Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

In a recent search for a good sloppy joes recipe I happened to find this unique version at the website Spend with Pennies.  The ingredients join together perfectly in the crockpot to boost the flavor of the hamburger meat. You could easily adapt the recipe to your own family's taste by using your favorite sliced cheese or even the Philly "traditional" Cheez Whiz. Instead of the cans of condensed onion soup, simply use 2 cans of beef broth. The green peppers, onions and mushrooms are also optional....add more or less to your liking.

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

3 lbs. ground beef chuck

2 teaspoons garlic powder

black pepper to taste

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 green pepper, thinly sliced

1 (8 oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms

2 cans condensed French Onion soup

2 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 package of sliced Provolone cheese

package of hoagie rolls

Brown ground beef in a large skillet (try not to break up the beef too much); drain grease. Place cooked beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms into a Pam sprayed crockpot.  Toss with flour, garlic powder and pepper (to taste). Pour soup and Worcestershire sauce over the top of the mixture. Cook on low for 5 hours. Serve on rolls and top each sandwich with one slice of cheese. (Could also be served on cooked pasta or rice)

This crockpot recipe was a big hit in my house because all of my kids were asking for a second sandwich before I even had the chance to sit down for my first bite!! We will definitely add this recipe to our busy weeknight Crockpot rotation!!!

Tortellini & Sausage in a Tomato Cream Sauce

Tortellini & Sausage in a Tomato Cream Sauce

adapted from yellow brick road website

1 package (14 oz.) Kielbasa, cut into pieces

1/2 cup onion, diced (optional)

1 cup chicken broth (or water)

1 (28 oz.) can of whole tomatoes; cut up inside the can

1 (20 oz.) package of tortellini (I used mixed cheese tortellini)

2 tablespoons cream cheese, diced (I used 4 Tbsp. whipped cream cheese from a small tub)

2 cups shredded cheese (I used cheddar cheese & Mozzarella cheese)

Saute the onion in 1 tbsp. oil in a large skillet on medium heat until soft. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned.  Add chicken broth, tortellini and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil; then turn heat down to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until pasta is done. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese & cream cheese. Cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted & blended.