My 30+ Go-To Winter Slow Cooker Recipes
If you’re looking for easy, delicious Winter Slow Cooker recipes to warm you from the inside out, you’re in the right place! Read on for a collection of nourishing, cold weather crockpot recipes perfect for cozying up with when the temperatures drop.
Hello Nourishing Cold Weather Crockpot Recipes!
I don’t know about you but as the seasons change, so do the ingredients in my kitchen. As a healthy habits expert one of my favorite ways to simplify the winter season is with my slow cooker. Just like my spring, summer and fall crockpot collections, I’m all about nourishing, easy-to-throw-together crockpot recipes all year round, but especially in the colder months.
Vegetarian Winter Slow Cooker Meals
Winter Minestrone
A delicious, nourishing winter season soup that’s beyond easy to make at home, this vegetarian winter minestrone combines a mixture of flavors and textures, resulting in a cozy and hearty dinner soup you'll love!
Ingredients: Chickpeas, white beans, butternut squash, diced tomatoes, kale, stock, onion, garlic, pasta.
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Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
This easy slow cooker lentil soup is made with simple pantry ingredients like green lentils, celery, carrot and spinach making for a hearty vegan and vegetarian meal. Plus instant pot and stovetop directions!
Ingredients: Green (or brown) lentils, stock, onion, celery, carrot, diced tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, spinach, salt and bay leaves.
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Slow Cooker Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes, No Cream)
Slow-cooked in the crockpot, this easy slow cooker tomato soup is decadently creamy, made with of canned tomatoes, and with no milk or cream.
Ingredients: canned tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, onion, garlic, raw cashews, Italian seasoning, salt.
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Slow Cooker Lentil Chili (w/ Beans)
This Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is made with brown or green lentils, beans, turmeric, simple spices, and is creamy with coconut milk. Reminiscent of Madras lentils, it's hearty, it's filling, and it's oh-so simple to make!
Ingredients: kidney beans, lentils, stock, onion, tomato paste, coconut milk, cumin, turmeric and other spices
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Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup (No Cream)
Lusciously creamy (with no cream) this simple dump-and-go slow cooker potato leek soup is vegetarian, requires no pre-cooking, and is packed with Yukon gold potatoes, leeks, carrots, and is made creamy with a "secret" ingredient – raw cashews (or coconut milk) for a sustaining, nourishing meal with very little effort.
Ingredients: leeks, potatoes, celery, carrots, garlic, vegetable stock, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cashews (or cream / coconut milk), butter (traditional or plant-based) and salt.
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Sweet Potato Peanut Soup
Made with simple pantry ingredients, sweet potato peanut soup is a hearty, satisfying vegetarian meal that will have everyone heading back for seconds.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, fire roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), coconut milk, creamy unsweetened peanut butter, baby spinach, lime juice and salt.
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Butternut & Red Pepper Soup (w/ Coconut Milk)
This easy butternut squash and red pepper soup recipe is so smooth, creamy, and is made with simple ingredients like butternut squash, jarred roasted red pepper, and coconut milk. Plus I've streamlined things by skipping any pre-roasting, so this creamy, dreamy soup comes together in under 30 minutes on the stovetop, or with no pre-browning in the slow cooker.
Ingredients: butternut squash, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, coconut milk (or heavy cream), chicken stock (or vegetable stock), garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt.
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Simple Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup (w/ Canned Beans!)
Super easy and incredibly delicious, this easy black bean soup uses canned black beans; plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion; plus a little kick from chili powder for a simple, filling and hearty soup.
Ingredients: canned black beans, stock, celery, carrot, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, lime juice, olive oil and salt.
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Easy Red Lentil Soup w/ Coconut Milk (Crockpot + Stovetop!)
This easy red lentil soup is an easy one-pot meal you'll want to make again and again. Using dried red lentils, plus simple spices like ginger and turmeric; it comes together with coconut milk for a creamy (without a drop of cream), hearty, and seriously simple vegetarian meal made in the crockpot or stovetop.
Ingredients: red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, garlic, ginger, turmeric and other spices.
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Easy Carrot and Lentil Soup
Ingredients: red lentils, carrots, diced tomatoes, broth, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, olive oil, red chili flakes (optional), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (optional) and salt.
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Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Winter
Easy Chicken Vegetable Soup
This easy chicken vegetable soup recipe is simple to make with easy to find ingredients, yet tastes like it’s from your favorite restaurant. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions, too!
Ingredients: chicken tenders, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, Russet potatoes, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green beans, corn, peas, bay leaf, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
This easy, creamy slow cooker tortellini soup recipe requires minimal prep yet produces super flavorful and filling results every time. A true one-pot weeknight dinner wonder sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients: tortellini, ground sausage, chicken broth, carrots, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cream, baby spinach, red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Weeknight Easy!)
This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup is creamy, comforting, and hands-off, just toss in simple ingredients, walk away, and come home to a bowl of classic comfort (with a dairy-free option if you need it)!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, frozen peas, coconut milk, bay leaf and other seasonings
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken
The perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, real food dinner, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken is a snap to prep and requires just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients: chicken, onion, bell pepper, salsa, lime juice and salt
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Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
This easy crockpot vegetarian chili recipe tastes delicious and is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, three beans, vegetables, and spices. Gluten free and vegan!
Ingredients: black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, bell peppers, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices
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Crockpot Comfort Food
Effortless Crock Pot Lasagna (w/ Jar Sauce)
Allow me to introduce you to the absolute easiest crock pot lasagna. It's a no-chop, no-boil noodle recipe, but you’ll still end up with a bubbly, cheesy, craveable one-pot meal. Made simple with spaghetti sauce and cottage cheese, it's about to become your new staple lasagna recipe!
Ingredients: olive oil, lean ground beef, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, low fat cottage cheese, Italian cheese blend.
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Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
With a short list of ingredients, this easy lightened up crock pot zuppa Toscana is a hearty one pot meal that's a simple slow cooker meal everyone will love!
Ingredients: sweet Italian sausage, onion, garlic, russet potato, salt, chicken stock, kale, cream.
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Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Simple and hearty, slow cooker hamburger soup is loaded with vegetables and ground beef, and can be simmered all day in the slow cooker or made in 35 minutes on the stovetop.
Ingredients: lean ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, chicken stock (or beef stock), olive oil, potatoes, red & yellow bell peppers, red wine vinegar, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt.
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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs (in Marinara)
These tender, juicy, melt-in-your mouth slow cooker meatballs could not be simpler to make! Requiring no pre-cooking or pre-browning, these ground beef meatballs simmer low and slow in a simple Italian marinara sauce for the ultimate meatball dinner. Bring on the spaghetti!
Ingredients: ground beef, parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs (gluten free or traditional), egg, salt, marinara sauce.
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Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce (w/ Ground Beef!)
Easy dinner recipes are my specialty, and this crock pot spaghetti sauce with meat is just that! Made from scratch with ground beef, diced onions, and canned tomatoes, this slow cooker meat sauce is rich in flavor and perfectly seasoned. It’s great to make in large batches and perfect for freezing!
Ingredients: ground beef, onion, olive oil, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, honey (optional) and salt.
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Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara (No Egg)
Full of fresh herbs like basil, and slow simmered in a simple marinara sauce, this slow cooker turkey meatball recipe is packed with protein, and made without breadcrumbs or eggs. Plus, there's no pre-cooking, so it's super easy to prep and the meatballs come out juicy and will truly melt-in-your-mouth.
Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, parmesan and salt.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!)
This Buffalo chicken sweet potato recipe cooks completely in the slow cooker as a one-pot meal, requires no chopping, only 5-minutes of prep, and just 5 simple ingredients. It's packed with protein and completely crave-worthy.
Ingredients: chicken, sweet potatoes, hot sauce, yogurt, lime juice, butter and salt
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Slow Cooker Carnitas (Loin Roast or Shoulder)
This slow cooker carnitas recipe is super easy to prepare and yields wildly delicious, succulent results everytime. Serve the carnitas warm as a filling for tacos, burritos or in bowls for an easy weeknight dinner win!
Ingredients: pork loin roast (or pork shoulder), orange juice, lime juice, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
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Winter Crockpot Chicken Dishes
Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken (w/ Coconut Milk)
Slow cooker satay chicken is a flavorful, versatile meal made with chicken thighs, coconut milk, and curry paste. A simplified take one Thai peanut chicken, it's a delicious and easy dinner recipe that's not only quick to prepare but also a great meal prep protein option. You wont believe how flavorful the end result it!
Ingredients: chicken, salt, peanut butter, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce.
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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies
A versatile, filling, one-pot meal, slow cooker ranch chicken and veggies is made with a simple homemade ranch seasoning blend, chicken, carrots, and potatoes; making for an easy dinner recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, yogurt (traditional or plant-based), mayo, apple cider vinegar, homemade ranch seasoning.
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables
Tender, juicy, and incredibly simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables is a satisfying one-pot meal made with whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and a hit of flavor from a simple balsamic sauce.
Ingredients: whole chicken, baby potatoes, carrots, paprika, garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary and salt.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken
5 simple ingredients combine in juicy, succulent 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken, an effortless dinner recipe for any night of the week.
Ingredients: bone-in chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Soups for Winter
Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
This Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is an easy prep, gluten-free & dairy-free take on the classic everyone knows and loves! A delicious, cozy soup packed with veggies, leafy greens and hearty, tender meatballs. Also includes stovetop directions.
Ingredients: ground beef (or ground turkey), carrots, celery, onion, nutritional yeast, escarole (or kale), chicken stock, garlic, granulated garlic powder, almond flour (or oat flour), baby spinach, lemon juice, egg (optional) and salt
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (w/ Vegetables)
This hearty slow cooker Tuscan chicken stew is the kind of comforting one-pot meal you’ll keep coming back to! Made with juicy chicken breasts, tomato paste, a splash of balsamic, and a mix of hearty veggies, it cooks low & slow until everything is tender and flavorful.
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder and other seasonings
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Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices
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Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This easy slow cooker turkey chili is the BEST wholesome chili that's packed with lean ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and hearty beans! So simple, delicious and crowd-pleasing, it's a sure hit any time you want a hearty, filling, and nourishing meal.
Ingredients: ground turkey, canned beans, bell peppers, onion, sweet potato, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices.
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Crockpot Turkey Soup
Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals. Also has instructions for stovetop and the Instant Pot!
Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt
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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili (Dump and Go)
Ingredients: chicken, tomato sauce, beans, salsa, cumin, garlic and salt.
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Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup
Cozy and delicious Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup can be made on the stovetop or slow cooker resulting in a super flavorful coconut curry broth. Includes easy swaps to make this whole30, paleo, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly!
Ingredients: ground chicken, rice noodles, chicken stock, almond flour (or oat flour), lemongrass, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, fish sauce, coconut aminos, water, coconut milk, baby spinach, lime juice and salt (includes swaps for vegetarian, vegan, whole30, paleo)
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Slow Cooker Winter Lentil Soup + More Winter Slow Cooker Recipes
This easy slow cooker winter lentil soup is made with simple pantry ingredients like green lentils, celery, carrot and spinach making for a hearty vegan and vegetarian meal. Plus more winter slow cooker recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ cups dry green lentils, (or brown lentils) rinsed and picked over
- 1 15-oz can petite-diced tomatoes
- 6-8 cups vegetable stock, (or chicken stock)
- 1 large bay leaf, (or 2 small bay leaves)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Optional Serving Suggestions
- extra virgin olive oil, freshly cracked pepper, freshly grated parmesan cheese (traditional or vegan), fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, crusty bread
Instructions
Slow Cooker Directions
- Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, lentils, tomatoes, stock and bay leaf to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine. Do not add the spinach, it will be added at the end.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the veggies and lentils are soft.
- Remove the lid, remove the bay leaf, add the vinegar, and stir to combine. Add an additional 1-2 cups of stock to thin the soup if necessary. Taste and add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional vinegar if desired.
- Using an immersion blender, blend for 5-10 seconds. Alternatively, carefully, remove ½ to 1 cup of cooked soup to a blender. Cover, blend on high, then add back to the soup, stirring to combine. Note: blending for just a few seconds will add a creaminess to the soup, while leaving the texture of most of the lentils and vegetables intact.
- Add the spinach, and stir to combine. Serve with a generous drizzle of olive oil, and any other toppings you like.
Notes
Dried brown or green lentils work interchangeably here. Do not use red lentils.
The heat of slow cookers can vary, as can the amount of liquid lentils absorb during the cooking process. If necessary add additional stock at the end, to achieve your desired consistency.
This soup will also thicken considerably as it cools, so if you prefer it thicker, allow to cool for 30 minutes prior to serving.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 219kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 644mg, Potassium: 783mg, Fiber: 18g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 9099IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
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Being honest, best lentil soup recipe I’ve made in a long while. The vinegar, very smart. Keep up the excellent work my friend.