Challenge: minimum prep crock pot recipe?

[MazdaUK]

I've borrowed my mum's to try out, and I want to get something going on Friday morning to be ready when the kids halloween party is over (cos I won't be fit to cook!). I've got to drop DS(14) to another party and pop to the shops because a freind is coming to lunch before the party (just sandwiches so no problem ) so I'd like something that I can throw in quickly before she gets there. And I don't use tinned soup because I find it too salty. And being Mrs Awkward I don't have a lot of nice easy stuff like you have in your shops I do have in my freezer minced beef, chicken breasts and some braising (casserole) steak, so anything using those would be good. Plus I have fresh peppers, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, chard and spring greens - spot the veg box

So who can come up with a winning formula?

TIA!

 

[CrazedDisFan]

http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotroundsteak/r/cpweekly5.htm

Easy crockpot pepper steaks, made with round steak, tomatoes, bell peppers, ginger, garlic, and onion, along with other seasonings.
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds round steak, cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 3 inches in length
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
2 medium green bell peppers, seeded and cut into strips
1/4 cup cold water blended with 1 tablespoon cornstarch
PREPARATION:
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat; brown beef strips quickly. Drain beef and place in crockpot then top with onion.
Combine soy sauce, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and ginger; pour over beef and onion. Cover slow cooker; cook on LOW setting for 6 hours. Add tomatoes and green bell peppers; cook 1 hour longer. Stir cornstarch mixture into the pot; cook on HIGH setting until thickened.
Serves 6.

 

[MazdaUK]

Mmmmmm! Sounds yummy! Is round steak like for stews and stuff? (Not for frying and grilling)?? I think DH and the boys would love this

 

[CrazedDisFan]

Yes round steak is a tougher cut of meat that would be used for stews and slow cooking processes that allow the meat to become tender by cooking low and slow.

Good luck!

 

[MazdaUK]

I'm going to try this on Friday - I'll let you know if I manage to do it OK I've never used a crockpot before

 

[CrazedDisFan]

The biggest tip I can give for crockpot cooking is to not use more than the amount of liquid recommended. Keep in mind when it doesn't look like enough liquid that all the juice generated from the meat and vegetables will remian in the crockpot.

 

[MazdaUK]

Thanks for that! I always add extra normally as my oven is a bit fierce, so if you hadn't said anything we would have been swimming

 

[chocovrdmicears]

here's one we use alot:

into the crockpot goes:

frozen chicken breasts
couple of peeled/diced sweet potatoes
1 can drained/rinsed black beans
1 jar of salsa

once the chicken is done i shred it and we wrap it all up in tortillas and serve with sour cream or guacamole.

 

[MazdaUK]