Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steak

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Many years ago a fellow co-worker and I were discussing our favorite family dinner recipes. Between promises of future recipe swapping, we found ourselves on the topic of purchasing ingredients in bulk and freezing them.

“I wish that I could do that,” she said. “But I have no idea how to freeze food properly, causing it to just go to waste.” 

If only I had known then how to use the FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System back then, I could have recommended to her a fast, easy, and sure-fire way to properly freeze ingredients purchased in bulk. As a mom of a big family, I can’t imagine not being able to save money by purchasing meats on sale or in bulk! The FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System assists me with meal prepping and batch cooking. Forget zipper bags, foil, and plastic wrap. The FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System helps prevent freezer burn and keeps food fresh for up to 5x longer. It keeps food fresh in less time with less steps*. The FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System is ideal for even long term freezer storage due to the BPA-free vacuum-seal bags ability to block out air. All the items below can be found at your local Bed Bath & Beyond!

The FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System exits out of the box ready to use. It has clear labels to assist in accomplishing that first freezing endeavor!

I can prepare the meat for freezing in a few easy steps.

Note that, according to the FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System instructions, meat may do better in the freezer if pre-frozen for 1-2 hours. See instructions for this guideline. 

First, I plug in the FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System. The FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System  can be used with FoodSaver® Heat-Seal Rolls and/or FoodSaver® Heat-Seal Bags. The FoodSaver® Heat-Seal Bags come in pre-determined sizes. For instance, the bags below are quart sized. With the FoodSaver® Heat-Seal Rolls, I can determine the size of the bag according to the item that I am prepping.

Place the FoodSaver® Heat-Seal Bag under the lip and align it with the drip tray.

Press the vacuum seal bar.

Let the machine do all the work. The red “seal” button will go off when the FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System is finished.

Place the meat in the freezer until ready to defrost for cooking purposes.

The fall season is always a busy time for us. School is in full swing. My husband and I are planning fall and holiday activities. It is during this hectic time that my FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System and slow cooker are my best friends in the kitchen! I can place a meal in the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready when I return.

For a dish with a tangy fall flavor, this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Beef Steak Stew is a family favorite! By simmering the steak all day in pumpkin puree, veggies, and spices, it takes on a tender spin that is sure to please. I realize that “pumpkin” and “steak” may not necessarily be thought of together, but don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Paired with sides of broccoli, rice, or other family favorites, it makes a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pure pumpkin (NOT puree)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (without salt)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Pink Himalayan sea salt, as desired
• Black pepper, as desired
• 1 lb. beef steak
• 3 cups Beef broth or chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Optional: Diced onions

Place olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker. Use just enough to coat the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place all the other ingredients into the slow cooker on low. Be sure to have enough beef broth or chicken broth to cover half of the ingredients. You may be using more or less than 3 cups, depending on how much liquid that you like in the dish.

Drain for a less stew-type dish or leave all liquid in for a stew. Enjoy with your favorite sides or as is!

How would you use the FoodSaver® FM5330 Vacuum Sealing System?

Stocking up with FoodSaver® bags and rolls this harvest and holiday season has is perks, every bags and rolls purchase gets you closer to NYC! Enter HERE from 9/23/18 – 10/21/18.

*Compared to FoodSaver V4440 Models