INTRODUCTION
Crockpot Delight is a simple and tasty dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a delicious homemade dinner without too much fuss. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that the whole family will enjoy. The best part is that you can customize it to fit your favorite flavors. It’s an excellent way to use up what you have in your pantry and fridge.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Crockpot Delight. First, it requires minimal effort and leaves you with plenty of time to relax or do other things. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Second, the taste is unbeatable—juicy protein combined with tender vegetables in a creamy sauce? Yes, please! Third, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Finally, it allows for plenty of creativity; you can use different proteins, veggies, or herbs based on your preferences. This is a dish that can easily become a regular in your home!
HOW TO MAKE Crockpot Delight
Making Crockpot Delight is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create your new favorite dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs of chicken, beef, or your choice of protein
- 1 cup of vegetables (carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Place the protein at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chopped vegetables on top of the protein.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and broth, then pour it over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the protein is cooked through and tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Crockpot Delight
Crockpot Delight is best served hot. You can plate it with a big scoop of the creamy mixture, ensuring some protein and veggies in each serving. You can also serve it with a side of bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad is another great addition that balances the meal with some freshness.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Crockpot Delight
Leftovers from Crockpot Delight can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Crockpot Delight pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of your favorite bread is perfect for dipping.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a lovely texture contrast.
- Salad: A mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Additional veggies on the side can enhance the meal’s flavor and nutrition.
VARIATIONS
There are countless ways to switch up this basic recipe based on your tastes and what you have on hand:
- Protein Variations: Feel free to mix in different proteins like pork or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Choices: Use whatever vegetables you love, such as green beans, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
- Sauce Variation: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, you can use frozen meat in the crockpot. Just be aware that the cooking time may be slightly longer. -
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use any cream soup or make your own from scratch with heavy cream and mushrooms. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. Just ensure they are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. -
How do I know when the meat is done?
The protein should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for poultry and 145°F for beef, pork, or lamb. Using a meat thermometer can help you check.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crockpot Delight
To make your cooking easier, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop your vegetables and protein a day before and store them in the fridge. You can also mix the broth and soup and keep it ready in a sealed container. This way, in the morning before you head out, you can quickly put everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you are away.
Overall, Crockpot Delight is a very versatile dish that you can enjoy any time of the year. It’s simple, filling, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a must-try recipe for everyone!
PrintCrockpot Delight
A simple and tasty dish made in a crockpot, perfect for busy days and customizable to fit your favorite flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken, beef, or your choice of protein
- 1 cup of vegetables (carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to taste
Instructions
- Place the protein at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chopped vegetables on top of the protein.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and broth, then pour it over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the protein is cooked through and tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Serve with rice, bread, or a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep
