Cozy up with my favorite slow cooker recipes

by Justin Segelstrom

As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm meal that’s been simmering away in the slow cooker all day. I absolutely love my crockpot. It's one of the most versatile tools in my kitchen, perfect for everything from hearty dinners to delicious side dishes. As we prepare for the colder months ahead, now is the perfect time to dust off your slow cooker and try out some of my favorite recipes. Trust me, these are recipes you’ll want to have handy when the temperature starts to drop!

Let's just jump right into the recipes!

The Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti

This slow-cooker spaghetti is a family favorite. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to make. The slow-cooked sauce has a rich, deep flavor, thanks to the combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting the sauce slowly develop while you go about your day.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot) – or use a combination of 1 pound sausage and 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup red wine (a good Cabernet!)
• 1 lb thin spaghetti

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage (or ground beef) along with the chopped onion over medium heat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain the excess grease.
2. Transfer the browned meat and onions to your slow cooker.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water to the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle in the basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Pour in the red wine and give it another stir.
6. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. When ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well.
8. Spoon the rich, flavorful sauce over the cooked spaghetti and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, this beef barbacoa will be a game-changer. The tender, flavorful beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own. The combination of spices and chipotle peppers creates a deep, smoky flavor that's hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Beef:
  • 1 (3-5 lb) beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 8-10 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Slow Cooker Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup mild red enchilada sauce (use a 10 oz. can if preparing enchiladas)
  • 2 (4 oz.) cans mild chopped green chiles
  • 2 chipotles in adobo sauce, minced (about 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste)**
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-3 teaspoons liquid smoke (adjust to your preferred smokiness level)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef pieces and sear them on all sides until browned.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add all the remaining slow cooker ingredients, stirring well to combine.
3. Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Do not discard the juices in the slow cooker. Shred the beef using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Mix it well with the juices.
5. Let the Beef Absorb the Juices: Set the slow cooker to low and let the beef cook for an additional 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional hot sauce, lime juice, or brown sugar if needed.
7. Serve: Use tongs to transfer the beef to a serving bowl, or strain it in a colander to avoid making tacos or other dishes soggy. If you prefer a saucier beef, add more enchilada sauce before serving.

Crockpot Turkey Breast and Gravy

This recipe is a lifesaver during the holidays or whenever you're craving a classic turkey dinner without all the fuss. The slow cooker ensures the turkey breast stays juicy and flavorful, and the homemade gravy is the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 1 (6-pound) bone-in turkey breast
• 1 batch of homemade dry onion soup mix (see recipe below) or use a store-bought dry onion soup packet for convenience
• 3 tablespoons butter

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey breast under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. If there’s any excess skin, trim it off with kitchen shears, but keep the skin that covers the breast.
2. Season the Turkey: Generously rub the dry onion soup mix all over the turkey, including under the skin, for maximum flavor. Place the butter at the bottom of your slow cooker, then set the turkey breast in the slow cooker, breast side down.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 7 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F. Once done, carefully remove the turkey and place it on a platter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Make the Gravy: While the turkey rests, strain the drippings from the slow cooker into a saucepan using a mesh strainer. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk this mixture into the saucepan with the drippings. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Slice the turkey breast and serve with the homemade gravy.

Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• ¼ cup dried onion flakes
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium beef bouillon granules
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
2. Use or Store: This batch is equivalent to a 1-ounce packet of store-bought dry onion soup mix and can be used in your recipes as needed.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

For a sweet and savory side dish, these glazed carrots are a must-try. The brown sugar and spices make them irresistible, and the slow cooker does all the work for you.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Prep the Carrots: Place the peeled and sliced carrots into your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.
3. Coat the Carrots: Pour the brown sugar mixture over the carrots, making sure to toss them so they're evenly coated.
4. Cook: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 3 hours, or until the carrots are tender to your liking.
5. Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle the carrots with chopped parsley and serve hot.

These recipes are perfect for the cooler months ahead and showcase just how versatile and essential a slow cooker can be in your kitchen. Happy cooking!!

Justin Segelstrom is a chef who lives in Bismarck and has a website called My Complete Cooking.

Follow him on Instagram at @mycompletecooking and on Facebook at My Complete Cooking

His posts appear on the last Friday of each month at On Your Table.

---