Baby, it's cold outside … for some of us, anyway. A vicious winter storm is roaring through much of the west right now, and it makes me want to make everyone a huge pot of stew. But chances are, almost all of us are going to get our turn to weather a winter storm or two (or three or more) this season. Just so I'm prepared, I'm compiling the kind of slow cooker recipes that will make me feel warm and cozy through whatever storms are likely to blow through my area this winter.
More from CafeMom: 14 Crock-Pot Dinners Kids Can Serve Themselves
What could be nicer than coming home from a long day out of the house to a warm meal? Whether folks want something to warm their bones after a long day playing in the snow or just wants to have something delicious-smelling to waft around the house while marathoning the latest binge-worthy show on Netflix, a Crock-Pot meal is surely the fix. Just put the ingredients into the Crock-Pot, set the heat, and then find a way to putter around the house while the snow piles on! Maybe start a new crafting project or try to get the kids to clean through their rooms (lol, okay we'll be serious).
Tortilla Soup
I like something a little bit spicy on bitterly cold winter days. This tortilla soup recipe hits the right balance between warmly spicy but still kid-friendly.
Pho
Vietnamese beef noodle soup hits the same spot for me. I like Steamy Kitchen's Vietnamese Pho recipe. Don't be intimidated by the process and the special ingredients — they're all worth it.
Vegetarian Chili
There are as many slow-cooker vegetarian chili recipes as there are snowflakes in a snowstorm. But this slow-cooker chili with sweet potatoes recipe looks like a fresh take on the classic.
Macaroni and Cheese
What could be more comforting? Ease into the soothing goo of this crock-pot mac and cheese recipe — the source should look familiar.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Basically this is glorified beef pot roast. The classic French version is a pain the the brisket, but this slow-cooker boeuf bourguignon recipe simplifies it. Your house will smell like heaven.
Cuban Chicken
Exciting and delicious flavors, fall-off-the-bone tenderness … what more could you possibly ask of chicken? This amazing slow-cooked cuban chicken requires a little bit of prep before dumping it in the slow cooker, but boy is it worth it.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie might be the most classically delicious comfort food, and it's pretty darn easy to throw together in a slow-cooker. Check out this recipe to see how.
Lasagna
Getting a little bored of soups and stews? Well, it's winter, so you're probably not the only one. Here to save the day is a tasty slow-cooked lasagna recipe that will fill you up, warm you up, and save you from yet another Crock Pot stew.
Chicken Parmesean
Sure, it features similar ingredients to lasagna, but chicken parmesean is so not similar to lasagna. Cooking it in the Crock Pot makes it way more tender and way more delicious — and less work for you!
Chile Colorado Burritos
Good Mexican food can be a challenge to find, so why not just make it yourself? This Chile Colorado burrito recipe makes it easy — the Crock Pot does most of the work for you.
Brownies
Now, something for dessert? This slow-cooker triple chocolate brownies recipe looks amazing. Enjoy!
S'mores Fondue
Winter is great, but if your family is starting to miss summer campfires and toasting marshmallows, then this s'mores fondue is an excellent alternative. And no sticky hands in sight!
