Winter is the perfect time to break out your crockpot and cook delicious meals! A slow cooker can help you prepare a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part is, from soups and stews to roasts and desserts, there are various slow cooker recipes to choose from. So if you’re looking for some tasty, easy-to-make meals for the year’s colder months, look no further! This article is here with some of the best crockpot recipes for winter!
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Why The Crockpot Is Perfect For Winter Meals
The cold winter months are the perfect time for cozy, warming meals – and that’s where the crockpot comes in. Not only does it take the stress out of meal prep, but it also allows you to cook heartier dishes slowly, enhancing all those classic winter flavors. Soups, stews, and chilis can all be cooked quickly with just a few ingredients, leaving plenty of time to make homemade bread or prepare a seasonal salad.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a steaming bowl of stew while curled next to the fire? Using a crockpot gives you the most tender meat, complex flavor combinations, and nourishing fillings to combat even the most frigid day. So this winter, save your sanity and snuggle up with a comforting home-cooked meal made by none other than your favorite appliance: The Crockpot!
Crockpot Recipes For Winter
With your crockpot ready to go, it’s time to start cooking! These recipes are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and sure to warm your stomach and your heart during the cold season!
Smoky Lentil Soup
Lentils are a staple in winter cooking, and this smoky lentil soup recipe is a great way to enjoy them. But, of course, the ultimate winter comfort food combines hearty lentils, savory bacon, and warming spices.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound of dried lentils
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Combine the lentils and vegetable stock in your crockpot.
2. Add the bacon, garlic, onion, cumin, and paprika.
3. Stir well to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the lentils are soft and tender.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Butternut Squash Chowder
Butternut squash is the quintessential winter vegetable, and it’s the star of this delicious chowder recipe. With rich notes from the vegetables and creamy broth, this soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food!
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to your crockpot, and stir well to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the vegetables are soft and tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup into a smooth puree, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender to achieve the same texture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with some crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Apple Cranberry Crisp
This classic dessert is the perfect way to end any winter meal. And with the help of your trusty crockpot, it’s easier than ever to make this delicious fall treat!
Ingredients:
• 5 cups diced apples
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the apples, cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in your crockpot.
2. Mix well to combine, then spread the mixture evenly in your crockpot.
3. In a small bowl, stir the remaining ½ cup of sugar with 3 tablespoons of flour until evenly combined.
4. Sprinkle this crumble mixture over the top of the apple cranberry mixture, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
Hamburger Soup
The following recipe is the ultimate meal-in-a-bowl: Hamburger soup. This hearty and flavorful soup has loads of protein, vegetables, and rich spices that will warm your soul all winter!
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan, then transfer the ground beef to your crockpot.
3. Add all of your remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the vegetables are soft and tender.
5. Serve hot with some crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Chili
Are you looking for something a little different? Give this delicious sweet potato and chickpea chili recipe a try! Packed with protein and warming spices, this hearty dish will become your new winter favorite.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 cups cooked chickpeas (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 3 cups sweet potato puree (you can use canned or leftover baked sweet potatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the veggies to your crockpot and the remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thick.
5. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
Give Some Of These Crockpot Recipes For Winter A Try!
Whether you’re looking for something warm and hearty or something a little on the sweeter side, these crockpot recipes for winter are sure to satisfy you. From apple cranberry crisp to smoky lentil soup, there’s something here for everyone. So why wait? Treat yourself to a delicious and easy crockpot meal today! After all, there’s no better way to warm up on a cold winter day than a big bowl of cozy, comforting goodness!