15 Cozy Winter Slow Cooker Dishes

Hearty Beef Stew

A classic winter dish, this hearty beef stew is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Brown the beef cubes in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

This creamy chicken Alfredo is a luscious and satisfying dish that’ll make dinnertime delightful.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Pour heavy cream over the chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve over pasta or with steamed vegetables.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Packed with nutrients, this vegetarian lentil soup is both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well and cook on low for 6-7 hours until lentils are tender.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Maple Glazed Ham

This maple glazed ham is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) fully cooked ham
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cooking method

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
3. Pour the glaze over the ham, coating it evenly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
5. Slice and serve with sides of your choice.

Spiced Apple Cider

Aromatic and comforting, spiced apple cider is a winter favorite perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 8 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Cooking method

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain before serving in mugs, garnished with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Mushroom Risotto

Indulge in the creamy goodness of mushroom risotto without constant stirring.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add rice, mushrooms, and broth, stirring to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tender and flavorful, these pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Place sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Rub pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then place on top of onions.
3. Pour barbecue sauce over the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender.
5. Shred the pork with forks and serve on buns.

Balsamic Chicken Thighs

These succulent balsamic chicken thighs are both tangy and sweet, ideal for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic in a small bowl and pour over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
4. Serve with rice or a fresh salad.

Butternut Squash Curry

Warm and fragrant, this butternut squash curry is a palate-pleasing vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until squash is tender.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with rice or naan.

Split Pea Soup

This traditional split pea soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cold days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups split peas
• 1 ham bone or hock
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking method

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well and cook on low for 8-9 hours until peas are soft.
3. Remove ham bone, shred ham, and return it to the soup.
4. Serve warm with crusty bread.