Another Work Potluck!

[SarahandPaul]

You all were so helpful with pulled pork recipes for my last work potluck and now I need your assistance again! This time the potluck is an Italian theme. I already saw lasagna and salads and french bread on the list. Perhaps some sort of side dish or dessert? I am a huge crockpot fan, so anything that direction could be good too...

Thanks in advance!

 

[NHdisneylover]

My family likes this crockpot version of chicken parmesan (not as good as the real thing--but good and easy for a pot luck).
http://www.natalies-recipes.com/website/recipes.aspx?ID=119

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have the perfect thing!


Italian Beef

Use a large roast (like you would for pot roast). Brown it on all sides in hot oil. Transfer to the crock pot. Add a package of Lipton Onion Soup mix, about half a spice bottle of Italian Spices, several pepperoncini peppers and all all the juice from the jar, and several cans of beef broth.

All amounts are just approximate depending on the size of the roast and how spicy you like it. You really can't mess it up!


Cook in the Crock Pot all day until it is falling apart. Trim the large fat off and shred the beef. This is great to make the day ahead. Refrigerate it with all of the juices and then reheat in the crock pot the next day. It tastes even better when it sits in the juices overnight.

Serve on a nice sub roll or with French/Italian bread. I make this often for friends and family and it is always a huge hit. It is unique because outside of Chicago and New York, no one is really familiar with Italian Beef Sandwiches.

 

[anniemae]

tiramisu is always a favorite. I don't have a recipe, but go to kraftfoods.com for an easy one!

 

[dizluvah]

what about meatballs in the crockpot with some red sauce....for me that couldn't be easier - I use jar sauce and frozen meatballs from the warehouse store - heat for few hours in crock pot and serve.....

 

[figment52]

How about a cold spaghetti/pasta salad?

 

[happygirl]

What about a Cherry Cheesecake?

 

[crazyme5kids]

What about an antipasto platter or pasta fagiole (sp?)? Make it really easy on yourself and make a platter of pepperoni and provolone cheese.

 

[Ohiodislover]

Two of my favorite crockpot recipes

Baked Ziti

Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
2 (16 ounce) jars pasta sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
16 ounces ziti pasta

Directions
In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown ground beef and onion, stirring occasionally until browned. Add Italian seasoning and salt, mixing well. Add pasta sauce. Remove from heat, but leave in skillet.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

In slow cooker, add 2 cups of beef mixture into bottom of skillet and half of the noodles. Add spoonfuls of three cheese mixture on top of ziti, covering the noodles. Layer 2 more cups of beef, then remaining noodles, then cheese. Top with remaining beef mixture, ensuring cheese and pasta are covered.

Cover with lid, and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours, or until noodles are tender.

Ten minutes before serving, top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese, letting stand for ten minutes to melt.


Pasta Fagoli soup

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained
3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock
3 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons pepper
5 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
8 ounces pasta

Directions

Brown beef in a skillet.
Drain fat from beef and add to crock pot with everything except pasta.
Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
During last 30 min on high or 1 hour on low, add pasta.