12 winter slow cooker recipes - warming, easy delicious dinners (2024)

A collection of winter slow cooker recipes (or crock pot recipes) that are simple, delicious and warming. Perfect for the cooler months.

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12 winter slow cooker recipes

This year it seemed like the summer heat would never ease. Seriously, in May we were still out in summer dresses (even sometimes at night) wondering when the chill would finally arrive and I could crack out the slow cooker.

Ok I’ll be honest, I really don’t ever put my slow cooker away.

Sure it’s no that pleasant to have a mini heater in the kitchen in summer but it just makes such delicious meals.

I have so many favourite appliances that I would have a tough time choosing my number one.

What’s so good about winter slow cooker recipes?

  • Super budget friendly. The slow cooker does something that no one else can do – it can turn tough, inexpensive cuts of meat into mouth-watering, tender meals.
  • You can throw in just a few simple ingredients in the morning and by dinner time, something delicious is waiting for you. It’s almost like having your own personal chef isn’t it?
  • Your house will smell amazing as they simmer away.

Whats the difference between a slow cooker and a crock pot?

There is no difference between the two. Here in Australia we usually call them slow cookers. In the USA they’re called crock pots.

They’re both an electric appliance that holds a pot at a steady low temperature for a long period of time to turn meats into tender deliciousness.

12 winter slow cooker recipes

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1 Chicken burritos

Chicken burritos – because what’s better than a burrito?

A slow cooked burrito of course.

This is another great one to make a big batch of and keep in the freezer.

If you don’t like using tortillas, my Paleo corn chips make a great gluten-free burrito bowl.

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2 Shredded beef sliders

Shredded beef sliders – I’ve never met a slider I don’t like.

What’s better is you can make a big batch of the meat and freeze it for instant dinners just like the chicken burritos.

You’ll sense a theme by the end of this post – most things you can make in the slow cooker you can make in bulk and freeze.

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Winter slow cooker recipe numero tres – Mexican leg of lam

Mexican lamb – Years ago, my friends and I were obsessed with this one Mexican restaurant.

We used to go there for every Birthday and celebration and we always ordered the same thing – the slow-cooked Mexican leg of lamb.

It was soooo good. But then, it started to get not-so-good. Not long after the worst one we’d had (it was so bad I had a little chat with the manager) they restaurant closed down so I set out to create my own.

This one is great for dinner parties and wowing your guests when you present the giant, tender leg at the table.

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4 Spanish chicken

Spanish chicken – this one is a versatile recipe that can be served over pasta or rice or even a mixed vegetable like a pisto would work really well.

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5 Teriyaki chicken

Terriyaki chicken – I haven’t made this one for a little while (reminds me to put it back on the agenda because the boys would love it).

It’s just as good as any Japanese restaurant version (that I’ve had anyway).

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6 Indian beef curry

Indian beef curry – this is literally one of the most popular recipes on the blog.

It has more than 20 five star reviews and the thing most people love about it is just how easy it is.

It has just a few ingredients but such an awesome depth of flavour.

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7 Beef and apricot tagine

Beef and apricot tagine – this one was created by my lovely nutritionist friend so you can bet it’s got some added goodness.

It’s on the rich side (in a good way) and I think best served with couscous.

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8 Roast chicken

Roast chicken – I don’t know why but it took me a very long time to discover that you can actually cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker. It will be the most melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken you’ve ever eaten.

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9 Meat pies with yoghurt shortcrust pastry

Meat pies – These pretty irresistible and I promise the pastry is actually really easy to make.

In case you’ve forgotten about my love of the freezer – yep you can make the filling for these in bulk then just defrost, whack some in pastry and bake.

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10 Beef, red wine and mushroom casserole

Beef, red wine and mushroom casserole – This might not be one for the kids but get me a nice warm crusty baguette and a fireplace and you have the perfect setting for this deliciousness.

It’s really not a winter slow cooker recipes list without something like this is it?

Equally enjoyed in front of an oil heater.

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11 Pulled pork sliders

Pulled pork sliders – For our little guy’s naming ceremony, I made a mega batch of this pulled pork meat, bought a stack of bread rolls from the bakery and this was lunch for everyone.

It’s a great recipe to feed a crowd. I actually made it ahead of time and froze it then threw it back in the slow cooker to heat once it was defrosted.

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12 Butter chicken

Butter chicken – apologies for the rubbish photo (must remake this and rephotograph soon) but don’t let it put you off this delicious butter chicken. These days I add some very finely chopped cauliflower and carrot to sneak extra veggies into the kids.

There you have it – 12 winter slow cooker recipes. Which one are you going to try first?

Not sure if a slow cooker is worth the investment? Check out my guide to the slow cooker.

So what about you?

Do you have a slow cooker?

Do you love it?

What’s your favourite thing to make in it?

If you liked this list, then you will love my free slow cooker eBook with 21 of my favourite slow cooker recipes. Click here to download your free copy.

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About The Author

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Claire Cameron

Nutrition and Wellness Coach, mum of 3 and creator of Claire K Creations, Claire Cameron is passionate about simplifying natural living for busy families.

Through good food, natural products & simple living she'll help you achieve better health and a happier planet in a quick, easy & affordable (but not hippie!) way.

Don't forget to grab your free eBook 12 Ingredients, 11 Recipes.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to share it and tag me @clairekcreations .

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12 winter slow cooker recipes - warming, easy delicious dinners (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is best to cook in a slow cooker? ›

Easy slow-cooker recipes
  • Slow-cooker beef stew. This hearty stew is full of iron, protein and natural antioxidants. ...
  • Slow-cooked brisket with red wine, thyme and onions. ...
  • Slow-cooker gammon in cider. ...
  • Slow-cooker pulled pork. ...
  • Slow-cooker chilli. ...
  • Slow-cooker beef bourguignon. ...
  • Slow-cooker sausage casserole. ...
  • Lamb kleftiko.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight? ›

Yes, it's safe to leave a slow cooker on when you leave the house. The purpose of a slow cooker is to allow you to cook while you aren't home. Slow cookers simmer food slowly, killing bacteria and raising meat to the perfect internal temperature.

Is it better to start crockpot on high or low? ›

If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low.

What happens if you slow cook on high instead of low? ›

Let's say you want to slow cook a pork roast recipe that calls for 8 hours on Low, but you need it done in much less than 8 hours. Switching to High for the sake of time savings can leave you with a roast that's dried out or even burned on the exterior, but undercooked and not at a food-safe temperature in the center.

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

Why are my carrots still hard in the slow cooker? ›

If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.

Can you put raw hamburger in a slow cooker? ›

Absolutely, which is why you should always adjust times and amounts as needed. Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

How long does raw chicken take in the slow cooker? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Does chicken need to be cooked before slow cooker? ›

Chicken breast fillets can be placed directly into the slow cooker, but to create richer, deeper flavours and better visual appeal, first sear the chicken breast in a hot pan over medium-high heat on each side for 1-2 minutes.

Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Raw meat

A crockpot's gentle heat means meat will never get a chance to brown, but it's the golden colour from frying that gives it depth of flavour. If you don't want your stew to taste bland, brown the meat first, then put it in the slow cooker.

Do you have to brown chicken before putting it in a slow cooker? ›

You do not need to brown meat before you place it into the slow cooker. By browning meat, you will cause the meat to intensify the flavor. That will make the meat taste so much better. By adding onions, carrots & celery, that will also help to flavor the meat taste.

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