50 Slow Cooker Recipes You Just Have To Try This Winter
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Welcome to Winter Comfort Food Bliss
As a mom, there’s nothing I love more than tossing everything into the slow cooker in the morning and coming back to a house that smells like I’ve been cooking all day. Whether it’s a busy school night, a lazy weekend, or a day packed with errands, my slow cooker has been my saving grace during the winter months.
With these 50 slow cooker recipes, you’ll have everything you need to keep your family warm, full, and happy this season. From hearty soups and stews to indulgent desserts, there’s something for everyone here. I’ve even included tips, common questions, and tricks to make your slow-cooking experience even easier!
Tips for Slow Cooking Success
Brown Your Meats: For maximum flavor, sear your meats before tossing them in the slow cooker.
Preheat Your Slow Cooker: While not always necessary, preheating can help your recipes cook evenly.
Don’t Overfill It: Keep your slow cooker no more than ⅔ full to avoid spillage or undercooked food.
Layer Smartly: Place harder vegetables (like potatoes and carrots) at the bottom since they take longer to cook.
Avoid Peeking: Lifting the lid releases heat and can add 20-30 minutes to your cooking time.
50 Slow Cooker Recipes
Soups (Recipes 1–10)
1. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Toppings: bacon bits, green onions, sour cream
Instructions:
- Place potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Cook for another 20 minutes.
- Serve with toppings like bacon bits and sour cream.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook on high for 30 minutes. Serve warm.
3. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place broccoli, onion, and broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- In a small pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add heavy cream to make a roux.
- Stir the roux and cheese into the slow cooker. Blend partially with an immersion blender for a creamy texture.
4. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup small pasta shells
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except pasta and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add pasta and spinach during the last 30 minutes. Serve hot.
5. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices of baguette
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
- Add onions, butter, and sugar to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour.
- Stir in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices topped with Gruyere cheese.
6. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups split peas, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 ham hock (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and return to the soup. Blend partially if desired.
7. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve with toppings like cheese and tortilla chips.
8. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove bay leaf and serve hot.
9. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add squash, onion, broth, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk.
10. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken, stir in cream cheese, and cook for another 20 minutes.
Stews and Main Dishes (Recipes 11–35)
11. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown beef on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth.
- Stir flour into ½ cup of broth, then add to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken in the mixture.
- Place chicken, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream and butter. Cook for 20 more minutes. Serve over rice.
13. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Rub pork with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place onion and garlic in the slow cooker, then top with pork. Add broth and barbecue sauce.
- Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred pork and mix with juices.
14. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- â…“ cup honey
- â…“ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker. Combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ketchup, then pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken and thicken the sauce by stirring in cornstarch mixed with water. Pour sauce over chicken to serve.
15. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 box (9 oz) no-boil lasagna noodles
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef until browned. Stir in marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the slow cooker. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat until ingredients are used up.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
16. Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add beans, tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
17. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, flour, and paprika in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours.
- Stir in mushrooms and sour cream during the last 30 minutes. Serve over egg noodles.
18. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Place onion, garlic, and lemon in the cavity of the chicken.
- Rub the outside with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until fully cooked.
19. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef slices (flank or sirloin)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Instructions:
- Add beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in broccoli and cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 30 more minutes. Serve over rice.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 8 tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the slow cooker.
- Fill tortillas with chicken, beans, and cheese, then roll up and place seam-side down.
- Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Cook on low for 4 hours.
21. Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
Instructions:
- Add chicken, sausage, tomatoes, pepper, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in rice and shrimp 30 minutes before serving.
22. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add chicken, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
23. Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Place pork chops in the slow cooker. Add soup, broth, and onion soup mix.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes to thicken gravy.
24. Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
Instructions:
- Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and onion powder. Form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Mix barbecue sauce and grape jelly, then pour over meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
25. Slow Cooker Curry Lentils
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils are tender. Serve with rice or naan bread.
26. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Adjust seasoning before serving.
27. Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Cook grits with chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and paprika in the slow cooker on low for 4 hours.
- Stir in cheese and add shrimp during the last 30 minutes.
28. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix ground meat, rice, tomatoes, cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stuff mixture into bell peppers.
- Place stuffed peppers in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
29. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Add chicken and veggies to the slow cooker.
- Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and garlic powder. Pour over ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
30. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef and place in the slow cooker with vegetables and broth.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
Desserts (Recipes 36–50)
36. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, then place them in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
37. Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted dippers (strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, etc.)
Instructions:
- Combine chocolate chips, cream, and vanilla in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.
- Serve with your favorite dippers.
38. Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Add rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add raisins in the last 30 minutes if desired.
39. Slow Cooker Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients:
- 4 bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Place banana halves in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add butter.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Serve over pancakes or ice cream.
40. Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Combine berries and sugar in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over berries, then pour melted butter on top.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
41. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve warm with whipped cream.
42. Slow Cooker Fudge
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add chocolate chips and condensed milk to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour into a greased dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
43. Slow Cooker Pears with Honey and Cinnamon
Ingredients:
- 4 pears, halved and cored
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Place pear halves in the slow cooker. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Add butter on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
44. Slow Cooker Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed bread (stale or day-old works best)
- 3 cups milk
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place bread cubes in the slow cooker. Mix milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl, then pour over the bread.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve warm with caramel sauce.
45. Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 2 cups salted peanuts
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper to cool and set.
46. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve as a side dish or dessert.
47. Slow Cooker Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into the crust.
- Place in the slow cooker on a rack or crumpled foil to lift it. Add 1 inch of water to the base of the cooker.
- Cook on low for 3 hours. Chill before serving.
48. Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix
- Ingredients needed for brownie mix (as listed on box)
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions and pour into the slow cooker.
- Drizzle hot fudge sauce on top. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
49. Slow Cooker Bananas Foster
Ingredients:
- 4 bananas, sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup rum (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Add bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum (if using), and butter to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Serve over ice cream.
50. Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients needed for cake mix (as listed on box)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Pour melted butter and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Layer with pineapple rings and cherries.
- Prepare cake mix and pour over pineapple. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Enjoy the cozy magic of your slow cooker all winter long! Let me know if you’d like these recipes formatted differently or if you’d like help with anything else. 😊