Slow Cooker Summer Series Day 1

Welcome to an exciting week here on EMM. For the next 5 days I will be sharing some fantastic recipes that utilize your slow cooker during these hot summer months. I'll be sharing brand new ones on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Then on Tuesday and Thursday, I've got some great round ups from some of my best foodie friends!

Now, I realize many of you, like me, think of using it more in the winter months for soups, stews, and comfort food to warm you up after a cold winter's day. But take my word for it, using your Crock Pot in the summer time can change your life! Don't heat up your house when it's already sweltering, don't turn on the oven when the thermometer is rising higher and higher. I've got some great ideas for traditional summer time recipes perfect for cook-outs and barbecues that can all be prepared in your slow cooker. 

First up, a recipe that's perfect for any weeknight supper when you've got a thousand fun summer things going on; or for your next family reunion, kid's birthday party or even lake weekend. Sloppy Joes are one of those things that you can't believe could get any easier, but yes they can! Match a big batch of this, and after it's cooked, leave it on warm for hours, letting everyone eat as they come. No need to even worry about it! 

I'm thrilled to be about to bring you some brand new Crock Pot recipes this week. I really think you're going to fall in love with them; and maybe I will even inspire you to slow cook a little more this summer. Believe me, your house thermostat will thank you!

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

2 lbs. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 c. ketchup

2 TBS mustard

3 TBS Worcestershire Sauce

3 TBS brown sugar

2 TBS cider vinegar

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet brown beef with onion, seasoned with salt and pepper. Drain off excess fat. Add to slow cooker. In a medium bowl whisk together ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire, brown sugar, vinegar and chili powder. Mix until well combined. Add to ground beef mixture. Stir well to coat. Cook on LOW for 5-7 hours. Serve on hamburger buns with cheese, if desired.

Shared on The Country Cook June 13, 2014

Slow Cooker at Very Good Recipes