17 Slow Cooker Recipes That Make Dinner Happen During Peak Winter Burnout

Getting dinner handled during winter burnout is easier with 17 reliable slow cooker recipes on hand. Sometimes the last thing you want is to fuss over multiple pans after a packed day. Tossing ingredients and stepping away makes meals practical for hectic weeks. Let your slow cooker do the hard part so you can focus on winding down once you’re home.

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cold nights seem easier when this Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs brings the party right into your kitchen. Gooey cheese mixes with hearty meatballs, creating bites you can’t help but share. I enjoy piling these on small plates so everyone gets a taste. The dish never lasts long after serving.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Shredded chicken mixed with sliced green peppers and seasoning in a green bowl.
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Comfort food finds a place at the table with this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken, which comes out juicy and flavorful every time. Bold seasoning and tender pieces mean second helpings are pretty much a given. I serve it on buns or over rice, depending on the crowd. Friends rave about its cozy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish featuring tater tots, creamy sauce, ground beef, corn, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Winter feels less harsh with this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, filling bowls with hearty beans and savory bites. People dig into the bubbling dish for warmth and satisfaction after a chilly day. I always bring a double batch to potlucks. It disappears faster than almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Meltingly tender meat sets this Mississippi Pot Roast apart for weeknight comfort. Bold flavors seep into every bite, making dinners feel simple but special. I use leftovers for sandwiches, which everyone gets excited about at lunch. Requests for this dish never stop coming in.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Pulled Pork Sliders

A close-up of a pulled chicken sandwich with sesame seed bun, shredded carrots, cabbage, and creamy sauce.
Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty winter evenings call for fun bites like these Pulled Pork Sliders. Juicy, flavorful filling tucked into soft buns is perfect for eating with your hands. I line up extra napkins since they’re just that good. Plates are empty before anyone can ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders

Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A close-up of saucy Salisbury steak meatballs served on a bed of egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adults and kids appreciate this Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe for its rich, comforting taste. Saucy meatballs over mashed potatoes or noodles make it ideal for winter feasts. I make extra so nobody has to fight for the last one. There’s always talk about how comforting they are.
Get the Recipe: Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon.
Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Holiday flavors last all season thanks to this Crockpot Turkey Breast. Juicy slices pair perfectly with any winter side, making dinner feel festive without too much work. I save extras for sandwiches or salads the next day. Friends praise how moist and flavorful it turns out every time.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night gets a new twist with this Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf, bold and packed with flavor. Everyone loves discovering a familiar favorite with a winter upgrade. I stash leftovers for sandwiches or easy lunches. Someone always asks for a second slice before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing feels quite as welcoming as a hot sandwich made from this Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Every bite brings a mix of sweet and savory that makes homey winter dinners extra special. I bring some in for work lunches and watch it disappear. Even leftovers get devoured quickly.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, carrots, potatoes, and garnished with fresh herbs in a thick, reddish-brown broth.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chilly evenings beg for big bowls of Slow Cooker Beef Stew, loaded with soft veggies and fork-tender beef. Every spoonful feels like a blanket from the inside out. I doubled the recipe for a freezer stash that warms up in no time. People say it makes winter much easier to bear.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Festive flavors brighten the table with this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Tiny meatballs and savory broth turn a classic into a comforting meal everyone can enjoy. I ladle leftovers into thermoses for travel or school. Friends go looking for seconds every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Shredded roast beef served over mashed potatoes with a pepper and a light drizzle of gravy, garnished with chopped herbs.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Melt-in-your-mouth texture makes this Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast a standout whenever you’re feeling worn down. Savory juices are perfect to pour over potatoes or serve in a crusty roll. I hold onto whatever’s left for next-day meals. Guests compliment the flavor long after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A bowl of egg noodles topped with creamy beef and mushroom stroganoff, garnished with chopped herbs.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy sauce and tender beef turn this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff into a cold-weather favorite. Comfort seeps through every forkful, especially when paired with noodles or rice. I pack up extra for easy winter lunches. People smile at how filling and rich each serving tastes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slices of cooked beef with sprigs of herbs, served with small potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Aromas fill the kitchen as this Slow Cooker Rump Roast finishes cooking, making it tough to wait until dinnertime. Juicy slices cut easily and offer plenty of comfort for tired nights. I enjoy leftovers in warm sandwiches or over potatoes. Friends usually ask how it turned out so tender.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with tortilla strips, sliced green jalapeños, cilantro, corn, and a dollop of sour cream.
Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cozy flavors define this Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken, excellent for busy weeks and freezing weather. Mild heat and creamy broth bring everyone back to the table for more. I freeze portions for a no-fuss dinner later on. People often request the recipe for their own slow cooker lineup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing ends a long day better than this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast, with rich gravy and soft vegetables soaking up all the flavor. Dinner guests reach for seconds before the plates are cleared. I make sure to prep a big roast for plenty of leftovers. It never fails to cheer up a dreary weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lounging at home feels a bit more special with this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken simmering away. Creamy sauce and juicy bites turn an everyday meal into an event worth sharing. I scoop extra over pasta for an extra-cosy treat. People rave about how comforting and flavorful the chicken turns out.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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