slow cooker recipes

I tried both of these recipes this week, and they were both really great, so I thought I'd share them! Who doesn't love an easy, warm, slow cooker meal on a cold day?



Baked Potato Soup

8-10 baking potatoes, peeled & cubed or chopped (I used this to make quick work of this job; it didn't remove all of the peel, but we like it that way)

1 onion, chopped

1 32 oz. box of chicken broth

1/2 stick butter or margarine (you can leave this out if you're watching calories)

1 c. milk (skim works, 2% or whole or even heavy cream make it richer, or you could use a can of evaporated milk)

baked potato toppings - chopped chives, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, etc.

Put potatoes, onions, broth and butter in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours. Use a big spoon to ladle most of the potatoes into a food processor or blender (it's not necessary to get every last bit of the potatoes, or the broth) - blend or process until smooth. Pour back into the slow cooker, add the milk, stir until everything is blended well. Put the lid back on and cook for another hour, or until bubbly and hot. Serve with toppings.



Frito Pie

2 lb. ground beef

1 can black beans

1/2 c. chopped onion

several cloves of garlic, pressed or minced

1 4 oz. can chopped green chiles

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1 c. water

A bag of Fritos

Shredded cheddar cheese


Place the beef, beans, onions, garlic, chiles, chili powder, and water in slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Drain. Serve over Fritos, topped with shredded cheddar (salsa and sour cream are also good toppings!)