8 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Warm Up Your Winter

Source: Buns in My Oven

1. Smoky Pork Slow Cooker Chili

My Pork Chili comes together quickly with a pork loin and your slow cooker. I like to top my chili with sour cream, cheddar, and green onions for a fully loaded bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 package pork loin filet, about 1 1/2-2 pounds
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, diced (more for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 Tablespoons cumin
• 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 30 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 30 ounces tomato sauce
• 15 ounces mild chili beans
• 15 ounces hot chili beans
• Cheese, green onions, crackers, sour cream, etc. for serving

Directions

1. Slice the pork tenderloin into 4 equal sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add half of the oil. Stir in the onions and cook until softened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir to coat the onions and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Remove the vegetables and spices to a 5-quart slow cooker set to low.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Add the rest of the olive oil to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Sear the large pieces of pork on all sides.
7. Place the pork in the slow cooker and stir to cover the meat in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
8. Remove the pork pieces from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat or use a knife to cut into bite sized pieces.
9. Return the pork to the chili, cover, and continue cooking for one more hour.
10. Serve with grated cheddar, green onions, sour cream, crackers, etc.

Source: My Baking Addiction

2. "Chipotle" Barbacoa

I’m a huge fan of those take-out burritos, but the fact is that, not only are they expensive, it’s just too cold to get out of the house right now! I’d much rather stay indoors with the slow cooker working it’s magic on this copycat “Chipotle” Barbacoa!

Source: Love Bakes Good Cakes

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Gather up your tomatoes, enchilada sauce, hominy, and chicken and dump it straight into your slow cooker! Hours later you’ll have a zesty soup to warm the soul.

Source: Big Bear’s Wife

4. Short Ribs

These braised short ribs are an excellent way to stock the freezer. Whip everything up and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to start dinner, just dump the contents of your bag straight into your slow cooker for a meal that will taste like you slaved away for hours.

Source: Savoring the Thyme

5. Slow Cooker Creamy Fettuccine Mac & Cheese

Pasta in the slow cooker? Absolutely! This one is coated with a creamy gouda cheese sauce and tossed with bacon and mushrooms. Who could resist this on a cold winter’s day?

Source: All Day I Dream About Food

6. Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

It’s January and that means we’re all watching what we eat. This recipe takes a classic favorite and puts a healthy spin on it with spaghetti squash in place of pasta for a low carb dinner even the kids will devour.

Source: KitchMe

7. Slow Cooker French Onion Dip

Hearty and filling, this beefy sandwich will have the whole house smelling of warmth and comfort. What a great treat after an afternoon out in the cold!

Next Slideshow

7 Dinners in One Afternoon: Slow Cooker Freezer Recipes

Source: Willow Bird Baking

8. Pumpkin Cake

Three ingredients and a slow cooker are all you need for dessert perfection on an icy winter night! You won’t even need to dirty a mixing bowl for this simple cake. Pair it with ice cream if you’re not too cold for an even more decadent dessert.