The slow cooker is a magical appliance that lets you prepare meals with minimal hands-on time. If you’re busy with work, errands, or other commitments, the slow cooker is your ally in getting dinner on the table without a fuss. Here are some delightful recipes that range from hearty stews to mouth-watering sandwiches.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker allows you to prepare a meal in the morning, leave it cooking all day, and come back to a fully prepared dinner. It’s perfect for people with busy lives, as you can “fix it and forget it.” The slow cooking process also allows flavors to meld together, resulting in more flavorful dishes.

What Ingredients Are Best for Slow Cooking?

Ingredients that can withstand long cooking times are ideal for slow-cooker recipes. Cuts of meat like beef stew meat, chicken breasts, and short ribs are excellent options. Vegetables like onions and carrots also work well.

Beef and Beer Stew with Onions

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 pounds lean beef stew meat
• 6 cups sliced onions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon beef flavored bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cups dark beer
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large skillet and brown the beef. Place the browned beef in a slow cooker.
2. Brown the onions and garlic lightly in the skillet, then add to the slow cooker.
3. Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours.
5. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook for another 20 minutes or until thickened.

Barbecued Short Ribs

Ingredients:

• 6-8 short ribs, about 3 pounds
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons beef flavored bouillon granules
• 1 cup hickory smoked barbecue sauce
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in water

Instructions:

1. Brown short ribs in a skillet on all sides.
2. Place ribs in the slow cooker, and top with onions.
3. Combine water, beef granules, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the ribs.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or until tender.
5. Add cornstarch mixture and cook for 20 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Wild Rice and Chicken Slow-Cooker Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 can cream of chicken & mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cans sliced mushrooms, drained
• 6 slices Cooked Bacon, crumbled
• 1 cube chicken flavored bouillon dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Transfer to a 3 to 4-quart slow cooker.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Italian Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 1/2-pound) boneless eye of round beef roast
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can Italian flavored tomato paste
• 6 teaspoons beef flavored bouillon granules
• 1/2 cup water
• 12 Kaiser rolls
• 12 slices provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. Place roast, onion, tomato paste, bouillon granules, and water in a 3.5-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook on HIGH for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.
3. Shred the meat using two forks and stir to coat with sauce.
4. Assemble sandwiches with Kaiser rolls and top with cheese.