Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

This is one of those recipes that you can alter to fit your families likes.  I've made this many times.  Sometimes I add corn to it, black olives or a can of black beans. 

Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

2 small  tomatoes diced

1 small onion, cut into pieces

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1 can tomato paste

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained

8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

9 or more corn tortillas (depends on your slow cooker size)

To make the sauce, place tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the blender.  You may need to add some water to the blender, it all depends on your tomatoes.  Blend until smooth.  Then add to a saucepan.  To that add cayenne pepper, salt and tomato paste.  Bring to a boil and simmer 5-10 minutes.  Place a few of the tortillas on the bottom of the slow cooker.  Spoon some of the ground beef, then sauce, then cheddar cheese.  Repeat layers until all items are used.  Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

I'm linking up with Sandra for Slow Cooking Thursday over at Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Squash Apple Soup

My mom and I had this at a craft day we went to.  I LOVE this soup!  It's perfect with left over squash from Thanksgiving.

Squash Apple Soup

4 1/2 cups cooked butternut squash mashed

1 box chicken stock

1 granny smith apple, peeled cored and chopped

2 Tablespoons minced onion

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground sage

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Optional: curry 1/4 teaspoon or more.

Place in slow cooker, cover.  Cook on high for 2 hours. Then in a blender (carefully!!) or handheld blender puree. 

You can add heavy cream to it at the very end before serving.  But I never have.  The curry adds another depth of flavor to it.  YUM!

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Cajun-Style Chicken

We love chicken wings here.  Well we love the flavor of them here!  There just isn't a lot for your dollar when you buy chicken wings.  So I usually take the chicken wing sauce and cook boneless skinless chicken breasts in it.

Now this is S.P.I.C.Y!  You can alter it to your liking.

Cajun-Style Buffalo Chicken

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into pieces

1 bottle of spicy BBQ Sauce

1/2 - 1 tsp red cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons black pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon onion flakes

3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

4 Tablespoons chicken wing sauce

Add all ingredients except chicken mix well.  Add chicken and stir to coat.  Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours.  YUM!!

You can also do this with whole boneless skinless chicken breasts.  After they are done cooking you can shred them and put on totillas with all the fixings.

I'm hooking up with Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.  Come on over and join in on the fun.

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Apple Cider Pork

Nothing says fall like apple cider!  Here in NY you can find it everywhere.   I have just become a fan of meats cooked with fruit.  OH the possibilities!!  Especially apples and pork.  This one is SO good!

Apple Cider Pork and Vegetables

4 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced

6 ounces dried fruit mix

1 medium onion diced or sliced

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 1/2 pound boneless pork roast diced (I've also used boneless pork chops)

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 Tablespoons oil

1 cup apple cider

Place the sweet potatoes, fruit mix, onion, bay leaf, salt, pepper and rosemary in slow cooker.

Dredge pork in flour and brown in oil.  Place in slow cooker on top.  Add cider to skillet you used to brown the pork, scrape all the bits off the bottom of the skillet.  Pour over pork.  Cover and cook 6-8 hours.

I'm linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.

Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Nachos

Photo Credit

I got this recipe from a jar of Old El Paso salsa.  Love it!!  Sometimes my husband likes something to snack on when he gets home from work.  These are perfect because I can leave the slow cooker on warm until he gets here.  YUM!!

Spicy Chicken Nachos

1 block of Velveeta with jalapenos

3/4 cup salsa

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1-2 cups cooked chicken breasts, cubed

1 container of sour cream

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

3 tablespoons of green onions chopped

Tortilla chips

Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.  Add cheese, salsa, black beans and chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once after 1 hour.

Stir in sour cream, red bell pepper, and onions.  Increase heat setting to high and cook 45 minutes longer or until hot.

Serve with tortilla chips.  You can leave this on warm for 2 more hours.

I am linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a SAHM for Slow Cooking Thursday.

Slow Cooking Thursday~~Past Posts

Since we are still trying to get settled here, I did not have any new recipes to share.  So I thought I'd go back into the "vault" and find some of my favorites.

Potato Soup

Pizza Fondue

Tapioca Pudding

Hopefully next week I will have everything settled and be back in the kitchen.  Go on over to Sandra's blog Diary of a SAHM to see other recipes.

Slow Cooking Thursday~Slow Cooker Lasagna

I am SO happy Slow Cooking Thursday's are back.  I've really missed it!

I love the texture of leftover lasagna.  Nice and compacted, noodles perfectly cooked and full of flavor.  That is what you get with cooking it in your slow cooker.

Photo Credit

Slow Cooker Lasagna

1 Box of lasagna noodles, uncooked (you do not need any special kind)

1 pound of ground beef, cooked with onion and spices (any you would usually use in lasagna) and drained

1 carton cottage cheese

1 bag mozzarella cheese

Parmesan Cheese (from shaker jar, I usually add a couple shakes)

2 eggs

2 jars of spaghetti sauce (I use Ragu or a store brand because there is more water content in them to cook the noodles)

Spray your slow cooker with non stick spray. Mix cottage cheese, egg and parm cheese together in a bowl.

Spread a little sauce on the bottom.  Place first row of noodles.  Cheese layer, beef layer, sauce, noodles.  Repeat until all the ingredients are used....or your slow cooker is filled. 

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  High for 4 hours.  It all depends on your slow cooker. 

You can really use any lasagna recipe you usually use.

To see other slow cooker recipes visit Diary of a SAHM.

Cooking Thursday....Brownie Bread

Yesterday I was in such a baking mood that I made hamburger rolls and a new bread recipe I found Brownie Bread. The hamburger rolls were something I always wanted to try but never had until yesterday. I must say they turned out really well. The brownie bread was another one that sounded interesting to me. Since I do not like chocolate my family was my testers. Everyone loved it! So for Cooking Thursday I'm posting that recipe. ENJOY! I always start my bread in my bread machine and then finish it in the oven.

Brownie Bread

1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup boiling water

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast

2 teaspoons white sugar

1/2 cup warm water

3 cups flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons oil

1 egg

1 egg yolk

In a small bowl dissolve cocoa in the boiling water, let it cool a little. In another bowl dissolve yeast, sugar and warm water let that sit for about 10 mins or until creamy.

Place cocoa mixture, yeast mixture in bread pan. Place oil, eggs, flour, sugar, salt in the pan.

Set the breadmaker on the dough setting. After the cycle ends remove dough from the bread maker and place in a bread pan. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan and let it cool.

This would easily be adapted to make without a bread maker. Just place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well and let the dough rise. Punch down and knead and let it rise again. Then bake like directions above.

To see other cooking posts visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for more.

Slow Cooking Thursday

Hot Crab Dip

3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese softened

1/2 cup milk

2 (3.5 oz) canned crabmeat-drained and flaked or 2 packages of imitation crab meat

1/2 cup chopped green onion with tops

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in a greased slow cooker and place the top on and cook on high for about 30 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt. Stir occasionally very well. Cover and continue to cook on high until mixture is smooth and cheese is melted. Add more milk if needed for dipping. Turn to low for 3-4 hours. Just before serving remove cover. Serve hot.

For more Slow cooking recipes visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

I have been off the Internet more lately. I guess it is the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. Monday we had a cookie making day at our Church. It was a lot of fun.

I got thinking the other day about when I was a kid and things my Mom made. I found this recipe and it reminds me of the 7 layer casserole Mom makes. This recipe serves 4 so I doubled it so we would have leftovers.

Eight Layer Casserole

1/2 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons bacon bits
1 onion chopped
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (i leave this out)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup long grain rice
1 can corn drained
1/2 cup green pepper chopped

Crumble beef in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with bacon bits and then the onion. In a bowl combine tomato sauce, water, chili powder, salt and pepper. Pour half over the beef and onion. Add rice then corn and pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Add green pepper to the top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the rice is tender.

To see more slow cooking posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

This recipe is one I love to make and take to church suppers and it will even fit in on your Thanksgiving table.

Slow Cooked Broccoli Casserole

2 bags frozen chopped broccoli, partially thawed
1 can cream of celery soup
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup crushed butter flavor crackers (about 25)
2 tablespoons butter

Combine broccoli, soup, 1 cup cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Pour into a greased slow cooker. Sprinkle crackers on top and dot with butter.

Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

For more slow cooking recipes visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

To see more Slow Cooking recipes go on over to Diary of a SAHM.

Baked Beans

1 lb. dried small white beans
6 cups water
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup molasses
2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 med. onion, chopped
1/4 lb. salt pork

Place beans and water in slow cooker. Soak 6 hours or overnight (do not turn the crock pot on). Cover pot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until beans are tender. Drain, saving liquid.
Mix 1 cup liquid with salt, molasses, mustard, sugar, and onion. Cut salt pork into 2-3 pieces. In slow cooker, combine beans, molasses mixture, and salt pork. Cover and cook for 10-12 hours.

Slow Cooking Thursday

One thing with having the flu we all crave spicy food. This is a good one for that. I've even used the spicy sausage to add extra heat.

Easy Jambalaya

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole spice mix
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 3/4 cups long-grain rice
Parsley, optional

Combine chicken, sausage, onion, green pepper, celery, tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, spice mix, thyme and oregano in a large (5-quart) slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 hours.
Add shrimp and rice; raise heat to high and cook for 30 minutes more. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.

To see more slow cooking posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

My kids love tamales, but making them is a pain. When I found this recipe I was THRILLED! It tastes the same without all the hassle. ENJOY!

Tamale Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes undrained
1 can sliced ripe olives
1 envelope chili seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (I omit this since chili seasoning is salty)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook beef and drain. Combine egg, milk and cornmeal until smooth. Add corn, tomatoes, olives, chili seasoning, and beef. Transfer to slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese cover and cook 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Visit Diary of a SAHM for more recipes.

Slow Cooking Thursday

One of my best childhood memories is when my Mom use to make potato soup and invite an elderly man from up the road to join us. It was his favorite soup, and also became mine.

Potato Soup

6 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
5 cups water
2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/4 cup butter
4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can evaporated milk
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
chives (optional)

In large slow cooker, combine the first 9 ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 7-8 hours. Add milk and parsley mix well. Cover and cook 30-60 minutes. Garnish with chives. 8-10 servings.

To see other posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

Oriental Chicken

1 fryer chicken 3-4 pounds cut up

2 tablespoons veg. oil

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup slivered almonds

In a large skillet brown chicken in oil on both sides. Place in slow cooker. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic and ginger; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low; cook 4-5 hours until chicken is done. (160 for chicken) Sprinkle with almonds. OR remove chicken and then sprinkle with almonds. Thicken juices for gravy. YUM!!

Slow Cooking Thursday

I completely forgot it was Thursday yesterday!!! I was not feeling very well yesterday and did not do much except lie on the couch. But here is a very simple and quick recipe.

Beef and Mushrooms
3 pounds stew meat, cubed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cans mushrooms, with liquid
1/2 cup apple juice
1 envelope dry onion soup mix

Combine all ingredients in greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 10 hours. Serve with rice or over egg noodles.

To see other slow cooking recipes go on over to Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

It has been so long since I've consistently blogged anything! The month of August was just crazy!! With graduation parties, picnics, weddings ect who can find time to do anything?! Well I'm back...I hope...!

With fall approaching us pretty fast we start looking forward to some fall favorites around here. Our very favorite...well my families favorite....Hot Chocolate. I do not care for chocolate. It is my birth defect! LOL!

Hot Chocolate

4-5 cups nonfat dry milk
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1/2 to 3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons vanilla
11 cups water

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve with whipped cream sprinkled with mini chocolate chips.

To see other Slow Cooking posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Slow Cooking Thursday

To see other slow cooking recipes visit Diary of a SAHM. Also for those of you who have been waiting for my Laura Ingalls Wilder Day post it is finally finished! It took me a few days. Does anyone else have trouble getting pictures onto your posts? They upload fine its arranging them on blogger that is taking forever!

We love this recipe. The first time I made it, I wrinkled my nose at the ingredients. But surprisingly it tasted very good!!

Lemonade Chicken

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can frozen lemonade, thawed
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup

Place chicken in greased slow cooker. Stir lemonade concentrate, brown sugar, vinegar, and ketchup together. Mix well, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Slow Cooking Thursday

BURRITOS

1 lb. ground beef-cooked and drained

2 cans (16 oz.) refried beans

1 envelope taco seasoning (I use homemade)

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

flour/corn tortillas

Combine all ingredients except tortillas in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6-10. Place on tortillas and top with favorite topping.

You can't get any easier than this recipe!! This is a Sunday favorite around here.

To read other Slow Cooking Thursday posts visit Diary of a SAHM.