Cozy up with these heartwarming slow cooker recipes perfect for a chilly winter’s night. There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a delicious meal simmering away in your slow cooker. In this collection of 18 cozy winter slow cooker recipes, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the seasons, from hearty beef stews and creamy soups to comforting pot roasts and savory chilies.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites. So why not grab your slow cooker and let the warm, comforting aromas of winter fill your home?
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Recipe
Savor a hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew packed with tender root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine beef cubes, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Summary:
This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal any time of the year. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll come home to a rich and creamy soup that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, wild rice blend, chicken broth, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is a deliciously easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for chilly fall and winter days. This sweet and savory soup is packed with nutritious butternut squash, crisp apples, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2-3 apples, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Peel and chop the butternut squash into large chunks.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped apples and butternut squash to the slow cooker.
5. Pour in the broth and stir until everything is well coated.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Hearty Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Ground Beef
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a chilly day. This slow cooker chili is packed with tender ground beef, creamy beans, and plenty of rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the beef broth and stir again.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and yields tender, flavorful results.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef pot roast (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
2. Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
3. Place the pot roast on top of the onion.
4. Arrange the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes around the roast.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day, this Spicy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is packed with fiber-rich black beans, aromatic spices, and a kick of heat from the jalapeños. Let it simmer all day while you’re busy, then serve with some crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A comforting and nutritious stew that’s perfect for a chilly day or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
Warm up with a hearty and comforting slow cooker chili recipe that combines the flavors of turkey, sweet potatoes, and spices. This recipe is perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Place the turkey, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup with Fresh Herbs
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, this slow cooker recipe combines the flavors of chicken, noodles, and fresh herbs to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, and basil to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
A hearty and comforting soup perfect for a chilly day, this slow cooker recipe combines the creamy texture of split peas with the savory flavor of ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 pounds smoked ham hocks or diced cooked ham
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the split peas, ham, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme to a large slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Stir in any excess liquid that may have accumulated during cooking.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with this hearty slow cooker soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. Tender beef, creamy barley, and rich flavors come together in a comforting bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, beef broth, barley, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch. This creamy tomato basil soup is made easy with the help of your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (canned work too), diced
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone
This hearty slow cooker minestrone is a perfect comfort food for chilly days, packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, pasta shapes, spinach, basil, salt, and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Elevate your meal routine with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that yields tender, flavorful chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they are coated with the honey mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Sausage and Kale Soup
Warm up with this comforting slow cooker soup that combines the flavors of sausage, kale, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the sausage, onion, garlic, and kale to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this aromatic and comforting slow cooker soup, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, onions, garlic, bell pepper, coconut milk, broth, cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours (depending on heat setting)
Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Stew
This hearty stew is a comforting blend of tender beef, crisp cabbage, and rich flavors that simmer together to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the beef, cabbage, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine vinegar, and thyme. Pour over the beef mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
Cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of creamy potato and leek soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the potatoes, leeks, butter, and onion to a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Cozy up with these 18 heartwarming winter slow cooker recipes! From comforting stews and soups to hearty chilies and casseroles, there’s something for everyone. Try Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables, Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, or Hearty Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Ground Beef. Perfect for cold winter nights, these slow cooker recipes are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Just add your favorite ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. Warm up with a delicious meal!
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