Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Spring is only a few days away, but it is still seriously cold here. Like, stay-in-bed-all-day kinda cold. The only thing good about this never ending winter weather is that we get to keep on eating hardy, warming dinners like this beef stew (and that we get to hide all our winter eating under big comfy sweaters). You are going to love this recipe. It uses frozen vegetables, so you can get it into your slow cooker with barely any prep time. And the end result is a bit lighter and definitely more flavorful than your typical beef stew, all without even having the brown the meat. We loved it over rice, but you could do mashed potatoes if that’s more your style. If you are still dealing with the cold, put this one on your list to make soon!

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Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice

Can you tell that I’m a little obsessed with my slow cooker? This puppy gets some major use around our house. And you are going to love this recipe! It’s so simple that my 2-year old seriously did 90% of the work.  Next time you don’t think you have time to make dinner, take 5 minutes in the morning and pop this in (and 20 seconds to soak the beans the night before), and you will be rewarded with a delicious, comforting meal that’s practically ready to go when you walk in the door. What makes this recipe extra special is the added ham hocks, which you can shred and leave in or remove once they are done cooking. You could also do sausage if that’s more your speed, but I love the smokiness from the ham.

If you want to make this super easy, heat up some frozen pre-cooked rice. The rice in the bag that you microwave is an option too, but personally, it gives me the hebegebees. Best option – get yourself a small rice cooker. I love ours and it takes out all the guesswork. Rice, water, hit button, (wait 20 minutes), done. Enjoy!

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