18 Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes Inspired by the ’70s

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the comforting recipes that came out of the ’70s. The slow cooker was a kitchen staple back then, and it made everything easier, from hearty dinners to cozy family meals. These slow cooker recipes aren’t just about convenience, they bring back the kind of flavors that remind you of home. The best part? You just toss everything in, set it, and enjoy a perfectly cooked meal by the end of the day. These dishes bring a bit of the past into your kitchen, offering warmth and comfort every time.

Pot Roast

This classic pot roast recipe brings back the flavors of Sunday family dinners. Begin with a 3-pound chuck roast seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add 4 peeled and chopped carrots, 4 potatoes, and 1 large sliced onion to the slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the meat to tenderize and the flavors to meld together. Serve with the rich gravy created from the cooking liquid.

Beef Stroganoff

For a taste of retro comfort, this slow cooker beef stroganoff is a winner. Brown 2 pounds of beef stew meat and place it in the slow cooker. Add 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 packet of onion soup mix. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Cook on low for 7 hours, then stir in 1 cup of sour cream before serving. Serve over egg noodles for a creamy, savory dish.

Swiss Steak

Swiss steak was a ’70s favorite for its hearty appeal. Coat 2 pounds of round steak in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown it in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add 1 diced onion, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth. Cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is tender. The result is a savory, saucy steak perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

Ham and Bean Soup

A staple in many 1970s kitchens, this ham and bean soup warms the soul. Place 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups of diced ham into the slow cooker. Add 1 pound of dried navy beans, 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Pour in 8 cups of water or chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beans are tender and the soup is flavorful.

Tuna Casserole

This tuna casserole brings a retro touch with minimal effort. Combine 2 cans of tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in the slow cooker. Stir in 2 cups of cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of peas. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Top with crushed potato chips during the last 30 minutes for that crispy ’70s crunch.

Meatloaf

A nostalgic favorite, slow cooker meatloaf is moist and flavorful. Mix 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 chopped onion, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Form into a loaf and place in the slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup of ketchup mixed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting family meal.

Pork Chops and Apples

This sweet and savory dish is a nod to the ’70s. Season 4 bone-in pork chops with salt and pepper. Layer in the slow cooker with 2 sliced apples and 1 sliced onion. Pour over 1/2 cup of apple juice and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Cook on low for 6 hours until the pork is tender. The apple-infused sauce is perfect to drizzle over the pork.

Lasagna

This easy lasagna recipe captures the Italian-American flavors of the ’70s. Layer uncooked lasagna noodles with 1 pound of browned ground beef, 1 jar of marinara sauce, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers twice. Cook on low for 4 hours, then let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. It’s an effortless way to enjoy this classic dish.

Pepper Steak

Pepper steak was a popular dish in the 1970s, and the slow cooker makes it even easier. Combine 2 pounds of sliced beef with 1 sliced onion, 1 sliced green pepper, and 1 sliced red pepper. Add 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of beef broth, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Cook on low for 6 hours until the beef is tender. Serve over rice for a flavorful, saucy meal.

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup was a popular budget-friendly meal in the 1970s. Place 1 pound of dried split peas, 1 ham hock, 1 diced onion, and 2 diced carrots into the slow cooker. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally. The peas break down into a thick, creamy soup that’s perfect with crusty bread.

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls were a hit in the ’70s, and this slow cooker version simplifies the process. Mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of cooked rice, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Roll the mixture into softened cabbage leaves and place them in the slow cooker. Pour over 1 can of tomato sauce mixed with 1/2 cup of beef broth. Cook on low for 6 hours until the cabbage is tender.

Goulash

This goulash brings a hearty, comforting feel from the past. Brown 1 pound of ground beef and add it to the slow cooker with 1 diced onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Stir in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of paprika. Cook on low for 5 hours, stirring occasionally. The result is a savory, tomato-based dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers were a popular meal in the 1970s. Hollow out 4 bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Place them in the slow cooker and pour over 1 cup of tomato sauce mixed with 1/2 cup of beef broth. Cook on low for 5 hours until the peppers are tender. Serve with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

This Irish-American classic was a staple in many 1970s homes. Place a 3-pound corned beef brisket in the slow cooker with 1 quartered onion, 3 peeled carrots, and 4 potatoes. Pour in 1 cup of water and add the seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef. Cook on low for 8 hours, then add 1/2 head of cabbage during the last hour. Serve with mustard or horseradish sauce for extra flavor.

Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King was a popular dish served over rice or toast in the ’70s. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve over rice or toast for a creamy, comforting meal.

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue ribs were a hit at ’70s parties, and the slow cooker makes them fall-off-the-bone tender. Rub 2 racks of baby back ribs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over them. Cook on low for 8 hours. For extra flavor, finish them under the broiler with more barbecue sauce.

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish that was popular in the ’70s. Place 4 chicken thighs in the slow cooker with 1 sliced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender. Serve with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue was a fun, social dish in the 1970s, and this slow cooker version keeps it warm and gooey. Combine 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, 1 cup of shredded Gruyère, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of dry white wine and 1 clove of minced garlic. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with bread cubes, vegetables, and apples for dipping.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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