Easy Crockpot Dinner

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Easy Crockpot Dinner

Description

This Easy Crockpot Dinner is a hearty, one-pot meal made with tender beef chunks (or chicken), vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect “dump and go” recipe for busy days — just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer for hours, and come home to a warm, delicious dinner. The slow cooking brings out deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (or boneless chicken thighs)

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Place beef (or chicken), potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into your crockpot.

  2. Add Liquids: Pour in the broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.

  3. Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the top.

  4. Cook:

    • On Low for 7–8 hours, or

    • On High for 3–4 hours, until meat and vegetables are tender.

  5. Thicken (Optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  6. Add Peas: Stir in peas just before serving, letting them heat through.

  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef with pork chunks or chicken thighs.

  • Add extra flavor by browning the meat in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.

  • This dish reheats beautifully — even better the next day.

  • Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different twist.

Tips

  • For richer flavor, add a splash of red wine or soy sauce.

  • Want it creamy? Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end.

  • To make it more like a stew, increase broth and skip the cornstarch.

  • Line your crockpot with a liner for easy cleanup.

Servings

Serves 4–6 people

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~380

  • Protein: 30g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 740mg

Benefits

  • Hands-off cooking: Perfect for busy schedules.

  • Nutritious: Balanced with protein, carbs, and vegetables.

  • Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients.

  • Customizable: Works with different meats and veggies.

  • Great leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight.

Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen meat or veggies?
A: Yes, just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on Low.

Q: How do I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute meat with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup.

Q: Can I prep this the night before?
A: Absolutely — layer everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.

Q: What side dishes go well with it?
A: Serve with warm bread rolls, rice, or a fresh side salad.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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