A collection of winter slow cooker recipes (or crock pot recipes) that are simple, delicious and warming. Perfect for the cooler months.
12 winter slow cooker recipes
This year it seemed like the summer heat would never ease. Seriously, in May we were still out in summer dresses (even sometimes at night) wondering when the chill would finally arrive and I could crack out the slow cooker.
Ok I’ll be honest, I really don’t ever put my slow cooker away.
Sure it’s no that pleasant to have a mini heater in the kitchen in summer but it just makes such delicious meals.
I have so many favourite appliances that I would have a tough time choosing my number one.
What’s so good about winter slow cooker recipes?
- Super budget friendly. The slow cooker does something that no one else can do – it can turn tough, inexpensive cuts of meat into mouth-watering, tender meals.
- You can throw in just a few simple ingredients in the morning and by dinner time, something delicious is waiting for you. It’s almost like having your own personal chef isn’t it?
- Your house will smell amazing as they simmer away.
Whats the difference between a slow cooker and a crock pot?
There is no difference between the two. Here in Australia we usually call them slow cookers. In the USA they’re called crock pots.
They’re both an electric appliance that holds a pot at a steady low temperature for a long period of time to turn meats into tender deliciousness.
12 winter slow cooker recipes
1 Chicken burritos
Chicken burritos – because what’s better than a burrito?
A slow cooked burrito of course.
This is another great one to make a big batch of and keep in the freezer.
If you don’t like using tortillas, my Paleo corn chips make a great gluten-free burrito bowl.
2 Shredded beef sliders
Shredded beef sliders – I’ve never met a slider I don’t like.
What’s better is you can make a big batch of the meat and freeze it for instant dinners just like the chicken burritos.
You’ll sense a theme by the end of this post – most things you can make in the slow cooker you can make in bulk and freeze.
Winter slow cooker recipe numero tres – Mexican leg of lam
Mexican lamb – Years ago, my friends and I were obsessed with this one Mexican restaurant.
We used to go there for every Birthday and celebration and we always ordered the same thing – the slow-cooked Mexican leg of lamb.
It was soooo good. But then, it started to get not-so-good. Not long after the worst one we’d had (it was so bad I had a little chat with the manager) they restaurant closed down so I set out to create my own.
This one is great for dinner parties and wowing your guests when you present the giant, tender leg at the table.
4 Spanish chicken
Spanish chicken – this one is a versatile recipe that can be served over pasta or rice or even a mixed vegetable like a pisto would work really well.
5 Teriyaki chicken
Terriyaki chicken – I haven’t made this one for a little while (reminds me to put it back on the agenda because the boys would love it).
It’s just as good as any Japanese restaurant version (that I’ve had anyway).
6 Indian beef curry
Indian beef curry – this is literally one of the most popular recipes on the blog.
It has more than 20 five star reviews and the thing most people love about it is just how easy it is.
It has just a few ingredients but such an awesome depth of flavour.
7 Beef and apricot tagine
Beef and apricot tagine – this one was created by my lovely nutritionist friend so you can bet it’s got some added goodness.
It’s on the rich side (in a good way) and I think best served with couscous.
8 Roast chicken
Roast chicken – I don’t know why but it took me a very long time to discover that you can actually cook a whole chicken in the slow cooker. It will be the most melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken you’ve ever eaten.
9 Meat pies with yoghurt shortcrust pastry
Meat pies – These pretty irresistible and I promise the pastry is actually really easy to make.
In case you’ve forgotten about my love of the freezer – yep you can make the filling for these in bulk then just defrost, whack some in pastry and bake.
10 Beef, red wine and mushroom casserole
Beef, red wine and mushroom casserole – This might not be one for the kids but get me a nice warm crusty baguette and a fireplace and you have the perfect setting for this deliciousness.
It’s really not a winter slow cooker recipes list without something like this is it?
Equally enjoyed in front of an oil heater.
11 Pulled pork sliders
Pulled pork sliders – For our little guy’s naming ceremony, I made a mega batch of this pulled pork meat, bought a stack of bread rolls from the bakery and this was lunch for everyone.
It’s a great recipe to feed a crowd. I actually made it ahead of time and froze it then threw it back in the slow cooker to heat once it was defrosted.
12 Butter chicken
Butter chicken – apologies for the rubbish photo (must remake this and rephotograph soon) but don’t let it put you off this delicious butter chicken. These days I add some very finely chopped cauliflower and carrot to sneak extra veggies into the kids.
There you have it – 12 winter slow cooker recipes. Which one are you going to try first?
Not sure if a slow cooker is worth the investment? Check out my guide to the slow cooker.
So what about you?
Do you have a slow cooker?
Do you love it?
What’s your favourite thing to make in it?
If you liked this list, then you will love my free slow cooker eBook with 21 of my favourite slow cooker recipes. Click here to download your free copy.
Connect with Claire K Creations!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Pinterest | instagram
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag @clairekcreations so I can see all the wonderful Claire K Creations recipes and creations YOU make!
I created a fun little group on facebook and I’d love for you to join in! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, tips, tricks and tools for making life simpler, more natural and more connected and see what’s new around here (so that you never miss a new recipe, tip or trick)!
If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
About The Author
Claire Cameron
Nutrition and Wellness Coach, mum of 3 and creator of Claire K Creations, Claire Cameron is passionate about simplifying natural living for busy families.
Through good food, natural products & simple living she'll help you achieve better health and a happier planet in a quick, easy & affordable (but not hippie!) way.
Don't forget to grab your free eBook 12 Ingredients, 11 Recipes.
If you make this recipe, don't forget to share it and tag me @clairekcreations .
Bread Baking 101
Learn how to make your own bread to save money, reduce preservatives & additives & improve your family’s health (in way less time than you think).
No bread maker or special equipment required!
Now with BONUS Sourdough course & FREE starter (in Australia).
For starter purchase outside of Ausralia click here.
The Natural Life Academy Shop
Don't forget to check out our shop The Natural Life Academy.
We sell classic recipe cards, recipe card boxes and help you feed your family good food, affordably.
Your slow cooker recipes all look fabulous. I’ve had my slow cooker for 8years, don’t know how everyone doesn’t own one either !
It’s the best isn’t it?!
I don’t have a slow cooker but it’s been on my mind to get one. I think they would be so handy in winter. You have a great collection of recipes and it’s good to know your slow cooker isn’t sitting in the kitchen gathering dust xx
Charlie I think I remember trying to convince you to get one last year. You won’t regret it! x
I do have one but I prefer my pressure cooker but I think all if not most of these can be done in the PC too! :D
I’m too scared to use a pressure cooker Lorraine!
I’m pretty sure my slow cooker is a woman but she’d love all these recipes. :)
Haha nope someone who takes that long to do something has to be male ;-)
What a wonderful collection… I had never thought to make porridge, that sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing! Liz xx
I need to try it Liz!