This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish Mid-Summer Pearls is the kind of simple, comforting supper that earns a regular spot in a busy family meal plan. Using parboiled potato pearls keeps the prep easy, while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting and turns a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients into a rich, cozy dish with tender bites and a glossy sauce. It has that homespun, old-fashioned feel that makes it especially nice for laid-back summer evenings when you want dinner handled well before everyone gets hungry.
Serve these savory potato pearls alongside sliced ham, roast chicken, or simple grilled sausage for a hearty meal. A crisp green salad, buttered green beans, or sweet corn make especially nice summer sides, since they balance the richness of the sauce. If you want to stretch the dish for a larger table, add warm dinner rolls or a platter of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Amish Mid-Summer Pearls
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds parboiled potato pearls
Directions
1. Lightly butter or spray the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the parboiled potato pearls and sliced onion, then gently toss them together.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the potatoes and onions.
3. Dot the top with the butter pieces. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the potato pearls are very tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
4. Stir gently once or twice near the end of cooking if needed, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much. Taste and adjust with a little salt and black pepper if you like, then serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a milder flavor, leave the onion slices larger so they are easy to pick out after cooking, or swap them for a small spoonful of onion powder stirred into the broth mixture.
Make it heartier: This dish can turn into a full one-pot meal if you add cooked sliced sausage or diced ham during the last hour of cooking. That is a favorite trick when I need dinner to satisfy bigger appetites.
Choose the right texture: Parboiled potato pearls work best here because they hold their shape while still soaking up flavor. If your sauce looks a little thin at first, give it a gentle stir and let it sit covered for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Extra savory finish: A small handful of shredded cheddar or a spoonful of sour cream stirred in right before serving gives the dish a richer, creamier finish without adding much extra work.
