Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal for supper, but you’re not in the mood to leave the home? Then you’re in luck; your slow cooker is the secret weapon. These nine slow cooker recipes bring delicious global flavors and comforting classics right to your kitchen with little effort!
From creamy chicken dishes to rich soups, each dish on this list delivers the taste of your favorite restaurants without the delivery fees or having to leave your house. Whether you’re looking for something spicy or hearty, these slow cooker meals make it easier to enjoy gourmet results with simple prep. Let’s take a look at nine slow cooker recipes that bring restaurant flavors right to your kitchen.
1. Slow Cooker Thai Red Curry Chicken
You might think Thai curry demands a wok and your constant attention, but it is super simple with a slow cooker. The slow cooker version is absolutely delicious and easy to prepare.
To make this, combine 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 can of coconut milk, 3 tbsp red curry paste, 1 stalk of lemongrass (bruised), and 1 diced onion in the slow cooker. Next, you can add 1 tbsp of fish sauce, 1 tsp of ginger, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Now, let the slow cooker do all the work. Cook this on low for around 6 hours. It is best served with jasmine rice and garnished with cilantro and lime for a flavorful, aromatic meal.
2. French Bistro Beef Bourguignon
Did you know that you can give your favorite classic beef stew a gourmet makeover in the slow cooker? French bistro beef bourguignon is a super hearty and delicious meal that is very easy to prepare.
All you have to do is brown 2 lbs of beef stew meat in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add 2 cups of red wine, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of pearl onions, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 3 carrots, 3 cloves of garlic, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Then, stir in 1 tsp thyme and 1 bay leaf. You can cook this dish on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
3. Smoky Pulled Pork
Few things on Earth are as mouthwatering as a slow-smoked, fall-apart pork from your favorite BBQ joint. Well, with this recipe, you can make it at home!
To make this dish, rub 4 lbs of pork shoulder with 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Next, place the pork in the slow cooker with 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup water. This dish should be cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours until the meat shreds easily. Smokey pulled pork is best served on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce and coleslaw.
4. Indian Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is one of the most popular and delicious Indian dishes. Its magic lies in its slow melding of tomato, cream, and a mix of spices. This dish also works great in a slow cooker.
To make it, marinate 2 lbs of chicken breast in 1 cup of yogurt, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, and salt for 2 hours. Next, place the chicken in the slow cooker with 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp ginger. You can leave it cooking on low for 6 hours. It pairs wonderfully with naan or rice.
5. New Orleans Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a Southern classic dish that you can enjoy at home. With this dish, the slow cooker definitely does the heavy lifting.
To make this dish, simply combine 1 lb of smoked sausage that has been sliced, 1 lb of shrimp, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 tbsp Creole seasoning in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of rice and stir it in. You can cook this on low for 6-8 hours. Serve it while it’s hot, and garnish it with fresh parsley for a flavorful, one-pot meal.
6. Vegetarian Moroccan Tagine
Vegetarian Moroccan tagine is known for its aromatic spices, chickpeas, and sweet dried fruit, making a complex stew that’s comforting and adventurous.
In the slow cooker, combine 2 cups of chickpeas, 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes, 1 cup of dried apricots, 1 onion, and 2 cloves of garlic. Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp turmeric. The pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This dish is delicious with couscous and can be garnished with fresh cilantro for an aromatic, hearty dish.
7. Italian Osso Buco
Italian osso buco is delicious, but its slow cooker version transforms beef or veal shanks into fork-tender perfection. This is how you can make it at home:
Season 2 lbs of veal or beef shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them in a skillet over high heat. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker with 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of white wine, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 tsp of thyme. This dish can be cooked on low for 7-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Finish it with a gremolata of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, and serve it with risotto.
8. Korean Short Ribs (Galbi Jjim)
Who doesn’t love soy, garlic, and ginger-infused beef short ribs with a deep, addictive flavor? Luckily, you can make this simple dish at home.
Place 3 lbs of beef short ribs in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic, and 1-inch piece of ginger. Add 2 carrots and 4 small potatoes. Next, you can cook your ribs on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Serve it with steamed rice and garnish it with sesame seeds and green onions.
9. Classic French Onion Soup
Classic French onion soup is the perfect meal for cold winter evenings, with its caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese. Here’s how to make it:
Slice 4 large onions and cook them with 2 tbsp of butter in the slow cooker on low for 6 hours until caramelized. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup white wine, 1 tsp thyme, and salt and pepper. Cook this combination for 2 more hours. Once it’s ready, you can serve it with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese on top for a rich, comforting soup.