The Best Slow-Cooker Recipes of 2023 (2024)

RD.COM Food Recipes

For out-of-this-world pork chops, soup and pot roast, grab your favorite kitchen appliance! Here are Taste of Home's most popular slow-cooker recipes of the year.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Roast

My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooked recipe is terrific. You’ll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, NY

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FYI: This is the best slow cooker you can buy.

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Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti

I don’t know one family that doesn’t have some crazy, hectic weeknights. This slow-cooker baked ziti recipe is a delicious, easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner for our family. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, OH

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San Francisco Pork Chops

It’s easy to please friends and family with these fast-to-fix San Francisco pork chops. Simmered in a tangy sauce all day, they’re so moist and delicious by dinnertime that they practically melt in your mouth. —Tara Bonesteel, Dayton, NJ

Whatever you do, never put these foods in a slow cooker.

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Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don’t need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, KS

Plus, is it safe to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker?

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Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

I work full-time, so this slow-cooker roast beef is my go-to when I want a hearty, home-cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow-cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, NY

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White Bean Chicken Chili

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeño adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, NM

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Shredded Beef au Jus

My mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, MN

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Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken

This is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we’ve passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It’s wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, UT

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Cowboy Calico Beans

This is a tradition at the table when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, WI

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Cube Steaks with Gravy

Cube steaks and gravy are a hearty homestyle dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, TN

For an all-star meal, try adding Joanna Gaines’s family biscuit recipe.

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Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken

I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a slow cooker many days a week. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, LA

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Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow-cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, TN

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf

When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, MN

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Slow-Cooked Ranch Potatoes

Even after seven years, my family still asks for this tasty potato and bacon dish. Try it once and I’ll bet your family will be hooked too. —Lynn Ireland, Lebanon, WI

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Slow-Cooker Beef Tenderloin

I created this slow-cooker beef tenderloin recipe when I was having guests over. It tastes incredible with little effort. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, VA

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Burrito Bake

Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It’s so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, ND

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Comforting Cheesy Potatoes

As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They’ve become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, ID

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Slow-Cooker Mexican Dip

My husband and I love to entertain, and we make this hearty seven-ingredient dip often. Using our slow cooker leaves us free to share quality time with our guests. After all, isn’t that the purpose of a party? —Heather Courtney, Ames, IA

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Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup

I am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn’t have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again. —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario

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Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, TX

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“Secret’s in the Sauce” BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender the meat literally falls off the bone. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, NC

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast

Slow-simmered and seasoned with rosemary, mustard and thyme, this tender and tasty crockpot roast and potatoes recipe is so easy to make and always a hit. Substitute burgundy or brandy plus a half-cup of water for the broth… The aroma of this English roast recipe is wonderful! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, PA

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Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, SC

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Sesame Pork Roast

My trick to making a tasty roast that’s pull-apart tender is marinating a boneless cut of pork in a tangy sauce overnight before cooking it slowly the next day. It’s unbeatable. —Sue Brown, San Miguel, CA

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Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops

These slow-cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, MN

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Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost-unreachable stamp of approval, and I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, AZ

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Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast

Try this wonderfully flavored, easy-to-fix slow-cooker turkey breast when you’re craving something delicious. It makes a great holiday dish for smaller families too. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee

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Contest-Winning Braised Short Ribs

I’ve been relying on this braised short ribs recipe ever since I bought my first slow cooker some 19 years ago. The fall-off-the-bone-tender entree is much appreciated on busy days. —Peggy Edwards, Heber City, UT

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Slow-Cooker Beef Tips

As a busy mom, I love my slow-cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook this beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, ND

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Fiesta Chicken Burritos

Looking for some heat with supper but still want a cool kitchen? Try these Fiesta Chicken Burritos! This is a simple recipe to double if you’re catering to a crowd. —Margaret Latta, Paducah, KY

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Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

When there’s a chill in the air, nothing beats this crockpot beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, TX

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Slow-Cooked Sirloin

My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve it with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, ND

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Hungarian Goulash

Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, FL

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Rump Roast in the Slow Cooker

I enjoy a good pot roast, but I was tired of the same old thing, so I started experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this rump roast in the slow cooker, with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, PA

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Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It’s easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, DE

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Chicken in Sour Cream Sauce

Tender chicken is deliciously dressed up in a flavorful cream sauce with fresh mushrooms. This is an excellent entree for your family or guests. —Jane Carlovsky, Sebring, FL

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Potato Chowder

One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It’s easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, IN

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Overnight Bacon-and-Swiss Breakfast

When we have overnight guests, I like to prepare things ahead of time so we can enjoy the company. It often gets crazy when everyone first wakes up, and I like to have food available whenever people are ready to eat. I devised this slow-cooker breakfast recipe when I was feeding 22 people at a destination wedding. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, KY

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan

I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. You could also cut the chicken breasts in half and make sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, WI

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Chicken Cornbread Casserole

I love this super easy slow-cooker chicken recipe because it tastes like Thanksgiving, but without all the hassle. It’s such a hearty and delicious meal for the fall or winter season. —Nancy Barker, Peoria, AZ

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Tender Barbecued Chicken

After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family’s favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker-brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, SC

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Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese

This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, NC

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Ginger Beer Pulled Pork

This is just one of the many ways I like to cook pork. My family enjoys the ginger flavor and also drinking ginger beer. It’s a bit different, but delicious! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas

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Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

This slow-cooker teriyaki chicken recipe always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, WI

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Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad

Here’s the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, VA

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Creamy Jalapeño Corn

This comforting and creamy corn side dish is appealing to almost everyone. It gets its spicy kick from jalapeño peppers. —Judy Carty, Wichita, KS

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Lazy Man’s Ribs

I’ve made these tender ribs for a lot of my buddies—including my preacher. Some have even suggested that I try bottling my sauce and selling it to the public! —Allan Stackhouse Jr., Jennings, LA

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Baja Pork Tacos

This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, TX

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Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble

I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don’t always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, VA

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Ranch Mushrooms

I got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don’t last long once people know I’ve made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, MN

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Beef Brisket Tacos

Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with frijoles, tostadas, salsas and huge bowls of salad. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez,Muy Bueno Recipes + Stories, Littleton, CO

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Holy Moly Potato Soup

This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it’d be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, IL

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Beef in Mushroom Gravy

This is one of the best and easiest meals I’ve ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy, and it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes. —Margery Bryan, Royal City, WA

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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

You’ll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, MA

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Red Clam Sauce

This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, PA

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Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue

I am originally from North Carolina, and this recipe is a favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ’cue is the best barbecue he’s ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, NV

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Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root-beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, KY

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Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry

I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, WA

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Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, GA

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Chili Coney Dogs

From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, MI

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Creamed Corn

Five ingredients are all you’ll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It’s wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, MO

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Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes

Convenient frozen hash browns are the secret behind the cheesy slow-cooker potatoes I cook up for potlucks and big group gatherings. —Julianne Henson, Streamwood, IL

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Slow-Cooker Barbacoa

My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it once a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver

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Simple Saucy Potatoes

These rich and creamy potatoes are simple to prepare for potlucks. The saucy side dish always gets rave reviews wherever I take it. —Gloria Schroeder, Ottawa Lake, MI

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Seafood Cioppino

If you’re looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic cioppino recipe is just the ticket. It’s brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it’s fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, NH

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Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It’s decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, GA

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Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, FL

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Slow-Cooker Oxtail Soup

This wonderfully rich slow-cooker oxtail soup will warm your soul and your taste buds. Oxtail soup is a favorite family heirloom recipe. Don’t let the name of this dish turn you off. Oxtail describes the meaty part of the tail of an ox (now commonly cow). The portion is delicious but requires long and slow cooking. —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, CO

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Forgotten Jambalaya

During chilly times of the year, I fix this slow-cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, TX

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Apple Butterscotch Crisp

I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, VA

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Cheesy Slow-Cooked Corn

My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it’s so easy to make. Even those who usually don’t eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, KS

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Texas Stew

I love to experiment with many different types of recipes. But as a mother of young children, I rely on family-friendly ones more and more. Everyone enjoys this stew. —Kim Balstad, Lewisville, TX