6 UNBELIEVABLE SUMMER DUMP & GO CROCKPOT RECIPES that WILL BLOW your MIND! | SIMPLE & AMAZING MEALS
Recipes in this Video
Birria tacos originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, traditionally made with goat meat. They have gained popularity across Mexico and the United States, often served at celebrations and gatherings. The dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Mexican cuisine, showcasing the use of spices and slow-cooking techniques.
Ingredients
- ●corn tortillas
- ●birria meat
- ●onions
- ●cilantro
- ●lime
- ●salsa
- ●cheese
Instructions
- 1Prepare the birria meat by marinating it with spices and cooking until tender.
- 2Shred the cooked birria meat and set aside.
- 3Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet until pliable.
- 4Place a portion of shredded birria meat on each tortilla.
- 5Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and cheese if desired.
- 6Serve with lime wedges and salsa on the side.
Ingredient Alternatives
birria meat
Healthier: lean beef
Cheaper: pork shoulder
Lean beef is lower in fat, while pork shoulder is often more affordable.
corn tortillas
Healthier: whole grain tortillas
Cheaper: flour tortillas
Whole grain tortillas offer more fiber, while flour tortillas can be less expensive.
Techniques
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Beef stew is a classic American comfort food, often associated with family gatherings and hearty meals during colder months. It showcases the use of a slow cooker, which allows for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat while blending flavors over time. This dish is versatile, with variations found in many cultures, making it a staple in many households.
Ingredients
- ●beef stew meat
- ●potatoes
- ●carrots
- ●onions
- ●beef broth
- ●garlic
- ●bay leaves
- ●salt
- ●pepper
Instructions
- 1Cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
- 2Season beef with salt and pepper.
- 3In a skillet, brown the beef on all sides.
- 4Transfer beef to the crockpot.
- 5Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions to the crockpot.
- 6Pour in beef broth and add garlic and bay leaves.
- 7Stir to combine all ingredients.
- 8Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- 9Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
- 10Serve hot.
Ingredient Alternatives
beef stew meat
Healthier: lean cuts of beef
Cheaper: chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are often less expensive and can be more flavorful.
beef broth
Healthier: low-sodium beef broth
Cheaper: vegetable broth
Vegetable broth can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Techniques
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Ingredients
- ●2 lbs ground beef
- ●1 cup breadcrumbs
- ●1/2 cup milk
- ●1/2 cup ketchup
- ●1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●2 large eggs
- ●1 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1 tsp dried oregano
- ●1 tsp dried thyme
- ●1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bell pepper.
- 3Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but do not overmix.
- 4Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- 5Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture.
- 6Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- 7Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- 8Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Equipment
Creamy Italian Chicken is a beloved dish that showcases the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. It combines tender chicken with a luscious cream sauce, often enhanced by garlic and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or romantic date nights, embodying the warmth and comfort of Italian home cooking. Variations exist across Italy, with some regions adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes, making it a versatile favorite.
Ingredients
- ●chicken breasts
- ●heavy cream
- ●garlic
- ●chicken broth
- ●parmesan cheese
- ●spinach
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●Italian seasoning
- ●lemon juice
- ●fresh basil
- ●onion
- ●mushrooms
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 3Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- 4Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 5In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 6Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- 7Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- 8Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- 9Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 10Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- 11Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over to coat.
- 12Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
heavy cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: milk + cornstarch
Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess
parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated pecorino
Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.
Techniques
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Ingredients
- ●8 oz spaghetti
- ●2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ●6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ●1 cup ranch dressing
- ●1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ●1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ●1/4 cup chopped green onions
- ●1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- 3Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture and toss until the pasta is well coated with the dressing.
- 4Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- 5Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- 6Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- 8Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- 9Serve warm.
Equipment
BBQ ribs are a staple of American cuisine, particularly popular in the southern United States. They are often associated with summer cookouts and family gatherings, where grilling is a favored cooking method. The dish showcases regional variations in barbecue sauce, reflecting local tastes and traditions.
Ingredients
- ●pork ribs
- ●barbecue sauce
- ●salt
- ●pepper
- ●garlic powder
- ●onion powder
Instructions
- 1Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- 2Season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 3Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down.
- 4Cook for about 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- 5Brush barbecue sauce on the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- 6Remove from grill and let rest before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
pork ribs
Healthier: chicken ribs
Cheaper: pork shoulder
Chicken ribs are lower in fat, while pork shoulder is more affordable.
barbecue sauce
Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce
Cheaper: ketchup
Homemade sauce can be healthier with less sugar, while ketchup is budget-friendly.
Techniques
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Smothered green beans are a staple in Southern American cuisine, often served as a comforting side dish during family gatherings and holiday meals. This dish showcases the region's love for rich flavors and simple ingredients, with the combination of bacon and green beans creating a savory, satisfying experience. While traditionally made with bacon, variations exist that cater to different dietary preferences, making it a versatile favorite across the country.
Ingredients
- ●green beans
- ●bacon
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●chicken broth
- ●butter
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●red pepper flakes
- ●sugar
- ●vinegar
- ●flour
- ●water
Instructions
- 1Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse under cold water.
- 2Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving drippings in the pan.
- 4Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 6Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 7Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- 8Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- 9Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar, mixing well.
- 10Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, cooking until beans are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 11Stir in vinegar for brightness, then crumble the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
bacon
Healthier: turkey bacon
Cheaper: smoked sausage
Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining flavor.
chicken broth
Healthier: vegetable broth
Cheaper: water with seasoning
Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made from scraps.
Techniques
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Hashbrown casserole is a beloved American comfort food, often served at family gatherings and holiday meals. Its roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when convenience foods like frozen hashbrowns and canned soups became popular. This dish embodies the spirit of potluck culture, where hearty, easy-to-make recipes are shared among friends and family. Today, variations abound, with some incorporating different cheeses, meats, or vegetables, making it a versatile dish enjoyed across the country.
Ingredients
- ●hashbrowns
- ●cream of chicken soup
- ●sour cream
- ●shredded cheddar cheese
- ●butter
- ●onion
- ●garlic powder
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●paprika
- ●green onions
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- 3In a large bowl, combine hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter.
- 4Add shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- 5Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- 6Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- 7Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top if desired.
- 8Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- 9Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- 10Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: plain yogurt
Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.
shredded cheddar cheese
Healthier: reduced-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while still melting well.
cream of chicken soup
Healthier: homemade chicken broth
Cheaper: cream of mushroom soup
Homemade broth is lighter and can be made with pantry staples.
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil is heart-healthy and can enhance flavor.
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