3-Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef Recipe

This 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef is everything I love about slow cooking. It's incredibly easy and amazingly delicious. The meat cooks up tender and flavorful. And the jarred mild pepper rings add just the right amount of zesty tang. We all loved it.

Requiring no prep, it's the perfect busy day recipe. Just add your roast to the slow cooker. Stir together the dry pack of dressing with water and pour it over. Then cover and cook until tender. Soon your house will smell so good everyone will think that you slaved away in the kitchen for hours.

Once the meat is tender, shred it with a fork and then add it back to the slow cooker, along with 8 ounces of mild pepper rings, and continue to cook until heated through.

I served this yummy 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef on hoagie rolls with carrot and celery stick and ranch dressing for dipping on the side. I shared some with my mom who fancied hers up with melted cheese. This would be delicious stirred into pasta or over rice or potatoes too.

Happy Slow Cooking!

3 Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless sirloin top roast
• 1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix (0.6 ounces)
• 1 cup water
• 8 ounces mild pepper rings, undrained

Instructions

Trim any excess fat from the roast and place it in a 4-quart slow cooker Stir together the salad dressing mix and water and pour over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is fork tender. Remove the meat. Shred it with 2 forks and place it back in the cooker. Add the pepper rings and their juices. Cover and cook until the peppers are heated through.

Tools Used to Make this Easy 3-Ingedient Crock Pot Italian Beef:   

Looking for More Easy Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes?

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

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50 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Here on slow cooker girl, we're all about healthy slow cooker recipes, with a healthy dose of indulgences thrown in to keep things real :-)

So, imagine my delight when I came across this collection of 50 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes compiled by the lovely Sarah at The Magical Slow Cooker, who recently released her first cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms.

Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

A combination of healthy slow cooker recipes from Sarah and her blogger friends perfect when you're wanting to cook a little lighter and healthier. Cooking healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, as these recipes so clearly illustrate.  She's even included a mouth-watering photo with each recipe link.

Recipes from this list of 50 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes I can't wait to try include:

• Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup from Baked by Rachel
• General Tso's Slow Cooker Pork Tacos with Orange Broccoli Slaw from The Snappy Gourmet
• Slow Cooker Blackberry Chicken from Melanie Makes
• Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos from The Magical Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili from Cook Like a Champion
• Skinny Buffalo Chicken Wraps from The Magical Slow Cooker
• 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Tacos from Two Healthy Kitchens
• Skinny Slow Cooker Chocolate Fudge Cake from Amy's Healthy Baking
• Skinny Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork from Six Sisters's Stuff

Slow Cooking Tools You Might Want to Check Out:

For more super-simple recipes for your crock pot, you can check out Sarah's cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms.

If you’re finding that cooking in the crock pot is becoming your thing, like it is mine, you might consider an upgrading your slow cooker to the Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker, which is easy-to-use and super-sized for family-meals or the Cuisinart3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker if you're cooking for one or two.




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Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone Recipe

As soon as I saw this easy healthy slow cooker vegetarian minestrone I knew I wanted to try it.  So, I cooked up a big batch recently. It turned out even more yummy than I thought it would.

This colorful slow cooker vegetarian minestrone soup with its rainbow of vegetables is healthy, delicious and vegetarian-friendly. What's not to like? Perfect when you are wanting to eat a little lighter and healthier. Something I always seem to want to do after coming home from vacation or eating out too much.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use any multi-colored pasta in place of the rotini. Or any pasta really if you are not concerned about its color. And of course, change out the veggies to suit what you like and is available. The addition of pesto at the end really boosts the flavor, so don't skip it!

Happy Slow Cooking!

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone Recipe

Colorful, flavorful and bursting with good-for-you ingredients, this slow cooker vegetarian minestrone soup is a winner. The addition of a little pesto at the end provides a brilliant boost of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 stalks Swiss chard (about ½ pound) (I used rainbow chard)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cans (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium sweet red or yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow summer squash or zucchini, halved and cut into ¼-inch slices
• 1-1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
• ¼ cup prepared pesto

Instructions

1. Cut stems away from the chard leaves and chop stems and leaves separately. Reserve leaves for adding later.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and chard stems. Cook, stirring often for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, beans, pepper, carrot and garlic. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in the pasta, zucchini and reserved chard leaves. Cook, covered, on low 20-25 minutes longer or until pasta is tender.

4. Serve topped with pesto.

Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (1-1/2 cups): 231 calories, 7 g fat, 34 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 9 g protein, 6 Points Plus

Kitchen Tools Used for this Recipe:

Looking for More Easy Healthy Delicious Slow Cooker Soup Recipes?

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Mexican Meatball Soup

Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

This post contains Affiliate Links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links, I receive a commission that helps support this site. Thanks for your purchase!

Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Recipe

Here's an easy slow cooker hamburger soup that's simple to throw together. It's basically just a hodgepodge of ground beef and vegetables simmered for hours in the crock pot. Hearty and delicious, it's so much better than any soup that comes from a can.

My whole family loves this easy slow cooker hamburger soup. It's the perfect dish for an effortless weeknight dinner, especially when the weather turns cold. I usually serve it with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. YUM!

Substitutions and Variations

This soup is hearty and flavorful and can be adapted to work with just about whatever you have in your pantry and freezer. Celery, carrots, shredded cabbage, green beans, peas or zucchini would be delicious.

I used canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, but feel free to substitute whatever kind of tomatoes you've got. Tomato juice, V-8 juice, stewed tomatoes, or tomatoes with green chilies all would work.

And though I kept the seasoning simple, the options are endless. Possible additions to consider include oregano, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, chile powder or Worcestershire sauce.

As a shortcut you can substitute 2 to 3 cups frozen cubed hash browns for the potatoes. This is definitely the kind of recipe you can have some fun playing with.

Happy Slow Cooking!

Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion chopped (1-1/2 cups)
• Salt and pepper or other seasoning to taste (I used 1-1/2 teaspoons Montreal Steak Seasoning)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (I use jarred Better than Bouillon mixed with water)
• 2 cups water 

Instructions

1. Put the ground beef and onions in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Season generously with salt, pepper and additional seasoning if you like. Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef into small crumbles, until it is no longer pink and the onions have softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Drain off any excess fat and then scrape the ground beef mixture into a 4 to 6-quart crock pot. Add the potatoes, mixed vegetables, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth and water. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours or until the vegetables are all fork-tender. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (1 cup): 178 calories, 3 g fat, 23 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 15 g protein and *4 Weight Watchers Points Plus

Kitchen Tools Used for this Recipe:

You might also like:

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Mexican Meatball Soup

3-Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef

This post contains Affiliate Links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links, I receive a commission that helps support this site. Thanks for your purchase!

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Everything that makes a loaded baked potato so delicious - bacon, cheese, sour cream, chives - in a simple slow cooker soup. If you love loaded baked potatoes, you’ll love this easy slow cooker loaded baked potato soup.

It's amazing how a few simple ingredients can combine to create something so wonderful. Served with warm crusty bread, it makes a simple and satisfying meal in a bowl. Creamy and comforting, perfect when the weather turns chilly.

To make this recipe even easier: Substitute a 32-ounce bag of frozen cubed or shredded hash browns for the potatoes. Chopped frozen onion can be used instead of fresh too.

Top this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup with whatever toppings you prefer. I like bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.

Happy Slow Cooking!

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups water
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions or chives, chopped bacon, sour cream, etc.

Instructions

Combine all ingredients except evaporated milk and cheddar cheese in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until the potatoes are fork tender. This will take about 7-9 hours on low (or 4-6 hours on high).

When ready to serve, mash soup with a potato masher or hand-held immersion blender to your desired consistency. Then stir in the milk and cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted. Taste and check for seasoning, adding more salt and/or pepper if necessary. If the soup seems to thick, you can thin it with a little more milk or water.

Serve with your choice of toppings.

Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (⅙th without optional toppings): 250 calories, 2.3 g fat, 47.7 g carbs, 6.5 g fiber, 10.7 g protein and 6 Weight Watchers PointsPlus

Kitchen Tools Used to Make this Recipe

You might also like:

For a Lighter Healthier Slow Cooker Potato Soup (Simple Nourished Living)

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone

Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

This post contains Affiliate Links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links, I receive a commission that helps support this site. Thanks for your purchase!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Here's a simple recipe for easy slow cooker chicken and gravy. I got the idea from Sarah at The Magical Slow Cooker. Talk about quick, easy and delicious. This easy easy slow cooker chicken and gravy makes for a great easy dinner choice when you're craving homestyle comfort food. If your family is anything like mine it will become an instant favorite.

I made a few changes to the original recipe and cooked it for less time. My chicken was fall-apart-tender after about 4 hours of slow cooking on low.  I served it up with mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce on one night. And then used the leftovers to make open-face hot chicken and gravy sandwiches.

The verdict?  My husband and I both thought it was delicious. This recipe is one I'll definitely make again when we are craving easy simple comfort food.

Happy Slow Cooking! 

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 ounces, about 2 pounds)
• 2 packages chicken gravy mix (I used McCormick)
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1-1/2 cups water 
• pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. (I used my 4 quart crock pot).

2.  In a bowl, mix together the dry gravy mix, soup, water and pepper with a whisk until the gravy is as smooth as you can get it. Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fork tender. (Mine was fall apart tender after 4 hours.)

Nutrition Estimates Per Serving (4 ounces chicken and ¼ cup gravy): 228 calories, 5 g fat, 9 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 37 g protein and *6 PointsPlus

Source: adapted from The Magical Slow Cooker

Tools Used to Make this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

You might also like:

Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

3-Ingredient Crock Pot Italian Beef

This post contains Affiliate Links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links, I receive a commission that helps support this site. Thanks for your purchase!