12 Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless Winter Comfort

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a house filled with the delicious aroma of a hot, homemade dish. Slow cookers make it easy to prepare hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort. With just a little prep work, your slow cooker will do the heavy lifting, leaving you with a flavorful and comforting meal. Here are some slow cooker recipes that will make your winter cooking effortless and enjoyable.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Start by placing 2 pounds of cubed beef stew meat into your slow cooker. Add 4 chopped carrots, 4 potatoes, 1 onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender. Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the stew with crusty bread for a warm, filling meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Start by placing 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add 1 cup of uncooked white rice, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 chopped onion. Stir in 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Shred the chicken with a fork and stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort of a hearty meal.

Slow Cooker Chili

To begin, add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, and 1 bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, and 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt to taste. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, stirring halfway through. Once done, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve the chili with sour cream, cheese, and crackers. This meal is perfect for a cozy winter evening.

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Start by adding 6 peeled and diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 4 cups of chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir in 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with crumbled bacon and green onions on top.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Place a 3-pound pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of barbecue sauce and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily. Once done, shred the pork using two forks and stir in more barbecue sauce if desired. Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw. Enjoy this delicious meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Start by adding 1 ½ pounds of beef flank steak, sliced thinly, to the slow cooker. Pour in ½ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender. About 30 minutes before serving, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for the remaining time, then serve over steamed rice. This simple dish will warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Place 2 cups of dried lentils into the slow cooker, along with 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When the lentils are tender, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender. Serve the soup with warm bread for a comforting meal.

Slow Cooker Mushroom Risotto

Add 2 cups of Arborio rice to the slow cooker, along with 1 sliced onion, 1 pound of sliced mushrooms, and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir in 1 cup of white wine, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Once the rice is tender and creamy, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This rich and creamy risotto is perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve with extra cheese on top.

Slow Cooker Meatballs and Marinara

Start by placing 1 pound of frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through. Serve the meatballs with spaghetti or on a sub roll for a delicious meal. This simple recipe takes little effort but delivers great flavor. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

Add 4 cups of vegetable broth to the slow cooker along with 3 chopped carrots, 3 chopped potatoes, and 1 chopped onion. Stir in 1 cup of green beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with fresh herbs or a slice of crusty bread. This wholesome stew is a warm, comforting meal.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Start by adding 1 box (16 ounces) of ziti pasta into the slow cooker. Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce and 1 pound of cooked ground beef. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring halfway through. Once done, top the pasta with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover again and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve this hearty dish with a side salad.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Place 1 pound of frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Add 2 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir to coat the meatballs, then cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Once cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for cozy winter nights.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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