40 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes The Family Will Love
It is that time of the year when many of us have our slow cooker on to make us delicious comfort meals with minimal fuss or effort. However, if you feel like you are in a bit of a rut with the same meals on rotation, then we are here to help with some suggestions for new slow cooker recipes to try out.
We found that we always got stuck making the same dishes until we started to think outside the box with our slow cooker fudge recipes and it was from here that I realised, the slow cooker offers much more than your usual stews and casseroles.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare wholesome, family-friendly meals can be a challenge. Enter the slow cooker: a kitchen hero that simplifies meal prep and delivers delicious dishes with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone seeking comforting home-cooked meals, slow cooker recipes are a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Benefits of Slow Cooking
Time-saving convenience for busy households
Slow cookers allow you to set up your meal in the morning and return home to a ready-to-eat dinner. This hands-off approach frees up your time for other activities or simply to relax.
Enhanced flavour development through long cooking times
The extended cooking time helps to meld and intensify flavours, resulting in rich, delicious meals. The slow, gentle heat tenderises meats and allows spices to fully infuse, offering a depth of flavour that’s hard to achieve with other methods.
Energy efficiency compared to traditional cooking methods
Slow cookers use less electricity than an oven or hob, making them an eco-friendly choice. They can simmer all day without heating up your kitchen, which is perfect for warm weather.
Versatility of Slow Cooker Meals
Suitable for various cuisines and dietary preferences
From hearty stews and soups to vegetarian curries and pasta dishes, slow cookers are versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of recipes. They’re perfect for experimenting with different cuisines and adapting to various dietary needs.
Ideal for meal prep and batch cooking
Slow cookers are great for preparing large batches of food, allowing you to cook once and eat multiple times. This is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Adaptable for different seasons and occasions
Whether you’re craving a warm stew in winter or a light soup in summer, slow cookers can handle it all. They’re also fantastic for holiday gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Essential Slow Cooker Techniques
Preparing Ingredients
Proper cutting and portioning for even cooking
Uniformly cut ingredients ensure even cooking. This is essential for vegetables and meats to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Layering ingredients for optimal flavour infusion
Place denser ingredients like root vegetables at the bottom and more delicate items on top. This layering helps distribute heat evenly and infuses flavours throughout the dish.
Pre-browning meats for enhanced taste and texture
Searing meats before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance flavour and improve texture. This extra step is worth it for richer, more robust dishes.
Liquid Management
Adjusting liquid levels for different recipes
Slow cookers require less liquid than traditional methods, as they retain moisture well. Adjust accordingly to avoid watery dishes.
Using broths, wines, and sauces for flavour enhancement
Swap water for broth or add a splash of wine to elevate your dish’s flavour. These additions create a more complex and satisfying taste.
Thickening techniques for sauces and gravies
To achieve a thicker sauce, you can use a flour or cornflour slurry, or remove the lid towards the end of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Depending on what you are cooking, you may find that the sauce will naturally thicken anyway.
Timing and Temperature Control
Understanding low vs. high heat settings
Most slow cookers have low and high settings. Use low for longer, more tender cooking and high for a quicker result without sacrificing flavour. I always find low works best, especially if I am not going to have time to keep an eye on it during the day.
Adapting recipes for different cooking durations
Adjust cooking time based on your schedule. Most recipes can be adapted to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Don’t allow this to put you off though, if you are at work or out for the day, most recipes will be fine for just over 8 hours.
Tips for preventing overcooking and dryness
Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and can extend the cooking time. Also, monitor liquid levels to prevent drying out your dish.
By mastering these slow cooker techniques, you can create a variety of delicious, hassle-free meals that delight your family and friends. Why not dust off your slow cooker and start experimenting today? Your next comforting family meal is just a plug away!
40 Easy slow cooker recipes that the family will love!
40 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes The Family Will Love
Crockpot Potato Soup
Crockpot Potato Soup is delicious, hearty, warm, dish thatโs very easy to make and is full of flavour! This has all the ingredients that make a baked potato so appetizing, like bacon, cheese, green onions, and more.
Easy Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
This is our go to midweek meal when we are short on time.
Packed full of flavour but takes minutes to get it in the slow cooker and cooking!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef (Fall Apart TENDER!)
This incredibly tender slow cooker Korean beef. Chuck roast cooked low and slow for 8 hours in a sweet and spicy Korean-style teriyaki sauce!
Thai Beef Stew (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)
This bold Thai Beef Stew has been a long time favourite in our family. Better yet, itโs a dump-and-go recipe. Add all the ingredients to a pot and come back in 4 to 8 hours!
Easy Crock Pot Meatloaf
Meatloaf has never tasted better or been more moist than this easy to make Crock Pot Meatloaf.
Simple Slow Cooker Bolognese Recipe
Spaghetti Bolognese is a firm family favourite โ but have you ever thought about making a slow cooker bolognese recipe? Slow cookers are perfect for creating a delicious meal the whole family can enjoy and are budget-friendly due to how little energy they need to run.
3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
A family favourite for years and years, always a winner! These Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are so ridiculously easy โ just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Enjoy the shredded chicken very simply, just rolled in a tortilla ... or create an entire taco bar of festive toppings!
Slow Cooker Taco Lasagne
Layers of tortillas, cream cheese, beans, taco meat, enchilada sauce and cheese. This slow cooker taco lasagne is perfectly creamy, and cheesy and has tons of flavour.
Easy 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Kinder Fudge Recipe
Slow cooker recipes do not need to be boring and everyone is going to love this 3 ingredient kinder fudge recipe.
Simple to make but perfect for those looking for something to hit that sweet spot!
Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili
The ultimate meatless chili! So hearty and full of flavour.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
These Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food! They are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or for a laidback family weekend gathering. With just a few ingredients like shells, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and beef, itโs super easy to make.
Hot Apple Cider (Crock Pot or Stovetop)
A cold-weather staple for our family! So delicious and makes the house smell AMAZING.
EASY Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spare Ribs
Spare ribs havenโt always been my go-to, but slow cooking them changes everything! When theyโre done in the slow cooker, they turn into the softest, most tender meat youโll ever eat. This Crockpot Soy Spare Ribs recipe is incredibly easy and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice (Crock Pot)
Slow cooker chicken and rice is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy days. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty dinner that's both easy and delicious.
The Cookin Chicks
Looking for a new way to enjoy chicken? Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is a blend of tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy mixture, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes!
Delicious Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Recipe
Want a little spicy dish with minimal fuss? This Mexcian chicken recipe is perfect for the whole family and can be served with sides of your choice.
Mississippi Beef Stew
Get ready to warm up with Mississippi Beef Stew, a twist on the classic Mississippi Pot Roast. Everything you need for a complete dinner is in the pot, except maybe the bread or biscuits!
Classic, Healthy Crock-Pot Turkey Chili
A family-favorite recipe for decades, handed down through the generations! It's boldly flavored without being too spicy (but donโt worry โ weโve got tips for you if you like it hot)! Itโs so easy to make, and great for cooking a big, double or triple batch for parties or for meal prep freezer meals!
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Tortellini provides you with a hearty and flavorful meal while still being incredibly easy to make! Let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting while you get to enjoy the delicious end result.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich [with Video]
Looking for a fuss-free meal thatโs packed with flavor? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe!
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos are a simple weeknight slow cooker meal. You can put this in the crockpot before you start your day and have dinner waiting for you. This recipe takes 4 simple ingredients to create a flavorful taco filling.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes full of flavour with bacon on top!
This Ranch Potatoes are brimming with tangy buttermilk flavour in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Effortlessly prepared in the slow cooker, they're topped with crispy bacon for a delightful finish.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
his white chicken chilli is smooth, creamy and so easy to make. Throw all the ingredients in the pot and with very little effort you can come home to a cosy dinner that is so satisfying.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is one of my favorite comfort mealsโit's rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender beef in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
This easy, cheesy Crock Pot Baked Ziti is made entirely in the slow cooker and takes only 10 minutes to prep! Classic comfort food at its finest, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Beef & Guinness Stew
If you think this sounds good, wait until you smell it cooking! Beef, carrots, mushrooms, and onions slow cook in a sauce made from Guinness, beef broth, and seasonings. It smells almost as good as it tastes!
Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup
Everything your family loves about traditional tacos in an easy to make Taco Soup that is made in the crockpot.
Yummy slow cooker rice pudding
Rice pudding is the ultimate comfort food and with this recipe you can pop it in the slow cooker and leave it to cook, allowing you to get on with your day knowing what is to come later!
Crock Pot 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese
3 Cheese Mac and Cheese in a Crock Pot is a cheesy comfort food, made easy
Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Vegetables
Get an amazing dinner on the table easily with a Slow cooker Pork Loin! This one-pot dinner not only saves time on busy fall evenings, it also boasts a rich, tangy sauce that gets a special twist from the spice of apple butter.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Fall Apart Tender!)- Chef Savvy
This is the BEST Slow Cooker Pulled Pork you will EVER have! Spices, honey and apple cider vinegar make a spice paste for the pork then it getโs slow cooker for 10 hours! Fall apart tender and load with so much flavour!
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is an easy recipe for shredded chicken. You can use this chicken in all kinds of dishes from tacos to burrito bowls, to salads, to quesadillas. This chicken is freezer-friendly and such a great busy weekday option.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks (5 Ingredients!)
Savory, juicy slow cooker drumsticks only have five ingredients. Itโs a delicious tender chicken dinner that is so kid-friendly and is super easy to make.
Slow Cooker Chicken Legs (2 Ingredients)
These slow cooker chicken legs are incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful. This easy two-ingredient crockpot recipe is perfect for a hassle-free meal!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This chicken dish packs a punch with flavour but is so simple, midweek meals do not get much easier.
Slow Cooker Chicken And Potatoes With A Healthy Gravy
Chicken, potatoes and gravy, it doesn't get much better than that. Cooking it in the slow cooker creates minimal fuss but it is still packed full of flavour.
Easy to make Slow Cooker Biscoff Fudge recipe
Biscoff is a firm favourite in our house and this fudge recipe always goes down a storm with everyone. Making it in the slow cooker is simple and quick.
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Onion Italian Beef
For a midweek meal with a difference, this recipe is perfect served in a roll or even over a jacket potato.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew And Dumplings
The ultimate dish from the slow cooker. Sometimes you just can not beat a stew with dumplings!
Troubleshooting Common Slow Cooker Issues
Slow cookers are a family cook’s best friend, offering convenience and hearty meals with minimal fuss. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Hereโs how to troubleshoot some common issues and get the most out of your meals.
Texture Problems
Fixing Watery or Dry Dishes: If your dish is too watery, try removing the lid for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. For dry dishes, add a bit of broth or water and stir gently midway through cooking.
Preventing Mushy Vegetables: To avoid mushy veggies, cut them into larger pieces or add them in the last hour of cooking. Root vegetables can handle longer cooking times, while softer veggies like peas and spinach should be added at the end.
Achieving the Right Consistency for Sauces: To thicken a sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the dish for 30 minutes before serving.
Flavour Enhancements
Boosting Bland Recipes: Enhance flavours by browning meats before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds depth and richness to your dish.
Balancing Seasoning in Long-Cooked Meals: Taste and adjust seasoning an hour before serving. Slow cooking can mellow flavours, so you might need to add more salt or spices.
Adding Fresh Herbs and Acids for Brightness: Stir in fresh herbs and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to lift and brighten flavours.
Safety and Maintenance
Proper Food Safety Practices for Slow Cooking: Always thaw meat before adding it to the slow cooker and avoid overfilling to ensure even cooking. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches the safe zone.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Slow Cooker: After each use, clean the insert with warm soapy water and avoid abrasive cleaners. Wipe down the exterior and store it in a dry place.
When to Replace Your Slow Cooker: If yours is leaking, has cracks, or doesnโt heat properly, it might be time for a replacement to ensure safe and efficient cooking.
With these tips, you can troubleshoot slow cooker issues and ensure your meals are always delicious and perfectly cooked.
Hopefully, this will have given you a little inspiration that meals do not need to be boring!
Let us know if you do give any of these recipes a try, I’d love to hear how you get on.
