17 Slow Cooker Recipes That Save You From Winter Takeout Burnout

Winter burnout from constant takeout gets old, so 17 slow cooker recipes can really help shake up your routine. Everyone hits that point when they want easy, homemade meals but don’t have hours to spend cooking. Just setting it up in the morning gives you back time in your evening. A line-up of new recipes means you’re less tempted to pick up the phone.

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.

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.

After a chilly day, the aroma from this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole fills the house with pure comfort. Layers of pork, beans, and potatoes add both substance and flavor to every bite. I set the slow cooker and get to unwind as dinner takes care of itself. Empty plates always seem to be the result once this dish is served.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

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.

Nothing beats the cozy feeling that comes from serving these Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Rich gravy and juicy meatballs make cold evenings a lot more enjoyable. I find myself making extra batches, since people often request seconds before I’m done with my own meal. The aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak 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.

Tender, juicy bites make this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken a must when winter takes your name. Its flavorful gravy transforms plain rice or potatoes into something special. I love how hands-off the prep feels, freeing up more time for relaxing at home. Surprise requests for leftovers show just how popular this recipe has become.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

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.

Game days and movie nights both come alive with these Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs simmering away. The melty cheese and bold flavors create an instant party atmosphere in the kitchen. I like watching guests reach in for just one more, only to grab two. Curious questions about the recipe never stop once plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

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.

Guests pack their plates high when this Pulled Pork Sliders recipe appears at gatherings. Every slider bursts with savory, slow-cooked goodness perfect for winter evenings inside. I always keep extra buns nearby since the pork disappears fast. Hands get messy, and no one complains about it.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders

Mississippi Pot Roast

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

Cold, dreary weather makes this Mississippi Pot Roast a true hero for dinner. Rich, tender beef practically melts as you scoop it over mashed potatoes or rice. I save this meal for nights when comfort is a priority. Second helpings become almost guaranteed once the roast comes out of the pot.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

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 transforms with this Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf, brimming with spices and bold flavors. Cheesy slices keep spirits up even when it’s freezing outside. I enjoy setting out a toppings bar to let guests mix things up. Comments about the fun twist on classic meatloaf always make me smile.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sauce from this Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken turns basic meals into everyone’s favorite comfort. Moist pieces melt apart, making any carb on the side a treat. I select this dish for lazy Sundays spent indoors. Praise for its creamy taste rolls in from every guest at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Ranch 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.

A pot bubbling away with this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast can turn even an ordinary day into something relaxing. Forkfuls pull apart easily, showing just how richly flavored this dish becomes. I find this meal perfect for Sunday dinners or snow days at home. Everyone asks for leftovers to take home.
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.

Busy days call for dinners that feel a bit special, so I turn to this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for a taste of comfort. Its creamy sauce covers every bite, making it a hit at winter gatherings. The slow cooker method keeps things easy without giving up flavor. Plates come back empty every single time I serve this one.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

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.

Dark, cold evenings get brighter once this Slow Cooker Rump Roast is in the house. The aroma floats through every room, hinting at the deep flavor waiting inside. I wait for the first slice and enjoy the hush that falls over the table as everyone digs in. Second servings are almost routine.
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.

Creamy broth and mellow spices make this Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken a go-to for ending a busy week. Chunks of chicken and beans add all the comfort needed to turn around any dreary day. I dish out generous helpings to fill everyone up. Friends are always curious how something so simple can taste so rich.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

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.

Ball-shaped bites and green vegetables swim in savory broth within this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. The recipe brings a gentle elegance to ordinary winter evenings. I offer a sprinkle of cheese for extra warmth when serving. Smiles make the best review as bowls reach the bottom.
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.

Savory juices run through every slice of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast, making sandwiches and plates extra comforting. The meat shreds easily and fills the table with anticipation. I chose this recipe for busy days with lots of mouths to feed. Compliments on its juiciness never feel forced.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

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.

Hearty white meat stays perfectly juicy in this Crockpot Turkey Breast, setting the stage for a stress-free dinner. No need to fuss over the oven with this slow cooker shortcut. I rely on it for smaller winter gatherings or meal prep for the week. Everyone grabs seconds, especially when there’s gravy nearby.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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

Friends linger around the kitchen as the first whiff of this Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork fills the air. The texture is always on point, falling apart at a touch and making sandwiches irresistible. I load up plates for parties or quiet nights in. Plates always seem to return empty, no matter how much I make.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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.

Classic, creamy comfort comes together with this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Tender beef and flavorful sauce dress up noodles just right. I make double batches to ensure lunches for the next day. Every creamy forkful brings new requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

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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