Garden Secrets Hub

Slow Cooker Cajun Shrimp, Sausage & Rice

Ingredients

· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
· 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
· 1 large yellow onion, diced
· 1 green bell pepper, diced
· 3 celery stalks, diced
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
· 3 cups chicken broth
· 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sliced sausage, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Gently stir in the raw shrimp during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque. (Do not overcook, or the shrimp will become rubbery).
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the rice is too dry, add a splash more chicken broth.
9. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (+ 1 hour for rice and shrimp)
Total Time: About 5 hours 20 minutes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients

· 2 lbs ground beef
· 1 ½ lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved (or cubed)
· 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
· 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
· 1 small yellow onion, diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
· 1 ½ cups beef broth
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Place the halved baby potatoes and sliced carrots in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle the corn evenly over the top.
6. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
8. During the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it melt completely until bubbly and gooey.
9. For an extra golden, crispy top (like shown in the photo), transfer the slow cooker insert (if oven-safe) to a broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
10. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

· 2 lbs smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 small yellow onion, diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
· 1 cup sour cream (or 4 oz cream cheese, softened)
· 1 ½ cups chicken broth
· 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker. Place the cubed potatoes and diced onion in an even layer at the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour half of this mixture over the potatoes and onions.
3. Layer the sliced sausage rounds evenly over the potatoes. Pour the remaining creamy mixture over the top. Place the sliced butter on top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. During the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it melt completely until bubbly and gooey.
6. For a golden, crispy top (like shown in the photo), transfer the slow cooker insert (if oven-safe) to a broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

· 2 lbs smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 small yellow onion, diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
· 1 cup sour cream (or 4 oz cream cheese, softened)
· 1 ½ cups chicken broth
· 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker. Place the cubed potatoes and diced onion in an even layer at the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour half of this mixture over the potatoes and onions.
3. Layer the sliced sausage rounds evenly over the potatoes. Pour the remaining creamy mixture over the top. Place the sliced butter on top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. During the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it melt completely until bubbly and gooey.
6. For a golden, crispy top (like shown in the photo), transfer the slow cooker insert (if oven-safe) to a broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Tortellini

Ingredients

· 1 ½ lbs ground beef
· 1 small yellow onion, diced
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
· 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
· 2 cups beef broth
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
· ½ cup heavy cream (or 4 oz cream cheese, softened)
· 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
· Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Ensure the tortellini are mostly submerged in the sauce.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the tortellini are tender. (Do not overcook, or the pasta will become mushy).
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (+ 30 minutes for pasta and cheese)
Total Time: About 5 hours 45 minutes

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken, Potatoes & Corn

Ingredients

· 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
· 1 ½ lbs baby red potatoes, halved or quartered
· 2 cups frozen or canned sweet corn kernels (drained)
· 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
· 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
· 1 cup chicken broth
· ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
· 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the halved baby red potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
3. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes. Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken and place the sliced butter on top.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup (or broth), dry ranch seasoning, and cubed cream cheese until relatively smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Carefully shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, stirring it into the creamy sauce and potatoes.
7. Add the corn and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the corn is heated through and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
8. For a thicker, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW (+ 20 minutes for corn and cheese)
Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

· For the Meatballs:
· 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) or a mix of beef and pork
· 1 cup breadcrumbs
· 2 large eggs
· 1 small yellow onion, finely grated
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
· For the Sauce:
· 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara or pasta sauce
· 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
· Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
· Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated onion, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (do not overmix, or the meatballs will be tough).
2. Roll the mixture into 8–10 large, uniform meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. (They do not need to be cooked through at this point). Transfer the seared meatballs to the slow cooker.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and incredibly tender.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot over spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 20 minutes

Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast

Ingredients

· 3 ½–4 lbs beef chuck roast
· 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
· 2 large yellow onions, thickly sliced
· 6 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 packet (1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
· 1 cup beef broth
· 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for the glossy gravy)

Instructions

1. Pat the beef chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep, dark brown crust forms. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
3. Scatter the thickly sliced onions and minced garlic around the roast in the slow cooker.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Pour the mixture evenly over the roast and onions. Place the sliced butter and fresh thyme sprigs on top.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
6. Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Tent it with foil to keep warm.
7. For that thick, glossy gravy shown in the photo, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the juices in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Shred or slice the roast, drizzle the rich onion gravy generously over the top, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve hot.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 9 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cabbage Wedges

Ingredients

· 2 lbs smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 1 large head green cabbage, cut into 6–8 thick wedges
· 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 ½ cups chicken broth
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 2 tablespoons apple c***r vinegar
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
· ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Arrange the cabbage wedges snugly on top of the onions.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple c***r vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, coarse black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture evenly over the cabbage wedges.
4. Place the sliced butter evenly on top of the cabbage. Arrange the sliced sausage rounds over the top of the cabbage wedges.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is completely tender and translucent.
6. Gently baste the cabbage with the pan juices. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Ingredients

· 1 ½ lbs ground beef
· 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
· 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
· 1 large yellow onion, diced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
· 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
· 2 cups beef broth
· 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tablespoon brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Spread the cooked beef mixture and the uncooked white rice evenly over the cabbage layer.
5. Add the remaining chopped cabbage over the beef and rice.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the cabbage and rice are tender.
8. Gently stir the casserole just before serving to combine the layers. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 8 hours 20 minutes

Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Cabbage

Ingredients

· 2 lbs smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
· 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 ½ cups chicken broth
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
· 2 tablespoons apple c***r vinegar
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
· ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended for the kick shown in the photo)
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. (Optional, but recommended for flavor) Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the sliced sausage for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate.
2. Place the chopped cabbage and sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic over the top.
3. Arrange the seared sausage rounds evenly over the vegetables.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple c***r vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, coarse black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture evenly over the sausage and cabbage. Place the sliced butter on top.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is completely tender and translucent.
6. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the savory juices. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes