21 Easy Winter Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes
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When the cold winter winds start howling, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table with a hearty, warm meal. As a mom of three, I know the importance of serving up dinners that are not only comforting but also easy to make amidst the chaos of busy schedules.
That’s where my slow cooker becomes a lifesaver!
With these easy winter slow cooker recipes, you’ll find soups, stews, chilis, pastas and roast meat dishes that are rich in flavorful, and perfect for keeping the hangries and winter blues away. Or any time there’s cool weather, as these gems are delicious year round.
Whether your looking for a more classic holiday meal, a home cooked dinner, or unique winter potluck contributions inspired by global cuisine, you can easily make these tried-and-true recipes. Just dump in your slow cooker (or crockpot) and go, so you can fill your home with mouthwatering aromas without being tied to the stove all day.
TIP: Just one note on Slow cooker vs Crockpot: While they’re often used interchangeably, not every slow cooker is a crock pot. A crockpot is a type / brand of slow cooker, so you can use your crockpot for recipes labelled slow cooker too. (This is the crockpot we love and use)
Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, and get heated from the whole “crock” container. While most slow cookers have a metal pot and get heated from the bottom element, which means they typically take longer to heat up. So you may need to stir more often, or adjust your cooking time slightly for the cooker you use.
Which us why this Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is fun. It’s easy, hands off and makes a warm comforting meal.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew)
I love a good bowl of Beef Stew on cold days, especially in winter. This Beef Stifado is a great way to spice up your regular fare.
It’s infused with cinnamon, cloves, garlic, allspice and bay leaves, creating a warm, aromatic meal the whole family will love. Even without the more traditional addition of red wine, this hearty dish is always a winner in our home.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stifado
3. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Sausage
There’s definitely a split between Team Lentils and Team No-Lentils in our household. But a bowl of this hearty Lentil and Sausage Soup bridges that divide.
Plus it’s easy as can be, just throw everything into your slowcooker, no pre-cooking required, and a few hours later you have a healthy meal for your family.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with Sausage
4. Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
Ahh Tortellini… You seem so much fancier than plain pasta.
My youngest is a huge fan of this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Tortellini. It’s is a no-fuss, flavorful meal that feels like a cozy Italian dinner.
With tender chicken, spinach, and cheesy tortellini, it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd. The secret ingredient? Sun-dried tomatoes that add a sweet, tangy punch to the creamy dish. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do all the work.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
5. Slow Cooker Lamb & Veg Tagine
I first discovered Moroccan Tagines in my early 20’s. After living with a dad who only liked salt and pepper as seasonings, and wayyyyyy overcooked meats it was an unexpected and amazing flavour explosion.
This aromatic Lamb and Vegetable Tagine is packed with Moroccan-inspired flavors, and it’s a breeze to prepare.
Let your slow cooker work its magic, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb and sweet, fragrant vegetables. Traditionally cooked in a tagine, this slow-cooked version gives you the same rich, mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort—a perfect cozy winter meal for the family.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb & Veg Tagine
6. Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup
You might not expect kids to love Thai Curry and Butternut Squash Soup, but it’s been one of my youngest’s favorite winter soups since she first tried it at age 7.
The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make with just five ingredients, and you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Thai red curry paste to suit your family’s taste.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup
7. Fall Apart Tender Slow Cooker Pork Loin
This fall-apart tender pork loin is incredibly juicy, buttery-soft, and bursting with flavor and one of the best winter slow cooker meals.
With minimal prep, the pork slowly cooks as you go about your day, making it a stress-free option for busy weeks.
It’s a budget-friendly recipe that my kids like, even the picky eaters. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, making it great for meal planning.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin
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8. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Growing up, Sunday pot roasts were a tradition in our family. And this type of slow cooked version we called “Yummy Steak.”
Are Sunday roasts still a thing these days? If not, they definitely should be I think. Because the comforting aromas and taste are nostalgic and mouth watering at the same time.
This hearty meal is also gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30, and paleo-friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
9. Classic Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
It’s that turkey time of year again. So many delicious turkey recipes, so little time.
One of the best cold weather winter dinner recipes is this Turkey Chili. Hearty and classic your family will be happy to fill their bellies with a warm bowl of chili on a snowy day.
Get the recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
10. Mexican Shredded Chicken
Winter slow cooker dinners don’t have to be boring!
Mexican Shredded Chicken with salsa verde is a zesty, flavorful meal that’s always a hit in our house.
Chicken breasts are slow cooked in tangy tomatillo salsa, garlic, and spices until perfectly tender, then shredded for tacos, burritos, or served over rice—my personal favorite. I also like to eat it in the morning with a couple of over easy eggs.
It’s an easy, versatile recipe that brings rich Mexican flavors to the table with hardly any effort. Whenever I spot fresh tomatillos, I know it’s time to make this family favorite chicken slowcooker recipe.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
11. Sticky Crispy Chinese Pork Belly
Looking for an Asian inspired meal? Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a slow cooker masterpiece that delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
With minimal prep, the pork belly cooks slowly, soaking in all the rich, savory flavors, creating a crispy, sticky exterior while staying juicy inside.
Perfect for home cooks of any skill level, this dish is a delicious balance of simplicity and bold Asian flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or to impress guests, this slow-cooked pork belly is sure to be loved by everyone.
Get the recipe: Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
12. Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe
My family loves lasagna…. but I usually don’t love the amount of time it takes to make all the layers, and then sit around waiting for it to cook.
However this Slow Cooker Lasgana is a gem, and so great for bringing to potlucks. Just four cheesy, delicious layers of beef, sauce, ricotta, and cheese that feeds a crowd.
Super versatile, you can mix up your favourite meats, cheeses and veggies to your liking.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe
13. Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken
This one is for all you chicken lovers out there, looking to spice up your weekly menu.
Boneless chicken thighs are marinated, seared, and slow-cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce, giving you tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort.
There’s a chef’s twist with extra herbs like bay leaves, cilantro and coriander not usually seen in Jamaican cooking, for even more depth.
I prefer thighs for their added flavor and juiciness—and trust me, searing the meat before slow cooking makes all the difference.
Get the recipe: Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken
14. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This Teriyaki Chicken just might be your new go-to for a weeknight meal, and it’s tastier than takeout.
Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
The sweet, tangy, and savory flavors come together beautifully, and the dish pairs well with sides like broccoli, and roasted veggies. Top it with scallions and sesame seeds for that final touch, and enjoy a healthier, high-protein meal the whole family will love.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
15. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food.
Seasoned beef in a crusty roll, topped with melted cheese and a side of savory au jus…need I say more?
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
16. Crock Pot Potato Soup
There is something so comforting about eating a bowl of thick and creamy potato soup on a cold winter day.
I love using local farm potatoes for extra flavour when I can get them.
Serve with a side of crusty bread, sandwiches or salad.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Potato Soup
17. Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili
Meaty Steak Chili is not just for game days.
I crave a hearty chili all year round, truth be told. Which is why this slow cooker steak chili checks all my boxes for a comforting weeknight meal.
Easy to prep, uses cheaper cuts of meat, cooks by itself, and my kids actually will eat it. Score!
Get the recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili
18. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Recipes don’t have to be complicated to taste good.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a no-fuss recipe that delivers big, crowd-pleasing flavors.
Sweet Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and marinara sauce blend beautifully in the crockpot, making your kitchen smell amazing all day.
Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, this Italian favorite is perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. It’s an easy, hearty meal the whole family will love, from the youngest to the oldest.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
19. Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone
I like that this soup recipe takes a simple Minestrone and elevates it with a hint of spice and pesto.
All you have to do is chop, dump and go.
I personally prefer using fresh or frozen green beans added near the end so they aren’t as mushy.
Get the recipe: Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful, creamy dish that brings the rich spices of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Tender chicken simmers in a tomato-based sauce seasoned with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and more, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly nights.
Serve it with basmati rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This easy recipe gives you all the bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
21. Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Looking for an easy, creamy pasta dish your kids will eat?
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is your recipe. It brings serious comfort food vibes to your table with almost no effort.
Chicken, melty cheese, and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce come together for a weeknight meal that’s kid tested and adult approved. With just 5 minutes of prep, this simple slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something warm and satisfying.
Plus, it’s easy to tweak with your favorite ingredients if you have pickier eaters.
Get the recipe: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
FINAL THOUGHTS: Best Winter Slow Cooker Recipes
Winter slow cooker dinners are a lifesaver for busy families, especially when time is tight and you still want to serve something warm, comforting and budget friendly.
With just a bit of prep, these meals practically cook themselves, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas that’ll have everyone gathering around the table.
From hearty stews and pastas to globally-inspired dishes, these easy recipes are perfect for cold nights when you need a hands-off, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re a busy mom like me or just someone who wants to simplify dinner, these slow cooker meals will make weeknights so much easie, and way more delicious
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