I always love easy to make slow cooker recipes. I love being able to throw together a few things in the morning, and then have supper ready for that evening. Like tonight, Bill was over an hour late, but the kids and I were able to eat.

1 cup beef broth
1/3 cup Italian dressing
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (I used Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce)
1 tsp oregano leaves
1 lb beef stew meat
4 potatoes
1 bag baby carrots (16oz)
1 large onion, cut into chunks
3 tbsp tastefully Simple Bacon Bacon Seasoning (A couple pieces of chopped up bacon should work too)
3 tbsp flour
3 tbsp water

Mix broth, dressing, BBQ sauce, and oregano in a bowl. Put all remaining ingredients in the slow cooker except for the flour and water.  Pour bowl mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 8 - 9 hours (or 4 - 5 hours on high).

Fifteen minutes before you want to serve, use a slotted spoon and transfer meat and veggies to a serving bowl.  Cover with foil.

In a bowl, mix the flour and water until well blended.  Stir into slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.  Spoon over meat and vegetables.

This is an easy to make slow cooker recipe that you can make in the morning and have for dinner!

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
1 (9 oz) package of refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini (or whatever flavor you’d like)
2 cups mozzarella cheese

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage and drain. Combine the ground meats, marinara sauce, and tomatoes in a slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 7-8 hours.

Stir in the tortellini and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 15 more minutes on low or until the tortellini is tender.

Again, these are all for the Chicago area.  If you’d like me to include your event, please leave a comment and I will add you to next week’s list!

taste Of Italy - Mario Rizzotti (one of the judges on Iron Chef America) will be having a cooking demonstration and tasting of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars.  $30 tonight at 7 pm at Mezzaluna Italian and Cooking Classes in Wester Springs.  Please call for reservations at 708-246-6055.

Just Food - 20 area chefs are participating in the Chefs & The City befits for those affected by HIV and AIDS.  Tickets are $250 and $350 for the VIP event.  It is tonight at 7 pm at The Peninsula, 108 E Superior St.  Call for reservations at 312-948-2785.

Cooking at Green City - Paul LoDuca is teaching a demonstation class at the Green City Market, 1750 N Clark St for free tomorrow morning at 10:30 am.  For more information, please call 773-435-0280.

Tricks Of The Trade - Michael Foly shares menu ideas at a demonstration class at Bloomindale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 Wabash Ave.  It is free and at 2 pm tommorrow.  For more information, please call 312-324-7678.

Cutting Edge - Stephanie Oesligle is teaching a hands on “sharp as a knife” skill class.  It is $53 and takes place August 18 at 6:30 pm at Two Kitchens, 2035 Washington St. Suite 155, Naperville.  For more information, please call 630-717-9630.

cheese course - Mary Rose teaches a class on cooking with Italian cheeses.  It is $75 and takes place August 19 at 7 pm at Cucina Della Rose Cooking School, 211 Park Ave., Barrington.  For more information, please call 847-650-9463

Healing Foods - Jeannie Burke shares tips in “Foods that Heal - taste and Learn about Easy Recipes the Fight Inflammation and Prevent Diseases”.  It is $30 and takes place at 7 pm on August 19 at A Movable Feast, 1641 N Alpine Rd., Rockford.  Please call 815-877-8696 for more information.

Culinary secrets - Ramiro Velasquez  is having a demonstration class followed by a 3 course lunch with wine pairings.  It is $65 on August 20 at 10:45 am at Carlos Restaurant, 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park.  For more information, please call 847-432-0770.