10 Mouth-Watering Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You Need to Try Now!

Welcome, food enthusiasts! Are you on a hunt for some easy, flavorful, and fuss-free meal-prep options? If yes, then slow cookers are your new kitchen allies. These devices not only soften tough cuts of meat but also enhance the flavors and infuse the aroma of spices in the dish. Plus, you can walk away, attend your daily chores, and come back to a warm and hearty meal. Here is our list of 10 mouth-watering easy slow cooker recipes that’ll make you fall in love with your crockpot!

From stews to soups, from breakfast to dinner, this list has it all! Dust off your slow cooker from the back of the cabinet and start cooking these easy yet delicious meals that’ll save you time and energy. Let’s dive into the recipes and get your taste buds ready for a treat!

Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers, also known as crock-pots, are a kitchen appliance that can ease the burdens of mealtime by doing the cooking for you. Not only do they save you both time and money, but they can also help you create healthy, delicious meals with ease. Here are the benefits of using a slow cooker:

Convenience

One of the main benefits of using a slow cooker is its convenience. You can easily set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while dinner cooks itself. Simply dump your ingredients into the pot, set the temperature and cook time, and your meal will be ready when you are. This is particularly helpful for busy schedules, as slow cookers give you the ability to have a homemade dinner without sacrificing time or effort.

Money-saving

Another huge benefit of slow cookers is that they can help you save money on groceries. Cheaper, tougher cuts of meat work well in slow cookers, as the long cooking time helps to tenderize the meat. Additionally, slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetops, which can help to lower your utility bills. Plus, with a slow cooker, you can easily make large batches of food that can be used for leftovers throughout the week, saving you from having to buy lunch at work or eat out at restaurants.

Healthy

When it comes to healthy cooking, slow cookers are a great tool to have in your arsenal. By cooking food at a low temperature over a long period of time, slow cookers can help to retain the nutrients in your ingredients. Additionally, slow cookers don’t require much oil or fat to cook food, making it easier to create healthier meals. Plus, slow cookers are perfect for batch cooking soups, stews, and chili, which are all great options for getting in your daily dose of vegetables.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to cook up a storm in the morning. Enter the slow cooker! Below are three easy slow cooker recipes that will make your morning routine much smoother.

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping breakfast for the week. The best part? You can customize it however you like to suit your tastes.

Ingredients:

  • 12 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups frozen hash browns
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  1. Grease the inside of your slow cooker.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir in the bacon, bell pepper, onion, hash browns, and cheese. Mix well.
  4. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until set in the middle.
  6. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • This casserole is easily customizable – you can add or subtract ingredients as you like. Try substituting sausage for the bacon or adding mushrooms.
  • If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep this casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.
  • If you like your casserole extra cheesy, add more shredded cheddar on top and let it melt before serving.

Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast food for a reason – it’s quick, easy, and filling. This slow cooker oatmeal is a true game-changer – it’s as simple as dumping the ingredients in and letting your slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips:

  • Try adding different toppings to your oatmeal, like fresh fruit, nuts, or honey.
  • If you prefer your oatmeal thicker, use less water.
  • Leftover oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.

Slow Cooker Huevos Rancheros

If you’re in the mood for a savory breakfast, look no further than these slow cooker huevos rancheros. They’re packed with flavor and protein and will keep you full all morning.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  1. Combine the black beans, diced tomatoes, salsa, cumin, and chili powder in your slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
  3. Crack the eggs into the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add more veggies, like bell peppers or onions.
  • Serve the huevos rancheros with a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese on top.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Main Course

Looking for easy slow cooker recipes for your main course? Look no further because we’ve got you covered. We have three delicious recipes that will make your dinner hassle-free, tasty, and satisfying. Below are the details you need to make a Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, and Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you’re craving a warm and hearty meal, then you should try Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This recipe makes a flavorful, tender, and comforting stew that your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 pounds of beef stew meat
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps to follow:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the beef stew meat to the flour mixture and toss until the meat is coated evenly.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Transfer the beef into the slow cooker, and add the carrots, onion, potatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and bay leaves.
  5. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, stir until everything is mixed well.
  6. Cook on high heat setting for six hours or low heat setting for ten hours, or until the beef is tender.
  7. When the cooking is done, remove the bay leaves from the pot, and serve hot.

Tips:

  • You can add more vegetables like celery, mushrooms, or green beans if you want.
  • You can add Worcestershire sauce or red wine to enhance the flavor of the stew.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is you only need a few ingredients, and it’s very easy to prepare. This recipe makes tender and juicy pork that will melt in your mouth.

Ingredients needed:

  • 4-5 pounds of pork shoulder roast or pork butt
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water

Steps to follow:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Rub the spice mixture onto the pork roast until fully coated.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the pork roast and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Transfer the pork roast into the slow cooker, and add the onion, garlic, and chicken broth or water.
  5. Cook on low heat setting for eight hours or high heat setting for four hours, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks directly in the slow cooker and mix it evenly with the sauce.
  7. Let the pork sit in its sauce for another 15 minutes on low heat setting.
  8. Serve on buns, tacos, or sliders with your favorite toppings.

Tips:

  • You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder or paprika.
  • You can substitute pork roast with chicken thighs or beef roast.
  • Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad for a complete BBQ meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you’ll love Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of flavors.

Ingredients needed:

  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup of plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons of water

Steps to follow:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Transfer the chicken into the slow cooker, and add the onion, garlic, ginger, and diced tomatoes.
  5. Cover and cook on low heat setting for four hours or high heat setting for two hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until combined.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and mix well.
  8. Cook on high heat setting for another 30 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens.
  9. Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables.

Tips:

  • You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper or garam masala.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for a richer flavor.
  • Add extra veggies like bell peppers or green peas for added nutrition.

In conclusion, these three easy slow cooker recipes prove that cooking a delicious, hearty, and healthy main course is doable. With a little preparation, your slow cooker can help you make healthy and tasty meals effortlessly. It’s time to dust off your slow cooker and put it to good use. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Recipes for Side Dishes

If you’ve got a main dish sorted and are looking for the perfect accompaniment, look no further than these easy slow cooker side dish recipes. From sweet potato casserole to garlic parmesan potatoes, these dishes are sure to please any crowd.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll absolutely adore this slow cooker sweet potato casserole. It’s creamy, delicious, and so easy to make! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps to follow:

  1. Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a bowl, then pour into your slow cooker.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with a lid, then cook on high for 3 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Once cooked, mash the sweet potato mixture and stir in the milk and chopped pecans.

Tips:

  • To make this dish even richer and creamier, use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • You can add mini marshmallows on top of the dish before serving and broil until golden brown for a more decadent dessert-like dish.

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

What’s not to love about creamed corn? It’s a classic side dish that goes perfectly with any main course. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy slow cooker recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps to follow:

  1. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and stir until combined.
  2. Cover the slow cooker with a lid, then cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the corn is tender and the mixture is hot and creamy.
  3. Serve hot with your main dish.

Tips:

  • Add diced red peppers or chopped bacon for a unique twist on this classic dish.
  • You can also add cheese to make it cheesier.
  • For a lower calorie version, use milk instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of butter.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

If you’re a potato lover, you’ll absolutely adore these slow cooker garlic parmesan potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, washed and dried
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Steps to follow:

  1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, making sure that each potato is coated with the mixture.
  2. Add the mixture to your slow cooker and cover with a lid
  3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender and crispy on the outside.
  4. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and thyme before serving.

Tips:

  • Add chopped bacon, if you want to add more flavor.
  • You can also add chopped parsley or rosemary for extra herbs flavor.
  • Add a bit of cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder for a spicy version of this dish.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Desserts

Desserts are always the highlight of every meal. However, making a dessert can sometimes be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you have limited resources and time. Good news – your slow cooker can make your life easier. Here are three easy and delicious slow cooker dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

If you’re looking for a classic and comforting dessert, then you should try making Slow Cooker Apple Crisp. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, and your slow cooker will do most of the work for you.

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 cups of thinly sliced apples (use any variety you like)
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted

Steps to follow:

  1. Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the sliced apples to the slow cooker.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, mix the flour, oats, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  4. Pour the melted butter over the flour mixture and stir to create a crumbly texture.
  5. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the apples in the slow cooker.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours.
  7. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy.

Tips:

  • You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sliced apples to prevent browning.
  • Experiment with adding other fruits like cranberries, pears, or peaches to make it more flavorful.
  • If you want a crispier texture, you can put the mixture in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue

Who doesn’t love chocolate? With Slow Cooker Chocolate Fondue, you can easily create a delicious and fun dessert for a group of people.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 pound of chocolate chips (use any type of chocolate you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Assorted dipping ingredients (fruit, cookies, pretzels, marshmallows, etc.)

Steps to follow:

  1. Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker and heat on high for 30 minutes to get it to a simmer.
  2. Turn the slow cooker to low heat and add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Mix well until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Unplug the slow cooker, and use toothpicks or skewers to dip your favorite snacks into the chocolate mixture.
  4. Enjoy your homemade fondue with friends and family!

Tips:

  • If you want a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of sugar.
  • If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Try different fruits like strawberries, bananas, or kiwi for a refreshing taste.

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Rice Pudding is one of the most popular and easy desserts to make. By using your slow cooker, you can create a warm and creamy dessert without doing too much work.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked rice
  • 4 cups of milk
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Steps to follow:

  1. Grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir gently.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the mixture thickens.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips:

  • To make the pudding creamier, add a cup of heavy cream.
  • You can substitute half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
  • Add some raisins or chopped nuts to add a crunch to your pudding.

Happy Cooking!

We hope this article has inspired you to try out some new and delicious slow cooker recipes. Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, and using a slow cooker can make it even easier. We encourage you to take these recipes and put your own personal twist on them. After all, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy your tasty creations!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we appreciate your support. If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to visit our website again for more tasty content. We are always searching for new and exciting recipes to share with our readers. Don’t forget to share your own slow cooker creations with us on social media, we would love to see what you come up with!

FAQ

1. Can I adjust the cooking time for these recipes?

Absolutely! Each slow cooker is unique and may have different cooking times. We recommend monitoring your food periodically to make sure it doesn’t overcook or undercook.

2. What ingredients can I substitute?

Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that this may alter the final outcome of the recipe.

3. Can I double these recipes?

Yes, most of these recipes can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker and adjust cooking times accordingly.

4. Can I freeze these recipes?

Definitely! These recipes are perfect for meal prepping and freezing for later use. Just make sure you store them in airtight containers and reheat them thoroughly.

5. How do I prevent my food from sticking to the slow cooker?

To prevent sticking, make sure you add enough liquid to the recipe and avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking. You can also spray the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding your ingredients.

6. Can I cook rice or pasta in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook rice or pasta in the slow cooker. Just make sure you add enough liquid and adjust cooking times accordingly.

7. Can I use a slow cooker liner?

Yes, slow cooker liners can be a great way to make cleanup easier. Just make sure you use a liner that is safe for use with slow cookers.

8. How do I thicken sauces or stews?

To thicken a sauce or stew, you can use cornstarch or flour. Mix the cornstarch or flour with cold water until it forms a paste, then stir it into the sauce or stew. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

9. How do I make sure meat is cooked safely?

To ensure meat is cooked safely, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Different meats have different safe cooking temperatures, so be sure to research the specific meat you are cooking.

10. Can I use frozen ingredients in the slow cooker?

While it is possible to use frozen ingredients in the slow cooker, we recommend thawing them first for even cooking. This will also prevent the slow cooker from taking too long to heat up and reaching a safe temperature.

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About the Author: David Dunlap

Worked in restaurants for years before turning to food writing and has won multiple awards for the work, including more than a dozen awards.

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