99 Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect For Your Next Snow Day

Turkey & Pork Meatballs

Treat yourself to homemade meatballs, already simmering in sauce, at the end of a busy day. —Suzanne Wagg, Madison, Maine

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga

I first fell in love with this traditional Mexican dish at a taco stand inside a gas station. This is how I now make it at home. My version has a nice zing without being overly spicy.—Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups

The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. After swim lessons and outdoor activities, it's so nice to come back to a tasty, light dinner. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing potluck favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This pulled pork is tender and has a fabulous spice rub on it. It is my sweetie's favorite meal, and I love that it is so easy. What a fantastic way to warm up a chilly afternoon. Add more or less salt to taste if you'd like. —Katie Citrowske, Bozeman, Montana

Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos

I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma

Slow-Cooked Beef Burritos with Green Chiles

I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare, and it uses the long, slow-cooking method that truly defines comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado

Ancient Grain Beef Stew

My version of beef stew is comfort food with a healthy twist. I use lentils and red quinoa rather than potatoes. If leftover stew seems too thick, add more beef stock when reheating. —Margaret Roscoe, Keystone Heights, Florida

Slow-Cooker Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Pie

My husband likes some heat in our meals, but our children—not so much. This is the best of both worlds. Serve with additional chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan

I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. It’s also good cut in half and served on smaller buns as sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Teriyaki Beef Roast

My father and I created this pot roast with a hint of Japanese flair. It will make your taste buds dance! try this for family or company. —Mary Flurkey, Golden, Colorado

Slow-Cooker Spanish Rice

Here's an economical dish with authentic Tex-Mex flavor. Even the little ones will go for this Spanish rice. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice

Poultry and pantry basics inspired this deliciously healthy combo. I have a hard time getting my family to eat healthy, but they have no problem cleaning their plates when I serve this dish! —Tracy Long, Bellwood, Nebraska

Zippy Spaghetti Sauce

This thick and hearty sauce goes a long way to satisfy my hungry family. They enjoy any leftovers ladled over thick slices of grilled garlic bread. To make sure I have the ingredients on hand, I keep a bag of chopped green pepper in my freezer and minced garlic in my fridge—always! —Elaine Priest, Dover, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooker Pad Thai

I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in summer. This slow-cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

Horseradish Pot Roast

We tasted a dish similar to this while at a horseradish festival in Illinois. I like to serve it over noodles. The recipe is easily adaptable for stovetop cooking, too. —Barbara White, Katy, Texas

Slow-Simmered Chicken with Raisins, Capers and Basil

Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's better than that? The kids LOVE it. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio

Sausage and Blue Cheese Stuffed Peppers

This family favorite combines some of our most-enjoyed ingredients: sausage, blue cheese and sweet peppers. The ease of preparation and slow-cooker convenience make this a go-to meal for busy weeknights. —Peggy Mehalick, Mountain Top, Pennsylvania

Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu

This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that's perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky

Meatball Tortellini

I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana

Slow-Cooker Milk-Can Supper

Here’s a slow-cooked version of a campfire classic. Pioneers and cowboys would cook this meal over a milk can on an open fire, letting the flavors and textures blend together. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Sweet and Spicy Peanut Chicken

Chicken thighs and a slow cooker— that's a marriage made in culinary heaven! Juicy and flavorful, this simple dish will make you swoon when you return home and find it ready. The filling is also excellent in lettuce wraps. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken

Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, British and Portuguese. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor and sweet potatoes thicken the sauce as the meal slowly cooks. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Za'atar Chicken

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York

Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle

An irresistible sauce gives the beef in this short rib ragu another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey

Sauerbraten Soup

Sauerbraten and soup are both family favorites. This combines the two, without the long marinating time the traditional beef dish requires. You can substitute spaetzle or gnocchi for the egg noodles. —Jennifer Yerkes, Franklin Square, New York

Swedish Meatballs Alfredo

I'm a big fan of this potluck-perfect dish. It takes much less time than many other slow-cooker recipes. Plus, it's easy. I'm all for the easy! —Carole Bess White, Portland, Oregon

Chicken Vegetable Curry

This comfort dish gets fabulous flavor when I add chicken, sweet red peppers, coconut milk and the all-important seasoning, curry powder. —Roxana Lambeth, Moreno Valley, California

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

This simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas

As a busy teacher, I think it's so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I'm not the only one who thinks so: These slow-cooker flank steak fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois

Slow Cooker Cassoulet with Crumb Topping

Classically inspired, this dish is loaded with chicken thighs, pork and smoked sausage. Tomatoes, beans and wine round out the hearty French stew, and bread crumbs thicken it slightly. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Slow-Cooker Clam Sauce

Serve this delectable clam sauce as a hot dip for holiday get-togethers. The sauce is bright and fresh with pasta, too. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Pineapple Mango Pulled Pork

I love mangoes and pineapple. They go so well with pork. Serve these little sandwiches with a spring salad. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak

After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas

Tender Salsa Beef

This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Cajun-Style Beans and Sausage

Beans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. The sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice that chicken sausage is used in this dish. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

Turkey Taco Macaroni

This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York

Broccoli-Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

A chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is one of our favorite comfort foods. I make my easy variation in the slow cooker. You can easily substitute whatever cheese you prefer. I sometimes use dairy-free cheese to create a more paleo-friendly dinner. The dish is also delicious sprinkled with a simple bread crumb topping. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada

Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew

This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.—Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri

Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole

We tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Green Chili Chops with Sweet Potatoes

It takes only a few minutes to combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, and you'll have a filling, healthy dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. We like to serve it with fresh-baked garlic bread. —Marina Ashworth, Denver, Colorado

Short Rib Poutine

This dish combines the hearty, spicy flavors of my beloved slow-cooker short ribs with my all-time favorite comfort food: fries and gravy. With a little prep in the morning, it's just about ready when I come home from work (plus, the kitchen smells amazing!). If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha chili sauce. —Erin DeWitt, Long Beach, California

Root Beer Brats

Here's an easy recipe that's versatile, too. Serve the saucy brats over rice for one meal and have them on buns the next. For extra punch, add a splash of root beer concentrate to the sauce. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

Spicy Sausage Fettuccine

I once accidentally bought hot Italian sausage, but still wanted to find a way to use it. I tossed it in the slow cooker with mushrooms, tomatoes and wine, which helped to mellow out the heat. Now I buy the hot stuff on purpose! —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Moroccan Pot Roast

My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York

Tomato Balsamic Chicken

I came up with this saucy chicken during a particularly busy holiday season. As new parents, my husband and I both appreciate having a go-to dinner that's easy, homemade and delicious. —Anne Colvin, Chicago, Illinois

Chickpea & Potato Curry

I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas

Slow-Cooker Mushroom Beef Stroganoff

I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia

Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast

One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! —Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida

Slow-Cooker Stuffed Shells

There's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan

Korean Pulled Pork Tacos

I created this unique pulled pork recipe so we could replicate our favorite food truck tacos at home. They're a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious any time of year. —Julie Orr, Fullerton, California

Slow-Cooker Carnitas

We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut

Buffalo Pulled Chicken

This slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to's. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Spicy Lime Chicken

I've been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

Slow-Cooker Char Siu Pork

The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Moo Shu Lettuce Cups

I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic. With sweet and savory flavors, this dish will be a dinnertime favorite. We love this served in flour tortillas too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California

Sausage and Kraut Buns

This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

Carrie's Cincinnati Chili

Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia

Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce

I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan

Mom’s Meat Loaf

Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Shredded Beef Burrito Filling

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Beef Tips Burgundy

Here's a heartwarming classic that's so simple in the slow cooker. Mushrooms, red wine and tender beef make for an easy, elegant supper. —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

Brisket Tacos

Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with huge bowls of salads, frijoles, tostadas and salsas. Brisket was the one dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado

Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs

Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Meatballs in Honey Buffalo Sauce

My family loves the sweet and spicy combination and declared this recipe an instant favorite just for that reason. The meatballs start sweet but finish with a little heat! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Here's a homey dish that people just can't wait to dive in to! Yes, you can have slow-cooker chicken and dumplings. The homemade classic takes a bit of work but is certainly worth it. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf

Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Chicken Bog

Chicken bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This slow-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah

Sicilian Meat Sauce

People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the older generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Chinese-Style Ribs

When I was working two jobs, slow cooking was my way of life. Sometimes I had more than one slow cooker going at a time to help me feed my family delicious home-cooked meals. It's nice to walk in after a hard day's work and have dinner ready. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin

I find simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Everyday, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky

Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho

Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops

I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa

Root Vegetable Pot Roast

During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We've scarfed it down before and after shopping, and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina

Cabbage Roll Stew

A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Caribbean Curried Chicken

Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken

A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

North African Chicken and Rice

I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

German Schnitzel and Potatoes with Gorgonzola Cream

I lived in Germany for five years and developed a fondness for traditional schnitzel. It’s a labor of love, so I came up with this easy, clever way to make it in a slow cooker. —Beth Taylor, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Tangerine Chicken Tagine

My family and friends love foods from around the world, especially Moroccan entrees, so I created this flavorful dish. Cooking it in the slow cooker keeps each morsel moist and rich in flavor. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

Shredded Green Chile Beef

This Tex-Mex pulled beef roast is tender, slightly spicy, juicy and so delicious served over mashed potatoes or rice. The beef also makes the best soft tacos you've ever had. Save any leftover pulled beef in the liquid to prevent it from drying out. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Asian Slow-Cooked Short Ribs

After a long day of sledding, the aroma of these beautiful short ribs says welcome home. Warm and comforting, they make a worthy low-maintenance dinner. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken

Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

When discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give the dish an extra kick—and it does. The ropas may also be served with hominy or tortillas, but I think the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Filipino Adobo Aromatic Chicken

This saucy chicken packs a wallop of flavors—salty, sweet, sour, slightly spicy and even a little umami. It can be made on the stove, too. Any way you make it, I think it tastes even better the next day served over warm rice. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas

Green Chile Adobado Poutine

This Canadian comfort-food classic is even better when served southwestern style as either an appetizer or an entree. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Chili Macaroni and Cheese

What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

Use up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida

Slow-Cooked Orange Chipotle Chicken

Even though this chicken dish cooks for hours, the citrus keeps things fresh. We're big on spice, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska

Mexican Bubble Pizza

This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan