Fix-It and Forget-It

Do you ever have days when a simple question like, “What’s for dinner?” throws you into a tailspin? Continue Reading...

Your kids will love this super-easy, totally convenient dinner. It really does taste like pizza, but with less fat and no trip to the pizza shop. We used turkey pepperoni in our version to further lower the fat content. Continue Reading...

Is your pasta feeling a bit under-dressed these days? Missing out on the holiday spirit? Looking just a trifle dowdy surrounded by all the other festive holiday dishes on the table? Continue Reading...

You can fix this unique cranberry sauce in the slow cooker a day or two before the big meal. Although we tend to think of cranberry sauce as an accompaniment to turkey, this one is actually a terrific accompaniment to ice cream or frozen yogurt. It’s a delightful and elegant way to finish off a heavy holiday dinner. Continue Reading...

This absolutely fabulous slow-cooked beef with juice (or au Jus, if you prefer) makes one very popular sandwich. Fix-It and Forget-It staff members were vying for the leftovers after the photos were taken. Continue Reading...

‘Tis the season for hot punch, and this cheerful tart-sweet pomegranate concoction is just the thing to get your holiday parties off to a great start. Continue Reading...

Most people would agree that ground turkey, turkey ham, and turkey sausage are better for you than their beef- or pork-based counterparts. There’s less agreement on how they stack up when it comes to taste. Continue Reading...

Today—the day before Thanksgiving—just happens to be National Stuffing Day. What a handy coincidence! Continue Reading...

November is National Apple Month, and we think apples and slow cookers go together very nicely indeed. Continue Reading...

As the name suggests, this hearty soup is quick, easy, and very, very good. Our recipe tester’s comment: “I’m definitely making this at home.” Now that’s a compliment worth having, because she’s prepared a lot of recipes in her time.

The recipe also makes plenty. Plan to serve this to a crowd of hungry leaf-rakers, if you’re lucky enough to be hosting such a crowd in your back yard. Or lure a bunch of energetic friends with an offer of dinner, and pass out the rakes when they arrive. Just be sure to have steaming bowls of soup and mugs of cider on hand when the work is done.

With any luck, this may become an annual tradition!

Quick and Easy Italian Vegetable Beef Soup
Fix-It and Forget-It, Revised & Updated, page 36
Makes 8-10 servings
Prep. Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Ideal slow-cooker size: 6-qt.

1 lb. ground beef, or turkey, browned and drained
3 carrots, sliced
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
15-oz. can diced Italian tomatoes, or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
6-oz. can Italian-flavored tomato paste
4 ½ cups water
1 quart beef broth

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on High 6-8 hours, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.