Best Slow Cooker Comfort Foods

Hearty Soups and Stews

• Classic Beef Stew is the quintessential slow cooker meal. Begin by searing cubes of chuck roast for added depth. Toss the beef into your slow cooker with diced onions, carrots, and potatoes. Add beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste, along with a bouquet garni of fresh herbs. After 8-10 hours on low heat, you'll have a rich, hearty stew with fork-tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.

• Creamy Potato Soup is another comforting option. Start with diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery. Cover with broth and cook for 6-8 hours on low. Once tender, use an immersion blender to puree half the soup, then stir in cream and shredded cheddar. Top with crispy bacon bits and green onions for a luxurious treat.

• Chicken Noodle Soup gets an upgrade in the slow cooker. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, and surround them with a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf for depth. After 6-8 hours, shred the chicken and add noodles and some leafy greens for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Savory Main Dishes

• A traditional comfort meal is pot roast with root vegetables. Sear a well-marbled chuck roast before placing it in the slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, and onions. Add a mixture of beef broth, red wine, and balsamic vinegar, along with garlic and herbs. After 8-10 hours on low, you'll have a tender roast with perfectly cooked vegetables and a rich gravy.

• BBQ Pulled Pork is surprisingly simple in a slow cooker. Rub a pork shoulder with a blend of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and chicken broth to the pot. After 8-10 hours on low, shred the meat and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. It's perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

• Vegetarian Chili proves that comfort food can be meat-free and healthy. Combine sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic with a variety of beans, diced sweet potatoes, and quinoa in your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a blend of chili spices. After 6-8 hours, you'll have a hearty, flavorful chili that even carnivores will love.

Comforting Side Dishes

• Mac and Cheese in the slow cooker is a game-changer. Mix uncooked elbow macaroni with milk, cream, and a blend of cheeses in your buttered slow cooker. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dry mustard for depth. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The result is incredibly creamy and flavorful.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes become effortless in a slow cooker. Combine quartered Yukon Gold potatoes with whole garlic cloves and enough chicken broth to cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then mash with warm milk and butter. The slow cooking process allows the garlic flavor to permeate the potatoes beautifully.

• Caramelized Onions might not be a traditional side dish, but they're versatile and delicious. Slice a large quantity of onions and toss with melted butter and salt in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally. The result is deeply golden, sweet, and savory onions that can elevate any dish.

Sweet Treats

• Apple Cinnamon Cobbler fills your home with inviting aromas. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in your slow cooker. Top with spoonfuls of a simple biscuit dough made from flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

• Chocolate Lava Cake is a decadent dessert made easy. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly in your slow cooker. Add a mixture of milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Sprinkle with a brown sugar and cocoa mixture, then pour hot water over everything without stirring. Cook on high for 2-3 hours for a gooey, chocolatey delight.

• Bread Pudding transforms stale bread into a comforting dessert. Cube day-old bread and place it in your slow cooker. Pour over a mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then cook on low for 3-4 hours until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.