Are you tired of coming home from a long day to find yourself staring blankly into an empty fridge? We’ve all been there. But what if we told you that with the right arsenal of slow cooker recipes, you can come home to a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes?
Enter West Bend slow cookers, the perfect solution for busy weeknights when cooking from scratch just isn’t feasible. With their easy-to-use interfaces and versatile cooking abilities, these machines make it simple to prepare healthy, flavorful meals without breaking a sweat.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering West Bend slow cooker recipes that are sure to become staples in your household. From hearty stews and soups to saucy meats and flavorful sides, there’s something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, get cooking, and let the magic of the slow cooker work its wonders!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty slow cooker stew is a perfect comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and rich flavors. Perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Transform your weeknight dinner into a rich and satisfying experience with this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe. Tender chicken, savory sauce, and al dente noodles come together in a slow-cooked delight that’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add fettuccine pasta and frozen peas and carrots to the slow cooker.
4. Stir well and cook until pasta is al dente.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A Deliciously Easy Meal
This classic comfort food recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even serving with a side of your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker with the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and onion slices.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the garlic and barbecue sauce.
5. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 8-10 hours
– High: 4-6 hours
Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings or sides!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
This comforting recipe is perfect for a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and tender vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 red bell peppers, chopped
– 1 can tomato paste
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a stress-free dinner or meal prep, this slow cooker dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, honey, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This hearty recipe combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you need it.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker.
2. Add the broccoli, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and ginger. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Serve: With your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles, or with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup
A comforting and creamy potato soup recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This slow cooker recipe is a game-changer, allowing you to prepare it in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in tangy BBQ sauce – what’s not to love? This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to enjoy these classic ribs without the hassle of constant monitoring.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to Low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove any excess fat from the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Apply olive oil to both sides of the ribs, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the meat.
5. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, bone-side down.
6. Pour in the BBQ sauce, making sure the ribs are fully coated.
7. Cook for 8-10 hours or on Low for 12-14 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (High), 12-14 hours (Low)
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Curry
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Curry: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal
This slow cooker recipe combines the comfort of lentils with the vibrant flavors of Indian-inspired spices, all while being easy to prepare and requiring minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a chilly day or a special occasion. This slow cooker recipe combines tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and flavorful vegetables in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine turkey, wild rice, vegetables, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in olive oil.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of sweet and sour sauce with the comfort of meatballs, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and garlic. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
4. Pour sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs. Add brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve:
Hot, straight from the slow cooker! You can also serve at room temperature or refrigerate overnight and reheat when needed.
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder
This creamy, flavorful chowder is a twist on traditional corn chowders, infused with the bold flavors of Mexico’s street corn. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 ears of corn, husked and silked (about 2 cups)
Instructions:
1. Place the diced tomatoes, frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, half-and-half, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Add the husked and silked corn to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Stir in any accumulated juices before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers
This hearty slow cooker recipe combines flavorful Italian sausage with sweet bell peppers and onions, perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the Italian sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine sliced bell peppers, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and olive oil.
3. Add the browned sausages to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots
Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots infused with the warmth of maple syrup, perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound baby carrots
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the carrots and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the carrots, maple syrup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the carrots from the slow cooker and serve warm.
Tips:
– For a crisper glaze, cook the carrots on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
– Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste, but be aware that it will caramelize during cooking.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Elevate your mealtime with this easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that combines the richness of tomato sauce, creamy yogurt, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a busy day, simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let the magic happen!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp garam masala powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix in Greek yogurt.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and easy breakfast that’s also nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 1/4 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and stir until well combined.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. In the morning, give the oatmeal a quick stir and add any desired toppings such as additional brown sugar, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Get ready to score big with this addictive buffalo chicken dip that’s perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers. This slow cooker recipe is easy, delicious, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine cream cheese and ranch dressing. Mix until smooth.
2. Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and garlic powder to the slow cooker. Stir until combined.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe is a twist on traditional stuffed bell peppers, cooking them low and slow in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The result is tender peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place peppers in slow cooker, seam-side down.
6. Pour diced tomatoes over the peppers.
7. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
8. Serve warm, topped with shredded cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom Risotto
Elevate your dinner game with this creamy and comforting slow cooker mushroom risotto recipe. Perfect for a chilly evening, it’s an easy and stress-free meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in the slow cooker on sauté mode; add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add mushrooms, white wine, broth, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
Enjoy a warm and comforting dessert with this slow cooker peach cobbler recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of peaches in syrup (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1 egg, beaten (for topping)
– 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the peaches, sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the topping by mixing the milk, egg, and cinnamon.
5. Remove the cobbler from the slow cooker and top with the mixture.
6. Return to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Busy weeknights just got a whole lot tastier! This collection of 20 West Bend slow cooker recipes offers a variety of flavorful and easy-to-make dishes perfect for busy nights. From comforting beef stew to creamy chicken alfredo, and from hearty pulled pork sandwiches to sweet and sour meatballs, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic comfort food or an international-inspired twist, these slow cooker recipes will help you whip up a delicious meal with minimal fuss.
