Saturday, January 28, 2012

Tuscan Sausage Ragu

Having guests over for dinner and don't know what to cook? Go get your slow cooker because when you serve this flavorful sauce (over your choice of pasta), everyone will be happy!

1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup red onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 (28 oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt to taste
1 cup heavy cream

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the sweet and hot Italian sausage until browned. Break the meat up into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion is translucent. Carefully drain excess grease. Pour the mixture into a slow cooker. Add the wine, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil and oregano and mix. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Pour in the cream, stir, cover, and cook for 1 more hour. Add salt if desired, and serve over your choice of pasta.

(Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com.)

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Super easy and yummy!

1 1/2 lbs stew meat
1 can cream of chicken soup (yes, chicken!)
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Approx. 3/4 can of water (using empty soup can)
Package of egg noodles

Mix everything in slow cooker, except noodles, and cook on low about 8 hours.  When ready, cook noodles according to package directions and serve beef mixture over noodles.  (My hubby likes this served over mashed potatoes.)

(Recipe adapted from The Crockin' Girls.)