The Best Slow Cooker Recipes to Welcome Winter

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season descends upon us, so do the cold temperatures. It’s the perfect time of year to get the most out of your slow cooker. The last thing you need is any added stress, and a slow cooker gives you back the thing you need most: time. Check out this fantastic collection of the best slow cooker recipes to share with loved ones. You’ll feel yourself relaxing into the season. 

Why You Need a Slow Cooker this Holiday Season

Slow cookers are as essential as a good winter coat. When the temperatures drop and the calendar fills up, turn to your best kitchen appliance. Whether you’re pulling a Crock Pot out of your pantry or shopping online for an upgraded multi-cooker, the recipes are innumerable. Be sure to visit the list of the best slow cookers for 2021, especially if you’re asking Santa for one.

Advantages of Slow Cookers

• Easy to use – You don’t have to be an expert to pull of a delicious meal with a slow cooker. Most recipes call for literally placing ingredients in a pot and turning it on.
• Saves you time. LOTS of time – Once you’re set up and it’s on, you’re good to go. Go do anything else you need to do. And there is no need to constantly check on its status, so you can fully turn your attention to work, family, or yourself. 
• Serve a crowd with no reheating – The “keep warm” setting on slow cookers means that you can keep your meal ready for a while after without overcooking. This comes in handy around the holidays when you may have guests arriving at different times or coming back later for second helpings. 
• Easy to Clean – When food is cooked at low temps, that means less sticking and caking on. This results in an easier cleanup and many inserts are now dishwasher safe, which is even better.
• Saves you money – This one might surprise you. Not only does the slow cooker use less energy than a standard electric oven, but you can cook in bulk. Almost all the recipes we list are freezer friendly, so you can cook ahead too. 
• Bring out the flavors – Slow cookers are known for bringing out the fullest flavors in your ingredients. The low temperature and length of cooking time ensures the precise integration of flavors and gives you a treat for all the senses. 

Best Squash Recipes

Fall flavors always include various types of squash. The slow cooker allows you to use this family of veggies in unique and delicious ways.

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs – Talk about an easy, healthy meal that really pleases a crowd of the pickiest carb lovers. This also translates easily into gluten-free meatballs if you so choose. 

Stuffed Acorn Squash – Perfect as a whole meal on a weeknight and a decadent side when part of a larger feast. 

Slow-Cooker Squash Casserole – Originally conceived as a side dish, your family may disagree and eat this like a main course. Simple ingredients with a comforting flavor. 

Sweet Acorn Squash with Apples and Craisins – If you’re looking for something unique and on the slightly sweet side, look no further. This side dish’s ingredients are forgiving, so it’s ok to approximate. Freezes beautifully as well.

Winter Roasts to Warm You

Tis the season for the flavors of slow-cooked roasts. These recipes will warm you from the inside out when you step in from the cold. Enjoy them with your loved ones, or with a good book.

Homemade Mississippi Roast – If you want all the deliciousness of a traditional Mississippi roast but actually a version that’s healthier and less expensive, you’ve arrived. Check out the ingredients– you probably have almost everything on hand. 

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast – 4 ingredients here. Quick to prepare, perfect for a Sunday night dinner with family or weeknight meals that last for days. You really can’t beat 5 minutes of prep time. 

Slow Cooker Pot Roast – For the ultimate comfort food, this pot roast recipe will hit the spot. It’s got all the classic flavors that will bring you back to traditions past or provide the perfect dinner to create new traditions with your family. 

Soup of the Evening, Beautiful Soup! 

The Mock Turtle knew what he was talking about. Soup is a wonderful part of cold and dark nights. Try these slow cooker soups for Thanksgiving or to bring you warmth and joy throughout the late fall into winter. 

Butternut Squash Soup – Pre-cut butternut squash is a huge time saver for this recipe. Put all the ingredients together in the morning. You’ll have a lovely meal waiting for you when you get home from work.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup – Scrumptious is the word that comes to mind. The recipe makes wonderful leftovers and the heart-shaped puff pastry actually keeps well in the refrigerator. 

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – And it’s like the choices just keep getting yummier. Who can pass up dinner loaded with ground beef, cheesy potatoes and bacon? 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup – Rich with flavor, this meal also packs a nutritional punch with spinach and sundried tomato. It’s definitely soup but hearty enough to fill you like a meal.

Pulled to Perfection

Texas Pulled Pork – This traditional Southern fare tastes best on a roll, toasted and buttered. Think movie night with friends.

Best Shredded Beef – Everyone should have a “go-to” shredded beef recipe for their slow cooker. You can use this for a variety of purposes. Over pasta, tacos and sandwiches are a few of our favorites! 

Crockpot Chicken Tacos – Use this flavorful recipe for tacos, enchiladas or burritos. 

Chili Champs 

One of the first things that comes to mind with slow cookers is chili. It’s the best stick-to-your-bones meal that really makes you appreciate the season. Try these new and classic recipes. 

Traditional Chili – If you’re looking for a tried-and-true chili recipe, start here. You put it together, leave it, and enjoy it. Spice it up, spice it down. However, don’t forget the toppings. 

Vegan Chili – This healthy and delicious chili takes 10 minutes of prep. The reward is a cozy vegan twist on a classic and will make your vegetarian loved ones feel cared for. 

Turkey Chili – Not all your thanksgiving turkey leftovers should go to the almighty sandwich! Try this turkey chili on for size after and among your holidays this year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at this lean and healthy yet flavorful dish. 

Slow Cooker Dessert?

Yes! Did you just feel a weight come off your shoulders? This holiday season, give it a try. Sweet treats that basically make themselves while you handle so much else. 

Chocolate Caramel Cake – A combination of decadent and creamy layers of chocolate and caramel make this irresistible. 

Blackberry Cobbler – Delicious and a lovely alternative to the pumpkin and chocolate of the holidays. Above all, you can say you got a serving of fruit.

S’Mores Brownies – A show-stopper for sure, these brownies are amazing. You’ll be the hit of the holidays with these tasty treats in addition to having delicious leftovers.

Simplify Your Life

WIth a slow cooker and the right recipes, you can spend more time with things you love. Easy prep and cleanup means stress free meals for you and your family. You can start basic and if you’re feeling more experimental, delve into your own recipe construction. It’s always handy to have the conversion times for oven cooking to the slow cooker. Whether it’s date night or thanksgiving pot-luck, the slow cooker is your key to success this winter.