I love to eat. And I love to know what I am eating. But, with a job, a kiddo, a hubby and some vague semblance of a life, there is not much time for cooking during the week. Enter my kitchen BFF – the crockpot.  Mine is the bigger oval size one – because if I am cooking, I am all about the leftovers, too.  

If you are unsure about this tool, allow me to explain. A little bit of chopping, mixing or layering in the pot itself, the prep of the liquid ingredients in a separate container happens after dinner (and kids in bed, etc).  In the morning, the crock goes into the base, the liquids are added, seasonings as needed and lid applied. Turn that baby on and get on with your day. Upon returning to your humble abode, VIOLA!  A hot meal, or at least a significant portion of one. Talk about feeling like a winner at 5:32 PM or 6:17 PM or 8:03 PM or whenever dinner is served.   

So, here is a very simple recipe to get you started; the name is silly, but it’s a full meal that pleases most palates. Serve with green salad – or applesauce when there is no time for chopping.  

(If y’all like this one, there are many more I can share. Let me know and I will continue to post them. I am 20+ years of well-versed in crockpot language – but I would love to learn more, too!) 

Print Recipe

Football Stew

Hearty, simply seasoned, and very filling, this stew will be a favorite. Most of the items can be kept on hand, too!

Course

Main Dish

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

8 hours

Servings

servings

Ingredients

Solid Items

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat in bite size pieces
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 5-6 carrots chopped
• 8+ new potatoes chopped

Liquid Items

• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2-1 tsp pepper
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 2 TBSP cornstarch
• 1 48+ oz low sodium V8 or comparable juice
• 2-3 TBSP worchestershire sauce

Course Main Dish Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 8 hours Servings servings Ingredients Solid Items 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat in bite size pieces 1 medium onion chopped 5-6 carrots chopped 8+ new potatoes chopped Liquid Items 1 tsp Salt 1/2-1 tsp pepper 2 TBSP sugar 2 TBSP cornstarch 1 48+ oz low sodium V8 or comparable juice 2-3 TBSP worchestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Layer the solid items into the crockpot in the order they are listed - meat, onion, carrots, potatoes. Cover and put in fridge.
2. Combine the dry spices well in a bowl - this keeps the cornstarch from clumping. Mix into the V8 and add in worchestershire. Cover and put in fridge.
3. While sipping your AM coffee/tea, place crock into base. Pour liquid mixture over top - leave about 1 to 1 1/2 inches clearance to the top edge of the crock.
4. Cover and cook on low all day. Remove lid, stir to combine and serve it up. Enjoy and be proud!