Game Day Snacking Part One

Crock Pot Cheesy Beef and Bean Enchilada Dip is a delectable gluten-free dip that's cheesy and savory. Perfect for game day or parties! Recipe adapted from iowagirleats.com
Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup sweet onion, diced
• 2-1/2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup corn canned or frozen, drained
• 15 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed or black beans 
• 2 TB. taco seasoning
• 8 oz. Sargento Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese Blends ( I checked it's a gluten free product) or 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese with 4 oz. freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• tortilla chips and avocado chunks

Directions:

• Brown ground beef with onions, seasoning with salt and pepper, then drain if necessary and add to the bottom of a 5 qt. crock pot.  Add enchilada sauce, beans, corn, taco seasoning, and shredded cheeses. Stir to combine. Cut cream cheese into hunks then nestle on top. Cook on low for 1-1/2 - 2 hours or until dip is hot and bubbly. Stir to completely incorporate the cream cheese then serve with tortilla chips or gluten-free tortilla chips .

Optional Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 TB. grapeseed oil (or other neutral tasting oil)
• 2 TB. Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Sweet Rice Flour or all-purpose flour (dish will not be GF if using AP flour)
• 3 TB. mild chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. each salt, dried oregano, onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. each garlic powder, cumin
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat then add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes. Add seasonings, chili powder through cumin, then whisk for another 30 seconds. 
• Add tomato paste then whisk until combined, and slowly stream in chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes or until sauce has thickened.
• Remove pan from heat and cool slightly (can be done ahead of time.)

Raspberry Chipotle Meatballs 
Cook's notes: Meatballs are a must for game day snacking. Take it up a notch with these these  juicy and delicious slow cooker little meatballs. 
Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. frozen meatballs
• 1 large bottle prepared Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (this product is from Costco but any similar product works).  

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tsp. orange zest

Directions:

• Mix 1 bottle chipolte sauce, juice and zest. Place frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over frozen meatballs and simmer until thoroughly cooked for an appetizer. You may need to add some water to make sure meatballs are covered. 
• Optional idea place cooked sauced meatballs on a toasted sub bun with melted pepper jack cheese for a hearty sandwich.

Be ready Feb 1 for Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

I'm starting with a surprise birthday gift for my neighbor's 80th birthday.