24 Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Rely on All Season | Fresh Fridays, January 13
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Today we’re talking all things slow cooker. Did you know you can cook all sorts of recipes in your crockpot? From appetizers, to breakfast, supper (do people still call it that?), drinks and even dessert!
In fact, I am doing a Crockpot giveaway, be sure to read to the end or navigate using the Table of Contents below!
We attended a memorial service for a dear friend on Monday, which reminded me of the preciousness of life. The importance of slowing down, being with those you love, letting them know you love them, think about them, care for them.
Let’s jump right in this week, because you are here for the slow cooker recipes and the GIVEAWAY!
9 New Slow Cooker Recipes
Did you know that January is National Slow Cooker month? I’ve teamed up with several bloggers this week to bring you nine, brand new slow cooker recipes that are sure to inspire and get you cooking something comforting.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
You are going to LOVE this easy, creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole — you guessed it, made in your crockpot. Great for a potluck breakfast, but is super versatile and is equally as delicious as a side with dinner. No canned cream soup in it either, plus it’s gluten-free!
Try these amazing recipes from my dear blogging friends, these ladies are amazing cooks and have beautiful blogs!
Tuscan White Bean Soup ~ Nourish and Nestle
Slow Cooker Pork Roast ~ Life, Love and Good Food
Scrumptious Slow Cooker Recipes
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Recipe (Crock pot)
Super simple, 3 ingredient chili cheese dip -- got leftover chili, use it here! Toss it all in the slow cooker with 2 other ingredients, heat for an hour and you have an amazing game day dip!
Slow Cooker Pulled Beef
Nothing like tender, pulled beef slow cooked all day long. Fall apart tender, doused in a little barbecue sauce.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
The classic bacon wrapped jalapeno popper deconstructed into this amazing dip -- you guessed it, made in the slow cooker!
Outback Potato Soup Recipe (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
Creamy, simple and amazingly flavorful and not as high in calories as you would think. I've slimmed this copycat recipe down significantly, without sacrificing the flavor!
Crockpot Pinto Beans
Make a batch of these tender pinto beans and use them in salads, your favorite Mexican dishes, spoon them over sweet potatoes! Oh yes!
Senate Bean Soup
Broth and delicious, this Senate Bean soup is simple and oh so tasty. Perfect to come home too after a long day.
15 More Scrumptious Slow Cooker Recipes
Whether you are looking for a super simple dinner recipe, something to bring to a neighbor or new mom, or a delicious and easy slow cooked meal, there is something here for you!
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice is chock full of smoky sausage (add chicken or ham), delicious creole cajun spices, veggies and healthy red beans. Perfect for Mardi Gras, or anytime you need some delicious comfort food!
Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken
This copycat Olive Garden Chicken crock pot chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with bold and tangy flavors. Made easily in your crock pot or Instant Pot, you really can’t beat the convenience! Indulge with this absolutely decadent, succulent dish full of true Italian flavors and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
Healthy Crack Chicken {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}
This healthier crack chicken recipe (aka creamy salsa chicken) is easily made in your instant pot or slow cooker! Loaded with better for you ingredients, but still packs a ton of flavor. This recipe is great in tacos, sandwiches, quesadillas, enchiladas, salads or by itself for a low carb meal.
Crockpot London Broil
There’s nothing like a rich, hearty steak dish on these cold winter days. Capture the festive flavors of the season with this slow cooker London Broil recipe that is absolutely overflowing with savory goodness. Crockpot London broil is part steak, part fall apart slow cooked pot roast.
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas (Crockpot & Oven too)
These crispy, flavorful Instant Pot Carnitas are almost too easy! This traditional Mexican pulled pork dish is loaded with spicy seasonings and soaked in a zesty, citrus and savory broth for amazing flavor.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken
This mouthwatering Crockpot Ranch Chicken recipe is just too good to be just an appetizer! It’s absolutely overloaded with flavor, is so dreamy and creamy, and is a bit addictive, keeping you coming back for bite after bite. Just 4 main ingredients makes it truly a dump and go main dish or appetizer. And I've made this small batch, but it easily doubles for a crowd.
Healthy Cheeseburger Soup | Crockpot or Stovetop
Healthy Cheeseburger soup is filled with your favorite cheeseburger ingredients! Seasoned beef, caramelized onions, carrots, peppers and garlic, rich chopped tomatoes and beef broth, potatoes, pickles all combine to make a flavorful, hearty and simple soup. Make on the stove top or crockpot, plus it's gluten free!
Colorado Green Chile
Easy Colorado Green Chile recipe using tasty New Mexico roasted Hatch green chiles, jalapeños, pork, tomatoes and spices; slow cooked to release the best flavors! Rich, thick Colorado Green Chile can be served alone like a chili or soup, used for smothering, in enchiladas, with eggs and potatoes or as a side for any Mexican dish!
Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe (Gulaschsuppe)
This Authentic German Goulash Soup recipe is so stinking good! It's comforting and has complex flavors that balance out one another, like sweet, savory, sour, and subtle optional spices. Warm and meaty, it's perfect for the chilly months when you need a bowl of comfort.
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs are tender and slow cooked in a tangy cranberry and barbecue sauce. Just dump the ingredients into your crockpot and heat!
Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
A tasty, tender, simple rendition of barbecue pulled pork, with just a few minutes of assembly in the morning you'll come home to an amazing, tender, delicious and healthy meal!
Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken (or Slow Cooker)
Delicious, tender, spicy, but you control it! This Buffalo chicken is great for sandwiches, sliders, or as a dip! So good!
Dutch Oven Beef Stew {or Slow Cooker}
A tender, delicious, slow cooked beef stew loaded with tender carrots, potatoes, caramelized onions, swimming in a rich, savory gravy.
Easy Crockpot Peanut Clusters
5 ingredients and one hour is all it takes to make crockpot peanut clusters that are delicious year-round! Decadent chocolate and peanut butter chips melt together with crunchy peanuts for crockpot candy that the whole family will love.
Easy Wassail Hot Cider Recipe (non-alcoholic)
This Easy Wassail Recipe (non-alcoholic) is perfect for warming your soul during the holiday season. Made with fresh fruit, a variety of juices, classic apple cider, and fragrant seasonal spices, sipping on a steaming mug of wassail is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
What’s Your Word?
Every year, I like to come up with a word to focus on for the year. I sit with my Bible and journal around the first of the year, and just browse through it, pray, sit, and listen.
My word for this year is COMPASSION. I could do better in this department; with my husband and boys, with friends and neighbors and family. Do you have a word or phrase, or Bible verse that you focus on for the year?
I want to hear from you!
At the memorial service I saw so many people that I hadn’t seen in a few years, it was old home week for me — one thing that so many said after I hugged them was, “I feel like I have not missed a thing in your life, because I read your blog!” YAY for that and THANK YOU!
But, that being said, sometimes it gets a little lonely over here on this side of the computer screen. I read every one of my emails and comments, so if you are a regular reader (or a brand new one) shoot me a comment or an email, tell me what you have going on in your life, what you are cooking or want to cook!
Enter the Crockpot Giveaway
In honor of wanting to hear from you, I’m giving away a Crockpot to one lucky person this week. Simply answer this question in the comments section at the end of this post.
What is your favorite meal to make in a slow cooker or Crock pot? And if you have a word or phrase or verse for the year, what is it?
This giveaway is for US Residents only (sorry for all my fans in other countries). Using a random name picker, winner will be chosen on Monday, January 16th — giveaway entries end at midnight, January 15th – MST. Winner will be notified by email.
Recipes Trending this Week
I love seeing what strikes a fancy with people!
Easy Air Fryer Halibut Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce
Try this Air Fryer Halibut Recipe with Lemon Butter for a crisp and flaky fish with tangy golden lemon butter sauce. This recipe is an Air Fryer Halibut Recipe with No Breading made in just 30 minutes.
Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe (Copycat Starbucks)
You'll quickly fall in love with this incredible Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish Recipe! An easy recipe using puff pastry and a quick cream cheese filling, then baked to golden, puffy perfection.
Orange Scones (Panera Copycat)
Light, tender, moist and flaky Orange Cream Scones are better than Panera! Made with fresh orange juice and zest, these scones are bursting with bright orange flavor while not overwhelming the scone. Glazed with fresh orange vanilla butter icing, bound to bring a smile to anyone!
Honey Bran Muffin {Mimi’s Copycat}
Soft, a little chewy, packed with amazing flavor and gooeyness these copycat Mimi's Honey Bran Muffins are are perfect and you might say that they are on the healthy-ish side! WIN!
Best Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
Tender, better than Cinnabon ooey and gooey Cinnamon Rolls dripping with brown sugary cinnamon insides and topped with this luscious cream cheese buttercream.
Healthy Mongolian Beef
When you need a fast dinner, don't do "take-out", this Mongolian Beef made with shaved steak is sure to hit the spot, and healthier too. It has the right combination of sweet and spicy with fresh ginger and red pepper flakes. You’re going to love the Mongolian sauce!
Weekly Inspiration | Who Will Love Me for Me
If you have never heard of JJ Heller, you are in for a treat! You are going to love her, she and her husband are singer songwriters and do an amazing job, with storytelling style music.
Check this out Who Will Love Me for Me
May our compassionate and caring God bless your week!
So grateful for you,
P.S. Be sure to browse through last weeks Fresh Fridays for more great recipes!
Visit The Fresh Cooky’s Amazon Shop
About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
My favorite dish to cook in the crockpot is chicken and dumplings! (My kids was always crockpot pizza or Mac and cheese lol)!
I don’t have a word for the year. But I’m praying for restoration for my family.
Yum to all of those! Crockpot pizza?!
And praying with you for that restoration!
I forgot to give my favorite words: Now these three remain faith, hope, & love but the greatest of these is love.
We know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God & are called according to his plans.
Such amazing verses Cora! Thank you!
Ilove to cook chicken in my crockpot for shredded chicken sandwiches. I also love cooking a good roast.
Such a great meal prep idea!
I love making a good roast in my crick pot.
I don’t do a word for the year, however, I am studying a word right now: discreet.
That would be an amazing g word Jay! We could probably all be a bit more discreet at times, there must be a bit of humility implied in being discreet!!
I love to cook a stew or roast beef but I need to try some of these you have here! I have pinned most of these, lol! Sorry to hear about your friend, always a sad time but a happy thought that they are now with our Lord! I do not have a word but I need to show more compassion! Something I need to work on with all that is going on in this world today! Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you share each week and your stories. You are right about it being lonely on this side of the computer. I haven’t written on my blog since last April I think. Maybe I will start again, lol. God bless!
I encourage you to start writing again Cheryl!! Than you for your sweet words!! Happy new year!
I love trying new things in the crockpot. Typically default to soups and chili!
New Year motto – try anything once!
Yes!! I’ve always had that stance!! Love it!!
My favorite crockpot meal is my roast beef recipe. It’s so easy and I always have the ingredients on hand! I’ve been making it since we got married almost 46 years ago. The recipe was in my book that came with my new crockpot! Beef roast, (we love chuck!) dry onion soup and a can of mushroom soup. No water! Sometimes carrots but I always mash my potatoes since the gravy is amazing!
Oh wow, that sounds amazing and so simple Terri!
My favorite slow cooker dish is roast beef with potatoes and carrots.
My word for this year is revival.
Such an amazing word Carolyn!!
Slow cooker Ribs are my family’s favorite
Understand today and prepare for tomorrow
Yummy!! And good advice!
Hi, I love your site and recipes. My favorite dish to cook in the Crock Pot is roast. I usually cook 2 so I can have extra for beef and noodles and sandwiches for my husband’s lunch. Your white bean Tuscan soup sounds yummy, I’ll be making that tomorrow. My favorite word for the last year is a made up word, elderizing. It’s to remind ourselves to slow down, choose what’s most important and keep purging. Thank you !
Great word!! And that’s so smart to make two!! The Tuscan soup is actually my friend Lynn’s at Nourish and Nestle – you’ll love her and the soup!
Cooking Swiss steak in the crockpot is the best! Cooking more with less fuss is my saying for this year.
I like it Mike!! Both the Swiss steak and more with less!
My favorite thing to make is a dish I have created with whatever is in season from the farmers market with chicken. This dish is mostly veggies with chicken.
Sounds mouth-watering!!
Thank you for a great site and newsletter, Kathleen! My favorite is, like a lot of other folks’, chili. My phrase for the year is “faith, not fear”.
Love that Carol!! I’ve seen jewelry with Faith over fear! Such a powerful reminder!
My favorite thing to cook in my crockpot is Chili on a cold winter’s day.
God has always been so faithful and I am always reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his
will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
So good Mary! And that verse in Proverbs is my life verse? I have it on my mantle! I try and filter all of life through that verse!
What is your favorite meal to make in a slow cooker or Crock pot?
Mississippi Pot Roast
(I have subbed chicken and pork for the beef. ALL good!)
And if you have a word or phrase or verse for the year, what is it?
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
(~Vidal Sassoon)
Great quote (so true!) and love Mississippi pot roast!
Hi! My favorite recipe to cook in my crockpot is my own pot roast recipe. I changed it when my kids were little by using chunks of round steak because it was easier for them to eat. My daughter especially loved it and called it “gray meat” — which sounds totally unappetizing 😁.
This is the verse that I’ve been clinging to lately because of family issues:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Exodus 14:14 ESV
I love stories behind peoples favorite meals! That is a hope filled verse! So sorry about your family issues. 😥
We watch a lot of sports throughout the year.
I think my favorite thing to cook in my crockpot is Chili. I can enjoy the games and my
family can serve themselves. We garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream and onions.
I think my word is kindness. Everyone deserves to be acknowledged. A
smile is worth so much. It’s a simple kindness.
We need more kindness indeed! Thanks so much Carol!
My family loves a good pot roast in the crock pot with carrots and potatoes. I love it because it’s so easy. My verse is Hebrews 11:1 ~ Faith is the assurance of things hoped for & the conviction of things not seen.
That’s an awesome verse Cheryl! And drooling over pot roast one of my faves too!
My favorite to make in the crock pot is: Slow Cooker Lasagna!
https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/114123/slow-cooker-lasagna
My word/ phrase for this year would have to be: His STRENGTH in my WEAKNESS.
Based on 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Such a great verse Donna! And I’m checking out that lasagna! A favorite of mine!
Hi Kathleen! I wanted you to know how much I do love and appreciate all your words of wisdom and your recipes! It does make me feel closer to you even though we haven’t seen each other in years. You are so talented and I’m so thankful that I don’t have to think about recipes I just follow yours.
My favorite Crock-Pot recipe is chili. I truthfully am not a big chili fan. But.. all three of my boys and my husband love it! So I love it because it’s easy meal that I can throw together and they are satisfied.
I think my word for the year is faithful. Gosh it’s so hard to be faithful in the world that we live in. But I just cling to the fact that God is good, the Bible is true, and that I am loved.
Take care Kathleen!
Susie Hillegas
Awe so great to hear from you Susie!! Than you for your kind words, faithful is a great word! Hope those boys of yours are all well and taking care of you!! Love you!
I love to make a pot of brown beans in my crockpot with a whole onion, chopped celery stalks, a few carrots and a big clove of garlic. Then when I come home from work, walk in the door I smell those beans and know it’s a simple meal to a long day at work. A side of cornbread and supper is ready.
Truly my devotion this year is to listen more closely to my family and friends. I find myself so wrapped up in work I forget they need me too.
My word for the year is Patience .
I so enjoy your newsletter and I’ve only been with you a few months. But your are an inspiration and I look forward to Fridays. Thank you .
Those beans sound so amazing!! I bet the smell is incredible!
What a beautiful devotion! I hear you!! Slowing down and being available is so important! And I love your word!
So glad you are here Sherry!! Thank you for your kind words!
I like to prepare anything that requires a long and low cook time. Overnight oatmeal is the best! I’m going to make an overnight breakfast casserole in the slow cooker and cinnamon bread in the bread maker. What delicious aromas to waken on Sunday morning!
I’m eager to try the Crockpot London Broil and the German Goulash Soup. Your recipes are the best. My favorite part of your post—Weekly Inspiration.
I’m eager to listen to “Who Will Love Me for Me”.
Word: Attentive
Phrase: “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love…” – Marcus Aurelius
Phrase: “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” — Dalai Lama
BIBLE verse: Psalm 37:7 (NIV) “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
Thank you so much Marcia! Your words mean so much to me!
Look at you! A word (great one by the way), a phrase, and a verse! All of them so very good!
I love making ribs in the crockpot! They come out so tender and scrumptious.
My word for this year is perseverance.
Oh those sound amazing!! Share the recipe!! Perseverance is a fabulous word!! Love you friend!
I love to make Split Pea Soup with a ham bone in the Crock Pot. It really helps get the flavor from the bone by slow cooking it and I can use dried split peas…no short cuts!
My word for 2023….Gratitude…to be grateful for my family, friends, and my life.
Mmmmm that sounds amazing, would you share the recipe?
Love that word Michelle! Don’t we all need to be more grateful!!
I have a delicious Pork Roast recipe that I got from a friend from church about 44 years ago that I love making in my old crockpot. My crockpot is about that old, too! LOL
My word for this year is trust, because I am trusting that God will repair my son and daughter in law’s marriage. But my life verse is Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Haha! Old crockpots are the best!! That sounds delicious! That is a great word in so many ways!! Trust!! Praying with you for that Debbie!
“What is your favorite meal to make in a slow cooker or Crock pot? And if you have a word or phrase or verse for the year, what is it?” My favorite would have to be Macaroni & Cheese. The phrase or verse for 2023? Hold onto your hats, 2023 is going to be bumpy!
You are the second person to say they make Mac and cheese in the crockpot! Would you share your recipe? Love that!
We love making chili in the crockpot! Also, pot roast and potatoes, pulled pork, mac and cheese, monkey bread. So many great ideas and such a convenience when you work all day!
Yes!! Love all of those! Wait, monkey bread in a crock pot! Do tell!
My favorite slow cooker meal is beef stew. Warm and comforting any time of the year. This year is being with family and friends.
That is a great goal Richard! And I’m with you, I love beef stew!
I’m having a hard time choosing my favorite. It’s a tossup between beef stew and chili but I guess I’ll say chili. We lived 25+ years in New Mexico and the Navajo friends taught me how to make fry bread. Navajo chili is a key ingredient on Navajo tacos, one of our family go-to recipes. We make it often when we have friends over for supper.
Oh I’d love to make fry bread!! I bet yours is amazing!!!
What a lovely word for a lovely person! You already show so much COMPASSION in our group — thank you, sweet friend! And thank you for including of of my slow cooker recipes in this tasty roundup!
You are so welcome!! And I adore our group!!!
I love making pulled pork in my Crock Pot. It’s so easy and so good. It makes a lot so I always have some in my freezer. I toss some in baked beans and make quesadillas with it. The other day I spooned mac and cheese over some. I’m making my self hungry.
Lol! You are making me hungry! We love pulled pork too!! Over Mac and cheese?! Brilliant!!!!
Actually my favorite crockpot recipe is steel cut oats! I make a batch every Monday and have them at the ready in the AM! I add cinnamon or a banana when cooking or add fruit or walnuts each morning to mix it up!
When talking with friends I keep this in mind….
Is it true
Is it necessary
Is it kind
That’s brilliant Cathryn! Such a great way to start your day everyday!
I love your phrases you filter when talking to friends! Those are wonderful for all of us!
I make Spicy Black Eyed Peas several times a year, not just at New Years. Delicious!
Spicy black eyed peas, yum! What makes them spicy?
So many wonderful recipes that you share with us. Thank You
Great giveaway. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I could use a new crockpot; (called a slow cooker back then) as I am still using the one that my husband had given me over 50 years ago.
There are many favorite recipes that I like to make in a crockpot / slow cooker but I guess our favorite would be chili, a pot roast with potatoes and carrots.
I even like to make Sloppy Joes and then I also make my rice pudding in a crockpot.
Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend.
Drooling with all those amazing things Colleen! And yes, we use crockpot like we use Kleenex, but the truth is they are all slow cookers! Hahah!
Thank you for your kind words!! Have a beautiful day!
I have a recipe for pork loin/chops that melts in your mouth. “If” there are leftovers I turn it into pulled pork for lunch sandwiches the next day.
I saw theses funny’s on line recently. Referring to eggs. “It looks like we will be painting rocks this Easter.” And “This Valentine’s Day get her something expensive “ a man opening a box of eggs.
Oh my goodness so true right! I saw a dozen eggs for $10 something the other day!
I would love your recipe for melt in your mouth pork chops! Sounds amazing!
Oh my! We use our crocks almost every day but I think my VERY favorite is just good old-fashioned chili soup!!
I have never done a Word for the year but I think perhaps CARE is my word for 2023!
Blessings,
Chili soups sound so comforting! And care is a fantastic word for the year! Thanks Cathy!
My favorite slow cooker recipe is root beer slow cooker chicken. My phrase for this year is:slow down with patience.
That is a fabulous phrase Dona! And root beer chicken sounds amazing!
I enjoy cooking mac and cheese in the crockpot. My current one is a bit too small to make extra meals and freeze.
I also enjoy making brownies in the crock pot. The aroma is so enticing.
Yum and yum and yum!! All of those sound amazing!! I’ve never made Mac and cheese in the crockpot, I’ll have to try!!