92 Slow-Cooker Recipes to Warm Your Winter

From the Recipe Creator: Chicken thighs are a nice change-of-pace in this easy chili. I also add a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro to add flavor and keep the dish interesting. —Phyllils Beatty, Chandler, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I often take this slow-cooker monkey bread to church potlucks—children and adults love it! The rum extract is optional. —Lisa Leaper, Worthington, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I first discovered tagines—Moroccan stews—when my oldest son was a baby, and I’ve loved them ever since. The first version I made was in a slow cooker, and since I’m a mom with two active boys, that has stayed my preferred method. The pumpkin mixture is supposed to be thick, but if you like a thinner consistency, stir in chicken broth before serving. —Necia Blundy, Bothell, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: This dish is wonderful for parties or as a main dish. It can even be made the day before and reheated. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is an easy dinner for both you and the kids. Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a fuss-free feast. You can also stir in some spicy brown mustard if the adults want more zing. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California

From the Recipe Creator: Greet holiday guests at the door with steaming mugs of rich hot chocolate. As the crowning touch, offer a selection of flavored whipped creams.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it’d be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: A couple of nights a week our family ends up eating in shifts because everyone is going every which way, all at the same time. Having a hearty soup simmering in the slow cooker is an easy way to give them all a warm meal. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It’s unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It's so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island

From the Recipe Creator: My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple it is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe takes just minutes to assemble and is delicious. I like to serve the roast with rice, then use the tangy sauce as a gravy for both. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Because this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes!—Sandra Dudley, Bemidji, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve made many variations of this excellent main dish. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This easy recipe is stuffed with not one, but two kinds of meat: smoky bacon and tender beef brisket. —Ruth Weatherford, Huntington Beach, California

From the Recipe Creator: After my sister spent a year in France as an au pair, I created this lighter, easier version of traditional French cassoulet for her. It uses chicken instead of the usual duck. —Bridget Klusman, Otsego, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: Save room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish conveniently portable. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I like using the slow cooker for our meals because it gives me time for other preparations, frees the oven, and it usually doesn't matter if you serve it later than planned. The fruit in this recipe, which I adapted, gives the pork a special flavor. —Mary Jeppesen-Davis, St. Cloud, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s wonderful with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Here are our favorite crock pot cookout ideas.

From the Recipe Creator: The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's carefree cooking. This chicken soup uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: These hearty meat loaf sandwiches are delightful for potluck dinners. Served on hamburger buns, the beefy patties get extra flavor when topped with the seasoned tomato sauce. —Peggy Burdick, Burlington, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Thai cuisine features flavors that are hot and sour, salty and sweet. This one-dish pork satay balances all of them using ginger and red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, garlic, lime juice and creamy peanut butter. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: This Tex-Mex pulled beef roast is tender, slightly spicy, juicy and so delicious served over mashed potatoes or rice. The beef also makes the best soft tacos you've ever had. Save any leftover pulled beef in the liquid to prevent it from drying out. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: The combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

From the Recipe Creator: Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I like to sprinkle chicken stew with toasted almonds or cashews and serve with hot couscous. Flavored with cinnamon and a touch of sweetness from the apricots, this pretty dish will stand apart from the rest at potlucks, too! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan

From the Recipe Creator: Convenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to make. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It's wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love French onion soup, so I wondered if I could turn it into a less labor-intensive dish by altering my recipe to work in a slow cooker. The rich, cheesy result was an instant winner at home. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: These sandwiches have been such a hit at office potlucks that I keep copies of the recipe in my desk to hand out. —Diane Twait Nelsen, Ringsted, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. Resist the urge to stir it­—doing so will break down the veggies. Add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes, or serve with grilled fish. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My family is of German Lutheran descent, and although we enjoy this traditional beef roast, I never liked the amount of time and fuss it takes to make it. This recipe is so good and oh-so-easy. It's great served with dumplings, spaetzle, veggies or a salad. —Norma English, Baden, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow-cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I prefer main dishes that let me stay on my diet but still eat what the rest of the family eats. My husband and our young children think this diet-friendly stew is a hit. —Stephanie Wilson of Helix, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York

From the Recipe Creator: If you like your shredded beef with a little kick, then this recipe is for you. For an even zestier version of this recipe, add another jar of jalapenos or use hot peppers instead of the pepperocinis. —Kristen Langmeier, Faribault, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five ... was it spicy! —Liesha Hoek, Somerset, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: For me, soup is love, comfort, happiness and memories. With all its veggies and beans, this one appeals to my kitchen-sink style of cooking. —Annette Palermo, Beach Haven, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: Slowly simmered all day, the beef is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas with the meat and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: Tortilla chips and a side salad turn this savory casserole into a fun and festive meal with very little effort. —Denise Waller, Omaha, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: These delicious glazed carrots come to the rescue when I’m preparing a special meal. They cook while I prepare the other dishes, and the slow-cooker simmering saves me precious oven space. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

From the Recipe Creator: This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: After a day of simmering in the slow-cooker, this ragu is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It's almost like a stew, so feel free to skip the pasta. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: I'm a big fan of this potluck-perfect dish. It takes much less time than many other slow-cooker recipes. Plus, it's easy. I'm all for the easy! —Carole Bess White, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty slow-cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: I like to put twists on my grandmother's recipes, which is what I did with this one. I look forward to passing my own delicious comfort food recipes to my kids. —Jamie Chase, Rising Sun, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Quick to prep for the slow cooker, this dinner is terrific with a salad and a fresh side. My family practically cheers whenever I make it! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and bake. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My slow-cooker carrots with orange and cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I’m all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

From the Recipe Creator: My husband really likes roast beef, and I really like my slow cooker. I brought in Asian influences for an all-day pot roast with some oomph. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas