With more and more people seeking less processed food in their diets, and more of us feeling short on time, it’s easy to see why slow cookers have recently grown in popularity. There is, perhaps, no other appliance in your kitchen that allows you to create so much food with so little effort. Although remembering to plan ahead can be tricky, once you’ve got that down, everything else is easy. If you are new to using the slow cooker, or just want some guaranteed winning slow cooker recipes, here they are. From the main dish to dessert, these recipes are sure to be among your favorites, and are definitely great for a crowd.
1. Pot Roast
There is something so satisfying about a pot roast, and perhaps there is no other meal that is so perfect for Sunday dinner. This slow cooker recipe makes getting the perfect pot roast on the table easy, and your guests will definitely leave full and happy.
2. Macaroni and Cheese
Everyone loves macaroni and cheese. Although many people are intimidated by the idea of making macaroni and cheese from scratch, the simplicity of this slow cooker recipe takes out all of the guess work, and leaves you with the perfect comfort food.
3. Chili
Chili is the perfect slow cooker dish, and the perfect meal for when the weather turns cooler. This recipe is great as is, but one of the best things about making chili is that you can add in or leave out whatever you like, making it taste exactly the way you want it to.
4. Baked Potato Soup
Mashed, fried, or oven roasted, potatoes are delicious in any form, but there is something especially incredible about baked potato soup. This dish, with its ability to customize the toppings, makes it perfect for sharing. The fact that it is slow-cooker friendly is just a bonus.
5. Ribs
Sometimes you just want dinner to be easy, tasty, and as mess free as possible. While these ribs may not keep your hands mess free, they are as uncomplicated as it gets. If you can remember to marinate them, then your work is done.
6. Lasagna
Lasagna, although well loved, has a reputation for being difficult to make. This slow cooker recipe does require a little bit of prep work, but it is the perfect lasagna recipe for beginners.
7. Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls are so tasty. This slow cooker version of this classic dish is for people who are short on time, but still want to be able to pull off a delicious meal. It only takes a little bit of planning ahead before getting these cabbage rolls in your slow cooker, and it is well worth the effort.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
It’s hard to imagine not liking chicken tortilla soup with its perfect combination of savory and spicy. This recipe is perfect for a crowd, and is just the thing to warm you up when you need it.
9. Red Beans and Rice
This slow cooker version of this Cajun favorite is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The ingredients list is short, but it is definitely not short on flavor. Serve this with some hot, buttered cornbread and you have the perfect meal.
10. Chocolate Lava Cake
Slow cookers are not just for making dinner. The next time you want dessert, skip the oven and follow this easy recipe instead. There’s nothing better than throwing everything into one pot and returning a few hours later to a delicious chocolate treat.
Featured photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/ via flickr.com
