Fridge Leftovers Stew Crock Pot
Transform your fridge odds and ends into a comforting, flavor-packed masterpiece with this Fridge Leftovers Stew Crock Pot recipe. Perfect for minimizing food waste, this versatile recipe combines cooked proteins, mixed vegetables, and hearty grains or pasta with pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes and flavorful broth. Infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and herbs, this slow-cooked stew delivers rich, savory notes with minimal effort. Simply toss your ingredients into the crock pot and let it simmer to perfection over a few hours, creating a wholesome, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this stew is an easy, customizable solution to turn leftovers into a one-pot delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked meat or protein (e.g., chicken, beef, tofu)
- 3 cups Cooked or raw vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.)
- 1 cup Cooked grains or pasta (e.g., rice, quinoa, noodles)
- 1 14-ounce can Canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cups Stock or broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 whole Bay leaf
Instructions
1. Begin by prepping your leftovers and any fresh ingredients. Chop cooked meat or protein, vegetables, and grains into bite-sized pieces if they aren't already prepared.
2. Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Place the cooked onion and garlic into the crock pot. Layer in the chopped meat, vegetables, and grains or pasta.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stock or broth. Mix gently to combine.
5. Add your dried or fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
6. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir once halfway through the cooking time, if possible.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
8. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.5 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 413 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 7039 mg | 306% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 156.5 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.8 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.8 g | ||
| Protein | 177.5 g | 355% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 480 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 4244 mg | 90% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
