13 Fall Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
Crock pot cooking is the busy bee’s secret weapon for weeknight meals and cooking for a crowd. Although it’s a handy tool year-round, it’s particularly useful when temperatures drop and we start dreaming about comfort foods. Not only does it manage the cooking for you, but it keeps meals warm and ready to heat you up when you come in from a blustery afternoon of apple picking or a fall football game. From soups, sauces and braises to snacks and desserts, this guide has a recipe for every occasion (and craving!)
French Onion Soup: We’re not sure which is the best part of this meal: the super savory caramelized onions or the excuse to eat toast COVERED in cheese. This recipe also suggests the use of swiss cheese in place of traditional gruyere, so it’s a little easier on the old budget. (via Creme de la Crumb)
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Cooking meatballs the traditional way is a little tricky to navigate; finding a way to hold their shape while keeping them tender is no small task. Try out this crock pot method for perfect results every time. (via Damn Delicious)
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup: Think of this as a modern spin on tomato and grilled cheese, except this time the cheese comes in the form of delicious little pasta dumplings. Don’t forget to serve with plenty of crusty bread to soak up whatever your spoon misses. (via Cooking Classy)
Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas: This vegetarian entree yields high return on little investment; the prep is minimal and the slow cook allows the flavors to meld together for maximum flavor. (via The Kitchn)
Honey Garlic Chicken: It’s hard to find cold-weather meals that are satisfying and still healthy. This curbs all your indulgent cravings and it’s easy, so basically you have no excuse not to make it on the regular. (via Just a Taste)
Bolognese Sauce: Slow cooking is crucial to getting the perfect bolognese, but it tends to scorch on the stovetop. Try this slow cooker recipe for a lower-maintenance version. (via Little Broken)
Butter Chicken: This is another recipe that requires zero extra steps to cook the meat. Plus, it uses coconut milk in the sauce for a lighter version of a classic. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Creamy Potato Soup: We usually love potato soup for its major potential for toppings (hello, cheese and bacon) but this one is so good we’ll take it all on its own. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Mongolian Beef: This beef comes together with the help of just a few pantry staples. Leave it to simmer in its own sauce and, voila! The most melt-in-your-mouth beef you’ve ever tasted. (via The Recipe Critic)
Skinny Parmesan Dip: Nobody wants to guard the stovetop during a party. This hands-off recipe leaves you hands-free, so you can enjoy your drink a little more easily. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Teriyaki Chicken: This flavor-packed chicken is a double win. It’s healthy and easy, so you can tuck that takeout menu back in the drawer. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Pork Carnitas: Taco Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday… You’ll be having a fiesta every night of the week with this simple method of making carnitas. (via The Recipe Critic)
Coconut Hot Chocolate: If there’s anything better than a fresh cup of cocoa, it’s smelling a whole batch of it in your home for hours at a time. Put on a pot during your next party or for an extra special holiday morning. (via How Sweet It Is)
