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Crockpot Cooking: When the weather gets cold and your day is hectic, you have a friend on the kitchen counter: a crockpot. The crockpot is an efficient and time-saving way to cook rich and tasty meals with little work. This post will give you the inspiration to really get out your crockpot this summer, whether you are a seasoned crockpot cook or a first-time slow cooker. We’ll cover three crockpot meals in this article (Santa Fe Chicken, Potato Soup, and Cajun Sausage and Potatoes) that will become family favorites.
Crockpots or slow cookers have been around for a good number of decades in US kitchens. They’re supposed to cook food low and long, so it’s a great way to brown meats and flavors. As long as you get the right ingredients, you can set it and forget it — great for busy families or just someone who wants a hearty meal that doesn’t take forever to prepare.
5 Reasons Crockpot Cooking Changes Everything.
Top Advantages of Crockpot Cooking:
- Easy to use: Add the ingredients, heat up, and let the crockpot do the work.
- Differenctivity: From soups and stews to casseroles and meats, Crockpots do it all.
- Great Tastes: Slow Cooking releases full, luscious flavors, especially in big meals.
- Fat-Free Cooking: If you have the right ingredients, you can make fat and calories-free healthy meals.
Recipe 1: Santa Fe Chicken – A Spicy, Tex-Mex Classic.
Santa Fe Chicken is another one of the crockpot recipes you can make. A dump-and-go meal — with the meatiness of chicken and spicy beans and corn. Good for a busy weeknight, but it could be a main course or even a topping on tacos or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained.
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
– 1/2 box frozen corn (8oz)
– 1 green onion, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
– Salt and pepper to preference.
– 1–1.5lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
– Optional: Sour cream, salsa, and lime for the side.
Instructions:
- Bake the Base: Drain and rinse the black beans first. Toss them in the crockpot, then chicken broth, Rotel, corn, and green onion.
2. Pairing Seasonings: Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (to heat things). Turn to mix, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Spread Chicken: Layer your chicken legs over the top, salt and pepper lightly.
4. Cook: Place in a pot and cook on high for 4 hours or so. 30 minutes before the time is up, mash the chicken with a fork or chicken shredder.
5. Details: Taste and season to taste. Pour on some more garlic powder or special seasonings such as chipotle or chili powder for a bit of extra kick.
6. Option: Add sour cream, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for taste.
Tips for Success:
– Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breasts: you can use chicken breasts, but the chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Plus, thighs won’t dry out while slow-cooking.
– Manufacturing Option:You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for texture and flavor. Frozen corn or fresh is good, too.
Recipe 2: Creamy Potato Soup – Comfort in a Bowl.
When it’s cold out, creamy potato soup is your answer. This crockpot version is super easy to throw together and perfect for those days when you need something comforting. The creamy potato, bacon, and cheddar cheese in this soup is going to get your family involved.
Ingredients:
– 2 Lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters.
– 10 pieces of bacon, diced.
– 1/2 cup ham cut into cubes (optional, extra protein)
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (not broth).
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 12 oz evaporated milk (or half-and-half)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to preference.
Instructions:
1. Stir the Potatoes: Peel and slice the Yukon Gold potatoes. : Mash some of the potatoes to make them creamier in the end.
2. Bacon To Cook: In a pan, cook bacon until golden brown. Cook and leave on paper towels to drain. Or diced ham for those who are feeling a bit slimmer.
3. Combine the Crockpot Ingredients: Place the diced potatoes, cooked bacon (or ham), garlic, chicken broth, chopped onion, and parsley in the crockpot. Stir everything together.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours till potatoes are tender.
5. Compose the Creamy Sauce: In another pan, melt butter in a medium pot and stir in flour to make a roux. Start adding the evaporated milk in drops, whisking constantly until it thickens.
6. Complete the Soup: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot and mix well. Break a little of the potatoes up with a potato masher for a creamy consistency.
7. Saute Cheese and Sour Cream: Pour the cheddar cheese and sour cream in and allow to melt. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Deliver: Pour the soup into bowls and top with some extra green onions or bacon crumbs.
Tips for Success:
– **Mashed Potatoes to Make It Creamier**: To make it extra creamy, mash some of the potatoes before serving. You can also beat it with a hand mixer for a silkier texture.
– **Prep ahead**: This soup is great for meal prep. Soap up a big batch and keep it in the fridge for days, or freeze some for later.
Recipe 3: Cajun Sausage and Potatoes – An Easy One-Pot Feast With All The Flavors.
For a tasty, no-fuss dinner, this Cajun Sausage and Potatoes recipe is just what you need. Only 5 ingredients, and this dish is so simple to make and flavorful due to the smoky sausage and Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced.
– 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced.
– 1 can of cream of mushroom soup.
– 1-2 T of Cajun (or Creole) seasoning.
– Salt and pepper to preference.
Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients: Slice potatoes into small pieces. Cut the Andouille sausage into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Add to Crockpot Crop in the Potatoes & Sausage: Add the diced potatoes and sausage to the crockpot. Add the cream of mushroom soup and Cajun seasoning. Mix all together to coat evenly.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are soft and flavors are merged.
4. Add Salt and Pepper: Taste and season to your preference. Serve it as a cozy starter.
Tips for Success:
– Sausage Options: If you don’t have Andouille sausage, substitute any smoked sausage or kielbasa to taste the same.
– Place the Spicy Touch: If you want your food spicy, put in more Cajun seasoning or some hot sauce on it.
Tip of the Day: Get More Comfortable With Crockpot Recipes Mealtime Made Easy!
Santa Fe Chicken, Creamy Potato Soup, and Cajun Sausage and Potatoes are three crockpot recipes that are all testaments to how simple it can be to cook comforting, delicious meals with minimum prep. Whether you need a big bowl of soup, a potent hunk of chicken, or just a one-pot meal, your crockpot has you covered.
Reasons You Should Prepare These Recipes:
– Limited Prep: Everything is prepped ahead of time so you can have a lot of time to sit back and enjoy your food while it’s cooking.
– Pet Friendly: These dishes are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters and will please a variety of palates.
– Versatile: All these recipes can easily be modified to your liking. Sprinkle in more veggies, change the seasoning, or add substitutes based on what’s in your pantry.
Get Cooking!
Try these recipes out, and let us know what you think! Share these crockpot recipes with your family or at the next party, and you’ll have a crowd. Remember to comment below and share your feedback. Don’t forget to check out more crockpot recipes on our site. Happy Cooking!