These are the winter slow cooker recipes I turn to on the busiest nights, when I want dinner to be hands-off, comforting, and something the whole family will eat. From hearty soups to flavorful stews and set-it-and-forget-it mains, these recipes bring the kind of cozy ease that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more doable (and a lot more delicious)!

overhead shot of soup with sausage, kale, and potatoes in a bowl with a gold spoon and bread.
5 stars (6 ratings)

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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Ricotta and basil leaves on top of slow cooker lasagna soup in a slow cooker.
5 stars (10 ratings)

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup (Easy, Cheesy, No-Boil!)

Cozy slow cooker lasagna soup with tender ground beef, regular noodles cooked right in the pot, and a creamy ricotta topping. It's cheesy, hearty, and weeknight easy!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, beef broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, lasagna noodles, ricotta, parmesan, spinach
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closeup of a white bowl filled with soup on a blue background with blue striped napkin
4.93 stars (39 ratings)

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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Minestrone soup with butternut squash, beans, and pasta in a bowl on a blue background.
5 stars (13 ratings)

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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Ladle of chili in a slow cooker of chili.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Beef Chili (Thick, Hearty & Easy!)

Hearty slow cooker beef chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich blend of spices is thick, cozy, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or game day.
Ingredients: onion, bell pepper, salt, ground beef, beef stock, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with chili, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, sugar.
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white bowl of crockpot lentil soup with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side
4.93 stars (56 ratings)

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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Close-up overhead shot of a white bowl with chicken chili topped with sour cream, hot sauce, and green onions. The bowl is surrounded by a towel and smaller dishes with blue cheese, sliced green onions, hot sauce, and sour cream.
4.77 stars (13 ratings)

Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker or Stovetop!)

My award-winning, creamy buffalo chicken chili is everything you love about wings served up in a cozy bowl. Made with white beans, tender shredded chicken, and just the right amount of heat, it comes together easily on the stovetop or in the slow cooker and has helped my readers win chili cook-offs!
Ingredients: chicken, white beans, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, chicken stock, hot sauce, cream cheese.
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Overhead shot of a white bowl with creamy broth, diced carrots, shredded chicken, and tortellini, topped with fresh parsley and a hunk of baguette. Bowl is surrounded by a striped towel, sprigs of fresh parsley, baguettes, and small bowls of chopped parsley and pepper.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Chicken Tortellini Soup (Slow Cooker & Stovetop!)

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that practically makes itself, this creamy chicken tortellini soup is here for it. With tender chicken, carrots, celery, and pillowy cheese tortellini in a rich, herby broth, it’s a one-pot or slow cooker favorite you can turn to anytime comfort is calling!
Ingredients: onion, celery, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, chicken broth, boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cheese tortellini, cream.
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Three bowls of tomato soup topped with basil, parmesan, with crusty bread on the side.
5 stars (19 ratings)

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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4.89 stars (18 ratings)

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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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with sweet potato peanut soup, topped with fresh herbs, on top of a white background.
5 stars (8 ratings)

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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Top down view of a white bowl filled with butternut squash and red pepper soup, with a striped napkin on the side.
4.91 stars (10 ratings)

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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Top down view of a white bowl filled with crockpot black bean soup on top of a striped blue napkin.
5 stars (12 ratings)

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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5 stars (23 ratings)

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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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with chicken vegetable soup with a spoon, on top of a striped blue napkin and white background.
5 stars (1 rating)

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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Overhead shot of a white bowl filled with crockpot tortellini soup on top of a striped blue napkin and white background.
5 stars (15 ratings)

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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bowl of shredded slow cooker fajita salsa chicken with chips and avocado on white table
5 stars (28 ratings)

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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close up of crockpot vegetarian chili in a white bowl with toppings
4.99 stars (202 ratings)

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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An overhead shot of a slow cooker with lasagna. The slow cooker is surrounded by a tea towel and fresh herbs, a tea towel, and a small bowl with grated parmesan cheese.
5 stars (8 ratings)

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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Overhead shot of meatballs in marinara sauce sprinkled with fresh basil.
5 stars (4 ratings)

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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spoonful of crockpot spaghetti sauce with beef in a black slow cooker pot
5 stars (4 ratings)

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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white bowl of crockpot turkey meatballs on blue background with striped napkin
5 stars (18 ratings)

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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Overhead shot of raw chicken tighs covered in an orange sauce in a slow cooker.
4.95 stars (20 ratings)

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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Image of Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Whole Chicken
5 stars (26 ratings)

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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white bowl filled with soup with a blue background and fresh herbs
4.78 stars (9 ratings)

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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5 stars (22 ratings)

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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5 stars (18 ratings)

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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closeup view of turkey chili in a white bowl with chips and lime slices
4.92 stars (23 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili w/ Beans & Sweet Potatoes

This easy, high-protein slow cooker turkey chili is 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 dinner.
Ingredients: ground turkey, canned beans, bell peppers, onion, sweet potato, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices.
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top down view of crockpot turkey soup in a white bowl
5 stars (25 ratings)

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.
Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt
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Brown bowl on a blue background filled with chicken and bean chili, topped with cheese, cilantro, and avocado.
4.96 stars (49 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili (Dump and Go)

Ingredients: chicken, tomato sauce, beans, salsa, cumin, garlic and salt.
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white bowl filled with soup and chicken meatballs and noodles on blue background
5 stars (6 ratings)

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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white bowl of crockpot lentil soup with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Winter Lentil Soup + More Winter Slow Cooker Recipes

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 hours
Total: 8 hours 10 minutes
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!
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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

Equipment

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.
Course: Soup

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
Nutrition disclaimer
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