You searched for crockpot - Dinner in 321 https://www.dinnerin321.com/ A place for food, nutrition & lifestyle inspiration Sun, 17 Nov 2024 18:29:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.dinnerin321.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1.png You searched for crockpot - Dinner in 321 https://www.dinnerin321.com/ 32 32 Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe (6 Ingredients) https://www.dinnerin321.com/country-scalloped-corn/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/country-scalloped-corn/#comments Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:27:34 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=4213 Jiffy Corn Casserole is the ultimate side dish recipe and so easy to make. With only 6 ingredients and using one bowl, it's perfect for any dinner or holiday get-together! Jiffy Corn Casserole, Country Scalloped Corn, Corn Pudding, Corn Casserole, Bread Pudding, Cornbread Pudding, Spoon Bread Casserole, Corn Soufflé, whatever you call this side dish,...

Read More

The post Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe (6 Ingredients) appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
Jiffy Corn Casserole is the ultimate side dish recipe and so easy to make. With only 6 ingredients and using one bowl, it's perfect for any dinner or holiday get-together!

A spoon dipping brown and yellow corn casserole out of a baking dish

Jiffy Corn Casserole, Country Scalloped Corn, Corn Pudding, Corn Casserole, Bread Pudding, Cornbread Pudding, Spoon Bread Casserole, Corn Soufflé, whatever you call this side dish, it's delicious!

This old fashioned scalloped corn side dish is one of our favorite family recipes, and once you give it a try, I know it will be for yours, too. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and goes with nearly any meal.

It has the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors and keeps you coming back for more. It's one of our favorite recipes and a holiday staple always on our Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner spreads every year!

For an elevated twist on this Jiffy corn casserole recipe, you can add shredded cheese, chopped cooked ham or bacon, chopped canned jalapeños, or chopped green chiles to the mix. It'll make the perfect accompaniment to your next dinner with family and friends!

If you need more side dish inspiration for a holiday meal, be sure to try our Southern Cornbread Dressing, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, or Cranberry Fluff Salad.

Why You’ll like this Recipe

  • Six Simple Ingredients. With just a few basic ingredients, it's a quick side dish that you can throw together for any dinner or special occasion.
  • Quick and Easy to Assemble. It's a super easy casserole, anyone can make it! You'll have it whipped up before the oven has time to preheat.
  • Versatile and Goes with So Many Meals. There are multiple additions such as cheese, green chiles, diced jalapeños or a buttery cracker topping. It's the perfect side dish to go with any meal!
  • Affordable Side Dish. The 6 ingredients needed include pantry staples and items that are readily available and affordable.  It's also a budget friendly option for feeding a large group.
  • Perfect Balance of Savory & Sweet and is Delicious. This easy corn casserole recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness from the cornbread mix and the savory notes from the butter and sour cream. The texture and flavor is top tier!

Types of Corn Casseroles

There are several types of corn pudding recipes out there with all different names. I've made every kind and can tell you all of the differences.

A corn pudding recipe or also commonly known as corn souffle, doesn’t traditionally have cornmeal as part of the mixture.

Scalloped corn simply means it's a dish that's baked with milk or sauce, similar to a scalloped potato and tends to also have crackers on top. This side dish is interchangeable with so many names, but country scalloped corn has a few slight differences.

Corn casserole could be any of these recipes. Nonetheless, all of the above are super delicious! This Jiffy Cornbread Casserole recipe is a combination of cornbread and pudding.

If you're looking for another easy side dish recipe with a different vegetable, this Bisquick Zucchini Pie is great for get-togethers or holiday events.

Where is Jiffy Corn Casserole From?

The original recipe for Jiffy Corn Casserole is not well-documented and variations of corn casserole recipes have been prepared by home cooks for many years. However, the association of the dish with the use of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix increased with the availability and promotion of the baking mix.

Corn-based dishes, in general, have a long history in America, where corn (maize) is native. Native American cuisines often incorporated corn in various ways, and early European settlers adopted and adapted these culinary traditions.

My mom found a version of this easy Jiffy Country Scalloped Corn casserole recipe in a "Letter to the Editor" comment in a Good Housekeeping Magazine about 30 years ago. The person's letter said she had eaten it at a bed and breakfast and simply couldn't get enough of it. The chef shared the recipe and it was a savory side dish staple from then on out.

Ingredients

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

  • Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the casserole.
  • Eggs: Act as a binder, helping to hold the casserole together.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the casserole. It contributes to the creamy texture and helps balance the sweetness of the cornbread mix.
  • Creamed Corn (Cream-Style Corn): Contributes to the creaminess and sweetness of the casserole and adds texture.
  • Sweet Corn: Adds both sweetness and texture to the casserole.
  • Jiffy Cornbread Mix: The primary ingredient that provides the cornbread base for the casserole. It contains a combination of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients. It contributes to the sweet and slightly crumbly texture of the casserole.
  • Optional: Chopped Jalapeños, Chopped Green Chiles, Cooked Ham, Cooked Bacon, Shredded Cheese
Ingredients needed for country scalloped corn

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Jiffy Corn Casserole

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted and slightly cooled butter and eggs until fluffy. Add sour cream and whisk again until blended. Fold in cream-style and frozen corn.
Bowl of ingredients for country scalloped corn including eggs, cream style corn, corn and sour cream.
  1. Once blended well, add the box of Jiffy mix and fold just until the dry ingredients are moist. Butter or spritz with nonstick cooking spray a 13”x9” baking dish. Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Country scalloped corn mixture of ingredients being spread in a baking dish.
  1. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the casserole has a slight jiggle when shaken.
Country scalloped corn in a baking dish with a green and orange dish towel around it.

Tips and Substitutions

  • Optional delicious mix-ins to this dish are:
    • ¼ cup drained chopped green chiles
    • ¼ cup drained chopped canned jalapeños
    • ½-3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
    • ½-3/4 cup chopped leftover ham
    • 1-1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar cheese, Swiss, gruyère, Colby Jack, pepper Jack)...Cheesy Corn Casserole is always a crowd pleaser!
  • If you want to add a crunchy topping, combine 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers and ¼ cup melted butter. Distribute on top of the casserole prior to baking. This is what you often hear called scalloped corn!
  • You know it's done cooking with a thermometer. The casserole along the edges of the dish will be done before the center is fully set. An instant-read thermometer can confirm the center is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  • Make the corn muffin mix from scratch. Here is an easy substitute:
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup medium grind yellow cornmeal, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • This recipe can also be made in a crockpot. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or butter an 8 quart slow cooker. Pour in the same prepared batter, cover and cook on low 2 hours. Turn off the crockpot and don’t uncover. Allow it to set uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Check to make sure the center is fully cooked through. Crockpot size and brands will vary the time needed. This version is not as “set” as the baked version, but will be done.

Storage and Freezing

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F 20-30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160°F is met.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish is that is can be served alongside pretty much anything! I love to serve it with baked ham or turkey and dressing at the holidays.

On a regular weeknight, it pairs well with my Kentucky Fried Chicken, Sheetpan Rosemary Chicken, Balsamic Flank Steak, or Smothered Pork Chops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if the casserole is done?

There are two ways you can confirm this easy recipe is ready. First, you can measure in the center with an instant-read thermometer and ensure an internal temperature of 160°F is reached.

Second, give the casserole a slight bump with an oven glove, and if the center looks stable with the slightest jiggle, it's set and ready to go.

Can I use canned whole kernel corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can substitute the frozen corn for 16oz drained cans of corn.

Can I use fresh instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can substitute the frozen corn for 16oz fresh cut off the cob corn.

What can I use instead of Jiffy?

Part of the incredible sweet flavor and texture of this tasty side dish comes from the Jiffy corn bread mix. If you want to substitute with a homemade Jiffy Mix, see the instructions under Tips and Substitutions.

What if I don't like my corn pudding recipe so sweet?

You can make the Jiffy mix from scratch as noted under Tips and Substitutions and lessen or omit the sugar.

Can Jiffy Corn Casserole be gluten free?

Yes! Just use a cornbread mix that is gluten-free from the grocery store.

Can creamy Jiffy corn casserole be made in the crockpot?

Yes! It's a great option when you need your oven space for other items. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or butter a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour in the same prepared batter, cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Check to make sure the center is fully cooked through. Crockpot size and brands will vary the time needed.

More Recipes Like This 

A serving of country scalloped corn on a saucer.
A serving of country scalloped corn on a saucer.
Print

Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe (Six Ingredients)

Jiffy Corn Casserole is the ultimate side dish recipe and so easy to make. With only 6 ingredients and using one bowl, it's perfect for any dinner or holiday get-together!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword vegetables
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 214kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 3 eggs
  • 16 ounces sour cream regular or light
  • 2 14.75 ounce cans cream style corn
  • 16 ounce bag frozen sweet corn
  • 9 ounce box Jiffy cornbread mix

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together melted and slightly cooled butter and eggs until fluffy. Add sour cream and whisk again until blended. Fold in cream-style and frozen corn.
  • Once blended well, add the box of Jiffy mix and fold just until the dry ingredients are moist. Butter or spritz with nonstick cooking spray a 13”x9” baking dish. Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the casserole has a slight jiggle when shaken.

Video

Notes

Tips and Substitutions

    • Optional delicious add-ins to this dish are
        • ¼ cup drained chopped green chiles
        • ¼ cup drained chopped canned jalapeños
        • ½-3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
        • ½-3/4 cup chopped leftover ham
        • 1-1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar cheese, Swiss, gruyère, Colby Jack, pepper Jack)...Cheesy Corn Casserole is always a crowd pleaser!
    • If you want to add a crunchy topping, combine 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers and ¼ cup melted butter. Distribute on top of the casserole prior to baking. This is what you often hear called scalloped corn!
    • The casserole along the edges of the dish will be done before the center is fully set. An instant-read thermometer can confirm the center is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
    • If you want or need to make a a box of Jiffy corn muffin mix from scratch, here is an easy substitute:
        • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup medium grind yellow cornmeal, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • This recipe can also be made in a crockpot. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or butter a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour in the same prepared batter, cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Check to make sure the center is fully cooked through. Crockpot size and brands will vary the time needed.
Storage:
  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F 20-30 minutes or until an internal temperature of 160°F is met.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 408IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe (6 Ingredients) appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/country-scalloped-corn/feed/ 16
Pistachio Ambrosia Salad https://www.dinnerin321.com/pistachio-ambrosia-salad/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/pistachio-ambrosia-salad/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:29:21 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=26077 This 10-ingredient Pistachio Ambrosia Salad takes only 15 minutes to prep and is the perfect make ahead salad or side dish. With whipped topping, pistachio pudding mix, and coconut, there's so much to love about this green ambrosia! Now this is a salad we can get behind! With just a handful of sweet, tasty, easy-to-find...

Read More

The post Pistachio Ambrosia Salad appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This 10-ingredient Pistachio Ambrosia Salad takes only 15 minutes to prep and is the perfect make ahead salad or side dish. With whipped topping, pistachio pudding mix, and coconut, there's so much to love about this green ambrosia!

A bowl of pistachio ambrosia salad.

Now this is a salad we can get behind! With just a handful of sweet, tasty, easy-to-find ingredients that are simply mixed together, this Pistachio Ambrosia Salad is ready to enjoy in just minutes. It's a nutty, pistachio spin on the traditional recipe - and we are all about it!

Sweet crushed pineapple and mandarins, tropical coconut and fluffy marshmallows are all folded into chilled whipped topping in this Green Ambrosia Salad for the ultimate flavor and texture experience. With so many sweet notes and a minty green color, this Southern charm is a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone will love.

If you're a fan of this retro pistachio ambrosia salad, be sure to try these recipes for some of our other favorite old-school side dishes. This Green Jello Salad is colorful and flavorful, and it doesn't get more vintage than this delicious and sweet Green Fluff Salad.

A serving of pistachio ambrosia salad on a plate..

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy Dessert. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that all get mixed together, plus no baking required, this sweet treat is ready to enjoy in just minutes.
  • Tasty Twist on Tradition. Ambrosia salad is a classic - an oldie and a goodie, for good reason. This is a fun, pistachio twist on the traditional version.
  • Make-Ahead Sweet Treat. Because this sweet salad can be mixed together ahead of time and left to set in the fridge before serving, it's a great dessert to whip up early and serve to a crowd!
  • Customizable. Get creative and experiment with different add-ins to this salad. Try different nuts and fruits based on your preferences!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

  • Whipped Topping: The light, airy base for this salad, use your favorite kind here. You can find store-bought whipped topping in the refrigerated and freezer sections at the store, or you can make your own homemade whipped cream. Both work!
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a nice tang and rich, thick texture to the salad.
  • Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: The signature flavor and color of this green ambrosia. Find this in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Sweet and tropical tasting, this adds delicious flavor to the dish.
  • Mandarin Oranges: Also sweet and sometimes tangy, these add flavor, texture and a pop of color to the salad. Be sure to thoroughly drain these before using to keep the salad from being watery.
  • Green Grapes: Sweet with a bite, these add nice flavor and texture to this recipe. We like green for their slight tartness, but you can use red or a mixture of both, too.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Airy and chewy, these add the perfect sweetness and texture to this retro salad.
  • Shredded Coconut: Perfectly sweet and with a tropical flavor profile, this is a signature ingredient for ambrosia salad.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Beautifully bright in color and sweet in taste, these offer flavor and a pop of color to this salad.
  • Walnuts or Pecans: Either work, or use whatever nut you have on hand. Chopped nuts add a delicious roasted note and great crunchy flavor.
The ingredients to make pistachio ambrosia salad.

Tools You'll Need

How To Make Pistachio Ambrosia Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped topping or fresh whipped cream, sour cream, and instant pistachio pudding mix. Stir gently until well combined. The pudding will thicken the mixture.
Mixing together cool whip and pistachio pudding in a bowl.
  1. Add in crushed pineapple (with juice), mandarin oranges, grapes, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Blending together the ingredients in a bowl of pistachio ambrosia salad.
  1. Fold in the maraschino cherries carefully to avoid breaking them.
Folding cherries into pistachio ambrosia salad.
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) before serving. Garnish with additional cherries, mandarin oranges, coconut, and/or chopped nuts if desired.
Garnishing a bowl of pistachio ambrosia salad.

Expert Tips

  • Chill Ingredients Before Using. To keep everything extra cold and refreshing, chill the ingredients ahead of time before mixing together. Chill the fruit, marshmallows and whipped cream or topping. This will ensure the salad sets correctly and will result in the best flavor.
  • Avoid Over-mixing. Don't heavily mix this salad, be gentle and stir together until just combined, to keep all ingredients in tact.
  • Homemade Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is a popular choice, you can use homemade whipped cream as a more natural alternative. Simply whip together 1 ½ cups heaving whipping cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. The salad will keep for a couple days.

What To Serve With Pistachio Ambrosia Salad

There are so many options of what to pair with this dish. It's always part of a holiday spread at our house. We love to add it to a menu with other recipes like:

A crockpot full of mashed potatoes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

  • For the fridge: If you've got leftovers of this salad, lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Make ahead instructions: This is a great dish to make in advance. You can mix everything together and store it covered in the fridge until you're ready to eat. Letting it sit in the fridge a bit helps it to set, but we recommend serving it sooner than later for maximum flavor and freshness!
  • We don't recommend freezing this dish as it compromises the texture.

FAQs

What is the difference between ambrosia and Watergate?

Ambrosia tastes like coconut, watergate has a pistachio flavor profile. Ambrosia also often is made with sour cream, while watergate is not, and lastly, ambrosia salad usually includes various fruit-like mandarins, crushed pineapples and grapes, while Watergate traditionally is only made with crushed pineapples.

What is ambrosia salad made of?

Ambrosia salad is traditionally made with a creamy base, like whipped topping and/or sour cream, fruit, like canned mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, grapes and maraschino cherries, shredded coconut (a signature ingredient), and chopped nuts. There are many varieties of this classic salad, but these are commonly used ingredients.

What is fruit fluff made of?

Fruit fluff is a dessert that's commonly made with fruit, whipped topping, gelatin, and marshmallows. Other variations can also be made with pudding mix, cream cheese and chopped nuts.

More Easy Salad Recipes

A bowl of pistachio ambrosia salad.
Print

Pistachio Ambrosia Salad

This 10-ingredient Pistachio Ambrosia Salad takes on 15 minutes to prep and is the perfect make ahead salad or side dish. With whipped topping, pistachio pudding mix, and coconut, there's so much to love about this green ambrosia!
Course Appetizer, Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword holidays
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 193kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce container whipped topping (thawed) optional use homemade whipped cream
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 20 ounce can crushed pineapple with the juice
  • 1 cup drained mandarin oranges
  • 1 cup halved green seedless grapes
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnut optional
  • ½ cup drained and halved maraschino cherries

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine whipped topping or fresh whipped cream, sour cream, and instant pistachio pudding mix. Stir gently until well combined. The pudding will thicken the mixture.
  • Add in crushed pineapple (with juice), mandarin oranges, grapes, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
  • Fold in the maraschino cherries carefully to avoid breaking them.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) before serving. Garnish with additional cherries, mandarin oranges, coconut, and/or chopped nuts if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The post Pistachio Ambrosia Salad appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/pistachio-ambrosia-salad/feed/ 0
Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper https://www.dinnerin321.com/slow-cooker-hamburger-helper/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/slow-cooker-hamburger-helper/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:43:02 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=26221 This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper is easy to make with a prep time of 15 minutes. You'll love this homemade version, it's better than store-bought. The macaroni cooks right inside the crock pot for a one-pot meal that your family will request over and over. We can't even begin to tell you how much we...

Read More

The post Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper is easy to make with a prep time of 15 minutes. You'll love this homemade version, it's better than store-bought. The macaroni cooks right inside the crock pot for a one-pot meal that your family will request over and over.

A bowl of slow cooker hamburger helper.

We can't even begin to tell you how much we love our Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper. Before the kids went off to college, this was on our weekly meal rotation all winter. It's one of the most requested recipes from my family!

This delicious homemade hamburger helper is so flavorful and easy to make. With all approachable pantry ingredients, you can assemble it in just 15 minutes to cook over the whole day. Dinnertime is actually stress-free when it comes to this recipe. Plus, you only have to clean one skillet and the slow cooker when the meal is finished!

We love to top it with different things to customize the recipe. Anything from cheese, to sour cream, scallions, or parsley. It's healthy comfort food at it's finest.

If you love a good Slow Cooker recipe, we do too. Try our Crockpot Beef and Noodles, Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti, and Crock Pot Sloppy Joes.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • 15 minute prep time. Does it get better than that? No more takeout on busy weeknights when you can make this meal.
  • Anyone can successfully make this recipe! The slow cooker makes it so simple to assemble. Add in the ingredients in the correct order, set the crockpot to cook for several hours, and a dinner from scratch is on the table in no time.
  • Better than the store-bought version. The flavors in this homemade Hamburger Helper are so delicious. You'll never want to make the boxed version again.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed and Full Recipe in the Recipe Card Below.

  • Ground beef: We love the classic ground beef version, but you can also use ground chicken or turkey.
  • Chopped onion: Adds a nice vegetable flavor in each bite.
  • Bell pepper: Gives a healthy veggie addition.
  • Garlic cloves: You can also use 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds the garlic sweetness.
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Makes the Hamburger Helper creamy and rich. We have a homemade version you should also try!
  • Beef broth: Adds so much flavor to the recipe.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Makes the tomato base we all love in the classic recipe.
  • Tomato sauce: Be sure to buy the 8-ounce can. It gives that rich tomato flavor.
  • Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle for Hamburger Helper!
  • Italian seasoning: Adds a nice herbal flavor.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Completely optional, but add if you like a bit of heat!
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: The finishing touch to stir in right at the end of cooking.
  • Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, sour cream, additional shredded cheddar cheese. Up to you, but we love a great garnish.
The ingredients to make slow cooker hamburger helper.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
Browning ground beef in a skillet.
  1. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender. Season with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper as desired.
Seasoning ground beef with seasoning salt in a skillet.
  1. To a Crockpot, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and seasoning salt or salt and black pepper.
Combining ingredients in a skillet for slow cooker hamburger helper.
  1. Add the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker, and stir until combined.
Combining ingredients in a skillet for slow cooker hamburger helper.
  1. Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours or on high 2-3 hours.
  2. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and turn the heat to high.
Adding pasta to a crockpot for slow cooker hamburger helper.
  1. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again until cook until the cheese is melted and pasta fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
Adding cheese to a crockpot for slow cooker hamburger helper.
  1. Give the mixture one last stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish as desired, and serve hot.
A bowl of slow cooker hamburger helper.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thinner Slow Cooker Hamburger helper or stovetop version, you can either make it with less pasta or at the end of cook time you can add broth, water, or milk. Like it creamier, you can add sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream.
  • Cook the beef and veggies in advance. You will want to cook these stovetop before adding to the slow cooker. This ensures the right texture and gives some extra delicious browning flavor to the beef.
  • The crock pot cooks the macaroni for you! Just stir the uncooked noodles in during the last 15 minutes of cooking and you'll be amazed. They will be perfectly cooked.
  • Add the cheese right before serving. This prevents the cheesy from clumping together in the beef mixture.
  • Swap the beef for chicken or turkey. If you are looking for a leaner alternative, ground chicken or turkey are both great options.
  • Make the cream of mushroom soup from scratch. We have a great recipe for it that we make once a week for slow cooker meals.

How to Make this Recipe on the Stovetop

Cook the ground beef and vegetable mixture in a stockpot rather than a skillet. Once done, add the remaining ingredients (minus the pasta and cheese).
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium and cook the pasta until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning and texture as desired.

Storage and Freezing

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

We recommend freezing any leftovers before adding the noodles and cheese. This ensures that the noodles don't get mushy after thawing. When you reheat the hamburger helper, simply boil macaroni noodles on the stove and stir them in before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hamburger Helper just mac and cheese with meat?

No, it's a box of pasta with different flavors of dried herbs and spices that is supposed to be cooked with ground beef.

Can you put raw ingredients in the slow cooker?

Yes you can, but sometimes depending on the recipe it's better to cook them on the stovetop first for additional flavor.

Can you add more veggies to Hamburger Helper?

Yes, add bell peppers, carrots, celery, and greens like spinach if you desire.

More Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes

A bowl of slow cooker hamburger helper.
Print

Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper is easy to make with a prep time of 15 minutes. You'll love this homemade version, it's better than store-bought. The macaroni cooks right inside the crock pot for a one-pot meal that you're family will request over and over.
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 275kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef can also use chicken or turkey
  • 1 cup chopped onion about 1 small onion
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 2 minced garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
  • 14.5 ounce can beef broth
  • 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • seasoning salt or salt and black pepper amount as desired
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups
  • Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, sour cream, additional shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender. Season with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper as desired.,
  • To a Crockpot, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and seasoning salt or salt and black pepper.
  • Add the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker, and stir until combined.
  • Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours or on high 2-3 hours.
  • In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and turn the heat to high.
  • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again until cook until the cheese is melted and pasta fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Give the mixture one last stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish as desired, and serve hot.

Video

Notes

Storage:
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
We recommend freezing any leftovers before adding the noodles and cheese. This ensures that the noodles don't get mushy after thawing. When you reheat the hamburger helper, simply boil macaroni noodles on the stove and stir them in before serving.
Tips: 
  • Cook the beef and veggies in advance. You will want to cook these stovetop before adding to the slow cooker. This ensures the right texture and gives some extra delicious browning flavor to the beef.
  • The crock pot cooks the macaroni for you! Just stir the uncooked noodles in during the last 15 minutes of cooking and you'll be amazed. They will be perfectly cooked.
  • Add the cheese right before serving. This prevents the cheesy from clumping together in the beef mixture.
  • Swap the beef for chicken or turkey. If you are looking for a leaner alternative, ground chicken or turkey are both great options.
  • Make the cream of mushroom soup from scratch. We have a great recipe for it that we make once a week for slow cooker meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 510mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 823IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/slow-cooker-hamburger-helper/feed/ 2
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup https://www.dinnerin321.com/crockpot-chicken-gnocchi-soup/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/crockpot-chicken-gnocchi-soup/#comments Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:12:11 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=10179 Warm your heart and fill your belly with this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, featuring juicy chicken and pillowy gnocchi. Simply add everything into the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection for a dinner that’s effortlessly delicious. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of happiness with this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi...

Read More

The post Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
Warm your heart and fill your belly with this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, featuring juicy chicken and pillowy gnocchi. Simply add everything into the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection for a dinner that’s effortlessly delicious.

A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup.

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of happiness with this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Very similar to the popular Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup, this hearty delight is like a warm hug in a bowl!

It features tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of tender veggies all in a savory broth. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening on the couch or a get-together of friends—this soup is sure to be the star of the show!

The best part? It takes 15 minutes to prep then you can toss everything into your trusty slow cooker. Crockpot soup recipes are tough to beat! It'll do the work while you kick back and put your feet up!

Need it made even quicker, follow my stovetop directions below. With this soup warming your belly and brightening your evening, you’ll be counting down the hours until the next delicious bowl.

Be sure to check out more of our soups that warm the soup! My Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup and Lasagna Soup are two of my easy go-to feel good food soups!

Why You’ll like this Recipe

  • Easy Recipe: Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Slow cooker chicken and gnocchi soup is perfect for a busy day!
  • Comforting and Hearty: This creamy soup is filling thanks to the chicken and gnocchi, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner.
  • Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasonings along with fresh spinach and Parmesan adds layers of flavor that you’ll crave again and again.
  • Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to this chicken gnocchi soup recipe to suit your taste—add more veggies, spice it up, or make it creamy according to your preference!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

  • Chicken Broth: Forms the savory base of the soup. Chicken stock can also be used
  • Shredded Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle garlic flavor that rounds out the dish.
  • Onion Powder: Offers an oniony flavor while keeping prep easy. Fresh diced onion works as well.
  • Flaky Poultry Seasoning: A mix of savory spices that complements the chicken and adds warmth to the soup.
  • Dried Basil: Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Provides protein and heartiness. Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts will work.
  • Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to create a nice creamy texture.
  • Milk: Contributes creaminess and a rich flavor to the broth.
  • Gnocchi: Pillowy soft gnocchi makes this soup filling and comforting.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color, freshness, and nutritional benefits.
  • Parmesan Cheese (not pictured): Sprinkled on top, it adds a savory, rich finish.
The ingredients displayed to make crockpot chicken gnocchi soup.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  1. To a large Crockpot, stir together broth, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, flaky poultry seasoning, basil, salt, pepper and chicken.
  1. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  2. Uncover and either break apart the chicken inside the Crockpot with a meat chopper or transfer to a bowl, shred with 2 forks, and return to the Crockpot.
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and milk. 
Mixing together milk and cornstarch to add to a crockpot.
  1. To the Crockpot, stir in the cornstarch slurry, gnocchi, and spinach. 
Adding spinach to a soup base in a crockpot.
  1. Set the Crock pot to the high setting, if not already set on high. Cover and cook until the potato gnocchi is cooked through (15-20 minutes). They will float to the top when finished.
  2. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings to preference. Garnish with parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.
A spoonful of chicken gnocchi soup.

Stovetop Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To make this on the stove top, simmer step 1 ingredients until the chicken is cooked through. Shred, then add remaining ingredients. Cook until the gnocchi is tender.

Make this easy soup recipe even quicker on the stovetop by using a leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Bring step 1 ingredients to a simmer. Add the cornstarch/milk mixture and gnocchi. (NOTE: If you're using pre-packaged gnocchi, check the package directions for recommended cook time. Some brands require only 5 minutes, so make sure you don't over cook them or they'll dissolve.)

Once thickened and gnocchi tender, add shredded chicken and spinach. Cook until the chicken is heated and spinach has wilted. Lastly, add the parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Some delicious topping options for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup to add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal are toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, drizzle of olive oil, crispy bacon, crispy prosciutto, crispy pancetta, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. My homemade croutons are also an excellent touch!

A nice crusty bread or Dolly Parton Biscuit are perfect for dipping. This soup is also excellent to have with a sandwich! Some of our favorites are a Pimento Grilled Cheese, Party Sub Sandwich, and Down Under Chicken Sliders!

If you are a fan of the Olive Garden copycat recipes like this on, Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta will also be a hit.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

  • Make a Thicker Soup. For an extra creamy texture, you can add more cornstarch slurry as needed. You can also opt to thicken it with half and half, heavy cream, or heavy whipping cream.
  • Swap the Chicken Options. Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs will work. Feel free to use leftover or rotisserie chicken instead; just add it in for the last 30 minutes.
  • Add some Vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth. Low-sodium chicken broth can also be used.
  • Swap out the Gnocchi. You can substitute store-bought gnocchi with homemade or other similar pasta if desired. Mini penne shells or rotini works great as well!
  • Seasoning Options. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and herbs can be used in place of dried.
  • More Cheese Options. Romano cheese can be used in addition to or along with parmesan for extra richness.

Storage

Once leftovers have cooled, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 4-5 days.

While you can freeze leftovers up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container, it can compromise the texture of the gnocchi. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot for this soup?

It's recommended to use pre-thawed chicken for more even cooking, but frozen chicken can be used as well. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use homemade gnocchi versus store-bought?

Absolutely! Here's a link a homemade gnocchi recipe!

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, peppers or peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the Crockpot.

How do I thicken the soup if I prefer it thicker?

If the soup is too thin despite the cornstarch you’ve already used, you can add more. Simply stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water or milk then add to the soup.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken. It's excellent for making it on the stovetop. Add the pre-cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from overcooking and becoming dry.

More Recipes Like This 

A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup.
Print

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm your heart and fill your belly with this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, featuring juicy chicken and pillowy gnocchi. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection for a meal that’s effortlessly delicious.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 7 Servings
Calories 384kcal

Ingredients

  • 48 ounces chicken broth regular or low sodium
  • ¾ cup shredded carrot
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoon flaky poultry seasoning (½ teaspoon if using ground)
  • 2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1-2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 teaspoon white or black pepper
  • 2-2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, breasts or tenderloins
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups milk
  • 16 ounce package ready-made mini gnocchi
  • 6 ounces fresh spinach
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • Garnish: crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • To a large Crockpot, stir together broth, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, flaky poultry seasoning, basil, salt, pepper and chicken.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Uncover and either break apart the chicken inside the Crockpot with a meat chopper or transfer to a bowl, shred with 2 forks, and return to the Crockpot.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and milk.
  • To the Crockpot, stir in the cornstarch slurry, gnocchi, and spinach.
  • Set the Crockpot to the high setting, if not already set on high. Cover and cook until the potato gnocchi is cooked through (15-20 minutes).
    NOTE: Check pre-package gnocchi directions for the recommended cook time. Some brands require only 5 minutes, so make sure you don't over cook them or they'll dissolve.
  • Stir in parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings to preference. Garnish with parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Video

Notes

      • To make this on the stovetop, simmer step 1 ingredients until the chicken is cooked through. Shred, then add remaining ingredients. Cook until the gnocchi is tender.
      • Make this soup even quicker on the stovetop by using a rotisserie chicken. Bring step 1 ingredients to a simmer. Add the cornstarch/milk mixture and gnocchi. Once tender and thickened, about 15-20, add the shredded rotisserie and spinach. Cook until the chicken is heated and spinach has wilted. Lastly, add the parmesan cheese.
      • If you can't find gnocchi, you could substitute with a small pasta like mini penne shells or rotini.
      • If you want to add a creamier or thicker texture, the milk can be substituted with half & half or heavy cream.
      • Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Fresh garlic and herbs can be used in place of dried.
      • Romano cheese can be used in addition to or along with parmesan for extra richness.
      • Consider adding a dollop of pesto, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil when serving for added flavor and pizzazz.
      • Breadsticks or French bread are excellent dippers for this soup!

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1640mg | Potassium: 980mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4855IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 4mg

The post Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/crockpot-chicken-gnocchi-soup/feed/ 2
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy https://www.dinnerin321.com/feels-like-home-chicken-and-gravy/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/feels-like-home-chicken-and-gravy/#comments Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:22:31 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=3884 This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy has less than 10 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prep. This dinner recipe is truly comfort food at it's finest and will be loved by family and friends. It’s incredible served over stuffing or mashed potatoes! Crockpot recipes enter the weekly rotation once, if not twice, when the fall...

Read More

The post Crockpot Chicken and Gravy appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy has less than 10 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prep. This dinner recipe is truly comfort food at it's finest and will be loved by family and friends. It’s incredible served over stuffing or mashed potatoes!

A fork going in for a bite of chicken and stuffing.

Crockpot recipes enter the weekly rotation once, if not twice, when the fall and winter months arrive. They're the wholesome, hearty, simple meals you want when the temperature starts to drop and you want comfort food vibes.

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is quick to prep with just 10 basic ingredients. What you serve it over up to you! We love having ours with stuffing because it gives the feels and flavors of the holidays.

My family loves to have this recipe multiple times over the winter months and it's perfect for making during a busy week or for a cozy meal on the weekends. It's one of those recipes that anyone can successfully make and really enjoy.

Along with my viral Crockpot Chicken and Noodles, this slow cooker chicken and gravy is another savory poultry dinner is sure to be a hit with your family! Once you give this dish a try, be sure to check out my Crockpot Tomato Basil Chicken, Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, and Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken!

This is a staple at our house. Even my pickiest eaters love this! -Emily

I got this recipe with the holiday recipe card set which was beautiful. This one was very easy and so good. Even my picky son liked it. -Ashley

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • Simple and Quick. This chicken and gravy is just a few simple ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes prep before it spends the day becoming thick, juicy, and delicious.
  • Versatile Side Options. This slow cooker meal pairs perfectly with the stuffing noted in this recipe. However, it's also incredible over mashed potatoes, light bread, or rice.
  • Leftovers to Look Forward To. Like many crockpot meals, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. So, you can look forward to delicious leftovers.
  • Comfort Food. There's something inherently comforting about a hot, hearty meal like chicken and gravy. It's the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside, making it perfect for cold weather or when you're in need of some comfort.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

  • Chicken Gravy Mix: Serves as a thickening agent and creates a rich and smooth texture for the gravy.
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a base for the gravy. Its thick consistency helps in thickening the sauce, providing body and a smooth texture to the gravy.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, all enhance the flavor of the recipe.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: This slow cooker creamy chicken is perfect with the savory flavors of the seasonings and is a hearty dose of protein.
  • Cream Cheese: Helps to thicken the gravy, adds a silky texture and richer flavor.
  • Butter: Enhances the flavors by caramelizing the vegetables and adds a richness to the overall stuffing.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stuffing and a pleasant texture.
  • Mushrooms: Brings an earthy, umami flavor to the stuffing and adds a unique texture, slightly chewy and meaty, making the stuffing more substantial.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and savoriness to the stuffing.
  • Herb Seasoned Stuffing: Pre-seasoned dried bread crumbs that provides structure and texture to the stuffing. It absorbs the flavors of the liquids and vegetables.
The ingredients to make a chicken and gravy dish with stuffing.

Tools You'll Need

How to make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Chicken and Gravy

  1. To a Crockpot, combine water or chicken broth, gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mixing together ingredients for gravy in a crockpot.
  1. Once combined, add the chicken, coat well with the sauce, cover, and cook on high 4-5 hours or low 6-7. 
Adding raw chicken to a crockpot.
  1. Remove the chicken and split into large pieces. Add cream cheese to the Crockpot. Cover and cook on high 2-3 minutes, then whisk until blended well. Gently fold the chicken back into the gravy. 
Cutting chicken in a crockpot of gravy.
  1. Serve the chicken over stuffing, mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or mashed cauliflower with a ladle of gravy on top. 

Stuffing (Optional)

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium-high. Add chopped onion and mushrooms, and cook until tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Sautéing onions and mushrooms in a large skillet.
  1. Add chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil.
Adding water and broth to a pan of vegetables.
  1. Turn off the heat, and gently fold in the stuffing mix until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest 3 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Mixing stuffing in a large skillet.

Tips and Variations

  • You can omit the cream cheese and substitute with 1 cup half-&-half and 2 tablespoons whisked together or 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked together.
  • Use any boneless, skinless cut of chicken that you prefer. With their higher fat content, thighs can add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
  • If you don't like using cream of chicken soup from a can, here is how you can make it from scratch:
    • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in ⅓ cup milk and ⅓ cup chicken broth until well combined. Season with ¼ teaspoon onion powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
  • For a quicker version of this dish (that takes only 20 minutes!) make it on the stovetop. I like to use leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie for another shortcut. 
    • Combine water or chicken broth, gravy mix, chicken soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large sauce pan, bring to a boil then lower to the heat low. Simmer, stirring often until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the cream cheese. After 10 minutes, whisk until blended. Fold in the cooked chicken. Once heated through, serve over your desired side dish.
  • If you prefer a homemade chicken gravy mix, here is a blend you can mix together. You'll only need to use 8 teaspoons of the mixture for this recipe:
    • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour, ¼ cup Chicken Bouillon Powder, ½ teaspoon each: Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Marjoram, Onion Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Rosemary, Ground Sage

Storage and Freezing

After cooking, allow the chicken and gravy to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.

This recipe can be stored in the freezer up to 2-3 months. Add the cooled leftovers or portioned out quantities in freezer-safe containers. 

When you're ready to enjoy the dish again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What to serve with Crockpot Chicken

Along with your Chicken and Gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, or noodles, a vegetable side dish is an excellent addition! Some great options to include are:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It's generally safer to partially thaw the frozen chicken before putting it in the crockpot. However, If you decide to cook frozen chicken directly in the crockpot, it's advisable to use smaller chicken pieces or boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The time may need to be extended slight to ensure doneness and overall tenderness.

Is it ok to put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken breast in a slow cooker. Just make sure to season it and add any desired liquids or sauces, then cook it on the appropriate setting and time for your recipe.

Cooking times can vary, but typically the breast can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F

Does chicken need to be covered in liquid in crockpot?

The chicken will release its own juices as it cooks, and this, along with the moisture from other ingredients, can be sufficient to keep the dish moist.

Do I need to brown the chicken before it goes in the slow cooker?

Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot is optional but can add a depth of flavor. Searing the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil for a few minutes on each side can enhance the overall taste.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

Use a technique called a slurry to thicken the gravy. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch with water or another liquid and whisk into the crockpot. Allow the gravy to come to a simmer to thicken.

To thin the gravy, simply whisk in milk, half-u0026-half, heavy cream, or chicken broth.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts as well as thighs?

Yes, you can use any boneless, skinless cut you prefer. With their higher fat content, thighs can add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by omitting the cream cheese and replacing with a dairy-free alternatives available, such as coconut cream or almond milk. Adjust the thickness of the gravy with a cornstarch water slurry as noted above.

More Crockpot Recipes

A fork going in for a bite of chicken and stuffing.
Print

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is just a few simple ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prep. It’s incredible served over stuffing or mashed potatoes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, crockpot
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 355kcal

Ingredients

Chicken and Gravy

  • 1 ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1.67 ounce packet chicken gravy mix
  • 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup or homemade - see tips and substitutions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 ounces ⅓-less fat cream cheese cubed

Stuffing

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup water
  • 12 ounces herb seasoned stuffing

Instructions

Chicken and Gravy

  • To a Crockpot, combine water or chicken broth, gravy mix, chicken soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Once combined, add the chicken, coat well with the sauce, cover, and cook on high 4-5 hours or low 6-7. 
  • Remove the chicken and cut into large pieces. Add cream cheese to the Crockpot. Cover and cook on high 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, whisk until blended well. Gently fold the chicken back into the gravy. 
  • Serve the chicken over stuffing, mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or mashed cauliflower with a ladle of gravy on top. 

Stuffing

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium-high. Add onion and mushrooms, and cook until tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, and gently fold in the stuffing mix until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest 3 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Video

Notes

Tips and Substitutions
    • You can omit the cream cheese and substitute with 1 cup half-&-half and 2 tablespoons whisked together or 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked together.
    • You can use any boneless, skinless chicken cut you prefer. With their higher fat content, thighs can add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
    • If you don't like using cream of chicken soup from a can, here is how you can make it from scratch:
        • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in ⅓ cup milk and ⅓ cup chicken broth until well combined. Season with ¼ teaspoon onion powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
    • For a quicker version of this dish (that takes only 20 minutes!) make it on the stovetop. I like to use leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for another shortcut. 
        • Combine water or chicken broth, gravy mix, chicken soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large sauce pan, bring to a boil then lower to the heat low. Simmer, stirring often until the mixture begins to thicken.
        • Add the cream cheese. After 10 minutes, whisk until blended.
        • Fold in the cooked chicken. Once heated through, serve over your desired side dish.
    • If you prefer a homemade chicken gravy mix, here is a blend you can mix together. You'll only need to use 8 teaspoons of the mixture for this recipe:
      • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
      • ¼ cup Chicken Bouillon Powder
      • ½ teaspoon each: Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Marjoram, Onion Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Rosemary, Ground Sage

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 852mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 732IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Crockpot Chicken and Gravy appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/feels-like-home-chicken-and-gravy/feed/ 16
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe https://www.dinnerin321.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/#comments Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:27:28 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=25278 This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is so easy to make for the holidays. You can prep it in just 10 minutes, then let it marinate overnight. Roast in the oven in under an hour, for an effortless holiday meal! It's the best way to cook turkey, guaranteed to be moist, juicy and so tender. When it...

Read More

The post Turkey Tenderloin Recipe appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is so easy to make for the holidays. You can prep it in just 10 minutes, then let it marinate overnight. Roast in the oven in under an hour, for an effortless holiday meal! It's the best way to cook turkey, guaranteed to be moist, juicy and so tender.

Cooked turkey tenderloins on a plate.

When it comes to making large holiday meals, sometimes we want them to be easy. This turkey tenderloin recipe is just that. With just 10 minutes of prepping the marinade and 45 minutes of roasting, you can have Thanksgiving on the table with no hassle.

Where does the turkey tenderloin get it's flavor from? Our delicious marinade with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, rosemary and sage. It infuses these wonderful holiday flavors into each bite.

Why do we love a turkey tenderloin? Well it's one of the most tender cuts of meat, it comes from between the breasts of the bird. Plus it's already boneless and skinless, so it's a fan favorite.

This is a recipe that's requested by our family at the holidays but also all year long. It's easy to customize with your favorite rubs and glazes to make it truly delicious.

If you love a simple holiday recipe you should also try our Coca Cola Ham, Baked Ravioli, and Turkey and Cheese Sliders.

A plate with mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and turkey with gravy.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • Great prep ahead holiday main course. Marinate the turkey tenderloin the day before and pop it into the oven just an hour before it's time to serve.
  • No defrosting a frozen turkey, this is much simpler. Forget defrosting for days, this makes your turkey dinner so much easier to make.
  • Customize the flavors. Just like a Thanksgiving turkey, you can make different marinades and glazes with maple, citrus, herbs, and warm spices to give it those holiday flavors.
  • Perfect for a busy weeknight too. It's also ideal for a busy weeknight any time of the year!

What is a Turkey Tenderloin?

It's the piece of meat that is between the breasts of the bird. It's both boneless and skinless. We love it because it's extremely tender and cooks in almost no time!

Plus, you can customize the flavor easy with a marinade, glaze, or rub. It's a lean, melt-in-your-mouth tender cut of turkey that the whole family will love.

Laura Ashley's Tip: For a group of 4 to 6 people, you will want to make 2 turkey tenderloins to serve.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Turkey Tenderloin and Marinade:

  • Turkey tenderloins: Ask your butcher or meat counter at the grocery store. It's a boneless, skinless cut of turkey that's underneath the breast.
  • Apple cider vinegar: The acidic ingredient of the marinade that helps tenderize the meat.
  • Maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness when roasted on the meat.
  • Brown sugar: Helps make the caramelized glaze on the outside of the meat.
  • Dijon mustard: Gives tang and brightness of flavor in each bite.
  • Garlic cloves: Infuses everything with sweet garlic.
  • Fresh rosemary and sage: Earthy holiday-flavored herbs that pair so nicely with maple syrup and brown sugar.
  • All-purpose flour: Before searing the tenderloin, we coat it lightly in flour to give it a wonderful deep golden crust.
  • Salted Butter: Adds moisture and increases the turkey's golden seared crust.

Gravy:

  • Butter: The base of the roux and gravy, unsalted or salted works.
  • Garlic cloves: Infuses the gravy with sweet garlic flavor.
  • Minced fresh rosemary and sage: Adds that warm essence of fresh herbs.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the gravy to the right consistency.
  • Chicken broth regular or low-sodium: Since the turkey tenderloin has no drippings, stock works well too. If you can find turkey stock, that's also wonderful to use.
The ingredients to make turkey tenderloin.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make this Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

For the Tenderloin and Marinade:

  1. For the marinade, in a large bowl, combine ¼ cup of the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, garlic, sage, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
The ingredients in a bowl for a turkey tenderloin marinade.
  1. Pour the marinade in a shallow dish or ziploc bag. Place the turkey in the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
Placing turkey tenderloins in marinade.
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the turkey tenderloins from the marinade and discard the residual marinade. Pat the tenderloins dry. Coat with flour on all sides.
Sprinkling turkey tenderloins with flour.
  1. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for 2-3 minutes. Place the seared turkey in an oven-safe baking dish. Top with butter slices.
Adding butter to the top of turkey tenderloins.
  1. Bake 30-40 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 160°F. Remove from the oven, and allow the turkey to rest 10 minutes prior to slicing. The temperature will rise to the recommended 165°F minimum internal temperature.
  2. Slice turkey into medallions. If making gravy, serve on top of the medallions or on the side for dipping.
Slicing turkey tenderloins.

For the Gravy:

  1. Melt butter in the same skillet used to sear the turkey. Once melted, add garlic, rosemary, and sage. Cook for 1 minute.
Mixing herbs and butter in a skillet.
  1. Whisk flour into the mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Adding flour to butter and herbs in a skillet for gravy.
  1. Gradually whisk broth into the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Seasoning gravy in a skillet.

Expert Tips

  • Great to prep ahead of time. When it comes to a holiday meal, it's best to get as much done as possible ahead of time. Marinate these tenderloins a day in advance and cook them up in just under an hour when you're ready to serve, too easy!
  • For a party of 6 people, make 2 to 3 tenderloins. One 16-ounce tenderloin can serve 2 to 3 people, so scale the recipe accordingly.
  • Be sure to sear the tenderloin before roasting. This is a required step in our recipe. It adds that nice crust to the outside of the tenderloin and makes the marinade flavor even richer.
  • Don't overcook the meat. Use a meat thermometer and pull it from the oven when it registers 160ºF. It will rise to 165ºF as it rests which is perfect.

Storage

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a couple of minutes before serving. Pro chef tip, you can add a spoonful of gravy when reheating to make sure the tenderloin stays moist.

Freezing the tenderloin works well too, just wrap in plastic wrap and into an airtight container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for a couple of hours or in the fridge and reheat like mentioned above.

What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloin

There are so many options when it comes to pairing side dishes with turkey tenderloin.

Our Crockpot Mashed Potatoes or Whipped Mashed Potatoes are fan favorites. The 6-ingredient Jiffy Corn Casserole and Green Beans with Bacon and Onion are always on our holiday table.

We also can't resist Glazed Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Honey Carrots. And when it comes to leftovers we love making the Gobbler Sandwich!

The gobbler sandwich with a bowl of pumpkin soup.

FAQs

What is the difference between a turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?

The turkey tenderloin comes from between the breasts of the turkey. It's extremely tender and also boneless and skinless.

How do I keep my tenderloin from being dry?

Be sure to not overcook the meat. Remove it from the oven when a meat thermometer registers 160ºF.

How long should I marinate a turkey tenderloin?

At least four hours and up to 24 hours in the fridge. Be sure to let it sit out the fridge for 20 minutes before roasting.

More Easy Holiday Recipes

Cooked turkey tenderloins on a plate.
Print

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is so easy to make for the holidays. You can prep it in just 10 minutes, then let it marinate overnight. Roast in the oven in under an hour, for an effortless holiday meal! It's the best way to cook turkey, guaranteed to be moist, juicy and so tender.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword holiday, poultry
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 164kcal

Ingredients

Turkey and Marinade

  • 1 ½-2 pounds turkey tenderloins about 1 pound each
  • ¼ cup olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh sage
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter cut into 4 slices

Gravy (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoons minced fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 14.5 ounce can chicken broth regular or low-sodium

Instructions

Turkey

  • For the marinade, in a large bowl, combine ¼ cup of the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar, dijon mustard, garlic, sage, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  • Pour the marinade in a shallow dish or ziploc bag. Place the turkey in the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the turkey tenderloins from the marinade and discard the residual marinade. Pat the tenderloins dry. Coat with flour on all sides.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for 2-3 minutes. Place the seared turkey in an oven-safe baking dish. Top with butter slices.
  • Bake 30-40 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 160°F. Remove from the oven, and allow the turkey to rest 10 minutes prior to slicing. The temperature will rise to the recommended 165°F minimum internal temperature.
  • Slice turkey into medallions. If making gravy, serve on top of the medallions or on the side for dipping.

Gravy (optional)

  • Melt butter in the same skillet used to sear the turkey. Once meted, add garlic, rosemary, and sage. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Whisk flour into the mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
  • Gradually whisk broth into the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Storage: 
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a couple of minutes before serving. Pro chef tip, you can add a spoonful of gravy when reheating to make sure the tenderloin stays moist.
Freezing the tenderloin works well too, just wrap in plastic wrap and into an airtight container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for a couple of hours or in the fridge and reheat like mentioned above.
Tips: 
  • Great to prep ahead of time. When it comes to a holiday meal, it's best to get as much done as possible ahead of time. Marinate these tenderloins a day in advance and cook them up in just under an hour when you're ready to serve, too easy!
  • For a party of 6 people, make 2 to 3 tenderloins. One 16-ounce tenderloin can serve 2 to 3 people, so scale the recipe accordingly.
  • Be sure to sear the tenderloin before roasting. This is a required step in our recipe. It adds that nice crust to the outside of the tenderloin and makes the marinade flavor even richer.
  • Don't overcook the meat. Use a meat thermometer and pull it from the oven when it registers 160ºF. It will rise to 165ºF as it rests which is perfect.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The post Turkey Tenderloin Recipe appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/feed/ 2
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew https://www.dinnerin321.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-stew/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-stew/#comments Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:02:38 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=13882 This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is simple to make and loaded with cozy flavors. With just 30 minutes of prep time, leave it to the crock pot to do the hard work for you. Serve with toasted bread or a sandwich, it makes for a great weeknight meal and perfect for leftovers. In the...

Read More

The post Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is simple to make and loaded with cozy flavors. With just 30 minutes of prep time, leave it to the crock pot to do the hard work for you. Serve with toasted bread or a sandwich, it makes for a great weeknight meal and perfect for leftovers.

In the world of comforting and hearty meals, few dishes can rival the simplicity and satisfaction of a well-made beef stew. When time is of the essence but flavor is non-negotiable, turn to your trusty slow cooker for an easy and delicious solution.

This Beef Stew take about 30 minutes to prepare before cooking in the crockpot. While it is an optional step, searing the beef first does add color and amazing flavor. Cutting the vegetables in consistent sizes will also guarantee an even and tender cook.

Serving this stew with cornbread or hoe cakes, a crusty bread, or with a toasted cheese sandwich will give you instant cozy feels! It's also excellent served over rice! Looking for more feel-good meals? Make sure to check out my Crockpot Chicken and Noodles and Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs!

I loved the ingredients in this stew - no packets! it was the perfect meal to come home to after a long day. My husband thought it was the best stew I've ever made. -Louanne

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • Perfect for cold weather. The warmth and heartiness of slow cooker beef stew make it a comforting choice, especially during cold weather. It's a cozy and nourishing meal.
  • Convenience and ease. Crockpot stew is incredibly convenient. Once the ingredients are assembled in the pot, the slow cooker does the work.
  • Affordable beef stew recipe. The slow cooker transforms tougher cuts of meat, like chuck roast, into a delectable and tender dish. The slow cooking helps break down the connective tissues, making budget-friendly a great option.
  • Meal prep and leftovers. Beef stew is a great option for meal prep. It yields generous portions, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
A spoon filled with a bite of beef stew.

What cut of beef is best for stew?

When making beef stew in the slow cooker, you need a tougher type of meat with lots of connective tissue, I recommend a chuck roast. When you're cooking beef like this cut at a low temperature for a long period of time, the tough connective tissue dissolves and the meat becomes extremely tender. 

If you also see "stew meat" labeled at the grocery store, this is perfect for this recipe. It also tends to be a cut of meat that is very economical and saves money!

A chuck roast ready to be cooked.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef Stew

Ingredient Amounts Listed on the Recipe Card Below

  • Oil: Used to sear and brown the chunks of chuck roast before slow cooking. This process enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust on the meat.
  • Flour: It helps create a golden crust on the meat and also serves as a thickening agent for the stew as it cooks.
  • Chuck Roast: A flavorful and well-marbled cut of meat, perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and succulent during the long cooking process.
  • Beef Broth or Stock: serves as the flavorful liquid base of the stew and complements the natural flavors of the meat.
  • Apple Cider or Apple Juice: Apple juice adds a subtle sweetness to the stew, balancing the savory and umami flavors.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: brings umami and a complex flavor profile to the stew. Its combination of savory, sweet, and tangy elements enhances the overall depth of taste.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a concentrated tomato flavor to the stew.
  • Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Dried Rosemary, Dried Thyme, Bay Leaves): Adds aromatic notes, herbal complexity, and depth to the dish.
  • Vegetables (Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Celery): Contribute texture, flavor, color, and nutrients to the stew.
The ingredients to make beef stew.

Pro Tip: I recommend searing the beef before placing it in the slow cooker. This small extra step goes a long way in creating a fantastic flavor in the stew.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

How to make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  1. Season beef on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. In a shallow bowl, toss the seasoned meat with flour until they have a thin coating on each side.
A piece of beef with a thin layer of flour on the outside.
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides. Don't over crowd the pan, leaving about 1 inch space between the cubes. Cook beef in batches, adding a tablespoon of oil between batches. Remove and set aside. 
Searing a seasoned chuck roast in a skillet.
  1. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
Sautéing onions in a skillet.
  1. To a Crockpot, whisk together the broth, apple cider or juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, remaining salt and black pepper, and seasonings. Once combined, add the vegetables and seared meat. 
Mixing together beef stew in a crockpot.
  1. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
  2. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings and thickness as desired. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry of 1 to 2 tablespoons each cornstarch and broth or water if you desire a thicker texture.
Adding a cornstarch slurry to a slow cooker.
  1. Garnish with parsley.
A bite of beef stew on a spoon.

Stovetop, Oven, and Instant Pot Beef Stew

This crockpot beef stew can easily convert to a stovetop, oven, or instant pot beef stew.

Make it on the Stovetop. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sear the beef just as you would for the slow cooker, in batches if needed. Transfer the cooked beef to dish and set aside.

Add onion to the pan and sauté until translucent. Pour in a small amount of the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining ingredients, included the seared beef and seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a cornstarch slurry if you'd like a thicker consistency.

Bake it in the oven. Instead of simmering the stew on the stovetop, you can instead transfer the prepared mixture to a preheated 325°F oven (in an oven-safe pot). Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Pressure cook it in the Instant Pot. Sear the beef and soften the onions using the SAUTE function before adding the rest of the ingredients and sealing the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing."

Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and set the timer for about 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of your beef cubes and desired tenderness. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" for a quick release. Taste and adjust seasonings and thickness as desired.

Tips and Substitutions for Recipe Success

  • Searing the Meat. For extra flavor, sear the beef chunks in a hot pan with oil before adding them to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste.
  • Herbs and Spices. Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices. The classic flavors are represented in this recipe, but you can adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also add fresh herbs in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Low and Slow. While it is possible to cook on high heat, I recommend slow cooking on the low setting for optimal tenderness. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender.
  • Thickening Agents. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water or broth. Allow the mixture to cook on high 5-10 minutes.
  • Best Meat Choices. Substitute chuck roast with stew meat, sirloin, or even beef cubes. Adjust cooking times accordingly. You can also opt for lamb like this delicious Slow Cooker Guinness Stew.
  • Vegetables. Customize the vegetable mix based on personal preferences. Try adding mushrooms, peas, green beans, or butternut squash for variety.
  • Liquid Base. Experiment with different liquid bases. Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or a combination of broth and red wine.
  • Gluten-Free Thickening. If avoiding gluten, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of flour.
  • Low-Sodium Broth. If watching sodium intake, season as desired and use low-sodium beef broth or make your own broth to control the salt content.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator: Allow the beef stew to cool to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions as needed. Use a stovetop or microwave, ensuring thorough heating.

Freezing: Similar to refrigerator storage, allow the beef stew to cool completely before freezing. Opt for freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top to accommodate expansion during freezing. Consider dividing the stew into smaller portions for easier thawing and reheating. For optimal quality, consume frozen beef stew within 3-4 months.

Thawing and Reheating: For gradual thawing, place the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. You can also submerge the sealed container or bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Ensure it's airtight to prevent water from entering.

Reheat thawed stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe and even temperature. Once thawed, avoid refreezing. Instead, consume it within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the step of searing the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

While you can technically skip this step, searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust. It's recommended for a richer taste.

What's the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef stew?

Chuck roast is an excellent choice for slow cooker beef stew. It's well-marbled and becomes tender during the long cooking process. Stew meat, sirloin, or beef cubes are also good options.

Can I add frozen vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

While it's possible, it's better to thaw vegetables before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the stew. For best results, add thawed vegetables during the last couple of hours of cooking.

How can I make my stew thicker?

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking for a thicker consistency.

Can I use beer or wine in my slow cooker beef stew?

Yes, both beer and wine can add depth of flavor to your stew. Replace the juice and a portion of the broth with your preferred beer or wine.

What herbs and spices work well in beef stew?

Classic choices include thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and garlic. Experiment with other herbs like oregano or marjoram to suit your taste.

Can I cook beef stew on high instead of low in the slow cooker?

While low and slow is recommended for optimal tenderness, you can cook on high for a shorter duration, usually half the time of the low setting. Check for doneness based on the tenderness of the beef.

Can I add different vegetables to my beef stew?

Absolutely! Customize your stew with vegetables like mushrooms, peas, green beans, or butternut squash. Add them based on their cooking times to maintain texture.

Is it okay to open the slow cooker during cooking to check on the stew?

It's best to avoid opening the slow cooker frequently, as it can extend the cooking time. If you need to check, do so quickly, as heat escapes when the lid is lifted.

More Simple Crockpot Recipes to Try

A bowl of beef stew.
Print

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is simple to make and loaded with cozy flavors. With just 30 minutes of prep time, leave it to the crockpot to do the hard work for you. Serve with toasted bread or a sandwich, it makes for a great weeknight meal and perfect for leftovers.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, soup
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings 14 servings
Calories 212kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons oil high smoke point variety, divided
  • cup all purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 ½-3 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups beef broth or stock
  • cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2-3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 cups bite-sized Yukon gold potatoes about 1-pound
  • 2 cups bite sized carrots about 5-7
  • 1 ½ cups diced yellow or sweet onion about 1 large
  • 1 cup bite-sized cut celery about 2-3 stalks
  • Optional: cornstarch for thickening

Instructions

  • Season beef on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. In a shallow bowl, toss the seasoned beef with flour until they have a thin coating on each side.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides. Don't over crowd the pan, leaving about 1 inch space between the beef. Cook beef in batches, adding a tablespoon of oil between batches. Remove and set aside. 
  • In the same skillet, sauté the onion until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
  • To a Crockpot, whisk together beef broth, apple cider or juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, remaining salt and black pepper, and seasonings. Once combined, add the vegetables and seared meat.
  • Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
  • Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings and thickness as desired. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry of 1 to 2 tablespoons each cornstarch and broth or water if you desire a thicker texture. Garnish with parsley.

Video

Notes

Tips: 
    • Searing the Meat: For extra flavor, sear the beef chunks in a hot pan with oil before adding them to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste.
    • Herbs and Spices: Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices. The classic flavors are represented in this recipe, but you can adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also add fresh herbs in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
    • Low and Slow: While it is possible to cook on high heat, I recommend slow cooking on the low setting for optimal tenderness. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender.
    • Thickening Agents: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water or broth. Allow the mixture to cook on high 5-10 minutes.
    • Beef Cut: Substitute chuck roast with stew meat, sirloin, or even beef cubes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
    • Vegetables: Customize the vegetable mix based on personal preferences. Try adding mushrooms, peas, green beans, or butternut squash for variety.
    • Liquid Base: Experiment with different liquid bases. Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or a combination of broth and red wine.
    • Gluten-Free Thickening: If avoiding gluten, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of flour.
    • Low-Sodium Broth: If watching sodium intake, season as desired and use low-sodium beef broth or make your own broth to control the salt content.
Storage 
Refrigerator: Allow the beef stew to cool to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions as needed. Use a stovetop or microwave, ensuring thorough heating.
Freezing: Similar to refrigerator storage, allow the beef stew to cool completely before freezing. Opt for freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top to accommodate expansion during freezing. Consider dividing the stew into smaller portions for easier thawing and reheating. For optimal quality, consume frozen beef stew within 3-4 months.
Thawing and Reheating: For gradual thawing, place the frozen beef stew in the refrigerator overnight. You can also submerge the sealed container or bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Ensure it's airtight to prevent water from entering.
Reheat thawed beef stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe and even temperature. Once thawed, avoid refreezing. Instead, consume it within a few days.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 634mg | Potassium: 656mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3144IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-stew/feed/ 2
Lasagna Soup Recipe https://www.dinnerin321.com/lasagna-soup/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/lasagna-soup/#comments Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:24:45 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=4132 This easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian favorite! It has 7 simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Topped with a flavored ricotta cheese blend, shredded cheese or served with toasted cheese sandwiches, it's a great weeknight dinner win! Lasagna, in any form, is...

Read More

The post Lasagna Soup Recipe appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian favorite! It has 7 simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Topped with a flavored ricotta cheese blend, shredded cheese or served with toasted cheese sandwiches, it's a great weeknight dinner win!

A bowl of lasagna soup and toasted cheese sandwich.

Lasagna, in any form, is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of a meaty, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and melty cheese is just what a cold winter night calls for. This Lasagna Soup Recipe takes comfort to a whole new level by transforming the classic Italian lasagna into a warm and soothing bowl of yummy goodness.

With minimal preparation and a lot less hassle than the traditional recipe, easy Lasagna Soup is an excellent go-to meal on busy weeknights and for entertaining guests. You'll have it on the table in under 30 minutes!

My Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup and Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup are two more of my favorite Italian-flavor inspired soups. They're both quick to make on the stovetop or can be made in the Crockpot during the busy work week!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • Comfort in a Bowl. There's nothing better than a bowl of soup when it's cold outside, when you're feeling under the weather, or simply want a meal that's easy to make so that you can relax and enjoy it. This easy recipe is like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
  • Simplifies the Lasagna-Making Process. Lasagna soup offers a simplified version of traditional lasagna with the same rich and hearty flavors without the fuss.
  • Versatility and Adaptability. Lasagna soup is incredibly versatile. You can change up the meat and seasonings, add heat, or include additional vegetables if desired.
  • Filling and Hearty Soup. This easy Lasagna Soup recipe is undeniably filling. The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese ensures that it satisfies your hunger and leaves you feeling content.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

  • Ground Beef and/or Ground Italian Sausage: Adds richness, protein, and savory flavor to the soup. Hot or mild Italian sausage, especially, can contribute additional spices and herbs that enhance the overall taste.
  • Fresh Garlic: An aromatic that adds depth and an extra level of flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce or Italian Gravy: Forms the main tomato base of the soup, providing acidity and sweetness, reminiscent of lasagna sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Adds liquid to the soup, creating the desired soup consistency. It also contributes a savory background flavor.
  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a smoky flavor and additional acidity to the soup.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides the distinctive Italian flavor profile.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Gives the soup its characteristic lasagna feel. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a comforting, hearty texture.
Ingredients to make lasagna soup.

Tools You'll Need

How to the Make Lasagna Soup Recipe

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble and cook ground beef/sausage over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Using a strainer or paper towel, remove and discard excess grease.
Browning ground beef and Italian sausage in a pot.
  1. Stir in garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute.
Adding fresh garlic to a pot of beef and sausage.
  1. Add marinara sauce or Italian gravy, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium. 
Adding seasonings to soup.
  1. Add the broken pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. 
Adding lasagna noodles to soup.
  1. Check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
  2. Ladle and serve with your favorite garnish(es).

What to Serve with Easy Lasagna Soup

  • Ricotta: Whether it's plain or seasoned, a dollop of ricotta cheese provides creaminess and a luxurious texture. It mimics the ricotta layer found in traditional lasagna. For my flavored dollop, combine ricotta cheese, basil, salt and fresh minced garlic in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 
  • Sandwich: Toasted cheese sandwiches are an excellent complement to this soup. Use your favorite sandwich bread and Italian cheeses and toast in a skillet on both sides until the cheese has melted and the bread has a golden crust.
  • Italian Cheeses: You can also top the soup with a blend of cheeses, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and provolone, for a gooey and flavorful finish.
  • Garlic Bread: Store-bought or homemade bread spread with my Epic Garlic Butter Spread are perfect soup accents. Garlic croutons are also an option.
  • Basil: Top the soup with fresh basil to add a burst of fresh flavor and color!
Toppings for lasagna soup.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success and Substitutions

  • Brown the Meat. Ensure that you brown the beef and Italian sausage well before adding them to the soup. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
  • Drain Excess Fat. After browning the meat, drain excess fat. This helps control the richness of the soup and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
  • Fresh Italian Herbs. The dried Italian seasoning can be substituted with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Add some during the browning of meat and others during simmering to help build complex flavors.
  • Meat Substitutions. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute in place of ground beef/Italian sausage.
  • Tomato Variations. Instead of fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or a combination to suit your taste. Homemade marinara sauce can be used as well. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Broth Options. If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If the soup seems too thick, you can add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Pasta Choices. Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you can use small shells, rotini, or any pasta of your choice.
  • Vegetable Additions. Sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, green pepper, or fresh spinach can add extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Spice Level. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning process.

Variations

  • White Lasagna Soup. Create a white lasagna soup by using a creamy base. Add Alfredo sauce or heavy cream for richness and white cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
  • Lasagna Soup with Pesto. Swirl a dollop of pesto into each serving for a burst of herbal and nutty flavors. Pesto complements the Italian seasonings in the soup.
  • Seafood Lasagna Soup. Incorporate seafood like shrimp or crab for a unique twist. Consider using a seafood broth and add a splash of white wine.
  • Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Soup. Create a vegetarian version with a combination of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.

Make this Lasagna Soup in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is another easy way to make this dish! Brown the meat until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker and combine with the rest of the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes to an hour before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir them in, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cook on high until the noodles are tender. If the soup seems too thick, you can add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is another go-to, convenient way to prepare this perfect comfort food!

Storage and Freezing

Leftover Lasagna Soup is even better than the day it was made.

Refrigeration: Allow the lasagna soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. Store all in one container or in individual portions. Store lasagna soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Completely: Ensure that the leftover soup is completely cooled before freezing. If you plan to freeze individual portions, use freezer-safe containers or sealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Freeze up to 3 months.

Thaw Overnight: To thaw lasagna soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.

Reheating: Reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to thaw and reheat individual portions. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Check Consistency: After reheating, check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, lasagna soup is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, and you can reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Absolutely. Lasagna soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from becoming mushy?

Don't overcook the noodles. You can also cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings just before eating.

Can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat or use a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I make lasagna soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta of your choice to make the soup gluten-free.

Can I make lasagna soup in a Crock Pot?

Certainly. Browning the meat first, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker (except for noodles and cheese), and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours works well. Add noodles and cheese during the last hour of cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs. When substituting fresh for dried, use about three times the amount called for in the recipe.

What kind of lasagna noodles do you use in lasagna soup

Regardless of the type of lasagna noodles you choose, the key is to ensure they are added to the soup at the right time to cook to perfection. You can cook them separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy during the simmering process. You can use broken up regular lasagna noodles as shown or no-boil, whole wheat, vegetable-based, gluten-free, or a different pasta like fettuccini, spaghetti.

More Delicious Soup Recipes

A bowl of lasagna soup and toasted cheese sandwich.
Print

Lasagna Soup Recipe (7 Ingredients!)

This Easy Lasagna Soup is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian favorite! It has 7 simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword beef, soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 257kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef and/or Italian sausage
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 32 ounce jar marinara sauce or Italian gravy
  • 14.5 ounce can beef broth optional 1-2 cups more for thinner texture
  • 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes undrained
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups lasagna noodles broken into 1-inch pieces
  • Garnish Options: Ricotta Dollop, shredded Italian cheese blend, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, cheesy garlic toasts, grilled cheese

Optional Ricotta Dollop Garnish

  • 8 ounces ricotta
  • 1 ounce fresh basil minced
  • 1 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Soup

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble and cook ground beef/sausage over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Using a strainer or paper towel, remove and discard excess grease.
  • Stir in garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add marinara sauce or Italian gravy, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium. 
  • Add the broken pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. 
  • Check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Ladle and serve with your favorite garnish(es).

Optional Ricotta Dollop

  • In a small mixing bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, fresh basil, garlic, and salt until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Nutrition for 1 cup made with half lean ground beef and half Italian sausage. Garnishes not included.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success and Substitutions

    • Brown the Meat: Ensure that you brown the beef and Italian sausage well before adding them to the soup. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
    • Drain Excess Fat: After browning the meat, drain excess fat. This helps control the richness of the soup and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
    • Fresh Italian Herbs: The dried Italian seasoning can be substituted with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Add some during the browning of meat and others during simmering to help build complex flavors.
    • Meat Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute in place of ground beef/Italian sausage.
    • Tomato Variations: Instead of fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or a combination to suit your taste. Homemade marinara sauce can be used as well. Adjust seasonings as needed.
    • Broth Options: If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If the soup seems too thick, you can add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
    • Pasta Choices: Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you can use small shells, rotini, or any pasta of your choice.
    • Vegetable Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, green pepper, or fresh spinach can add extra flavor and nutrients.
    • Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning process.
Storage: 
Refrigeration: Allow the lasagna soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. Store all in one container or in individual portions. Store lasagna soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Completely: Ensure that the leftover soup is completely cooled before freezing. If you plan to freeze individual portions, use freezer-safe containers or sealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw Overnight: To thaw lasagna soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
Reheating: Reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to thaw and reheat individual portions. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Check Consistency: After reheating, check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 663mg | Potassium: 448mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 468IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Lasagna Soup Recipe appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/lasagna-soup/feed/ 16
Loaded Mashed Potatoes https://www.dinnerin321.com/loaded-mashed-potatoes/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/loaded-mashed-potatoes/#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:25:31 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=23974 Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the perfect potato upgrade! Prepped in 10 minutes, this dish has all your favorite loaded baked potato flavors in one bite; crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions! It's total comfort food! If you're looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, these Loaded Mashed Potatoes are your...

Read More

The post Loaded Mashed Potatoes appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the perfect potato upgrade! Prepped in 10 minutes, this dish has all your favorite loaded baked potato flavors in one bite; crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions! It's total comfort food!

If you're looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, these Loaded Mashed Potatoes are your answer! Combining creamy, buttery potatoes with sharp cheddar, crunchy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions, this side dish can be prepped in 10 minutes and brings all your favorite baked potato toppings together.

Do you love learning a new way to repurpose leftovers that makes them even better the second time? Well, this decadent dish is perfect for using up those leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge!

I love making them with my Whipped Mashed Potatoes or Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, both made with russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Short on time but craving these? Pick up some store-bought, ready-made mashed potatoes or make instant!

A potato side dish is a guaranteed family weeknight dinner, holiday dinner, or get-together hit! Be sure to add Crispy Parmesan Potatoes and Ranch Roasted Potatoes to your dinner rotation!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

  • Rich and Creamy: The combination of melty cheddar cheese and mashed potatoes creates a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
  • Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish: Loaded with cheese, crumbled strips of bacon, and green onions, these baked mashed potatoes are the definition of comfort.
  • Easy to Make: This potato recipe is super simple and can be made with leftover mash potatoes or a quick store-bought option.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loaded mashed potato casserole is one of our favorite side dishes to serve for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, potlucks, or just a family weeknight meal. Who doesn’t love cheesy, bacon-loaded potatoes? I guarantee it'll get rave reviews!!

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Recipe Card for the Full Recipe and Ingredient Amounts 

  • Prepared Mashed Potatoes: The base of this recipe, mashed potatoes provide the creamy and fluffy texture that holds all the toppings.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor and gooey texture to the dish when melted into the mashed potatoes.
  • Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Provides a salty, smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes and cheese. I love a good thick-cut bacon cut into small pieces!
  • Green Onions: Adds a pop of color and fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten up the richness of the dish.

Tools You'll Need

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. If needed, rehydrate the prepared mashed potatoes with 2-4 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to a whipped, smooth consistency.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, 1 ½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of the bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until well-mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9"x9" baking dish.
  1. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil. 
  1. Bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato mixture is starting to brown at the edges. 
  1. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the top. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

  • Cheese Variations. Try swapping the sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese fresh if possible! Pre-shredded cheeses don’t melt as effectively. 
  • Potato Rehydration. If you're prepared potatoes aren't smooth and easy to spread with a spoon, you can add a little bit of whole milk, skim milk, or chicken broth to bring them to a creamier texture.
  • Bacon Alternatives. If you don’t have regular bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crumbled sausage.
  • Add Extra Cream. For an even richer flavor, you can mix ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup heavy cream, or 2-4 ounces softened cream cheese into the leftover mashed potatoes.
  • Flavor Additions. Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a herby twist. You could also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic cloves for extra flavor.
  • Topping Options. Other great toppings include sour cream, jalapeños, crispy fried onions, minced fresh chives, or extra cheese.

What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Want to know what meals these potatoes go with? Literally ANYTHING!! We have these with so many dinners, but a few of our favorites to have them with are Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Salmon Cakes Patties, Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Legs, and Creamy Garlic Pork Chops.

A few vegetable side dishes that go great with these potatoes are Crispy & Garlicky Green Beans, Easy Cooked Vegetables, and Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can freeze loaded mashed potatoes for up to 1 month.

To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring every 45 seconds until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time. Just prepare them according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the loaded mashed potatoes the day before, cover, and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them before serving.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based bacon alternatives for a similar flavor and texture.

More Delicious Potato Recipes

A pan of loaded mashed potatoes.
Print

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the perfect potato upgrade! Prepped in 10 minutes, this dish has all your favorite loaded baked potato flavors in one bite; crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions! It's total comfort food!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword pork, vegetables
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 303kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 cups prepared homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes (see note) see note
  • 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • ¾ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. If needed, rehydrate the prepared mashed potatoes with 2-4 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to a whipped, smooth consistency.
  • In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, 1 ½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of the bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until well-mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9"x9" baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato mixture is starting to brown at the edges.
  • Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the top. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips and Substitutions

    • Cheese Variations: Try swapping the sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese fresh if possible! Pre-shredded cheeses don’t melt as effectively. 
    • Potato Rehydration: If you're prepared potatoes aren't smooth and easy to spread with a spoon, you can add a little bit of whole milk, skim milk, or chicken broth to bring them to a creamier texture.
    • Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have regular bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crumbled sausage.
    • Add Extra Cream: For an even richer flavor, you can mix ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup heavy cream, or 2-4 ounces softened cream cheese into the leftover mashed potatoes.
    • Flavor Additions: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a herby twist. You could also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic cloves for extra flavor.
    • Topping Options: Other great toppings include sour cream, jalapeños, crispy fried onions, minced fresh chives, or extra cheese.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can freeze loaded mashed potatoes for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring every 45 seconds until heated through.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Loaded Mashed Potatoes appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/loaded-mashed-potatoes/feed/ 0
Beef Tips and Gravy https://www.dinnerin321.com/no-peek-beef-tips/ https://www.dinnerin321.com/no-peek-beef-tips/#comments Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:59:37 +0000 https://www.dinnerin321.com/?p=4034 This one pan, 6-ingredient Beef Tips and Gravy dinner is an easy, cozy and delicious! Another beauty about this dinner is that it can be made in so many ways, regardless of the cooking method it's guaranteed to be a success. Beef Tips and Gravy can be made in the oven, Crockpot or Instant Pot....

Read More

The post Beef Tips and Gravy appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
This one pan, 6-ingredient Beef Tips and Gravy dinner is an easy, cozy and delicious! Another beauty about this dinner is that it can be made in so many ways, regardless of the cooking method it's guaranteed to be a success.

This is a picture of a dinner plate topped with mashed potatoes, beef and brown gravy.

Beef Tips and Gravy can be made in the oven, Crockpot or Instant Pot. It takes less than 15 minutes to throw together, and cook time will depend on your cooking method.

This recipe features a chuck that is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The savory gravy, infused with the spices, adds depth and richness to the dish. This recipe guarantees a hearty, soul-warming meal that will leave your family and guests asking for seconds.

No peek beef tips are truly that, you set it and forget it and before you know it, you have a wholesome, foolproof meal on the table any night of the week. Love a hearty home-cooked dinner recipe? We've got you covered. Try our Crockpot Beef and Noodles, Queso Chicken and Rice, and Smothered Pork Chops.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

  • Beyond Simple to Make. With a mere quick sear and mix of ingredients, it’s an excellent set-it-and-forget-it that will leave you only needing to add your favorite sides.
  • Make It Your Own. This dish can easily be adapted to your palates preference by switching up the seasonings and adding vegetables.
  • Leftovers to Look Forward To. This dish is so delicious that you’ll be anxiously awaiting to reheat them for lunch or another dinner!
  • Comfort Food Classic. Fall-apart beef with tender noodles or potatoes wrapped in a savory rich gravy has all the qualities of a cozy meal!

This was SO good...and easy! I got three meals out of it (for two people). Love your recipes, I follow on Instagram. Keep up the good work! -Yvette

I made this when the weather was a bit chillier. Fantastic comfort food at its best. I really enjoy all the recipes, and share many on my FB page. -Elaine

What is Chuck Roast?

Chuck roast is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of a cow. It is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, especially when cooked slowly.

It’s a popular choice for pot roasts, stews, and braised dishes because it contains a good amount of marbling, which adds moisture and flavor during cooking.

Ingredients

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

  • Chuck Roast or Stew Meat: The star ingredient that transforms into a tender, flavorful cut of meat as it cooks low and slow.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds moisture, acts as a binder, and adds flavor and a creamy texture to the gravy.
  • Brown Gravy Mix: A pre-made mixture of ingredients that is convenient to use. It contains a thickening agent that, when mixed with liquid and heated, will create a velvety smooth texture.
  • Onion Soup Mix: A convenient pre-mixed blend of savory seasonings.
  • Beef Broth: Provides essential moisture, enhances flavor, and promotes tenderness.
  • Olive Oil (if searing first): Helps in browning the beef, creating a flavorful crust and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
recipe ingredients on a tabletop

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

  1. There are lots of successful ways to make this recipe! The steps slightly vary depending on your cooking method of choice. Searing the beef first is optional, but it does add a great flavor and color.
beef chunks browning in a skillet
  1. Cooking Methods:
    • Skillet Method: If searing first, heat oil in a large skillet on high heat and sear beef 1-2 minutes per side. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Turn off the heat, pour the mixture on top of the beef, cover with a lid and bake at 350°F 2-2 ½ hours.
    • 13”x9” Method: Sear first if you’d like. If you don’t, just mix all the ingredients (minus the oil) in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F 2-2 ½ hours.
    • Crockpot Method: Sear first if you’d like. If you don’t, just mix all the ingredients (minus the oil) in the Crockpot. Cover with the lid, and cook on high 4-5 hours or low 8-9 hours.
    • Instant Pot Method: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and add oil. Add beef and sauté until browned on all sides, Pour in the gravy/soup/beef broth mixture. Seal the pressure cooker with the lid. Select Manual (or Pressure Cook button depending on your instant pot model) and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. When the cook time finishes, let the pot sit undisturbed for a 20 minute natural release, then turn the steam release knob to venting. Open the lid and stir the beef tips and the gravy.
  2. Once the beef has completed cooking, stir and coat all the pieces with the gravy.
  3. You can serve the beef tips and gravy alone or over mashed potatoes, pasta or rice.
cooked beef squares in brown sauce

Expert Tips

  • If using smaller cut up stew meat, it will likely be fork tender closer to 2 to 2hr 15minutes.
  • Optional delicious add-ins to this dish are sliced onion, mushrooms and/or fresh garlic!
  • The cuts of beef that will yield the most tender results are chuck roast, sirloin or tenderloin tips. Stew meat tips works as well, but if they’re a lower grade, they’ll be a bit more chewy.
  • It’s personal preference, but I use low-sodium products in this recipe.

SUBSTITUTIONS

When substituting for chuck roast in recipes, you'll want to choose cuts of meat that have similar characteristics in terms of flavor, marbling, and tenderness. Some other cuts that can be suitable alternatives for chuck roast are bottom round roast, top sirloin roast or chuck eye roast.

If you’d prefer homemade versions of the ingredients in this recipe here's how you can make the:

  • My homemade cream of mushroom soup is simple, rich and delicious!
  • A homemade version of Lipton Onion Soup Mix can be used instead of store-bought. Simply combine 2 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion, 4 cubes regular or reduced sodium beef bouillon, crumbled, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. This is the equivalent to 1- 1 ounce packet from the box.
  • A homemade version of Brown Gravy Mix can be used instead of store-bought. Simply combine 1 ⅔ cups cornstarch, 6 tablespoons beef bouillon powder (regular or low sodium), 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper. You'll need to use 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade version in the recipe.

What to Serve with No Peek Beef Tips

Pretty much any side item that soaks up the gravy and compliments the beef's savory rich flavor will pair perfectly with this dish! Our favorite side dish to have with is Whipped Mashed Potatoes.

A close second would be pasta or low carbohydrate noodles. It's also incredible with a crispy parmesan roasted cauliflower, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli and green beans.

Storage

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through.

You can also freeze any leftovers. They keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Other cuts that can be suitable alternatives for chuck roast are bottom round roast, top sirloin roast or chuck eye roast. Stew meat can also be used.

How can I substitute canned cream of mushroom?

You can also use canned cream of celery or cream of golden mushroom soup. If you prefer a made from scratch version, my homemade cream of mushroom soup is simple, rich and delicious!

How can I substitute the brown gravy mix?

A homemade version of Brown Gravy Mix can be used instead of store-bought. Simply combine 1 ⅔ cups cornstarch, 6 tablespoons beef bouillon powder (regular or low sodium), 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper. You'll need to use 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade version in the recipe.

How can I substitute the onion soup mix packet?

A homemade version of Lipton Onion Soup Mix can be used instead of store-bought. Simply combine 2 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion, 4 cubes regular or reduced sodium beef bouillon, crumbled, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. This is the equivalent to 1- 1 ounce packet from the box.

How can I lower the sodium content of this dish?

Choose the lower sodium gravy packet and condensed cream of mushroom soup. These products and the onion soup mix can be made from scratch. You can also forgo seasoning the beef before searing to lower the salt content.

More Comfort Food Recipes

Print

Beef Tips and Gravy

This one pan, 6-ingredient Beef Tips and Gravy dinner is an easy, cozy and delicious! Another beauty about this dinner is that it can be made in so many ways, regardless of the cooking method it's guaranteed to be a success.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 345kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ½-3 lb cubed chuck roast or stew meat 1 ½-2 inch cubes
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup regular or low-sodium
  • 0.87 oz packet brown gravy mix regular or lower sodium
  • 1 oz packet dry onion soup mix
  • 10.5 oz low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil if searing first

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. 
  • To a 13’’x9’’ baking dish, whisk together the soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and brown gravy mix. Once combined, add the beef to the baking dish and cover with the sauce. 
  • Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2-2 ½ hours. 
  • Serve over your favorite rice, pasta, or potatoes.

Video

Notes

Tips and Substitutions
  • If using smaller cut up stew meat, it will likely be fork tender closer to 2 to 2hr 15minutes.
  • Optional delicious add-ins to this dish are sliced onion, mushrooms and/or fresh garlic!
  • The cuts of beef that will yield the most tender results are chuck roast, sirloin or tenderloin tips. Stew meat tips works as well, but if they’re a lower grade, they’ll be a bit more chewy.
  • It’s personal preference, but I use low-sodium products in this recipe.
  • Homemade cream of mushroom soup, beef gravy mix, and onion soup mix are noted under substations on the recipe on dinnerin321.com

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 23g

The post Beef Tips and Gravy appeared first on Dinner in 321.

]]>
https://www.dinnerin321.com/no-peek-beef-tips/feed/ 40