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Cozy Up With These Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cookers have been a tried-and-true kitchen staple in the United States since the 1940s. These small and convenient countertop cooking appliances use moisture and gentle heat to cook delicious foods like meats, soups, stews, and sauces low and slow. Fairly inexpensive and easy to use, slow cookers tend to get quite the workout in the winter months--and for a good reason! Read on to discover the best slow cooker recipes and yummy slow cooker meals to cozy up with all season long. Dig in! 

traditional chicken and vegetable soup in a bowl

Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soup

Serves 8-10

Ingredients 

  • 3 lbs chicken tenderloins or breasts, cubed
  • 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
  • 26 oz low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 pkg frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 white potato, peeled & chopped into thick chunks
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can regular diced tomatoes, drained
  • 8 baby carrots, halved 
  • 1 can regular yellow corn, drained
  • oregano (to taste)
  • nutmeg (to taste)
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Place the uncooked cubed chicken breasts or tenderloins in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
  2. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
  3. Add all the vegetables and minced garlic. Season with seasonings again to taste. 
  4. Stir in the chicken broth and chicken stock.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set to high for 4-6 hours or low for 7-9 hours.
  6. Confirm potatoes and chicken are soft and cooked through, set the slow cooker to warm, and serve in bowls.  

apple butter in a jar being spread on bread

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Makes 12 quarts 

Ingredients 

  • 12 tart cooking apples, cored & quartered (leave skins on) 
  • 1 cup apple juice 
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Directions 

  1. Lightly grease the inside of a medium slow cooker.
  2. Place the apples and apple juice in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10-18 hours.
  3. When apples are tender, transfer them to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  4. Return the apple puree to the slow cooker. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 6-8 hours.
  6. Remove the lid after 3 hours to allow the fruit and juice to reduce.
  7. Spoon apple butter into hot, sterilized jars or cans. Store in the refrigerator and use as a marinade, glaze, sauce, and more. 

Not sure what to do with your leftover apples? We've whipped up a comprehensive list of creative ways to use apples! 

spinach dip in bowl with tortilla chips

Slow Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

  • 28 oz artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Directions 

  1. Place the artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, milk, feta cheese, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and black pepper into a medium slow cooker. Stir the mixture until well combined.
  2. Top with the cubed cream cheese.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.
  4. Uncover and stir until the cream cheese is well incorporated.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes. 
  6. Serve the spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips, vegetables, crackers, or tortilla chips. 

Dips are great to bring to a tailgate. Check out even more easy food ideas and tailgating hacks that'll make you feel like a winner--regardless of the score!

slow cooker chili with grilled bread slices

Quick & Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef, browned
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cans baked beans
  • 2 cans red kidney beans, rinsed
  • 2 Tbsp corn starch
  • 1/4 cup water 

Directions

  1. Add all the ingredients (except the corn starch and water) to a large slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  3. After 8-10 hours, combine the corn starch and water in a separate bowl.
  4. Add the corn starch and water mixture to thicken the chili 15 minutes before serving, and enjoy!

Get Even More Cozy Recipes to Savor

These slow cooker recipes are sure to be a hearty and cozy hit with any crowd. Looking for more comforting dishes to serve? Check out our top fall soup recipes now! From butternut squash soup to tortilla soup, our pros are sharing the best of the best.