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Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Put your slow-cooker to delicious use with one of these simple recipes. In just a couple of steps, you can have a meal ready and waiting to be served—no stove or oven required. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting soup or a plate of tacos, there’s a dinner for you. Recipes like our Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks and Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew are healthy, tasty and easy enough for even your busiest days.
01of 26Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta BakePhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellWho says the oven is the only tool you can use for a pasta bake? Here we make a flavor-packed sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and plenty of veggies in the slow cooker, then stir in spinach and fresh pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a favorite.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake
Who says the oven is the only tool you can use for a pasta bake? Here we make a flavor-packed sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and plenty of veggies in the slow cooker, then stir in spinach and fresh pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
View Recipe
02of 26Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean ChiliPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessSweet and spicy find a delightful balance in this hearty chili. Plus, the dish is easily adaptable; swap out regular chili powder for chipotle and ancho chile powder, or try using reduced-sodium taco or fajita seasoning for a unique twist.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Sweet and spicy find a delightful balance in this hearty chili. Plus, the dish is easily adaptable; swap out regular chili powder for chipotle and ancho chile powder, or try using reduced-sodium taco or fajita seasoning for a unique twist.
03of 26Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada CasserolePhotographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine KeelyLayers of tortillas, cheese and sauce make this casserole a cozy dinner option. The top tortilla layer gets beautifully crispy in the slow cooker, and beans give the meal a soft and earthy finish.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Layers of tortillas, cheese and sauce make this casserole a cozy dinner option. The top tortilla layer gets beautifully crispy in the slow cooker, and beans give the meal a soft and earthy finish.
04of 26Slow-Cooker Cauliflower & Chickpea Tikka MasalaPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellGaram masala, curry powder and cumin add warm, cozy flavors to the dish, while chickpeas, cauliflower and butternut squash make it hearty and satisfying. We love how convenient precooked brown rice soaks up the spice-laced sauce but you could warm up some whole-wheat naan instead.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Cauliflower & Chickpea Tikka Masala
Garam masala, curry powder and cumin add warm, cozy flavors to the dish, while chickpeas, cauliflower and butternut squash make it hearty and satisfying. We love how convenient precooked brown rice soaks up the spice-laced sauce but you could warm up some whole-wheat naan instead.
05of 26Slow-Cooker Marry Me Chicken with BarleyPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellFall in love with this easy version of Marry Me Chicken—a dish with chicken and julienned sun-dried tomatoes swimming in a creamy sauce. Our version adds cherry tomatoes and zucchini for an added boost of veggies, plus barley which soaks up the sauce and makes this dish a complete meal all in one pot. Make sure the barley is completely submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Barley
Fall in love with this easy version of Marry Me Chicken—a dish with chicken and julienned sun-dried tomatoes swimming in a creamy sauce. Our version adds cherry tomatoes and zucchini for an added boost of veggies, plus barley which soaks up the sauce and makes this dish a complete meal all in one pot. Make sure the barley is completely submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
06of 26Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle SoupThanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta, this chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup
Thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta, this chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.
07of 26Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili MacPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellChili meets mac and cheese in this fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dinner. Hot tomato sauce, a Mexican canned tomato sauce that also includes spices and chiles for heat, kicks up the flavor. You can cook the pasta separately and add it in at the end of cooking, or use our alternative method and cook the pasta in the slow cooker with a few adjustments listed below.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili Mac
Chili meets mac and cheese in this fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dinner. Hot tomato sauce, a Mexican canned tomato sauce that also includes spices and chiles for heat, kicks up the flavor. You can cook the pasta separately and add it in at the end of cooking, or use our alternative method and cook the pasta in the slow cooker with a few adjustments listed below.
08of 26Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean StewAll you need here is crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad to make this the busy weeknight chicken dinner of your dreams.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew
All you need here is crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad to make this the busy weeknight chicken dinner of your dreams.
09of 26Slow-Cooker Chicken & Orzo with Tomatoes & OlivesPerk up basic chicken breast and whole-wheat orzo with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, like lemon and olives. Add a salad or veggie side, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Chicken & Orzo with Tomatoes & Olives
Perk up basic chicken breast and whole-wheat orzo with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, like lemon and olives. Add a salad or veggie side, and you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal.
10of 26Slow-Cooker Mahi-Mahi TacosRequiring only 15 minutes of hands-on prep, these tacos are a home cook’s hero. The balance of cooked mahi-mahi, tomatoes and onions with the raw cabbage and cilantro gives the dish a light, fresh feel. Lightly toast the tortillas before filling and garnish with crushed red pepper and hot sauce, and you’re sure to enjoy.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Mahi-Mahi Tacos
Requiring only 15 minutes of hands-on prep, these tacos are a home cook’s hero. The balance of cooked mahi-mahi, tomatoes and onions with the raw cabbage and cilantro gives the dish a light, fresh feel. Lightly toast the tortillas before filling and garnish with crushed red pepper and hot sauce, and you’re sure to enjoy.
11of 26Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted LeeksRich, slow-roasted leeks are the perfect pairing for this moist, lemony, salmon dinner. When cooked in the slow cooker the leeks “melt,” becoming jam-like but still retaining pleasant chewiness. If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh sage leaves and thyme sprigs, too.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks
Rich, slow-roasted leeks are the perfect pairing for this moist, lemony, salmon dinner. When cooked in the slow cooker the leeks “melt,” becoming jam-like but still retaining pleasant chewiness. If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh sage leaves and thyme sprigs, too.
12of 26Slow-Cooker Chicken ChiliAli RedmondThis simple chili features plenty of veggies and shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky broth of chipotle chiles and tomato. The chili is finished with shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro, but feel free to jazz it up with your own favorite toppings!View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili
Ali Redmond
This simple chili features plenty of veggies and shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky broth of chipotle chiles and tomato. The chili is finished with shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro, but feel free to jazz it up with your own favorite toppings!
13of 26Easy Slow-Cooker Shrimp BoilTender red potatoes, corn, shrimp, smoky sausage and flavorful Old Bay seasoning give this shrimp boil the classic flavors you love. This meal is perfect for a party—just serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, bay leaves and ice-cold beer. If you can’t find turkey andouille, use chicken andouille instead.View Recipe
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Easy Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil
Tender red potatoes, corn, shrimp, smoky sausage and flavorful Old Bay seasoning give this shrimp boil the classic flavors you love. This meal is perfect for a party—just serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, bay leaves and ice-cold beer. If you can’t find turkey andouille, use chicken andouille instead.
14of 26Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with BroccoliniWhat if you could have tender chicken thighs and crisp Broccolini to feed four with 10 minutes of hands-on time and eight common ingredients? Now, you can, and here’s the recipe to prove it. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired.Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccolini
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Slow-Cooker Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccolini
What if you could have tender chicken thighs and crisp Broccolini to feed four with 10 minutes of hands-on time and eight common ingredients? Now, you can, and here’s the recipe to prove it. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired.
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Easy Slow-Cooker Potato-Leek Soup with Boursin
As a true dump-it-and-leave-it dish, this slow-cooker salmon is a weeknight-dinner go-to. The lime and scallion flavors will soak into the salmon, leaving it with a light Asian flavor. Be sure to spray the foil with cooking spray before adding food to the slow cooker to ensure that nothing sticks to it.
16of 26Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet StewWith a focus on vegetables, fiber-rich legumes and healthy fats, this vegan stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a more earthy twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. Then, pull all the flavors together with a final drizzle of olive oil.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew
With a focus on vegetables, fiber-rich legumes and healthy fats, this vegan stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a more earthy twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. Then, pull all the flavors together with a final drizzle of olive oil.
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Layered Brisket Dinner with Tangy Mustard Sauce
18of 26Slow-Cooker Curried Sweet Potato & Cauliflower with Coconut & CashewsPhotographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine KeelyTopped with toothsome coconut chips and roasted cashews, this vegetarian curry is rich and satisfying. A sprinkle of dried fruit serves as a counterpoint to the warm curry spices. Enjoy this meal with a scoop of brown rice or a warm, buttery naan, if desired.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Curried Sweet Potato & Cauliflower with Coconut & Cashews
Topped with toothsome coconut chips and roasted cashews, this vegetarian curry is rich and satisfying. A sprinkle of dried fruit serves as a counterpoint to the warm curry spices. Enjoy this meal with a scoop of brown rice or a warm, buttery naan, if desired.
19of 26Slow-Cooker Edamame-Rice Bowl with Cherries & PecansWith wild and brown rice, edamame, dried cherries and pecans, this flavorful dinner boasts varied textures as well as an abundance of nutrients. Wild rice is rich in fiber and protein while brown rice is high in manganese, which helps the body digest fats. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, while pecans are loaded with healthy unsaturated fat. According to one reader, “This recipe is a keeper.”View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Edamame-Rice Bowl with Cherries & Pecans
With wild and brown rice, edamame, dried cherries and pecans, this flavorful dinner boasts varied textures as well as an abundance of nutrients. Wild rice is rich in fiber and protein while brown rice is high in manganese, which helps the body digest fats. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, while pecans are loaded with healthy unsaturated fat. According to one reader, “This recipe is a keeper.”
20of 26Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & FetaThis hearty salad is chock-full of quinoa, chickpeas and vegetables, making it a satisfying, high-fiber meal.. Plus, the addition of roasted red peppers, lemon, olives and feta gives this vegetarian dish a familiar Mediterranean flavor. Serve with grilled chicken, if you want to provide a meat option.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & Feta
This hearty salad is chock-full of quinoa, chickpeas and vegetables, making it a satisfying, high-fiber meal.. Plus, the addition of roasted red peppers, lemon, olives and feta gives this vegetarian dish a familiar Mediterranean flavor. Serve with grilled chicken, if you want to provide a meat option.
21of 26Southwestern Sweet Potato StewThe sweet and spicy flavors in this Southwestern-inspired stew meld together in the crockpot for 10 to 12 hours for delicious results. Full of sweet potatoes, black beans, and hominy, it will satisfy your tastebuds and help you feel full for hours.View Recipe
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Southwestern Sweet Potato Stew
The sweet and spicy flavors in this Southwestern-inspired stew meld together in the crockpot for 10 to 12 hours for delicious results. Full of sweet potatoes, black beans, and hominy, it will satisfy your tastebuds and help you feel full for hours.
22of 26Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken SoupPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterIf you love spinach and artichokes, this is the perfect soup for you. The creamy base is packed with veggies and shredded chicken, which soaks up the broth while adding a boost of protein. Frozen artichoke hearts have less sodium than canned, but canned can be used in their place. Just be sure to give them a good rinse before adding them to the slow cooker.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
If you love spinach and artichokes, this is the perfect soup for you. The creamy base is packed with veggies and shredded chicken, which soaks up the broth while adding a boost of protein. Frozen artichoke hearts have less sodium than canned, but canned can be used in their place. Just be sure to give them a good rinse before adding them to the slow cooker.
23of 26Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer PackYour favorite restaurant soup just got easier and healthier with this freezer-to-crock-pot recipe. If you keep a special bottle of heady, fruity olive oil on hand for stand-out dishes, this is the recipe to pull it out for—It truly elevates this soup’s flavors. We then top it all off with some parmesan cheese to enhance the umami element of the meal.View Recipe
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Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer Pack
Your favorite restaurant soup just got easier and healthier with this freezer-to-crock-pot recipe. If you keep a special bottle of heady, fruity olive oil on hand for stand-out dishes, this is the recipe to pull it out for—It truly elevates this soup’s flavors. We then top it all off with some parmesan cheese to enhance the umami element of the meal.
24of 26Texas Beef and BeansLarge, hearty chunks of beef with beans has Texas-sized flavor in this brothy dish. A quick, last-minute helping of chipotle barbecue sauce gives the meal a spiciness and smokiness that you’ll definitely enjoy at dinnertime.View Recipe
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Texas Beef and Beans
Large, hearty chunks of beef with beans has Texas-sized flavor in this brothy dish. A quick, last-minute helping of chipotle barbecue sauce gives the meal a spiciness and smokiness that you’ll definitely enjoy at dinnertime.
25of 26Lentil Sloppy JoesReplace the traditional beef sloppy joe with this vegetarian, lentil version for dinner. Soft, protein-rich lentils are mixed with the flavors of bell pepper, carrot, garlic, onion and tomato for a nice texture and tangy, sloppy-joe flavor. Serve on whole-wheat hamburger buns for a comfy night in.View Recipe
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Lentil Sloppy Joes
Replace the traditional beef sloppy joe with this vegetarian, lentil version for dinner. Soft, protein-rich lentils are mixed with the flavors of bell pepper, carrot, garlic, onion and tomato for a nice texture and tangy, sloppy-joe flavor. Serve on whole-wheat hamburger buns for a comfy night in.
26of 26Pork CarnitasThis easy meal is a downright crowd-pleaser. Savory pulled pork is served atop crisp corn tortillas and dolloped with sour cream and salsa in this simple recipe. Freshly squeezed lime and chopped scallions gives the dish an acidic and oniony finish.View Recipe
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Pork Carnitas
This easy meal is a downright crowd-pleaser. Savory pulled pork is served atop crisp corn tortillas and dolloped with sour cream and salsa in this simple recipe. Freshly squeezed lime and chopped scallions gives the dish an acidic and oniony finish.
Dillon Evans
andCarolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun
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