Crock Pot Japanese Onion Soup

October 1, 2022 Amanda Plott

We all know that soup that they serve at the hibachi style steak houses and how good it is for being something so simple. It’s one of the main things that my kiddo happens to look forward to when we go, so a lot of years back - way back in 2013, I decided to try my hand at making the soup at home and it was a success!

Not only that, but I also made it in the crock pot, which meant that I didn’t have to have almost any hands on time. It’s definitely one of those ‘set it and forget it’ sort of things which makes it perfect for serving up as a part of an asian themed dinner…

Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole

March 8, 2022 Amanda Plott

I’m shaking dinner up over here with this Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole! It’s a fun take on a chicken pot pie that uses tater tots in place of any kind of pie dough. It’s a perfect dinner for any weeknight and can mostly be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to top it with tots and bake! Because who doesn’t like tater tots?

The tater tots make this pot pie extra kid friendly. And honestly? Extra delicious too! Plus, there’s plenty of veggies in there; carrots, peas, onion, and some celery too. That means this pot pie is an all in one dish. A meal in a bowl…

Healthified Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

February 3, 2022 Amanda Plott

This old post (originally from 2013 - my first year of The Skinny Fork) definitely needed to be updated. It was back from the days when I wasn't yet taking the step-by-step photos of my cooking process. Not that this recipes has all too many steps to begin with, it just needed some polishing up.

It was definitely interesting to go back and see how far I've come with my photography, and also my method of cooking and creating recipes. I've made a few adjustments to the recipe (very minor ones and all for the better), so don't let that scare you off. It's not only better, but even better for you now too!...

Instant Pot Pot Roast

January 1, 2022 Amanda Plott

Pot Roast at it’s finest! This pot roast is made in no time at all in a pressure cooker and the homemade gravy is the best of the best! I love to cook this ahead of time to have ready and waiting to finish up and pile on the plates at dinner time for a hearty and well rounded meal. It doesn’t get any better than this for a filling meal during the cooler winter months.

I like to serve my roast over some mashed potatoes, but if you don’t want to take it the extra few steps, you could always leave the potatoes in their quartered form. No matter which way you go with it, everyone is sure to enjoy it.

This pot roast is as simple as they get. The homemade gravy is the most complicated part, and making it in the instant pot makes it almost fool proof. The only thing that is a little different is that the potatoes are more of a yellow color after being cooked in all that dripping goodness. But, that also makes them taste that much better.

This makes a nice big pot of food that can feed the crowed and keep them full and happy!

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Yield: 8

Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 55 Min

A traditional pot roast with potatoes and carrots made in little time at all in the Instant Pot and topped off with a homemade gravy!

Ingredients

3 Lbs. Chuck Pot Roast, Cut into 6 Pieces
Salt & Pepper
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Medium Yellow Onion, Chopped
2 Tsp. Minced Garlic
1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
1/4 C. Red Wine
1 1/2 C. Reduced Sodium Beef Stock
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire
5 Large Carrots, Cut into 2” Pieces
1 1/2 Lb. Potatoes, Quartered
1 Tsp. Rosemary
1 Tsp. Thyme
2 Whole Bay Leaves
2 Tbsp. Butter
1/4 C. All-Purpose Flour

Instructions

Season the pieces of roast with the salt and pepper.
Heat the 1 Tbsp. of oil in the base of an instant pot and place the pieces of meat into the hot base to brown on all sides for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the meat to set aside.
Add the 1 chopped yellow onion to the instant pot and sautee for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the 2 Tsp. Minced Garlic and 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste to cook for about a minute or two or until fragrant.
Add in the 1/4 C. red wine and scrape down the bottom of the instant pot of all it's crispy browned bits.
Turn the instant pot off and stir in the 1 1/2 C. broth, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire, and chopped carrots.
Top the carrots with the browned chunks of meat.
Top the meat with the potatoes and sprinkle the 1 Tsp. Rosemary, 1 Tsp. Thyme, and 2 Whole Bay Leaves.
Secure the lid, set the steam valve to sealed, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Once done, allow the steam to release naturally.
Set the potatoes aside in a bowl.
Remove the meat and carrots to set aside on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Beat the mashed potatoes with a splash of unsweetened almond milk and season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside and cover to keep warm as well.
Strain the beef drippings through a fine mesh strainer, reserving 2 C. of the broth.
Whisk together the 2 Tbsp. butter and 1/4 C. flour in the base of the instant pot and set it to sauté to make your roux.
Slowly add the 2 C. reserved drippings, whisking constantly until the gravy has reached your desired thickness then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate accordingly and enjoy right away!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

572.60

Fat (grams)

30.88

Sat. Fat (grams)

12.94

Carbs (grams)

27.10

Fiber (grams)

3.28

Net carbs

23.83

Sugar (grams)

3.44

Protein (grams)

45.98

Sodium (milligrams)

313.58

Cholesterol (grams)

148.81

Nutritional Claims: Egg Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free

Similar Recipes

Cowboy Pot Roast (Instant Pot)

Red Wine Beef Stew

Beef & Barley Stew

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theskinnyfork on instagram and hashtag it #theskinnyfork

Step-by-Step Photos:

Healthy & Easy Kid-Friendly Spaghetti Sauce

November 30, 2020 Amanda Plott

I'm calling this kid friendly spaghetti sauce because, I generally like to put actual onions and garlic into my spaghetti sauce. However, my little one would turn her nose up at that in a heartbeat, and seeing as how she specifically requests spaghetti every week, I figured that I ought to oblige her with something that would suite her desires!

Besides, who doesn't enjoy eating like a kid again? In my mind, that's one of the perks of being a parent; reliving all the things that you loved when you were growing up!

Though my mom was more of a Hamburger Helper sort of spaghetti maker.

She swears by Hamburger Helper 'Spaghetti' to this very day. Ugh…

Chickpea Tikka Masala

April 2, 2020 Amanda Plott

Let’s face it, we’re all suddenly a lot more influenced by a ‘beans and rice’ diet. Pantry cooking can be tricky, but it can also save time, money, and still be pretty damn healthy for you. This Chickpea Tikka Masala is a one pot dish that cooks up in just about 30 minutes. It’s gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. Plus, like I said, one pan to cook it all means less mess to clean up in the end.

Chickpeas are a favorite among my family as it is. Seriously… there’s a few of us that would eat the things straight of the can if someone would let us. So, I try to use them as much as I can. And they work out really well in vegetarian dishes…

Recent Forkable Bites

Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake "Dutch Baby"

You’ve just found your new kitchen obsession: the Korean Scallion Pop Over Pancake. Think of it as the love child of a light-as-air popover and the garlicky, green-onion-forward goodness of pajeon. It’s quick, a little bit showy, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or as an appetizer that will convince friends you are doing something wildly gourmet without breaking a sweat…

Tex-mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake

If breakfast had a fiesta, this Tex-Mex Tortilla Breakfast Bake would be the life of the party. It’s cheesy, bright with salsa, and full of Tex-Mex flavors—yet uses smart swaps so it’s lighter and still utterly satisfying. Think of it as nachos-turned-breakfast-casserole: layers of tortilla base, eggs, veggies, black beans, and just enough melty cheese to keep things comforting without sending your health goals running for cover…

Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake (No Bake)

If your dessert game needs a tropical mic drop, meet the Passion Fruit Filled Upside-Down Cheesecake. It’s the best kind of culinary contradiction: bright, tangy passion fruit tucked into a creamy, lighter-than-it-looks cheesecake sitting below a crumbly cookie base. It’s sweet, tart, slightly exotic, and perfectly guilt-free when you use a few smart swaps. Yes, you can have cheesecake and feel like you did something good for your future self…

German Pancake "Dutch Baby"

If you grew up thinking pancakes were just flat cakey discs drowned in syrup, German pancakes (also called Dutch babies) are here to re-educate your brunch brain. These dramatic oven-baked beauties puff up like savory soufflés, then collapse into golden, creased pools of custardy goodness. They’re loud, theatrical, and oddly wholesome — the perfect plate to start a weekend with a little flair and a lot less guilt…

Black Bean Street Corn Tacos

Street corn and tacos: two food-world celebrities that, when teamed up, create a headline-making flavor duet. Add black beans—protein-packed, wallet-friendly, and endlessly comforting—and you’ve got a weeknight superstar that’s healthy, colorful, and obnoxiously easy to make. These Black Bean Street Corn Tacos bring together charred corn, smoky spices, creamy jalapeño sauce, and hearty black beans for a taco that hits every note: tasty, creamy, bright, and slightly rebellious…

French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake

If you love the idea of classic French vanilla but want something a little unexpected, meet the French Vanilla Upside-Down Cheesecake — a playful flip on an indulgent favorite that keeps the texture silky and the flavor bright without dragging you into full dessert regret. This recipe flips the script with a golden french vanilla filling inside a light, creamy cheesecake so when you flip it, you get a crunchy crown of cookie and a tender, cloud-like cheesecake underneath. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight celebration.

Why French vanilla? French vanilla is all about the custard-forward flavor. In this cheesecake, that custardy depth and a crispy crunchy cookie crust shell is just perfect. The result is familiar and elegant — like dessert wearing a beret.

Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce

Bright, crunchy, and ridiculously satisfying — this Veggie Wrap with Peanut Sauce is my go-to when I want lunch that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave me sluggish. Think crisp raw veggies, tender marinated mushrooms (or tofu), fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce wrapped up in a whole-grain tortilla or rice paper. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep. Best part: the peanut sauce doubles as a dip for snack carrots, because nobody should deny themselves that level of deliciousness.

Why you’ll love it

Fresh and crunchy textures with a creamy, savory sauce.
Flexible — easily vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Quick to assemble, great for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner.
Balances fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein for a filling meal without heaviness…

Upside Down Blueberry Filled Cheesecake (No Bake)

If cheesecake could wear a pair of comfy sneakers and a party hat, this would be it. Meet the Upside Down No-Bake Blueberry-Filled Cheesecake: a glossy, jewel-toned blueberry layer that INSIDE of a pillowy, tangy no-bake cheesecake, all cradled by a lightly sweet, cookie-forward crust.

It looks fancy. It tastes like summer. It requires zero oven time and minimal effort. Translation: perfect for heat waves, last-minute company, or when you want dessert that’s both impressive and unapologetically easy…

Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No Bake Cheesecake

If banana pudding and cheesecake had a love child it would be this: silky, banana-forward, and just sweet enough to satisfy a dessert craving without sending you spiraling into sugar regret. This Skinny Caramel Banana Pudding No-Bake Cheesecake keeps all the cozy, nostalgic flavors—banana pudding, creamy cheesecake, and a touch of caramel—while trimming calories and ditching heavy baking. It’s perfect for hot days, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you want dessert that feels indulgent but behaves itself…

Chimichurri

Chimichurri: bright, herby, slightly spicy — and a total game-changer for everything from grilled steak to roasted veggies. If you’ve ever had a bite of anything sauced in Argentina or Uruguay, you probably met this vibrant green condiment: an herb-forward sauce that’s equal parts punchy and versatile. Here’s everything you need to know to make a fresh, health-conscious chimichurri that tastes like it belongs at a backyard grill party — without the guilt…

Hawachae

If you're hunting for a drink that’s fruity, fun, and somehow both festive and entirely guilt-free, say hello to hwachae. This Korean fruit punch is like summer in a shallow bowl: colorful, bubbly, and built for sharing. Think of it as a fruit salad you sip—refreshing, lightly sweet, and endlessly adaptable. Perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or whenever you want something more exciting than plain water but less indulgent than a soda cocktail…

Miso Caesar Dressing

The tangy, umami-packed upgrade that your salad has been waiting for!

If you love the bold, savory comfort of classic Caesar dressing but want something lighter, brighter, and just a smidge more interesting, say hello to miso Caesar dressing. It keeps everything you adore about a Caesar—creamy texture, salty tang, garlicky bite—then swaps in miso for depth, and ties it all together with citrus brightness. It’s umami-forward, slightly funky in the best way, and totally guilt-free. Also: it makes kale feel like a party guest instead of a punishment…

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

If you love the nostalgic bliss of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars but want a breakfast that’s fast, healthy, and won’t require a spatula duel at 7 a.m., meet Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats. This guilt-free spin captures the flavors you love — sweet strawberries, fluffy strawberry and vanilla oat vibes, and a few topping options— but in a nutrient-packed, make-ahead jar. It’s breakfast that feels like dessert and behaves like a responsible adult…

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Salads deserve better than boring dressing. Enter strawberry vinaigrette — a sweet-tart, blush-pink dressing that makes greens sing, fruits dance, and even roasted veggies look forward to showtime. It’s the kind of dressing that tricks your brain into thinking you’re indulging, while your body high-fives you for picking something wholesome. I’ve taken the classic fruit vinaigrette, given it a Skinny Fork twist, and kept it guilt-free without sacrificing flavor…

Breakfast Tomato Eggs

Tomato + eggs = morning magic. This humble combo is a breakfast staple around the world — from shakshuka to Chinese tomato-and-egg stir-fry — and for good reason. It’s fast, comforting, and jam-packed with flavor and nutrition. Think vibrant tomatoes, silky eggs, and a few tricks to boost protein and fiber while keeping things bright and fresh…

Tomato Salad

There’s something about a great tomato salad that makes summer feel like it lasts forever. Ripe tomatoes are the literal embodiment of sunny days—vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and a little tartness that wakes up the tastebuds. But tomato salad isn’t just a summer fling; with the right ingredients and a few health-conscious swaps, it becomes an everyday side, a light main, or a refreshing starter that fits into a wholesome lifestyle…

Subscribe Now!