Updated: 2025-08-21T20:22:39Z
There’s nothing quite like returning home to the delicious aroma of beef stew or pasta sauce simmering in a Crock-Pot, especially on those cozy days transitioning from summer to fall. As the weather cools down, it’s the ideal time to dust off your slow cooker and whip up hearty meals that practically prepare themselves while you’re busy during the day.
Business Insider has reached out to chefs and cookbook authors to gather their favorite comforting slow-cooker meals, which include everything from hearty beef stews and chowders to sumptuous briskets.
Here are 17 delightful comfort-food dishes you can effortlessly create in a slow cooker:
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Beef Stew: Perfect for chilly months, this dish is versatile and can be prepared with a variety of vegetables and spices. It’s a classic that always satisfies.
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Corn Chowder: A simple recipe that can be made with fresh, in-season corn, or canned corn. This chowder is creamy and comforting, often made even better with bacon.
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Brisket: This cut of meat becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Try it with garlic, onion, and red wine for fantastic flavor.
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Ribs: Slow cook your ribs for fall-off-the-bone goodness, and finish them under the broiler for that crispy texture.
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Bolognese Sauce: Cooked low and slow, Bolognese is rich and flavorful. Remember to adjust your liquid as slow cookers trap moisture better than stovetops.
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Mac and Cheese: Celebrity chef Martha Stewart offers a delightful slow-cooker version. Using a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere enhances its flavor.
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Chicken Stock: Using just a whole chicken and some basic vegetables, you can make a rich broth that forms the base for many dishes.
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Chicken Soup: A nourishing chicken soup with Thai flavors can easily be turned out in the slow cooker.
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Meatballs: An easy and comforting dish, meatballs are perfect for family meals and can be flavored in various ways.
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Lentil Soup: Warm and hearty, lentil soup is nutritious and perfect for a cold day, especially with a dollop of sour cream.
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Pulled Chicken: A slow cooker allows you to make BBQ pulled chicken effortlessly, which can be used in several recipes.
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Pork Shoulder: This versatile meat can be made into anything from tacos to sliders, adapting easily to different flavor profiles.
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Leg of Lamb: A slow-cooked leg of lamb is tender and flavorful. Searing it beforehand can enhance its taste even more.
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Braised Fish: Rethink fish in your slow cooker, trying recipes that simmer for hours to develop deep flavors.
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Goat Shoulder: Once seen as gamey, goat shoulder cooked slowly becomes a tender and delicious dish.
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Desserts: Yes, you can even make desserts like cheesecake in a Crock-Pot! A gingersnap-brandy cheesecake is a winter favorite that’s perfect for gatherings.
As you pull out your slow cooker this season, these comforting recipes will keep you warm and satisfied!