Home ยป Money Matters: Pork and Butternut Squash Stew {Crock Pot}

Money Matters: Pork and Butternut Squash Stew {Crock Pot}

Sometimes entering into recipe swaps scares me. Mostly because I like to be in charge (if I’m being honest). And it’s not that I’m power-hungry, I just like to rule the roost in the kitchen. Menu planning is pretty much the one “chore” I look forward to. So handing over that duty to others (bloggers, husbands…anyone…) can be difficult.

But see, I’m not picky. And I haven’t been dealt a bad recipe to try yet. I mean, why would someone recommend something they didn’t actually enjoy? Exactly.

This was made, this was enjoyed, and then I calculated the nutrition facts. And the cost per serving. And pretty much, it’s an all around great meal, and top-notch bang-for-your-buck calorie-wise and dollar-wise. Plus, it reheats well as leftovers and you throw everything into the crock pot. No preparation or pre-cooking…very, very simple.

It doesn’t seem like you add a ton of flavoring (if you’re like me and lean towards bold flavors, don’t fret), but the vegetables are very flavorful, especially slow-cooking in broth and the sage and rosemary compliment both the pork loin and the veggies beautifully.

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Pork and Butternut Squash Stew adapted from All Recipes, as seen on So Tasty, So Yummy

1 1/2 pounds boneless pork, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp rubbed sage
1 bay leaf
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
2 cups carrots (about 3 whole), peeled and diced

Directions:

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to low and simmer 4 hours, or until tender. Yield: 5 servings.

Nutrition Information (per serving): 275 calories; 7.2 g. fat; 102 mg. cholesterol; 716 mg. sodium (assuming all broth consumed); 19.4 g. carbohydrate; 3.6 g. fiber; 31.8 g. protein

Result: This was beyond simple, very flavorful, and perfect for fall…oh, and healthy to boot! This meal was under 300 calories for a VERY generous portion and was packed with fiber and antioxidant-rich veggies. The combination of the squash, onion, potato, and carrot worked great with the pork loin. For those wanting to cook this all day, I don’t see why a low setting for 8-9 hours wouldn’t work. The butternut squash seemed to get most tender, so I would simply put it on the top. Enjoy!

Money Matters: Pork loin is relatively inexpensive when it comes to meat. I bought an organic, grain fed 3lb loin on sale for $3.99/lb. Since I used 1 1/2 lbs, the cost of the meat was $5.99. Onions are $1.28/lb at my local Kroger and I get roughly 2 per pound — $0.64. I used 1 potato out of a 5lb bag (containing 11 potatoes) that was on sale for $2.99/bag – $0.27 for the potato. A bag of carrots is usually $0.88 at my Kroger and I used 3 of the 6 carrots — $0.44. Butternut squash is typically $0.79/lb and 2 cups was roughly 3/4 lb — $0.59. I used nearly 2 cans of low-sodium chicken broth which were $0.60 each. The remaining ingredients add up to about $0.30, bringing the cost for the recipe to $9.43. Therefore, the cost per servings ends up being $1.89.

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This week went by soooo fast. Of course, the one-day weekend will, too. I am very much so, more than ever (I think), looking forward to FOUR consecutive days off next week. Think I could talk Mr. Prevention into my splurging on a massage to make me the happiest girl in the world? …Yeah, probably not.

Happy weekend,

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13 Comments

  1. Gina (The Candid RD)
    November 18, 2011 / 6:43 am

    Ok, so it was $1.89 per serving, BUT did you guys save or dump the leftovers?? I’m just thinking about the conversation we had the other night ๐Ÿ™‚ Either way, good deal, and it sounds delicious! Our butternut squash are gone, for good, and now I’m pretty much sick of them. Perhaps this recipe would work with sweet potatoes!

    • Nicole
      Author
      November 18, 2011 / 6:51 am

      Ate it all! It was so good reheated and only made 5 servings. It’s the 8 serving dishes that get tough! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Joanne
    November 18, 2011 / 8:20 am

    I get a little wacky when meals aren’t in my control also….but it seems like you were gifted a winning recipe with this dish! In my opinion, anything that butternut squash touches has to be magical…especially in stew form!

  3. EA-The Spicy RD
    November 18, 2011 / 9:13 am

    Looks great, and another recipe to add to my ever growing list of “slow-cooker” recipes to make when I finally get a crockpot ! Hope you have a lovely holiday and have that massage after all ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. The Home Cook
    November 18, 2011 / 9:32 am

    I’m happy that you participate in the swaps even though I totally get what you mean about handing over control of your meals to someone else (mainly random.org). ๐Ÿ™‚

    I’m glad this was a winner. It certainly sounds easy enough.

    Thanks for being part of the recipe swaps!

  5. Kristen @ swanky dietitian
    November 18, 2011 / 11:33 am

    This looks delicious!!
    I’m sorry you only get one day off this weekend. ๐Ÿ™ I am so ready for the long weekend! And of course to eat lots of stuffing. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  6. Leah @ Why Deprive?
    November 18, 2011 / 12:05 pm

    I am so making this – without the pork probably, but I’m still making it.

    Maybe you can convince Mr Prevention to give you a massage himself? ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
    November 18, 2011 / 7:01 pm

    This look delish and you can’t beat that price! Plus I love crockpot recipes…. They’re awesome. I cannot wait for 4 days off too!!

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  9. Anita
    November 24, 2011 / 11:02 am

    This looks delicious! I’m always looking for new and exciting recipes for my slow cooker. I’m just curious, what was considered a “serving”? The recipe makes five servings, but do you happen to know what the portion size comes out to (i.e., a cup)? Trying to lose a few pounds and practicing the fine art of portion control. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks!

    • Nicole
      Author
      November 24, 2011 / 11:09 am

      Thanks, Anita! I would say the portion is about 1 1/2 cups. It is generous!

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