Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This recipe came with a 5-can package of Member’s Mark chicken breast from Sam’s Club. It’s a simple, fast soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening—and it could easily sit in a crockpot on low a few hours if you prefer.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans drained chicken breast, 13 oz.
  • 1 can enchilada sauce, 15 oz.
  • 1 can evaporated milk, 12 oz.
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed, 15 oz.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 oz.
  • 1 can cheddar cheese soup, 10.75 oz.
  • ½ cup chopped green pepper
  • ½ cup chopped red pepper

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and heat on medium until the soup is hot, stirring occasionally.
  2. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, and sliced black olives, if desired.

Variations

  • The original recipe called for pinto beans. Mom isn’t a fan, so we chose black beans. Any bean would really work—pinto, black, kidney, whatever you prefer.
  • The original recipe also used Nacho Cheese Soup, instead of Cheddar Cheese Soup. Our nearest Kroger doesn’t carry Nacho Cheese anymore, so we substituted Cheddar Cheese Soup. Those who wanted a spicier soup just added a dash of hot sauce.

Crockpot Apple Butter

From Crock Pot Girls on Facebook (original online), this sounds like a very tempting recipe—and even if you don’t like apple butter, your house would have to smell terrific while this was cooking!

Ingredients

  • 8 red delicious apples, peeled, cored & sliced
  • 1 stick of Margriane
  • 4c. sugar
  • 4 tsp.Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions

  1. Put in crock pot overnight on low.
  2. Makes about 2 cups of butter. Last in refrigerator about 2 weeks.

Sausage, Spinach, and Provolone Pizza

From the October 2009 Real Simple (original online), this tasty pizza is a rustic alternative to the normal delivery pizzas we have. Once I saw the photo of the pizza in the magazine, I knew it was a must-have.

IngredientsPizza photo from magazine

  • cornmeal for the pan
  • 1 pound pizza dough, thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 links Italian sausage, casings removed (about 3/4 pound)
  • 1 small bunch spinach, thick stems removed (about 3 cups)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/3 pound thinly sliced provolone

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 425º F.
  2. Sprinkle a rimmed baking sheet with the cornmeal.
  3. Shape the dough into a 14-inch circle, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of the oil and bake until puffed and golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes.
  7. Add the spinach and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, tossing, for 1 minute.
  8. Top the partially cooked dough with the sausage mixture and cheese.
  9. Bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese has melted, 12 to 15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Ham & Scalloped Potato Casserole

According to the recipe from Campbell’s (original online), “The slow cooker makes it easy to make this mouthwatering casserole, packed with potatoes, ham and a creamy Cheddar cheese sauce.”

Ingredients

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 pound diced cooked ham (about 2 cups)
  • 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
  • 1 large onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. Spray the inside of a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with the cooking spray.
  2. Layer the ham, potatoes and onion in the cooker.
  3. Stir the soup and milk in a small bowl.
  4. Pour the soup mixture over the potato mixture and sprinkle with the paprika.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

Variations

  • Time-Saving: Or you may cook the recipe on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.

Time Required: 7 hours

Servings: 8

Slow Cooker Bacon Potato Chowder

This recipe from Campbell’s (original online) is fast and simple. The site explains, “This hearty and flavorful soup is so easy to make…simply mix the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. And to make it even better, stir in Cheddar just before serving and top with a sprinkle of chives.”

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Potato Soup
  • 4 soup cans milk 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into
  • 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

Directions

  1. Stir the bacon, onion, soup, milk, black pepper, potatoes and 1/4 cup chives in a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Add the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
  4. Sprinkle with the remaining chives.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

From the October 2009 Real Simple (original online), these tasty cupcakes start with a cake mix, but folks will never know they’re not made from scratch!

Ingredients

  • 1 18.5-ounce box yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients called for in the package directions)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 2 8-ounce bars cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 24 pieces candy corn (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350° F.
  2. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
  3. Prepare the cake mix as directed but with the following change: Add the pumpkin pie spice and substitute the can of pumpkin puree for the water called for in the package directions.
  4. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tins and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes.
  5. Let cool.
  6. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
  7. Spread on the cupcakes and top each with a piece of candy corn.

Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli & Rice

I love everything about this recipe. I often buy similar frozen meals, ready for the microwave. This recipe from Campbell’s (original online) makes a satisfying, homemade version that is even better than those microwave meals.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
  • 1 3/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 bag (about 16 ounces) frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
  • 3 large carrots, sliced (about 2 1/4 cups)
  • 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
  • 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Directions

  1. Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with the cooking spray.
  2. Place the rice in the slow cooker. 
  3. Layer the chicken, 1 cup cheese, broccoli, carrots, soups and the remaining cheese on top of the rice.
  4. Pour the water around the edges of the slow cooker and do not stir.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Stir the rice and vegetables before serving.

Variations

  • Speed up the meal by using canned chicken breast. The casserole only needs to cook long enough to warm all the ingredients and cook the rice.
  • If I use chicken breasts, I cut them into chunks before adding to the crockpot to make serving the meal simpler.

Autumn Beef Pot Roast Au Jus

This recipe from Campbell’s (original online) makes a simple crockpot meal that will satisfy the everyone.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Beef Broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves, crushed
  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 4 cups)
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cut into wedges
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 boneless beef chuck pot roast (about 2 pounds)

Directions

  1. Stir the broth, thyme, sweet potatoes, apples and onion in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.
  2. Add the beef and turn to coat.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 11 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.

Variations

  • Flavor Variation: Use a combination of red potatoes and peeled sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Time-Saving: You may also cook this recipe on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours.

Beef Sirloin Steak with Baby Spinach

This recipe from Campbell’s (original online) “features a creamy sauce flavored with balsamic vinegar…and in just 40 minutes, you’ve got steak, veggies and potatoes ready to serve.”

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4-inch thick (about 1 pound), cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 large onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 small red pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
  • 1 bag (about 7 ounces) fresh baby spinach
  • Hot mashed potatoes

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef and cook until well browned on both sides.
  3. Remove the beef from the skillet.
  4. Pour off any fat.
  5. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet.
  6. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring often.
  8. Stir the soup, water, vinegar and rosemary in the skillet and heat to a boil.
  9. Return the beef to the skillet.
  10. Reduce the heat to medium.
  11. Stir in the spinach.
  12. Cover and cook the beef for 2 minutes for medium or until desired doneness.
  13. Serve the beef and vegetable mixture with the potatoes.

Creamy Loaded Mashed Potatoes

With this recipe from Hellman’s (original online), “Steak house standard loaded baked potatoes transform easily into a decadent family-size dish!”

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 6 oz.), divided
  • 1 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon or turkey bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. Spray 2-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  3. Cover potatoes with water in 4-quart saucepot; bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain and mash.
  5. Stir in 1 cup cheese, Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions and 4 strips crumbled bacon.
  6. Turn into prepared baking dish and bake 30 minutes or until bubbling.
  7. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bacon.
  8. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  9. Garnish, if desired, with additional chopped green onions.

Time Required: 1 hour

Servings: 8