As we head into the winter season we want to share our all-time favorite slow cooker recipes with you. There is nothing better than coming home from the cold outdoors to a warm home-cooked meal. Add one or all of these to your menu this season. Your tummy will thank you!
Chicken Noodle Soup | Raise your hand if you love homemade chicken noodle soup! This is arguably the best recipe out there, and we hope you give it a try.
Soup
1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or "meatless" chicken (check your vegan section at your local grocery store!)
3 1/2 peeled carrots
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 1/2 stalks celery, sliced
4 tsp. sprigs fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
10 c. low-sodium chicken broth or veggie broth
8 oz. egg noodles or noodles of your choice.
Place your chicken, onion, carrot, celery thyme, and garlic into your crockpot and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in the broth and cook on low for 8 hours. If you decide to go with real chicken you will need to remove it after 8 hours of cooking and shred it up with two forks. Place the meat back in the slow cooker and add in noodles and continue cooking for 1/2 an hour until done. Top with your favorite crackers or pair with a baguette!
Mac and Cheese | Slow-cooked mac and cheese can not be beaten, it is the most delicious treat during the holidays!
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter
3 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. Parmesan
4 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 1/2 c. whole milk
2 cans of evaporated milk
1/2 heavy cream
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and fresh pepper
Add noodles, butter, cheese, milk, cream, and garlic into the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until the sauce has thickened and noodles are cooked. Once noodles are cooked and the sauce is done this dish is ready to be served! Garnish with chives for additional flavor.
Crockpot Spaghetti | We think it is safe to say that everyone loves spaghetti, it is not only a super affordable meal it tastes delicious. Here is all you will need to complete this family favorite.
Meatballs
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. kosher salt
An additional option for meatballs is to purchase "meatless" meatballs!
Sauce
1 large jar of your favorite pasta sauce
Noodles
1 1/2 c. chicken broth or veggie broth
3/4 lb. spaghetti
Garnish
Parmesan or fresh mozzarella
Mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, and salt. Form into meatballs and place in the bottom of a Crock-Pot. Pour your favorite pasta sauce over the meatballs and cook in crockpot for 5-6 hours. 3-4 hours for veggie meatballs. Once meatballs are fully cooked pour in chicken or veggie broth and add in spaghetti noodles continue cooking for about 2 hours. Be sure to break up clumps as needed and add more broth if need be. Once the noodles are cooked this recipe will be ready to enjoy!