Apple Cider Mimosas

This may be a no-brainer for my cocktail aficionado friends, but for those who aren’t naturally cocktail savvy, allow me to present these Apple Cider Mimosas, which are the perfect simple daytime cocktail for Thanksgiving.

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This may be a no-brainer for my cocktail aficionado friends, but for those who aren’t naturally cocktail savvy, allow me to present these Apple Cider Mimosas, which are the perfect, simple daytime cocktail for Thanksgiving. Chances are you have some apple cider on hand (especially if you’re making my Cider Roasted Turkey Breast), and maybe some fresh rosemary, so just pick up a bottle of sparkling wine and you’re in business! 🥂

three apple cider mimosas with apples and a bottle of wine in the back

What Kind of Sparkline Wine Should I Use?

While you can use just about any sparkling wine that you have available, I prefer a dry or brut sparkling wine because apple cider is already extremely sweet. Since apple cider also has quite a powerful flavor, it can also help mask subtle flavor differences in your wine. In other words, you don’t have to buy anything super high quality. ;) I just used a $7.49 bottle of Tourner brut sparkling wine from ALDI. And if all the varieties of sparkling wines confuse the heck out of you, this article about Champagne vs. Prosecco is a great place to start.

Sparkling wine being poured into a flute with cider

What Kind of Cider Should I Use?

Again, this drink is extremely flexible. I used an inexpensive cider, but I think it would be really fun to use a fresh local cider if that’s something that is available in your area. You can also experiment with steeping the cider in some mulling spices, then chilling it before making the mimosas.

Make Your Own Mix

I kept the formula simple, with a 50/50 ratio of cider to wine, but as any mimosa drinker knows, you can tweak that to be any ratio that you like. Want a full glass of sparkling wine with just a splash of cider? Go for it! Want mostly cider with just a tickle of bubbles? You got it! This drink requires no expertise, no skill, just pour and drink. ;)

one apple cider mimosa held close to the camera
sparkling wine being poured into a champagne flute in a group of three flutes

Apple Cider Mimosas

Just two simple ingredients and one optional fresh garnish make these Apple Cider Mimosas the easiest holiday cocktail around.
Total Cost $1.46 each
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 145.2kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. apple cider $0.18
  • 4 oz. sparkling wine $1.18
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional garnish) $0.10

Instructions

  • Make sure the cider and sparkling wine are chilled. Pour four ounces (½ cup) cider into a champagne flute, followed by 4 ounces (½ cup) sparkling wine. Top with a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish, then serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 145.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.5g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.3g
sparkling wine being poured into a champagne flute in a group of three flutes

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Perfect Roasted Carrots (Quick & Easy)

Learn our go-to technique for perfect roasted carrots that are tender with caramelized crispy edges (every time)! Just 1 pan and 4 ingredients required. Perfect for the holidays and beyond! Let us show you how it’s done!
The beauty of these carro…

Perfect Roasted Carrots (Quick & Easy)

Learn our go-to technique for perfect roasted carrots that are tender with caramelized crispy edges (every time)! Just 1 pan and 4 ingredients required. Perfect for the holidays and beyond! Let us show you how it’s done!

The beauty of these carrots is their versatility.

The basic recipe includes salt and pepper, which add plenty of flavor and go with just about anything. But they can also be seasoned depending on what else you’re making.

Perfect Roasted Carrots (Quick & Easy) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Butternut Squash Soup

Comfort food is a must during the chilly fall and winter months. Our family loves making chicken pot pie, lasagna, chicken and dumplings, creamy chicken noodle soup, and spaghetti and meatballs. We also love lighter comfort food like this Easy Butternu…

Comfort food is a must during the chilly fall and winter months. Our family loves making chicken pot pie, lasagna, chicken and dumplings, creamy chicken noodle soup, and spaghetti and meatballs. We also love lighter comfort food like this Easy Butternut Squash Soup. This classic butternut squash soup is creamy, nourishing, and oh so cozy!…

Honey Rosemary Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes

Honey Rosemary Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes is the perfect healthy and delicious dinner. The entire family will love this easy sheet pan meal! Sheet Pan Salmon If you are looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal, it’s your lucky day. …

Honey Rosemary Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes is the perfect healthy and delicious dinner. The entire family will love this easy sheet pan meal! Sheet Pan Salmon If you are looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal, it’s your lucky day. This Honey Rosemary Baked Salmon recipe fits all of the above. It’s easy,…

The post Honey Rosemary Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Two Peas & Their Pod.

Tomato Herb Soup

I’m constantly looking for new ways to use my favorite (not) Sun Dried Tomato Sauce in recipes because it’s just SO good. So, the other day I was thinking, “Hmmm, I wonder if I can just make it into a really tasty soup.” The answer is yes. Yes, that deliciously tangy, herb-infused sauce is the […]

The post Tomato Herb Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m constantly looking for new ways to use my favorite (not) Sun Dried Tomato Sauce in recipes because it’s just SO good. So, the other day I was thinking, “Hmmm, I wonder if I can just make it into a really tasty soup.” The answer is yes. Yes, that deliciously tangy, herb-infused sauce is the great beginning to a super fast, easy, and delicious homemade Tomato Herb Soup.

Originally published 9-16-2013, updated 10-12-2020.

A mug of tomato herb soup on a plate with a grilled cheese

What Does Tomato Herb Soup Taste Like?

This tomato herb soup is not your everyday canned condensed tomato soup. It’s not sugary sweet, it’s fairly thick, very rich, and has tons of herby flavor. The magic comes from the melange of dried herbs and the quick act of caramelizing the tomato paste to create a rich sweetness. So yum and it gets better as it refrigerates. Oh, did I mention that it just happens to be VEGAN?

What to Serve with Tomato Herb Soup

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is never a bad idea, but you could also do something like Homemade Garlic Bread, or drop a few Homemade Croutons on top, and make a super simple salad to go on the side.

Is it Freezer Friendly?

Yes, this soup holds up really well to freezing, so feel free to stash a couple servings in there for later! I try to use up my frozen foods within three months for best quality, but you may get a longer life out of it. In the refrigerator, the soup should stay good for about 4-5 days.

Overhead view of a mug full of tomato soup with a black spoon in the center
 
Tomato herb soup in a mug on a plate with grilled cheese

Tomato Herb Soup

Use basic pantry staples to create this quick and easy Tomato Herb Soup. It's thick, rich, flavorful, and perfect for grilled cheese dipping!
Total Cost $2.62 recipe / $0.52 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5 1.5 cups each
Calories 168.16kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1/4 cup olive oil $0.64
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp dried rosemary $0.03
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.03
  • 1 6oz. can tomato paste $0.39
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar $0.02
  • 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes $0.79
  • 3 cups vegetable broth $0.39

Instructions

  • Mince the garlic and add it to a sauce pot along with the olive oil, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper. Turn the heat on to medium-low and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic has softened.
  • Add the tomato paste and brown sugar. Stir until everything is mixed (the oil may stay partially separated). Cook the mixture while stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes, or until the tomato paste takes on a darker, almost burgundy hue.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Whisk the mixture together until smooth. Turn the heat up to medium and heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5Cups | Calories: 168.16kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.6g | Protein: 2.86g | Fat: 11.44g | Sodium: 731.8mg | Fiber: 4.68g

How to Make Tomato Herb Soup – Step by Step Photos

Oil garlic and herbs in a soup pot

Start by adding ¼ cup olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, and some freshly cracked black pepper to a sauce pot. Turn the heat on to medium-low and sauté the herbs in the oil for about two minutes, or until the garlic has softened.

Tomato paste and brown sugar added to the pot

Add 6 oz. tomato paste and 1 Tbsp brown sugar to the pot. Stir until everything is pretty well combined (the oil may never fully mix in). Continue to stir and cook for about 5 minutes more, or until the tomato paste takes on a darker burgundy hue (see photo below).

crushed tomatoes being poured into the pot

Add one 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes are smaller bits than diced tomatoes, but not quite as smooth as tomato sauce. It’s somewhere in between, and doesn’t have any seasoning added.

Vegetable broth being poured into the pot

Also add 3 cups of vegetable broth, which will thin the soup out, add depth of flavor, and just the right amount of salt. I use this Better Than Bouillon to quickly mix up the exact amount of broth that I need.

finished tomato herb soup being lifted with a ladle

Then just whisk everything together and heat through! The end! The flavors are even better the next day.

Tomato herb soup in a mug on a plate with grilled cheese

OMG – grilled cheese + tomato soup FTW!

Now give yourself a high-five for making such a delicious soup in under 30 minutes.

The post Tomato Herb Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta with Toasty Rosemary Breadcrumbs.

Pasta with the creamiest vodka sauce for the win tonight. It’s a major dinner win, trust me.  And right now, we’re allllll about the easy dinners over here.  While the stay-at-home fatigue hasn’t sent us out to dinner yet, it’s kind of whipped us in the kitchen. Give me easy easy easy!  So, vodka sauce! […]

The post Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta with Toasty Rosemary Breadcrumbs. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Pasta with the creamiest vodka sauce for the win tonight.

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

It’s a major dinner win, trust me. 

And right now, we’re allllll about the easy dinners over here. 

While the stay-at-home fatigue hasn’t sent us out to dinner yet, it’s kind of whipped us in the kitchen. Give me easy easy easy! 

tomato paste with sautéed onions and garlic

So, vodka sauce!

This comes together in one pan, then you toss the pasta right in. Top with golden toasty rosemary breadcrumbs and you’re set!

Smells like heaven, tastes even better.

vodka sauce with cream swirl

Because this creamy sauce is a DREAM.

It’s no secret that tomato sauce has never been my favorite. In fact, I loathed it growing up and didn’t end up truly enjoying it until I was pregnant with Max! Thankfully, that stuck and ever since, I’ve been able make and love things with tomato sauce.

tossing pasta in vodka sauce

However! Before that, as long as it was a tomato cream sauce? I could get on board. And now, I’d never pass that up. It’s light but decadent at the same time.

making rosemary bread crumbs

For this vodka sauce, we’re using tomato paste. I absolutely love this trick – it’s what I use to make the sauce for my homemade spaghettios. It really adds a rich depth of flavor and also allows the sauce to be super smooth. There are no tomato chunks! 

I do like to sauté some shallots and garlic to start, but once that tomato paste goes in, it’s the heart of the sauce. 

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

Then, it’s time to deglaze the pan with some vodka! This helps to emulsify the sauce and create a silky coat-the-back-of-the-spoon feel. You’ll want to eat it right out of the pan.

Or take a big hunk of sourdough to it. Yummm.

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

The best part about vodka sauce is that it so lightly coats the noodles, but coats them completely. It’s like a silky blanket that covers the pasta and is perfect with crunchy breadcrumbs and parmesan on top. 

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

This dish paired with the perfect salad and a glass of pinot noir is all we need.

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

Pasta with Creamy Vodka Sauce

Print

Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta with Toasty Rosemary Breadcrumbs

This pasta with vodka sauce is silky and creamy and flavorful! Top with rosemary breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. It's the best.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta (I like a short cut noodle here)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and pepper
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons vodka (I like Tito’s)
  • cup heavy cream
  • cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

rosemary breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the directions. Be sure to reserve 1 ½ to 2 cups of pasta water for the sauce!
  • While the water is boiling, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the shallots and garlic with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften. Add in the tomato paste and stir, cooking for 5 minutes. The color will darken - this is where the flavor is!
  • Stream in the vodka and stir, scraping the brown bits and flavor from the bottom. Stir in ½ cup of the reserved pasta. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts. Taste and season the sauce with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Add the pasta to the sauce and toss well. If needed, you can stream in more of the pasta water until it’s creamy and silky. Top with the rosemary bread crumbs and a sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately.

rosemary breadcrumbs

  • Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once it’s sizzling and even browning a bit, stir in the breadcrumbs and rosemary. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and toasty, Throw on top of the pasta!

Notes

slightly adapted from delish

 

creamy vodka sauce pasta with rosemary toasted breadcrumbs

I can taste it through the screen!

The post Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta with Toasty Rosemary Breadcrumbs. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Oven Roasted Autumn Medley

Years ago I made Nature’s Candy, which was a deliciously sweet and savory oven roasted side dish that was so good I’d almost call it a dessert. Well, I decided to take that amazing flavor combination and turn it into a sheet pan dinner. I added some sweet Italian sausage, a red onion for a […]

The post Oven Roasted Autumn Medley appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Years ago I made Nature’s Candy, which was a deliciously sweet and savory oven roasted side dish that was so good I’d almost call it a dessert. Well, I decided to take that amazing flavor combination and turn it into a sheet pan dinner. I added some sweet Italian sausage, a red onion for a slightly more savory twist, and a few more fall-inspired herbs. This Oven Roasted Autumn Medley has all the best flavors of the season in one sheet pan!

Originally posted 9-26-2013, updated 10-5-2020.

Oven Roasted Autumn Medley on a plate with mashed potatoes and a black fork on the side

How to Serve Oven Roasted Autumn Medley

I served this sheet pan mix with a side of mashed potatoes, but you could also serve the roasted sausage and vegetables over a bed of greens for a fall-inspired salad. Or just serve it on its own with a nice piece of crusty bread and some butter on the side. :)

Can I Use a Different Sausage?

Yes, if you don’t like or can’t get sweet Italian sausage, you can use a maple or apple flavored turkey sausage in its place. Any type of sausage with those fall vibes will work great!

Other Vegetable Options

This dish is also pretty flexible when it comes to the vegetables. You can swap out the sweet potato or just add some butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin. All of those hard, slightly sweet winter squashes work great. Carrots, with their subtle sweetness, are another great option!

Tips for Roasting Vegetables

One of the goals when roasting vegetables in the oven is to get that nice caramelization on the edges. The caramelized edges are sweeter and have a deep, intense flavor. To get this nice browning action, make sure your vegetables are not too crowded on the baking sheet. They should be in a single layer. If the vegetables are piled too high on top of each other the steam will get trapped and the vegetables will essentially steam in their juices instead of getting that nice caramelization. 

So, if you decide to double this recipe, make sure to use two sheet pans!

side view of a fork picking up some oven roasted autumn medley from the plate

 
Oven roasted autumn medley on a plate with mashed potatoes and a black fork

Oven Roasted Autumn Medley

This Oven Roasted Autumn Medley is an herb-infused, sweet and savory sheet pan dinner with sausage, apples, sweet potatoes and more.
Total Cost $4.38 recipe / $2.19 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 671.2kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion $0.44
  • 1 lb. sweet potato $1.07
  • 2 apples $0.76
  • 8 oz. sweet Italian sausage $1.40
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 1 tsp dried basil $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried sage $0.10
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) $0.11

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Core and dice the apples into 1-inch pieces. Peel and dice the sweet potato and red onion into 1-inch pieces.
  • Place the chopped apples, onions, sweet potatoes, and Italian sausage links on a large 9x13-inch baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then add the basil, sage, rosemary, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Toss until everything is well coated in oil and herbs.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet and use tongs to transfer the sausage to a cutting board. Slice the sausage into medallions, then add them back to the baking sheet. Return the baking sheet to the oven.
  • Roast the autumn medley for another 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of browning. Top with chopped parsley for garnish after roasting, then serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 671.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 77.65g | Protein: 23.05g | Fat: 32.4g | Sodium: 1746.95mg | Fiber: 13g

A forkful of Oven Roasted Autumn Medley held close to the camera

 

How to Make Oven Roasted Autumn Medley – Step by Step Photos

Oven roasted autumn medley ingredients on the sheet pan, whole

For this recipe I used two sweet Italian sausage links, one sweet potato (about 1 lb.), two apples, one red onion, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried sage, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Diced apples, sweet potatoes, and sausage being seasoned with herbs

Core and dice the apples, peel and dice the sweet potato, and peel and dice the red onion (all 1-inch pieces). Place the apple, sweet potato, onion, and sausage links on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle the herbs and spices over top (basil, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper). 

autumn medley ready to roast on the sheet pan

Toss to coat everything really well in oil and herbs. Make sure everything is spread out on the sheet pan as evenly as possible.

Half-roasted autumn medley with sliced sausage.

Roast the autumn medley for 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven. The sausage will be about half-cooked at this point, but firm enough to slice into medallions. Carefully remove the sausage with tongs to a cutting board, slice, then return the slices to the sheet pan. Return the sheet pan to the oven.

Finished oven roasted autumn medley on the sheet pan

Roast the autumn medley for another 20 minutes, or until it achieves the level of browning that you like. Top with a tablespoon of chopped parsley, if desired (just for garnish). 

Oven roasted autumn medley on a plate with mashed potatoes and a black fork

Serve immediately and enjoy! This mix also works great for meal prep!

The post Oven Roasted Autumn Medley appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Y’all. I am SO ready for sweater weather and cozy slow cooker stews! To kick the season off, I made this super simple Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew this week. It’s nothing fancy, it’s just simple, good, comforting food! I love the simplicity of this dish and the flexibility. It’s the perfect thing to have simmering […]

The post Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Y’all. I am SO ready for sweater weather and cozy slow cooker stews! To kick the season off, I made this super simple Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew this week. It’s nothing fancy, it’s just simple, good, comforting food! I love the simplicity of this dish and the flexibility. It’s the perfect thing to have simmering away on the weekend as you do your chores or relax and enjoy watching the changing of the seasons. :)

Overhead view of a bowl of slow cooker hamburger stew with bread on the side

What’s in Hamburger Stew?

Hamburger stew is very similar to traditional beef stew, but it’s made with ground beef instead of stew meat. Using ground beef is a little bit less expensive than using stew meat, and I like how you get a little bit of beef in every bite! 

In addition to the beef we have a medley of fresh vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, peas), beef broth, herbs and spices, plus a little Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce to zhuzh it up a bit. It’s incredibly simple, but creates that beautifully subtle slow stewed flavor.

Why Brown The Hamburger First?

For this Hamburger Stew I browned the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. I did this for two reasons. One, to render off some of the fat. I used 15% fat ground beef and there was quite a bit that needed to be drained away (I actually tested this recipe once without draining the fat and it just ended up far too oily). The second reason is that you get a nice browning (maillard reaction) on the beef in the dry environment of a skillet that you do not get in the wet environment of a slow cooker. So you’ll get just a little bit more flavor with this extra step!

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Yes! Stews are very flexible. If you don’t like one of the vegetables listed, go ahead and skip it. Just keep in mind that the potatoes do help thicken the stew, so if you skip the potatoes you’ll have more of a soup texture. Other great vegetables to use in beef stew include:

  • mushrooms
  • pearl onions
  • parsnips
  • turnips
  • rutabagas
  • sweet potatoes
  • winter squash (acorn, butternut, pumpkin)

What Are Stewed Tomatoes?

This recipe calls for stewed tomatoes, which are a variety of canned tomatoes that are popular in the U.S. (example: Hunts stewed tomatoes). These tomatoes are cooked with seasonings and a little bit of sugar to give them the slightest sweetness. Stewed tomatoes add a little extra special unique flavor to the broth of this stew. While you can use diced tomatoes if stewed tomatoes are not available, this substitution will slightly change the flavor of the stew.

How Long Is Hamburger Stew Good?

After cooking the hamburger stew, I suggest dividing it into single portions (so that it cools faster) and refrigerating it right away. It will stay good in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or it can be transferred to the freezer for longer storage (about 3 months). This stew is a great item to have stashed in your freezer for busy nights! It can be reheated quickly in the microwave, or slowly over medium-low heat in a pot on the stove.

Slow cooker hamburger stew in a ladle over the slow cooker

 
Overhead view of a bowl full of slow cooker hamburger stew with bread and a spoon on the side

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

This super easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is simple, comforting food at its best. And the leftovers are even better the next day!
Total Cost $9.88 recipe / $1.65 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 1.5 cups each
Calories 348.27kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. russet potatoes $1.20
  • 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 carrots) $0.45
  • 1 yellow onion 0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary $0.05
  • ½ tsp dried thyme $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1 lb. ground beef $5.69
  • 1 15oz. can stewed tomatoes $1.00
  • 2 cups beef broth $0.26
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1 cup frozen peas $0.60

Instructions

  • Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper to a slow cooker (4 quarts or larger).
  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain off the excess fat. Add the browned and drained beef to the slow cooker along with the can of stewed tomatoes (with juices). Finally, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the slow cooker.
  • Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief stir to make sure everything is evenly combined (the broth may not fully cover the other ingredients). Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours, or low for eight hours.
  • After cooking on high for four hours or low for eight hours, remove the lid and stir the stew. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes, which will help thicken the stew.
  • Add the frozen peas (no need to thaw) and stir to combine into the stew. Taste the stew and add extra salt if needed (I did not add any, this will depend on the salt content of your beef broth). Serve hot with bread for dipping!

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 348.27kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.42g | Protein: 20.15g | Fat: 11.83g | Sodium: 751.72mg | Fiber: 5.07g

Scroll down for the step by step photos!

Try These Other Stew Recipes:

Front view of Hamburger Stew in the slow cooker

How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew – Step by Step Photos

Vegetables herbs and spices in the slow cooker

Peel and dice 2 lbs. of potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Peel and slice ½ lb. carrots (about 4 carrots). Dice one onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker along with ½ tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp dried tyme, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper.

Browned ground beef and stewed tomatoes added to slow cooker

Brown one pound of ground beef and drain off the excess fat. Add the browned ground beef to the slow cooker along with one 15oz. can of stewed tomatoes (with the juices).

Beef broth Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce added to slow cooker

Add 2 cups beef broth, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce to the slow cooker.

Slow cooker ready to be turned on

Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief stir to combine. The broth will not fully cover the meat and vegetables, but that’s okay. The vegetables will release more moisture and increase the broth as they cook. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours.

Cooked hamburger stew in the slow cooker

After cooking on high for four hours or low for eight hours, it will look like this. Give it a good stir and smash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. The smashed potatoes will help thicken the broth into a nice hearty stew.

Frozen peas being added to the slow cooker

Stir one cup of frozen peas into the slow cooker (they’ll thaw and heat within a minute or so). 

Finished slow cooker hamburger stew in the slow cooker

Give the hamburger stew a final taste and adjust the salt to your liking. I didn’t need to add any because the broth I use (Better than Bouillon) has a decent amount, but if your broth has less sodium you may find that a pinch of salt at the end helps the flavors pop!

Slow Cooker Hamburger stew in a bowl with a spoon lifting a bite

Serve the hamburger stew immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat (but I don’t know how you’ll resist having a bowl after smelling that cooking all day!).

The post Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Blueberry Gluten-Free Scones

These gluten-free scones are adapted from our original blueberry rosemary scones, which are a fan favorite! However, at many readers’ request, we created this versatile gluten-free version as well!
A special blend of gluten-free flours creates scones t…

Blueberry Gluten-Free Scones

These gluten-free scones are adapted from our original blueberry rosemary scones, which are a fan favorite! However, at many readers’ request, we created this versatile gluten-free version as well!

A special blend of gluten-free flours creates scones that are flaky on the outside, tender on the inside, infused with fresh rosemary, and studded with wild blueberries. Swoon! Let us show you how it’s done.

Origins of Scones

Scones are thought to have originated in Scotland in the 1500s (source).

Blueberry Gluten-Free Scones from Minimalist Baker →

Instant Pot Chickpeas

If you’re trying to cook chickpeas at home instead of using canned, this is the guide for you! We’re sharing our favorite way to cook chickpeas in the Instant Pot.
The result is tender, buttery chickpeas perfect for salads, sandwiches, dips, and more!…

Instant Pot Chickpeas

If you’re trying to cook chickpeas at home instead of using canned, this is the guide for you! We’re sharing our favorite way to cook chickpeas in the Instant Pot.

The result is tender, buttery chickpeas perfect for salads, sandwiches, dips, and more! We love using this technique because it’s faster, more consistent, and less hands-on than stovetop methods. Plus, home-cooked chickpeas taste SO much better than store-bought and are far less expensive!

Instant Pot Chickpeas from Minimalist Baker →