Pioneer Dinner Slow Cooker Recipe
Want to feed a bunch of people for not a lot of money?
I do. Always.
There's nothing fancy here---it's potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, and sausage. I used chicken sausage that is already Italian seasoned, and simply sliced it up. If you've got bulk sausage in the house and would prefer to use that, go for it. I'd recommend browning on the stove first with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or preferred spice blend) and drain the fat.
The Ingredients.
serves 6
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks
1 yellow onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
4 brown baking potatoes, chopped in 2-inch chunks (I don't usually peel)
4 Italian-flavored sausage, sliced in 1-inch pieces
1 cup beef broth
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Layer the ingredients into your cooker in this order: carrots, onion, potatoes, and sausage. Pour the broth over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables have reached desired tenderness.
The Verdict.
The girls and I imagine that this is what Laura and Mary would have eaten out on the prairie. I like that the sausage has enough salt and flavor that no additional seasoning is usually needed. I play around with this--sometimes I throw in brussels sprouts or cauliflower if we have them in the house.
This is a super simple and super frugal meal. Erin would be proud!
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| no covered wagon, but we do have a wheel in the backyard! |
Sounds good, finding new ways to feed a little army on a budget is always a good thing!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this. I can see that being good with a variety of sausages..
ReplyDeleteI made this tonight and we just could not get enough! Thanks for such a yummy meal. I even served it in a wide bowl "just like on the praire!"
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud!!!!! I might just have to make this later in the week. If only I had carrots....oh wait, I think I have some in the freezer?!?
ReplyDeleteYum!
Erin
this sounds like a ground beef hash my mother used to make - I am trying this today with bulk hot sausage so I hope it comes out good! I omitted the carrots since I didn't have any & plan to add some green beans on the side.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI have your books, often come back to check out your blog... I'm so thankful for you! With a 1 and a 3 year old, I'm really learning the wisdom of cooking this way. And I'm so glad to have your recipes that are so much more adventurous and creative (& yummy!) than the standard slow cooker books.
This recipe is becoming a standard in our house, but I buy a different brand of sausage and can't seem to get the amount right. Could you give me a weight on the sausage? The whole link size thing doesn't seem remotely standardized.
Thanks!
Jen
Hi Jen, the packages I have in the freezer range from 13 ounces to 18 ounces--- so I'd guess anything around 1 pound is just fine.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you are enjoying the books and recipes---I've had an absolute ball with all of this, and am just so happy to be of help.