The slow cooker is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. It can be used to make everything, be it hearty stews, soups, chilis, bread, meatballs, or roasts. With minimal effort, one can cook nutritious and flavorful meals using this countertop appliance. From desserts to dinners, the slow cooker can do everything for every meal of the day. All that is needed is a simple slow-cooker recipe with cooking processes suitable for the appliance.
Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
One of the best slow-cooker meals to make at home is slow-cooked pot roast. Making this over the weekend means lots of leftovers for the week, which means this is one of the most popular slow-cooker recipes for busy families as well. The process of slow cooking results in a smooth and thick gravy, which is filled with rich flavors from the vegetables and meat. To make this, sprinkle salt and pepper over beef chuck roast. Then, coat it with flour. Next, take a large skillet and cook the roast in hot oil until it becomes golden brown on all sides. Once this is done, transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Add chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and onion to this. In the skillet, add some oil and cook tomato paste with flour, beef broth, thyme, allspice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Once the gravy becomes smooth, pour it into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook for 8 hours on low.
Harissa White Bean Stew with Turmeric Yogurt
This hearty white bean stew has an interesting combination of heat and depth. To make this easy slow-cooker recipe, cook onion and garlic with salt and butter in a large skillet. Add in tomato paste and harissa, along with cumin and paprika. Then, pour some water and bring to a simmer. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker and add dried beans, thyme sprigs, carrots, bay leaves, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Put some more water and salt as per taste. Cover and cook for about 6 hours on high until the beans become tender. To make the turmeric yogurt, cook turmeric in butter, let it cool down, and mix it with yogurt. Serve the bean stew and yogurt together.
Slow-cooker French Onion Soup
When planning slow-cooker recipes for winter, add this french onion soup to the menu. It is one of the easiest ways to make this soup with only 15 minutes of prep. The result is a delicious classic dish with lots of flavors. Make this by stirring chopped onions with butter, sugar, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Put thyme and bay leaves over the onions once they are coated with the butter. Cover and cook for about 6 to 7 hours on high until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add broth of choice with vinegar and cook on high for about 30 minutes. Pour the soup in oven-proof ramekins. Top with baguette slices and cheese. Then, broil in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted.
Pumpkin Chili
The simple combination of pumpkin and black beans with turkey is a perfect slow-cooker dinner idea that can be made in a large batch. Besides, its rich nutrient content and flavorful taste make it family-friendly and one of the top comfort food slow-cooker recipes. Start by cooking chopped onions, peppers, and garlic with olive oil in a large skillet. Transfer this to the slow cooker and add the pumpkin, beans, tomatoes, minced turkey, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, parsley, oregano, and salt. Combine everything and cover the cooker. Cook the chili for 4 to 5 hours on low.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
This slow-cooker meal prep idea makes for an easy weeknight meal that can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, and pasta. To begin with, make the sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, grape jelly, chili sauce, Sriracha, and mustard, along with salt and pepper. Then, put a light coat of cooking spray inside the slow cooker. Place the frozen meatballs and pour the sauce. Cover and cook for about 3 hours until the sauce becomes thick. Make sure to stir halfway through. Serve after sprinkling some chopped chives on top.
Chicken Curry
Loaded with savory flavors, this slow-cooker chicken curry is one of the easiest meals to whip up. Start by placing chunks of cut potatoes along with chicken in the slow cooker. Add in curry powder, ginger, cumin, pepper, and salt. Sprinkle some serrano pepper on top. Then, whisk together tomato sauce with tomato paste and pour over the chicken and potatoes. Cook this covered on low for about 8 hours. Uncover the cooker and remove the chicken. Then, add okra and cilantro and cook for another 10 minutes until the veggies are tender. Add back the chicken and slowly stir everything together before serving.
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Slow cookers are all-purpose appliances that can be easily used to make desserts as well as full-course meals. While this chocolate lava cake may leave a bigger mess than other slow-cooked meals, using a disposable slow cooker liner can make clean-up easy. To prepare this delectable dessert, combine devil’s food cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Beat everything well and transfer to a greased slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Let this stand for a couple of minutes until it is soft-set. Pour over the cake batter and sprinkle toppings like chocolate chips. Cover and cook for about 3 to 4 hours on high.