Slow Cooker New Mexico Beans

These are a staple I grew up with all my life and have adapted to making in the slow cooker. 

They're flavorful, have a wonder gravy and can be included in so many Mexican dishes. 

Burritos, quesadillas, eggs, tamales, casseroles, and on and on. 

We actually love them as a side, with Parmesan sprinkled on them...I know, weird, but oh so good!

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans 

2-3 clove garlic, sliced

1 jalapeño or other chile, whole

1 med. onion, chopped

2 tbsn chile powder 

2 tsp cumin

(2 tbsn bacon grease, totally opt. But it adds great flavor)

Directions

Place beans in a colander, rinse well, and remove any stones.

Pour beans into slow cooker and cover with water (about 6 cups). Add onionand garlic, chile, chile powder and cumin. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until tender. Periodically check that the beans remain covered with water, and add additional hot water, if necessary, or if you would like extra bean broth.

When beans are almost done, taste broth and season with salt and pepper.  I like to mash them slightly with a potato masher or wooden spoon for added body, leaving most of the beans whole. 

As tempting as it may be, don't salt your beans until they're almost done cooking. Adding salt too soon can make them tough.

Easy One Pot American Chop Suey

This is the all American take on a Hungarian classic. 

Made super simple, everything is cooked in one pot!

Some of you may know this as Goulash, Chop Suey, or by that handy hamburger helper friend. Either way, this is a meal your family will love to eat, you will love because it's made in one pot. Your family or whoever you serve it will be happy because it's just so tasty. And we'll all be happy because we didn't have to buy a box with ingredients we can't  pronounce. 

Meaning it's a win-win, in taste, simplicity and nutrition. 

Yay! 

Plus dinner/supper is on the table in a flash! (Okay...I'm also jazzed about the one pot-less mess to clean up!)

Wherever you're from. East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, this baby has been a tasty, easy meal to prepare and provide so many of us with a hearty good meal and it just never gets old. 

It's sooo good!!

Easily made for 4-6 or a crowd, just double the ingredients. I've made it for potlucks, for new moms, for families just needing a hot meal, it's just a great staple to make for your loved ones or to share. 

To make it for the cheese loving crowd, add in cheese at the end and sprinkle more on top.  Whoa! Cheeseburger Mac! Another HH helper meal!

Here is the basic recipe--feel free to change this baby up!