Crockpot Fajita Steak

I wanted to try doing a flank steak in the crockpot, and this is what I came up with.

1 decent sized flank steak
juice of 2 limes
2 TBS olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
3 cloves garlic
1 onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced

Combine lime juice and seasonings in large ziploc bag.  Add steak and veggies and let marinate at least overnight (this is one of those easy to prep at the beginning of the week meals that you just throw in the crockpot when you need it).  Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

The Only Chili My Kids Will Eat (Crockpot)

I've been meaning to post this for awhile now.  Another recipe from "Make Ahead Paleo", but I adjust the recipe as needed, based on what I have.  This is the only chili my girls have ever eaten willingly, so it's a win in my book!

Con Carne
1lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (I just use one package, not sure of weight, probably closer to a lb)
1/2 lb chuck roast, cubed (I use much more than this, probably closer to 1-2lbs)
1/2 lb boneless pork chops, cubed (I've never made it with pork chops)
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapenos, cored, seeded, and diced (I just use 1)
Sauce
1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
2 cups brewed coffee (you could probably use chicken stock)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 TBS chili powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp granulated onion
2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper

1) Crumble ground beef and Italian sausage into crockpot.  Add chuck roast and pork cubes on top.
2) Sprinkle onion, pepper, garlic and jalapeno over the meat
3) Combine sauce ingredients
4) Pour sauce over meat in crockpot
5) Cook on low 7 hours, stirring occasionally

I served mine with my "cornbread" muffins, diced avocado and chopped cilantro.

Crockpot Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

This recipe is taken directly from a new cookbook I got, "Make Ahead Paleo", by Tammy Credicott.  I've tried a few recipes out of it, but this is the best one so far.  I tried my own version of this recipe a few weeks before I saw this one, but this one nails it.

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 apple (I used a Honeycrisp), peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
1 bay leaf
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)

Place chicken in slow cooker and season with S&P.  Sprinkle shallot, garlic, sliced apple and bay leaf over chicken.  Mix cider, vinegar, oil and thyme together and pour over chicken.  Cook on low 6 hours.  Spoon the sauce over the chicken to serve (I ladled some of it into a small saucepan and simmered over medium heat until reduced by about half, which thickened the sauce a bit and concentrated the flavors).

Crock Pot Pork Roast with Apples and Onions

Another Crock Pot meal!  I just wish that the apples hadn't fallen apart so much.  Maybe I'll try bigger pieces next time. I think some golden raisins would also be nice.

4 lb Pork tenderloin, trimmed

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp ground mustard

1 tsp sage (I used dried)

2 granny smith apples, peeled and sliced

2 onions, sliced

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup chicken stock

Combine garlic, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and sage in a small bowl.  Place sliced apples and onions in the bottom of a crockpot.  Place pork on top of apples and onions and rub pork with the spice mixture.  Pour vinegar and chicken stock around the pork.  Cook on low for 6 hours.

I served mine with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed cauliflower.

Cleaned Up Crockpot Thai Chicken

So, this is one of my favorite Crockpot recipes ever, and I wanted to try to "clean" it up a little.  Since I'm not eating any peanuts at the moment, Sunbutter (made from sunflower seeds) was a great substitute for peanut butter.  Just try to find one that doesn't have any added sugar (same for the salsa).

2 1/2 lbs chicken (I used boneless, skinless thighs, but breasts work well too, just cut them in half)
1 tsp fresh grated ginger (I keep a nugget of it in the freezer and just peel and grate as needed)
Juice of 2 limes (about 4 TBS)
16 oz jar chunky salsa (no added sugar, corn or beans)
1/2 cup Sunbutter (I think you could probably also use almond butter)


Spray crockpot with Pam and place chicken in it.  Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over chicken and stir well.  Cook on low 6-8 hours.  Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped almonds if desired.  I served it with cauliflower "rice" and stir-fried garlic green beans.