10 Best Winter Slow-Cooker Recipes from Instagram
During the cold months, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hot, hearty meal. Slow cookers excel at creating dishes that warm you from the inside out, like stews, soups, and casseroles, which are particularly appealing during winter.
You can prepare the ingredients in the morning (or even the night before), set your slow cooker, and come home to a fully cooked meal! This convenience is invaluable when you're busy or would rather spend your time relaxing indoors than standing over a stove.
Slow cooking at low temperatures helps in retaining the nutrients that might otherwise be lost at high heats. During winter, maintaining a healthy diet can help keep your immune system strong, and slow-cooked meals packed with vegetables and proteins can be very nutritious — even when they’re extra hearty!
So, break out your slow cooker, and find a mouth-watering recipe in this list for your next dinner!
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1. Slow-cooker beef stew by @wholekitchensink
This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe captures the essence of what makes this dish an iconic winter favorite. It’s not only hearty and satisfying but also healthy and straightforward to prepare. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep option.
The recipe is particularly accommodating, catering to those following Whole30, Paleo, or gluten-free diets without compromising on flavor or substance. It’s packed with a variety of vegetables and tender stew meat, ensuring each spoonful is as nutritious as it is delicious. The blend of baby blonde potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions, along with a rich mix of beef broth, tomato paste, and herbs, creates a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and invigorating!
2. Slow-cooker creamy chicken pasta by @theforkedspoon
Jessica Randhawa’s creamy chicken pasta is a comforting and straightforward dish that combines simple ingredients like marinara sauce, tomatoes, pasta, cream cheese, and chicken. It's a family favorite, offering a creamy and indulgent meal without being too heavy. The recipe involves adding ingredients like onion, chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, and sauces to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 5 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pasta is cooked separately to avoid mushiness and then mixed with the creamy chicken right before serving. This dish is perfect for those who love the combination of creamy pasta and tender chicken, making it an ideal meal for busy families seeking delicious comfort food.
3. Slow-cooker pulled pork by @allthekingsmorsels
This slow cooker pulled pork recipe from Kristen King is a mouthwatering dish that’s simple to prepare and irresistibly tender. Made from the pork shoulder, specifically the Boston butt, it’s seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and cooked slowly until it falls apart easily. The key to its rich flavor is letting the seasoned meat rest overnight before slow cooking it with Worcestershire sauce for 8-12 hours. The result is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that can be served in various ways.
As for accompaniments, this versatile pulled pork pairs wonderfully with rice, especially when cooked with the meat drippings for added flavor. Coleslaw is a classic side that adds a tangy crunch to the meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with mac and cheese, squash casserole, or cornbread.
4. Crockpot scalloped potatoes by @thesouthernladycooks
This ultimate comfort food is made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, condensed cheddar cheese soup, heavy whipping cream, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and tender potato dish that’s sure to satisfy.
To make these scalloped potatoes, simply layer thinly sliced potatoes in a crockpot, season with spices, and mix with the soup, cream, and cheese. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more cheese towards the end. The dish is ready when a knife slides easily through the potatoes.
These scalloped potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, with their rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness. They pair wonderfully with main dishes like salmon patties or steak sauce sloppy joes, making them a versatile choice for any occasion, especially during the holidays when the crockpot can free up your oven.
5. “Lazy” chicken tikka masala by @johngs
Thischicken tikka masala recipe is a testament to how a few simple steps can yield a dish that’s incredibly rich and flavorful. Despite its “lazy” approach (as described by John Gregory-Smith), the result is a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The process begins by blending onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cashew nuts, and a mix of aromatic spices into a smooth sauce. This sauce is then cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify into a rich, thick base.
As the sauce simmers, the chicken is marinated in Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices, then grilled until golden and slightly crispy. The charred, juicy chicken pieces are then stirred into the sauce, along with coconut cream and more lime juice, creating a creamy, tangy, and utterly indulgent curry. Served with rice, bread, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, this chicken tikka masala is a perfect example of how minimal effort can lead to maximum taste. It’s a dish that promises and delivers a richness and depth of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
6. Slow-cooker minestrone soup by @the_lazy_slow_cooker
Minestrone soup slow-cooked? You bet! This recipe is an effortlessly delicious meal, rich in flavor and packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. Simply add ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, beans, and spices to your slow cooker, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. Near the end, stir in pasta and spinach for a complete, hearty dish. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this soup offers a comforting, savory taste that belies its simple preparation, making it a perfect choice for a nourishing, satisfying meal any day of the week. Despite its ease of preparation, this minestrone soup offers a complex and comforting flavor profile that makes it feel like a gourmet meal. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients, when slow-cooked together, can transform into a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent!
7. Slow-cooker chicken lentil soup by @showmetheyummy
Looking for a w wholesome and hearty dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, yet packed with rich flavors and nutrients? Look no further than this slow-cooked chicken lentil soup recipe! This recipe combines lean chicken breasts and fiber-rich lentils with a medley of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices like oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. All you need to do is place the ingredients into a crockpot, cook for 4-8 hours, and then shred the chicken before serving. Despite its ease, this soup offers a comforting and satisfying taste, with the added bonus of being healthy. Each serving contains less than 350 calories but provides a substantial 32.8 grams of protein, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or heartiness.
8. White bean, sausage, and kale stew by @slowcookersundays_
This stew recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s simple to make in a slow cooker and go about your day! It combines the rich flavors of chipolata sausages, tender white beans, and nutrient-packed kale, all simmered together with lemon, herbs, and spices for a robust taste. The recipe starts with browning the sausages to enhance their appearance, though this step is optional. In the slow cooker, white beans are mixed with lemon juice, vegetable stock, chili flakes, dried thyme, and garlic to create a flavorful base. The sausages are then added, either sliced or whole, and cooked until tender.
Before serving, fresh kale is stirred in to wilt and add a burst of color and nutrition. Garnished with Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice, and served with crusty bread, this stew is not only hearty and satisfying but also maintains a healthy profile with its high protein and fiber content, making it a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort.
9. One pot jambalaya by @diethood
This jambalaya recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for a hearty and satisfying dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish featuring a combination of chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, along with rice and a medley of vegetables like onions, celery, and bell peppers. The dish is seasoned with garlic, sweet paprika, oregano, and Cajun seasoning, bringing a warm and spicy Creole and Cajun taste to your table. Despite its simplicity, this jambalaya is incredibly rich in flavor and offers a comforting, filling meal that’s sure to please everyone! It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, making it a great option for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors. Serve it topped with green onions and parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
10. Overnight crockpot tomato soup by @southernkelleliving
Indulge in the comfort of overnight crockpot tomato soup, a rich blend of vine-ripened and baby tomatoes, caramelized onions, and aromatic garlic, all slow-cooked to perfection. Infused with Italian herbs and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this soup transforms into a velvety delight with an immersion blender. Enriched with a swirl of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, it offers a luxurious creaminess balanced with a deep tomato flavor. Serve this heartwarming soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting start to your day!
Slow-cook your next dinner today!
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