One Base Many Ways

ONE BASE

MANY WAYS

During summer months most of us would rather not heat up the kitchen with an oven or spend hours over a hot stove. We often envision the crock pot to be excellent for soups and stews but those are not ideal with 90 degree temps outside. Slow cooker shredded chicken and beef to the rescue! Make your crock do all the HOT work for you and use these protein recipes as a base in your weekly rotation. Trade in different dishes to top with each week for some variety!

ITALIAN BEEF RAGU

Add a jar of sauce to the recipe for a pasta variation!

ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES

For a tangy kick add about 1/2 cup (or half of a 16 oz jar) pepperoncini brine. Then top with mozzarella cheese slices over a toasted hoagie roll.

ITALIAN BEEF

2 lbs Beef Roast 1 Packet Italian Dressing Seasoning or 1 ½ tablespoons homemade 1 ½ cup Beef Broth

Place all ingredients in slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. When you are ready to start dinner shred beef with a fork and allow to cook a little longer while you prepare the rest of your dish. Use on pasta, hoagie rolls, mashed potatoes, or rice. The options are endless!!

TOP MASHED POTATOES WITH THE ITALIAN BEEF. NO GRAVY NEEDED WITH THIS DISH'S FLAVOR!

MEXICAN RANCH SHREDDED CHICKEN

4-5 Chicken Breast 1 Packet Taco Seasoning or ¼ cup homemade 1 packet Ranch dressing seasoning or ¼ cup homemade 1/2 cup chicken broth

Place all ingredients in slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. When you are ready to start dinner shred chicken with a fork and allow to cook a little longer while you prepare the rest of your dish. Use in tacos, burritos, nachos, rice bowls, salad shells, enchiladas, or any Mexican dish. The options are endless!!

RICE BOWL WITH CILANTRO LIME AVOCADO CR ME

For the dressing combine with a whisk: ¼ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup guacamole or ½ an avocado, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon fresh or dried cilantro.

FOR A TWIST ON YOUR TRADITIONAL NACHOS, BAKE IN A CAST IRON SKILLET AT 350 DEGREES UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED.