So, what are the best comfort foods to make in a slow cooker during the long winter months? Here are a few of our favorites. (Hint: When a recipe catches your eye click on it for more detailed easy instructions!)
Classic Beef Stew: You know what's the perfect meal for a cold winter night? Classic beef stew, that's what. And the best way to make it? In a slow cooker, of course. Throw in a chuck roast, some potatoes, carrots, and onions, pour in some red wine and beef broth and let it simmer away. The result? A hearty, comforting stew that's sure to warm you up from the inside out. And don't forget to serve it with some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious broth.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: When the temperature dips and the snow starts falling, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill. One of our top picks? Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice. It's a comforting blend of tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy broth that's guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for a cold winter day
Slow Cooker Lasagna: When it comes to feeding a crowd, lasagna is always a solid choice. But why spend hours in the kitchen when you can make it in a slow cooker? Slow cooking keeps the lasagna nice and moist and allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. Plus, you get to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Comfort food at its finest? Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. It's already a classic dish but when you make it in a slow cooker, it takes it to the next level. The cheese gets all melty and gooey and the pasta cooks to perfection. A family favorite that's sure to please everyone
Slow Cooker Pot Roast: Nothing beats a warm and comforting pot roast. And the best way to make it? In a slow cooker. This classic meal is perfect for the cold winter months. The beef gets nice and tender, the vegetables cook to perfection, and the slow cooking process infuses the flavors together creating a comforting meal that's sure to warm you up on a cold winter day.
Pulled Pork: The classic of all classic slow cooker dishes that'll never disappoints...look no further than pulled pork. Not only is it super easy to make, but it's also the ultimate versatile meal. You can pile it high on a bun with some coleslaw, stuff it in tacos, or even use it as a tasty addition to a stew. The options are endless, and it's guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. You know it, you love it and you can never go wrong with slow cooker pulled pork.
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Slow Cooker Meatloaf: Elevate your meatloaf game by making it in a slow cooker. The slow cooking keeps the meat juicy and allows all the flavors to blend together. Plus, it's a total time saver - you can throw it in the slow cooker and forget about it while you do your own thing. It's the perfect meal for feeding a crowd. Serve it up with some gravy and mashed potatoes, and you've got a comforting, hearty, winter meal.
Slow Cooker Chili: Chili is a classic crowd-pleaser, but making it in a slow cooker makes it even better. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together nicely, making the chili thick and delicious. Serve it with some warm cornbread for a comforting winter meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Jambalaya: Jambalaya may not be the first food that springs to mind when you are coming in from the cold, but maybe it should be! With rice, sausage, and veggies all cooking up in a flavorful broth, it's a serious contender for one of our favorite comfort foods. The low and slow cooking method makes the flavors blend together perfectly, resulting in a delish and hearty meal that'll warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it's another wonderful option for feeding a crowd. Whether you're throwing a dinner party or potluck, you can easily double or triple the recipe and have leftovers for the next day.
Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Last but not least, how about an incredible side dish you can add to any meal? Slow cooking keeps the potatoes nice and tender, and the garlic flavor is infused throughout every bite. On top of all this, they are straightforward to prepare and a crowd favorite that perfectly complements the main dish you can make year-round.
Stay Warm. Save Money?
Slow cookers are a winter game-changer, my friends. Not only do they whip up some seriously delicious comfort food, but they also have the added perk of keeping your home toasty and warm! Slow cookers are the way to go for warm and cozy meals without turning up the thermostat. Talk about a 2 for 1!
Here are a few bonus Pro Tips to help your slow-cooked meals turn out as mouth-wateringly delicious as they can be.
Choose your size wisely.
When it comes to slow cooking, make sure you're using the right size pot for your recipe. If you go too small, the foods will be crammed together and may not cook evenly. But if you go too big, there's a possibility your food will cook too fast. If this happens, you could miss out on the deliciously rich and complex flavors slow cookers are famous for.
Resist the urge to peek.
We are all guilty of this, and even we have to admit it’s hard not to check in on what smells so good in there. However whenever you open the lid, both heat and moisture escape, ultimately slowing down the cooking process and keeping you waiting even longer. So, please try to resist the urge to sneak a peek and trust your slow cooker to do its magic.
Not all slow cookers are created equal.
Some slow cookers are hotter than others. It can change the cook time and how your food turns out. Make sure to check the instructions for your specific slow cooker and adjust accordingly.
Experiment!
When it comes to using a slow cooker, don't forget it's okay to be creative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new ingredients and seasonings. Mix and match different ideas to create a unique and delicious meal that's all your own. Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment. You never know what tasty combination you might come up with!
Slow cookers are a great way to make comforting meals during the long winter months. They allow you to set it and forget it, leaving you free to do other things while your meal cooks to perfection. Plus, there's just that certain something about a slow-cooked meal that feels extra satisfying on a cold winter day isn't there?. So, next time you're looking for a comforting meal to take the edge off a cold winter day, give one of these recipes a try and see for yourself just how delicious and satisfying a slow-cooked meal can be.
What are some of your favourite slow cooker recipes for the cold winter months? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
It’s cold out there, thanks for helping us feel cozy! We’d love it if you would consider subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Twitter and Instagram so we can see each other again in the future when it’s warmer out!
