There’s nothing better than dumping all the ingredients into a pot and letting it work its magic while you go about your day. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then you might want to check out the best slow cooker comfort meals that you can just set and forget. No matter the season, these are some recipes you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.
7. Chicken and Gravy
Chicken gravy is not only incredibly easy but comforting for any time of the year. Throw in three or four boneless skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker, season with your favorite seasonings, and then add a can of unsalted cream of chicken soup, a packet of gravy mix, and then a half cup of chicken broth, or water. Let that cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, alongside our favorite vegetables like peas or green beans.
6. French Dip Sandwiches
French dip sandwiches are warm and inviting, and are something you can easily just throw together in the crockpot and forget about them. All you need for this one is a chuck roast, seasoned, as well as beef broth, sliced onions and mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce. Let that go for about 6 to 8 hours on low until it just falls apart. From there, shred your meat and then add it to a hoagie bun and mozzarella cheese.
5. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of the most comforting dishes. But you can ramp it up by making one of the best slow cooker comfort meals, creamy chicken noodle. Simply add your chicken, chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker with chicken broth and seasonings. Let that cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours. Once the chicken is tender, take it out and shred it, and add heavy whipping cream to the broth. Add your chicken back in and let it thicken slightly. The heavy cream gives it a luxurious and creamy texture and flavor.
4. Butter Chicken
When thinking about the best slow cooker comfort meals out there, butter chicken is high on the list. The savory, creamy recipe offers the ultimate comfort meal that you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation. Simply throw in your chicken, yogurt, Garam Masala, cardamom, cumin, coriander, paprika, tomato puree, onion, garlic, ginger, and sugar into the crockpot and stir together so it’s nicely combined. Cook for a few hours on high or until tender. Pour in your cream when the chicken is tender and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Cook for another hour or so on high, and then serve on a bed of rice.
3. Beef and Noodles
Beef and noodles are similar to chicken noodle, but much more savory and hearty. All you need is stew meat, your favorite seasonings, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Let your meat cook for about 7 hours on low or 4 hours on high. When the meat is done cooking, add in egg noodles and let them cook for another hour. Serve with your favorite dinner rolls.
2. White Chicken Chili
Chili is a great comfort meal, but it’s also one of the most common dishes. Why not experiment with flavors by making this white chicken chili instead? This is by far one of the best slow cooker comfort meals. Simply dice your onion, garlic, and jalapenos, then add them to your slow cooker with chicken breasts. Add a can of cannellini beans and pinto beans, along with cumin, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. Add chicken broth and let it cook for about eight hours on high. Shred your chicken when ready, and either serve as is or mash some of the beans to create a thicker base. Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips, and avocado.
1. Stew
Want the ultimate comfort meal without trying hard? This is the perfect Sunday meal when you can’t be bothered to spend time in the kitchen but want to make something the whole family will love. Stew is a classic dish too, and it’s so easy to make. Just throw in stew meat in your crockpot with chopped vegetables like onion, mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add in beef broth and cook on low for 8 to 12 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours, then serve with your favorite dinner rolls.