Winter is the perfect time for cozy, slow-cooked meals that warm you from the inside out. With the ease of a crockpot, you can prepare comforting dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights. These meals are designed to simmer all day, infusing the ingredients with deep, rich flavors while you go about your day, leaving you with minimal effort and maximum taste.
From filling stews to tender meats, these 15 best-ever winter crockpot meals are simple to make and ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or just enjoying a satisfying meal after a long day. Let the crockpot do the work while you savor the results, knowing that these recipes will keep you full and satisfied through the coldest of months.
1. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Velvety cheese melts into tender pasta, creating the ultimate side dish or main event. With the magic of slow cooking, every bite is rich and perfectly seasoned, making it a dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The best part? It’s easy to prepare—just let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the savory aromas filling your kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a party, this mac and cheese is sure to be the star of the show.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Elbow macaroni
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Instructions:
- Begin by adding uncooked elbow macaroni into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any desired spices, such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Pour in whole milk to create a creamy base for the mac and cheese.
- Add cubes of unsalted butter for extra richness and flavor.
- Gently stir the ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender and the cheese has fully melted, give it one last stir before serving for a creamy, cheesy dish.
2. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hearty, homemade Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Packed with vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans, this wholesome soup is simmered to perfection, allowing each flavor to meld together beautifully.
The slow cooking process helps extract the natural sweetness from the vegetables, creating a rich and comforting broth. It’s a healthy, nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and filling. Perfect for cozy evenings, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a variety of fresh, seasonal produce in every spoonful.
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients:
- Diced carrots
- Diced celery
- Diced potatoes
- Frozen corn kernels
- Frozen green beans
- Frozen peas
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Low-sodium vegetable broth
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Start by placing all diced vegetables into the slow cooker, including carrots, potatoes, celery, and zucchini.
- Add in frozen corn, green beans, peas, and any other frozen vegetables you prefer.
- Chop up one onion and toss it in to give the soup a savory base.
- Mince several cloves of garlic and add them to the mix for extra flavor.
- Season the soup with dried thyme, basil, and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in low-sodium vegetable broth to cover the ingredients, making sure the vegetables are well-submerged.
- Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the soup is full of flavor.
3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Prepare for a flavor-packed meal with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Tender, juicy pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing all the smoky, savory seasonings along the way. Once done, the pork easily shreds, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with barbecue sauce.
Whether served on a bun for a delicious sandwich or alongside your favorite sides, this pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend BBQ or a cozy dinner—effortless to make and guaranteed to impress.
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder roast
- Root beer
- Barbecue sauce
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Instructions:
- Season the pork shoulder roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Place the seasoned roast into the slow cooker.
- Pour root beer over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the pork, shred it using two forks, and discard any excess fat.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix in barbecue sauce.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Experience pure comfort with Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth come together to create a soul-soothing dish. The slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen, while the dumplings cook to fluffy perfection, soaking up all the delicious juices.
Every spoonful is a warm hug in a bowl, with savory chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings. This is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need something satisfying and comforting to feed the family.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery stalks, sliced
- Frozen peas
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and frozen peas into the slow cooker.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Cut refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 hour, until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Chili
Warm up with a bowl of Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Chili. This robust dish features tender beef, hearty black beans, and a blend of bold spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become, with just the right amount of heat and savory goodness in every bite.
The slow cooker allows the chili to develop deep, layered flavors, making it a perfect comfort meal on cold nights. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a filling, flavorful dinner everyone will love.
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Beef broth
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Jalapeños, diced (optional)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker and add diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Stir to combine.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, beef broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Optionally, add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any season. Chunks of tender beef are slowly cooked with a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, absorbing the savory broth and spices.
The result is a rich, flavorful stew with a perfect balance of textures—tender meat, soft veggies, and a thick, satisfying gravy. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the intoxicating aromas wafting through your home. This stew is a filling and comforting meal that will warm your soul.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Carrots, sliced
- Potatoes, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Place beef stew meat, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until meat and vegetables are tender.
- If a thicker stew is desired, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir into the stew.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pot meal that brings together juicy chicken, tender rice, and savory seasonings. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the rice absorbs all the delicious juices, creating a creamy, satisfying texture.
With just a few ingredients, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a hands-off dinner that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether enjoyed with a side of vegetables or on its own, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Long-grain white rice
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Carrots, diced
- Celery stalks, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Begin by placing bone-in chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add in long-grain white rice, making sure to spread it evenly over the chicken.
- Dice up carrots, celery, and onion, and add them to the slow cooker.
- Mince several cloves of garlic and sprinkle them into the mixture.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth to cover the ingredients and ensure they cook properly.
- Season the dish with dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir the ingredients to combine everything, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and the broth is well-mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
8. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Warm up with a bowl of creamy, comforting Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili. Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a savory broth with white beans, green chilies, and a blend of spices. The slow cooking process melds the flavors together, creating a smooth and flavorful base, while the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. This hearty chili is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and satisfying, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
- Canned green chilies
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts, white beans, green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Serve topped with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
9. Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup is a savory, wholesome meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chunks of beef, along with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, are slowly simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
Each bite is bursting with robust flavor, while the slow cooking ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want a meal that’s easy to prepare but packed with flavor.
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Carrots, sliced
- Potatoes, diced
- Green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Corn kernels
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine beef stew meat, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, green beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Enjoy a zesty, flavorful bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. Tender chicken breasts are simmered with tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a perfect blend of spices, creating a bold, satisfying broth. As the soup cooks, the chicken shreds effortlessly, adding heartiness to each spoonful.
Top with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. This soup is the perfect balance of savory and spicy, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious on any day.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Canned green chilies
- Canned corn, drained
- Chicken broth
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Tortilla chips (for topping)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Add chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, green chilies, drained corn, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients together and cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the soup.
- Serve the soup with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, if desired.
11. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. Sweet, ripe tomatoes are slow-cooked with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, creating a rich, velvety texture.
The slow cooking process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the basil adds a fragrant, fresh kick. It’s the perfect pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread, making it an ideal meal for chilly nights. This creamy soup is a delicious, heartwarming way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Carrots, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Dried basil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Heavy cream
- Butter
Instructions:
- Combine crushed tomatoes, diced carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Stir to mix all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and butter until well combined.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or croutons.
12. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal. Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, while tender vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions absorb all the rich flavors.
The result is a perfectly balanced dish with tender chicken, caramelized vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce that ties everything together. It’s a fuss-free dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy evenings when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Baby potatoes, halved
- Carrots, cut into chunks
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Place chicken thighs, halved baby potatoes, and carrot chunks in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
13. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Indulge in the creamy, rich goodness of Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Tender strips of beef are slow-cooked in a savory sauce made from onions, garlic, and mushrooms, creating a deep, flavorful base. As the dish simmers, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce thickens into a creamy, decadent coating.
Served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish is the perfect balance of comforting and luxurious. It’s a classic favorite that’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Sour cream
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Egg noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
- Add beef stew meat, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream just before serving.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles.
14. Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a wholesome, hearty dish filled with nourishing ingredients. Lentils, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and a medley of spices are slow-cooked to perfection, creating a thick and satisfying stew.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, while the lentils provide a hearty texture that makes this stew filling and comforting. It’s a perfect meal for vegetarians and anyone looking for a nutrient-packed, delicious dish that’s both warming and wholesome. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy dinner.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Green or brown lentils, rinsed
- Carrots, diced
- Celery stalks, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Spinach leaves (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine lentils, and diced carrots, diced in a bowl.
- Add lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together and cover.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.
- If using spinach, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and add a splash of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the flavors of a classic pot pie into a creamy, hearty soup. Tender chicken, vegetables like carrots and peas, and a rich, creamy broth come together to create the perfect comforting meal.
As it simmers in the slow cooker, the flavors meld beautifully, while the chicken remains juicy and the vegetables stay perfectly tender. The creamy broth makes it feel indulgent, and adding a flaky biscuit on top makes it feel just like a pot pie in a bowl. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made easy and delicious.
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Potatoes, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Flour
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Puff pastry or biscuits (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts, potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream to create a thick roux, then stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Serve hot with puff pastry or biscuits on the side for dipping.
