For those who live in places where there are changing seasons, winter can be pretty rough. The days get darker faster, and they get pretty dang cold too. While the first snowfall might be full of whimsy, magic, and fun, the fifth snowfall gets kind of old. We might begin to reminisce about the sunny, carefree days of the summer. So what's the best thing to come home to after a long day of trudging through the wind, ice, and snow? A warm meal that's been slowly cooking all day in a Crock-Pot.
Crock-Pots really shine in the dreary winter because they're masters at brewing up the comfiest of the comfort foods. We're talking meats so tender they just fall off the bone (and warm our bones while we eat them) to gooey cheese and steaming hot soup. After a long and cold day outside, snuggling up to a warm and hearty Crock-Pot meal is the remedy. All we need to really top off the mood is a roaring fire in the fireplace, a fuzzy blanket, and maybe some spiked hot cocoa.
Not only are Crock-Pot meals all cozy and delish, but they're also incredibly easy to make! All we have to do is throw all the ingredients into it and hit the button. Then we can go about our wintry day, whether that means playing in the snow or finally taking down all those holiday decorations.
For some serious winter grub inspiration, read ahead.
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1. Tortilla Soup
For something a bit more spicy but kid-friendly during a chilly winter day, check out this chicken tortilla soup recipe by Heather Likes Food.
2. Pho
This Vietnamese beef noodle soup may have a longer process and need some special ingredients, but it's worth it. Check out the recipe at Steamy Kitchen.
3. Vegetarian Chili
The sweet potatoes in this recipe by Real Simple put a fun spin on the old standby of vegetarian chili.
4. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ooey and gooey goodness that warms our stomachs and hearts. Find a recipe at CafeMom!
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5. Boeuf Bourguignon
This classic French beef stew will give anyone's home a delicious aroma. The Crock-Pot recipe by The Kitchn great because it makes cooking a tender brisket a total breeze.
6. Cuban Chicken
This flavorful chicken recipe by Slow Cooker Gourmet will transport anyone to the warm island of Cuba, even in the dead of winter.
7. Chicken Pot Pie
This creamy and savory recipe by Better Homes & Gardens is sure to make anybody's winter blues a little brighter.
8. Lasagna
Lasagna made in the oven is old news. Whip up this hearty and cheesy meal in a Crock-Pot with this recipe by The Crockin' Girls.
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9. Chicken Parmesan
Full Bellies, Happy Kids has a classic chicken parm recipe that we are dying to whip up.
10. Chile Colorado Burritos
This recipe for savory and flavorful burritos by Food Pusher is sure to warm anyone's stomach — and day.
11. Brownies
Comfort also comes in the form of triple chocolate brownies, duh! Check out this Crock-Pot version by Martha Stewart.
12. S'mores Fondue
Winter equals fire, and fire equals s'mores, right? Well, if lighting up a fire is too much work, we can make a warm and delicious s'mores recipe with our Crock-Pots this winter! Check out this recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.
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13. Butternut Squash Soup
Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice for this warm and comforting soup by Pumps & Iron.
14. Summer Beef Stew
Just because it's not summer doesn't mean we can't enjoy this summer beef stew recipy by Running to the Kitchen. The stew is brightened up with zucchini and peppers, but it's hearty enough to be eaten even in the dead of winter.
15. Chicken Noodle Soup
Combat cold and flu season with a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup from Cooking Classy.
16. Chicken Tikka Masala
The herbs and spices of this classic Indian dish will warm up anyone who is frozen from outside! Check out the recipe by Spicy Southern Kitchen.
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17. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Forget Chipotle. Let's whip up our own healthy but still hearty chicken burrito bowl with the help of this recipe by No. 2 Pencil.
18. Garlic Parmesan Risotto
We know, we know. Risotto isn't always the easiest dish to make. But a slow cooker sure does make it a heck of a lot easier. Check out Kleinworth & Co. for a simple recipe!
19. Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup
This recipe by Damn Delicious requires minimal prep but has maximum flavor and texture, thanks to the sausage, beans, and greens!
20. Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative but don't skimp on flavor or juiciness. Check out the recipe from Well Plated.
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21. Ham and Cheese Cauliflower Soup
Leftover ham now serves a great purpose with this creamy ham and cheese cauliflower soup by All Day I Dream About Soup and Lauren Kelly Nutrition.
22. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Bacon? Yes, please. This chicken gnocchi soup by Pinch of Yum is velvety and savory with hints of bacon.
23. Easy Orange Chicken
Sometimes it's too cold to get take-out. Thanks to our Crock-Pot and this recipe by Nellie Bellie, we can cook up some delish and easy orange chicken.
24. Beef Stew
Ah, the classic slow cooker recipe is by far beef stew. It's a winter staple and for good reason. We like this recipe by Real Simple.
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25. Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup, like this recipe on My Recipes, takes a long time — i.e., eight hours of soaking and 10 hours in the slow cooker — but has almost no prep otherwise. Fair trade!
26. Curried Coconut Chicken Soup
Even kids can handle this flavorful soup, which will amp up anyone's otherwise dull winter day. Find the recipe at My Sequined Life.
27. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot, sour, and soup are three great words when it comes to surviving a bitter winter day. We like this recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef.
28. Leek and Potato Soup
This recipe for leek and potato soup by *Not Your Mother's Cookbooks *only requires salt, butter, leeks, potatoes, and a Crock-Pot. Sign us up.
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29. Lentil Stew
This lentil stew is a great choice for veggie-eaters, and so incredibly filling. It's also super easy to freeze and reheat when necessary! Find the recipe at Slender Kitchen.
30. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
One word: nom. This loaded backed potato soup is comforting and what we want to unwind with after a long and windy day. Get the recipe at CDKitchen.
31. Matzo Ball Soup
This traditional Jewish soup by A Tasty Mess is light but still comforting at the same time.
32. Minestrone
Olive Garden ain't got nothing on this minestrone soup recipe by Cooking Classy.
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33. Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny soup tastes delicious, thanks to the apples and curry in it, but it's also super easy to make, requiring almost zilch prep time. Get the recipe at Epicurious.
34. Navy Bean Soup
This recipe by Mom What's for Dinner? is healthy but still warm and inviting. Oh, and it's gluten-free!
35. Posole
This southwestern soup originates from Mexican and Native American traditions, and it's perfect for anyone looking for a warm and spicy meal. Get the recipe at Something Edible.
36. Pumpkin Soup
Halloween may be long gone, but this pumpkin soup can stay all winter long. Find the recipe at Moms with Crockpots.
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37. Split Pea Soup
Soft, creamy, and delicious? Split pea soup is a classic winter go-to. Find the recipe at Taste of Home.
38. Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
Cumin, ginger, and garlic make this vegetarian-friendly soup a must. Find the recipe at Taste of Home.
39. Tomato Soup
With this recipe by Damn Delicious, all we need is a gooey grilled cheese. Both kids and adults will be pleased.
40. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup, with its hearty meatballs and comforting noodles, is exactly what we want to eat when it's snowing outside. Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
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41. Honey Garlic Chicken
Throw some chicken into a Crock-Pot with this sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce, and dinner is served. Get the recipe from Chef Savvy.
42. Pot Roast
This pot roast recipe by Dinner, Then Dessert is perfect for when we have a busy tomorrow. We just have to throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker the night before or the morning of.
43. Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This rustic soup is incredibly easy to make, thanks to a recipe by Pinch of Yum.
44. Pasta e Fagioli
This classic Italian soup has everything: meat, pasta, and veggies — plus a warm, savory broth. Check out the recipe by Chelsea Messy Apron.
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45. Green Chili Shredded Pork
This recipe by The Stay at Home Chef makes tender, pull-apart pork covered in a flavorful green chili sauce.
46. Beef Ragu
We're going to have to savor each bite of this slow cooker beef ragu by Pinch of Yum.
47. Jambalaya
It doesn't have to be Mardi Gras for us to enjoy this slow cooker jambalaya recipe by Spicy Southern Kitchen.
48. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
This recipe by Spicy Southern Chicken is essentially the most indulgent version of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup out there! It's so easy to make since it's in a slow cooker.
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49. Bread Pudding
Sweet and soft bread pudding is made incredibly easy with this Crock-Pot recipe by Slow Cooker Gourmet. Don't forget to make the salted caramel sauce too!
50. Ribs
No need to start up the grill — which is probably impossible in winter, anyway — because we've got this slow cooker recipe for ribs by Lauren Greutman.
