipe. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it. This is the type of thing I am looking for!
Kendra @ My First Kitchen says
Congrats on the new school! This is the pork barbecue I make in the crock pot. Totally brainless and super tasty slathered on a hamburger bun with chips and carrot sticks on the side. You can’t get much easier. 🙂
http://www.myfirstkitchen.net/blog/2008/11/24/slow-cooker-barbecue.html
Becky says
my favorite crock pot recipe is an italian cream cheese chicken.
4 chicken breasts or 8 cutlets
1 packet italian seasoning
8 oz cream cheese
cream of ckicken soup
Layer your chicken in the crock pot. Pour the packet of italian seasoning over the top of chicken. Let it cook on low for abour 6-8 hours. In a bowl mix together your cream cheese and cream of chicken. Pour over seasoned chicken . Let the sauce warm up. Serve over rice or noodles. Love it!
Kristin says
I highly recommend Stephanie O’Dea’s blog http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/. She cooked with her slowcooker everyday for a year!!! She also just got done adding a new recipe for everyday of Crocktober. She also has anything and everything about Crockpots you could ever want to know.
This isn’t my favorite recipe but something most people don’t know you can do with a crock pot… “Baked Potatos”
Wash and Dry as many as you need, prick a few times with a fork, wrap in Foil and put in your Crock.
DO NOT add water, they will cook, they will not explode and they will not shrivel into nothings, they will cook in their own juice and make them yummy!
Cook on low for 10 hours, or high for 6 or until desired tenderness.
Top with whatever toppings you like.
Fran says
Kristin’s recommendation about Stephanie O’Dea’s blog (and she has a book of crock recipes) is “spot on!” I stumbled across her book at Borders and have been to her site – have tried 4 of her recipes and all of them have been very good. Who knew that you could do BBQ shrimp in a crock?! 🙂
Lisa says
I really like to make Crockpot Lasagna: http://fink-girl.livejournal.com/3459.html.
Cookin' Canuck says
I’m looking forward to checking out the links you collect here. Here are a few of my favorites:
Crockpot Chicken, Black Bean & Chipotle Pepper Soup
http://cookincanuck.blogspot.com/2009/10/crockpot-chicken-black-bean-chipotle.html
Crockpot Gingered Chickpeas and Spicy Tomato Stew
http://cookincanuck.blogspot.com/2009/10/crockpot-gingered-chickpeas-and-spicy.html
naomi says
Great idea! I have a crock pot that get so little use because have no recipes for it-can’t wait to see some of yours.
Kathy Hester says
I just saw you are looking for a new slow cooker when I re-read your post. I like the Hamilton beach 3 in 1 because you get a 2, 4, and 6 quart crock that all fits the same base. It’s a great one if you only plan on owning 1 slow cooker.
But my newest love is the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. It has low and high – but it has a simmer setting too. The new slow cookers run almost twice as hot as the older ones and this setting is the closest I’ve gotten to the old low. It means I can cook more dishes all day without worries!
Kristin says
Oh I didn’t know they made a 3 in 1, I was in the market for a 2 & 4 and now only have to buy one. I also would recommend a programmable one with a warm setting if you are going to be gone a lot.
Christi B says
I love my crockpots and use them all the time (I have 5 of different sizes) My favorite is my newest one which is a Rival with a “warm” feature that I got at Costco 6 months ago or so. We cook everything from baby food (great for baby purees!) to side dishes and desserts, but mostly main dishes like my 1-2-3 pot roast and pork carnitas.
1-2-3 pot roast goes like this: 1 package of onion soup mix and 1 can of beef broth, 2 tsp of garlic, chopped, and 3 lbs of pot roast (+/- this isn’t exact) I usually use eye of round since that’s relatively cheap and easy to get at Sams/Costco. Cook for 8 hrs on low and then either slice or shred, depending on how I’m gonna use it.
Pork carnitas are just as easy… Get a bottle of Mojo marinade (in the hispanic section of most groceries, made by Goya) and put it and a large pork shoulder (or boneless Boston Butt) roast into a zip top bag. Cover with marinade (one bottle of marinade does two batches usually) and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, dump the whole thing into the crockpot and cook for 10-12 hrs on low. At the end of cooking, remove any large globs of fat/sinew and then shred the pork in the sauce. It’s great as is over rice or potatoes, but you can make pork carnita tacos by taking some of the shredded pork and sauteeing in a pan until a little browned and crispy. I add a little cumin to mine when I saute it. Serve on fresh corn tortillas with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro and some cotilla cheese with a squeeze of lime juice and you’ve got some fairly authentic carnitas 🙂
For some more great crockpot recipes, check out Stephanie O’Dea’s blog A Year of Slow Cooking which includes recipes like making yogurt in your crockpot and many other fun things!
Josie Landon says
My favorite crock pot recipe is pulled Mexican Pork. Cut a pork roast into 1″ chunks and place in the slow cooker with 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1 small chopped onion, and 12-16 oz of your favorite salsa. I like to add a minced clove of garlic and about a tablespoon of cumin. Stir everything up and cook it all day (8 hours on low). Add a tablespoon or two of quick-cooking tapioca to thicken and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then use tongs to crush up the pork (it should be so tender that it easily falls apart). Serve in tortillas with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, cilantro and lime wedges.
I have a small 4-quart Rival that I use when I’m just cooking for myself and the 6.5 quart model pictured in the post for larger meals. I love the programmable crock pot!
Kathy Hester says
I’m working on a slow cooker cookbook and these are a few of my current favorites:
Apple Split Pea Soup
http://healthyslowcooking.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/slow-cooker-apple-and-split-pea-soup/
Chocolate Oatmeal
http://healthyslowcooking.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/slow-cooker-chocolate-oatmeal/
Pumpkin Gingerbread
http://healthyslowcooking.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/pumpkin-gingerbread/
Roxanne Wyss says
This is the time of year where everyone needs to dust off their slow cooker and start cooking. Anxious for the sharing to begin. My career began in Rival test kitchens so crockpots are near and dear to my heart.
Here is a great recipe for this time of year. I hope you enjoy!
http://www.pluggedintocooking.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=49%3Aslowcookerfavorites&layout=blog&Itemid=18&limitstart=1
Katy says
LOL, I was going to post about French Dip sandwiches, but Liz beat me to it! My recipe is a little different though.
Anyway, I hear ya. My oldest started a new school this year, and it takes 20-25 minutes to get there. Not huge, but it definitely adds up…
I have a 5.5 qt Crock Pot Smart Pot, very similar to the one you pictured. I’ve had it a couple of years. It’s not great, but it gets the job done. I also have a smaller one (maybe 3-4 qt), but it seems to run hot and I only use it for shorter cooking times.
One thing my kiddos like is meatball sandwiches. I’ll throw frozen (cooked) meatballs in the slow cooker, and then add a can of crushed tomatoes, and seasonings and let it cook for a few hours. When we get home, toast some buns and make sandwiches!
Katie says
I like to make braise pork in the crockpot! I would LOVE to have one the new cuisenart crockpots with the stovetop safe insert. Brown your meat and stick it in the pot!
Rachel says
I’m partial to my own cookbook of course! I have six slow cookers. I really like the Hamilton Beach one that has a single base but 3 inserts that you can choose from – 2 qt. 6 qt and 4 qt. Perfect for any recipe!
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
I have a basic standard crockpot from bed bath and beyond…not sure of the brand offhand. I got it as a wedding gift a few years ago.
One of my favorite crockpot recipes is puerto rican pulled pork. It’s so moist and flavorful!
http://www.whatmegansmaking.com/2009/08/slow-cooked-puerto-rican-pulled-pork_18.html
Stef@hauteapplepie says
Slow cooker beef brisket is great in the crock pot! http://hauteapplepie.com/2010/10/15/slow-cooker-beef-brisket-over-garlic-parmesan-mash/
Liz@TheFloweringDogwood says
Katie,
This is a wonderful recipe that I use often. You can use any Barbecue sauce you like! The end result is wonderful. Hope this helps. ~Liz
Jessica says
We make awesome chilis in ours:
White Chicken Chili:
http://www.kohlercreated.com/blog/?p=7284
Mocha Tofu Chili:
http://www.kohlercreated.com/blog/?p=8357
Here is our crock:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=212702&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
Liz @ Blog is the New Black says
French dip sandwiches! Here is my recipe:
http://theblogisthenewblack.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/set-it-and-fahhhget-it/