By: PILATESBODY by Kayla and Mindful Menu
Winter is here, bringing chilly nights, cozy moments, and a busy pace of life! Between all of your obligations, finding time to cook can feel like a challenge. That’s where your slow cooker comes to the rescue. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can create comforting, healthy dishes perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings. Here are some delicious recipes and tips to help you make the most of this handy kitchen tool. You can find all of these recipes below and in the FREE Mindful Menu app for Apple or Android.
There’s nothing like coming home to the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal on a chilly winter night! Slow cookers are a lifesaver in the winter, perfect for hearty meals like stews, soups, and roasts that taste even better when cooked low and slow. They’re energy-efficient, keeping your kitchen cozy without driving up your energy bill. Prep everything in the morning, toss it in, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready with minimal effort. Plus, slow cookers make big batches, so you’ll have leftovers for lunch or easy freezer meals for later. It’s the perfect way to save time and stress while still enjoying homemade comfort food during the busiest season!
Chop vegetables, measure spices, and prepare sauces the night before to streamline your cooking process in the morning.
Place root vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the bottom, as they take longer to cook, and layer meat or more delicate ingredients on top.
Fill your slow cooker between half and two-thirds full for even cooking. Overfilling can lead to uneven results, while underfilling may cause food to cook too quickly.
Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as it releases heat and extends cooking time. Check only near the end of the process.
Opt for low heat for tender, flavorful results, especially with tougher cuts of meat. Save the high heat setting for quicker recipes or finishing touches.
Here are a few other helpful slow cooker tips from Taste of Home.
One of the best ways to stay ahead during the busy winter season is by preparing slow cooker freezer meals. These meals allow you to assemble ingredients in advance, store them in the freezer, and simply dump them into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. It’s meal prep made simple, and the result is a healthy, stress-free dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Opt for recipes with ingredients that freeze well, like soups, stews, and casseroles.
Label each bag with the recipe name, date, and cooking instructions. This way, you won’t have to hunt down the recipe later.
Place heavier items (like meat) at the bottom of the bag, followed by vegetables, spices, and sauces.
For best results, thaw the freezer meal in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the slow cooker.
With these freezer-friendly slow cooker recipes, you’ll always have a wholesome meal ready to go—no matter how hectic your schedule gets. Whether you’re preparing for a party or just want a cozy family dinner, these make-ahead meals will keep you well-fed and worry-free all winter long. If you’re feeling inspired by these freezer friendly meals, check out these 29 freezer slow cooker recipes!
Slow cookers don’t lose as much liquid during cooking as stovetop methods do, so you usually need less liquid. A general rule is to add enough to cover the ingredients by about halfway. Be cautious, as adding too much liquid can dilute the flavors of your dish.
Yes, you can safely cook raw meat in a slow cooker. The low, consistent heat cooks meat thoroughly, and the enclosed environment prevents bacteria from growing. For extra flavor, you can sear meat before adding it to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
It’s not recommended to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker because it may stay in the “danger zone” (40–140°F) for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria growth. Always thaw meat before cooking for safety and even cooking.
Yes! Slow cookers are designed for unattended cooking, making them perfect for busy days. Just ensure the cooker is in good working condition and placed on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials.
To avoid sticking, you can use a slow cooker liner, spray the insert with non-stick cooking spray, or lightly coat it with oil before adding ingredients.
Excess liquid can result from using too much broth or not accounting for the moisture released from vegetables and meat during cooking. Try reducing the liquid in your recipe or slightly propping the lid open during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow steam to escape.
Yes, but it’s best to add them during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking and turning them mushy. Alternatively, cook them separately and stir them into the finished dish.
Both settings will cook your food to the same temperature, but low takes longer. Use the low setting for tender, flavorful results, especially for tougher cuts of meat, and the high setting when you need the dish to be ready faster.
This flavorful and comforting soup is packed with spices, tender chicken, and vibrant toppings like tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Perfect for an easy, warming meal!
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern beans)
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Optional Toppings:
Tortilla strips
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Sliced avocado
Sour cream
Lime wedges
Instructions:
Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion (yellow) diced
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 bell pepper (red) chopped
1 lb ground beef (lean)
4 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans (red) drained and rinsed
1 cup corn
1 avocado (optional)
4 servings tortilla chips (optional)
1 bunch cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (lean)
1/2 onion (white) diced
1 clove garlic (minced)
2/3 cup pearl barley
3 carrot (large) diced
3 stalks celery diced
1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup Italian parsley minced
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Perfect for taco night, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Freezer Bag:
1 lb chicken breast strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
A hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly winter nights.
Ingredients for Freezer Bag:
1 lb lean ground beef or stew meat
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small onion, diced
½ cup pearl barley
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth (add this directly to the slow cooker, not the freezer bag)
1 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
This hearty and flavorful chowder works great as a freezer meal! Simply combine all ingredients (minus the chicken broth and evaporated milk) in a large resealable bag or container.
Ingredients:
4 Yukon gold potatoes diced into bite sized pieces
3/4 cup baby carrots chopped
1 tsp garlic (minced)
2 stalks celery chopped
1/2 onion (red) diced
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3/4 cup Canadian bacon diced
1 cup evaporated milk
Instructions:
This creamy, cheesy dip is a classic crowd-pleaser and the perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Party Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley for extra presentation points!
These tangy, sweet, and savory meatballs are an easy party appetizer that guests will love.
Ingredients:
1 bag (2 lbs) frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce (you can add some fresh cranberries too)
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
Party Tip: Garnish with chopped parsley for a festive touch, and pair with small plates or napkins for convenience.
Discover how versatile your slow cooker can be with this Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake! This recipe proves that slow cookers aren’t just for savory meals—they’re a secret weapon for effortless desserts too!
Ingredients:
1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
This dessert is simple to prepare, and the slow cooker keeps it warm for serving, making it perfect for parties or family nights!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes and tips! Be sure to download Mindful Menu from the app store. You can find all of these recipes in the FREE Mindful Menu app for Apple or Android. Happy cooking!
Talk soon!
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
