Hearty Comfort Food: 4 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Winter

As the weather cools down, nothing warms the soul quite like hearty comfort food. There's something incredibly cozy about curling up with a steaming bowl of stew or soup while wrapped in a warm blanket and enjoying your favorite book. The best part? You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen. With a slow cooker, you can prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. Just add your ingredients, let it cook, and enjoy a warm, inviting meal when you return home.

1. Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns, cubed
• 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth (low sodium can be used)
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup (do not add water)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (not fat-free)
• 3 oz bacon bits
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. In your slow cooker, combine the hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and half of the bacon bits.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
4. About an hour before serving, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally until fully mixed in.
5. Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese and remaining bacon bits.

2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 (1 oz) packages dry onion soup mix
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 lbs lean beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2-3 cups baby carrots
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 (10 oz) cans cream of celery soup
• 1 cup ketchup

Instructions:

1. In a large plastic bag, combine the dry onion soup mix and paprika. Add the beef and shake to coat.
2. Spread the coated meat evenly in a greased slow cooker.
3. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and onion on top.
4. In a bowl, mix cream of celery soup and ketchup, then pour over the meat and vegetables.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Stir to combine before serving.

3. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
• 1-2 jalapeños, minced (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 shallot or ½ onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Big pinch dried oregano
• 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour

Toppings:

• Green Tabasco sauce
• Verde sauce
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except for flour and milk in the slow cooker. Stir to mix.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
4. Whisk together flour and milk in a small dish, then stir into the chili.
5. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. Stir shredded chicken back into the chili and serve with toppings.

4. Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
• 1 bag simply potatoes (diced potatoes and onions)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 32 oz chicken stock
• ½ bunch kale, de-stemmed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a sauté pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic.
2. Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add the diced potatoes and onion, covering with chicken stock.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Before serving, whisk together heavy cream and flour, then stir into the slow cooker along with the kale. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
6. Season to taste and serve hot.

Conclusion

With these four hearty slow cooker recipes, you'll have delicious meals ready to keep you warm all winter long! Whether you prefer creamy potato soup, savory beef stew, zesty chicken chili, or a comforting Zuppa Toscana, your slow cooker can make it all effortlessly. Enjoy cozy evenings filled with comfort food this winter!