Easy and Inexpensive Meals That Start With Your Slow Cooker or Crockpot

Busy cooks everywhere; bring out the slow cooker or crockpot and serve your family tasty, inexpensive meals without a lot of work on your part. And the wonderful aroma when you walk into your home is so enticing! Recipes in this article are Sweet and Spice Short Ribs, Creamy Garlic Swiss Steak, and Oyster Stew.

CREAMY GARLIC SWISS STEAK
2 lbs round steak, 3/4-inch thick
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 onion, sliced thin
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 soup can of water
1 garlic clove, minced

Cut the steak into serving-size pieces and season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Layer half the onion slices in the bottom of the crockpot or slow cooker; top with the steak pieces. Layer the remaining onion slices over the steak.

In a bowl whisk together the mushroom soup, water, and garlic until smooth. Pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the cooker. Place the lid on the cooker and cook on high for approximately 1 hour. Lower the heat to low and cook 8 up to 10 hours.

To serve place the meat on platter and spoon cooking sauce over the top.

Quick and easy serving suggestions: Serve with some hot buttered noodles and steamed broccoli for a quick and easy way to a tasty meal.

SWEET AND SPICY SHORT RIBS
4 lbs meaty beef short ribs
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp + 2 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp + 1 tsp packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a mixing bowl combine the onion, garlic, cinnamon, tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar, the salt and pepper until blended well.

Place the ribs in the crockpot or slow cooker and pour the sauce overall. Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting for approximately 9 hours.

Remove the ribs to a serving platter.

Skim fat from pot liquid and discard. Stir the remaining 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar into the liquid in the pot. Stir until brown sugar is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the ribs.

Serving suggestion: Serve with hot buttered noodles.

Yield: 8 servings
Per serving (without the noodles) 416 calories, 23 g (10 g saturated) fat, 44 g protein and 6 g carbs.

Enjoy!