Slow cooking is all the rage these days, and for good reason. I don’t know about you, but come fall/wintertime, all I want is comfort food at the snap of my fingers. Instead of slaving for hours cooking dinner, or picking up something (probably unhealthy) on the way home, these slow cooker recipes for winter offer you a quick way to make your favourite meals in a cinch.
I know it’s not exactly winter yet, but with the temperature quickly dropping, I figured you’ll likely get some use out of these recipes before the snow and sub-zero temperatures hit! They’re also perfect for fall or anytime you get a comfort food craving. My mouth was watering just looking at photos of these crockpot recipes, let me know if you feel the same!
How Slow Cooking Works
If you’re new to slow cooking, here’s a little run down of how a slow cooker works. Slow cookers are electric kitchen appliances that cook your food at a relatively low temperature over a long period of time.
They contain a pot, glass lid and heating element. Your food cooks in the pot and the lid stays closed, allowing the moist heat to cook food over time. They’re used to make dishes like stews, casseroles and soups, but you can also make weeknight dinners like carnitas, pastas and short ribs! The world is your oyster!
The Slow Cooker Craze
You may be wondering why you should use a crockpot and why everyone seems to be on this slow cooker craze. Oh and just FYI, a slow cooker and crockpot aren’t necessarily the same thing. A crock pot is a type of slow cooker, but a slow cooker is not always a crock pot.
There a 3 main differences between slow cookers and crockpots:
1) Crock pots have two to three heat settings (they all have low and high, while some of them have a warming option), and slow cookers have up to five settings.
2) Crock pots have a pot that sits inside the heating unit, while some slow cookers have pots that sit atop the heating units.
3) Slow cookers can work in cycles, powering on and off during cooking, while crockpots cook continuously.
Slow cookers are ideal for those of us with busy schedules and the not-so-experienced in the kitchen. They offer an easy way to cook dinner while we’re off doing other things and living our busy lives. Slow cooker recipes are a great way to stay healthy and keep you from eating out as a quick fix!
Related Post: 20 Healthy Recipes to Meal Prep on Sunday
Here are 20 easy slow cooker recipes you’re sure to love!
1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff via The Recipe Critic
Rich, creamy and oh-so-delicious, there’s nothing like a good mushroom stroganoff in my books! Featuring egg noodles, chicken and creamy goodness, throw these delicious ingredients in your crockpot and enjoy!
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo via Delish
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than creamy chicken Alfredo. Whip up this scrumptious meal in your crockpot with pretty much zero effort, and enjoy!
3. Slow Cooker Asian Short Ribs via Damn Delicious
These Asian short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and so easy to whip up, they’ll quickly become your new go-to!
4. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese via Dinner Then Dessert
I’m always down for mac and cheese. If you know the feeling, you’re going to love this cheesy, creamy dish!
5. Crockpot Creamy Cashew Chicken via Half Baked Harvest
This Indian-inspired recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy (without any cream), and oh, so scrumptious. Make it when you’re in the mood for something with a kick, and with a side of rice.
6. Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew via Country Living
There’s nothing like a good stew on a chilly fall or winter night, and the addition of red wine makes this beef stew even more incredible!
7. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti via Kristine’s Kitchen
Baked ziti has to be one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever tasted, and this recipe makes the dish even easier to make. Cooking pasta in the slow cooker allows it to soak up the flavour of the sauce, providing you with an extra flavourful finish!
8. Lemon Butter Chicken via Eazy Peazy Meals
Butter chicken has always been a top meal in my books, and when it can be thrown together so easily, why not make it all the time? Made with lemon, paprika, white wine and parmesan cheese, you’re going to love this slow cooker lemon butter chicken dish!
9. Slow Cooker Lentil and Veggie Soup via The Movement Menu
It doesn’t get much better than soup on a chilly winter night. This one is loaded with lentils and good-for-you veggies for a healthy dinner you’ll love!
10. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon via Joyful Healthy Eats
This dish is going to take a little more prep work than the others, but the results will be well worth it. If you’re a fan of beef bourguignon, get ready to have your socks knocked right off.
11. Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas via Gimme Some Oven
Perfect for taco Tuesday (or any night of the week), these slow cooker pork carnitas are juicy, flavourful and delicious in every way. They’re perfectly crispy. Top them with cilantro, onion and lime for your new favourite taco recipe!
12. Slow Cooker Skinny Veggie Lasagna via Pinch of Yum
Super simple and packed with healthy veggies, I bet you didn’t know you could whip up lasagna so easily for dinner!
13. Slow Cooker Meatballs via Country Living
Meatballs are so delicious and can be eaten on their own, or thrown into dishes like pasta or meatball mini sliders. Infused with sweet onion, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and tomatoes, making meatballs just got even easier!
14. Crockpot Chicken Soup via Spend with Pennies
Chicken soup is good for the soul, and is the ideal meal come wintertime. This is also the perfect recipe if you’re sick, since you won’t want to make anything too complex and can throw everything together easily!
15. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew via Simply Quinoa
This Moroccan chickpea stew is made with butternut squash and a combination of turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, cumin and pepper for a bowl that will blow your tastebuds!
16. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili via Delish
I seriously love any type of chilli, and this turkey medley is at the top of my list. Garnish with cheese and green onion, and dip with tortillas for a dinner you’ll want to repeat over and over this winter.
17. Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes via The Real Food RDs
Mashed potatoes are my kryptonite, and loaded with cheese, bacon and ranch, this dish just reached a whole other level!
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala via Budget Bites
The best way to fend off the winter chill? A bowl of piping hot tikka masala of course! This recipe is infused with spices for a complex flavour that will have you coming back to it again and again.
19. Slow Cooked Beef Enchiladas via Taste of Home
If you’re a fan of beef enchiladas, you’re going to love this slow-cooked version. Make them in bulk and refrigerate the leftovers to eat throughout the week!
20. Crockpot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup via Half Baked Harvest
Ramen is the epitome of winter comfort food, and this one is made with curry roasted acorn squash for a bowl of ramen you’re going to fall in love with from the very first bite!
Winter is the perfect time to get the slow cooker out! Try these easy, healthy slow cooker recipes and make your weeknights a breeze!
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Riley
Love this post, girl! I’m always looking for good crock pot recipes!
Haley
I have a huge obsession with pasta and these ones look amazing.
Haley
Slow cooker recipes are the best.