It's easy to think of a slow cooker as being exclusively good for fall and winter meals. Slow cookers are so amazing for deliciously rich, heavy winter foods, like warming French onion soup, classic beef brisket, tender pot roasts, and hearty Bolognese sauces.
In winter, we're used to the joy of throwing a bunch of ingredients into our slow cooker in the morning, taking care of errands and working all day, and then coming home to the wonderful smell of a hearty, delicious dinner that's already made, no extra effort required. (OK, maybe some extra effort if it's a dish that requires sides — but usually nothing more than throwing a salad into a bowl, right?). But just because spring has (finally!) sprung doesn't mean it's time to put the Crock-Pot away just yet.
While we definitely associate slow cooker classics with heavier, heartier winter dishes, it turns out that there are some amazing dishes full of brighter, lighter spring flavors that can be prepared in a slow cooker. Also, as spring is still often blustery and a bit cold, there are some wonderfully warming dishes that take advantage of the best spring has to offer while still being ideal for a chilly spring evening.
We love to use as many seasonal ingredients as possible (they just taste better, and they're cheaper than they are the rest of the year!) so in the spring, we want to make use of seasonal produce like tender asparagus stalks, big, meaty globe artichokes, and fresh spring peas. For the non-vegetarians among us, we also love to celebrate the season with some spring lamb (which is especially good in a slow cooker), and treats that are really only available during the spring months, like crawfish. Take a look through these recipes to find new, delicious ways to use the slow cooker this spring.
4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken
What could be simpler (or more flavorful) than this four ingredient slow cooker pesto ranch chicken? It is the absolute answer to packed weekday schedules and picky eaters.
Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup
For those of us cooking a bone-in Easter ham this spring, slow cooker ham bone soup is the answer for what to do with the scraps and leftovers. This is a delicious, classic, down-home recipe (and reduces food waste)!
Slow Cooker Salmon With Creamy Lemon Sauce
This slow cooker salmon with creamy lemon sauce is a weeknight game-changer (that's also great for a date night at home, too). Perfect with a glass of dry white after a long day.
Madison's Favorite Beef Tacos
Everyone loves taco night! And what's easier than throwing a bunch of ingredients in the slow cooker before we leave for work to make it happen? We are huge fans of Madison's favorite beef tacos recipe.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Asparagus
Easy slow cooker chicken and asparagus is such a lovely springtime meal (and takes so little prep work). We love spring produce, and asparagus is at the top of that list (although frozen asparagus works here, too).
Slow Cooker Roast Lamb with Lemon, Rosemary & Garlic
It's spring, which means it's time for spring lamb! We love this slow cooker roast lamb with lemon, rosemary, and garlic for its incredible ease, while still bringing the flavors of the season.
Curried Carrot Coconut Soup
A chilly spring day is the perfect time for soup — but why not create a super easy, colorful, flavorful springtime version? This curried carrot coconut soup is bright and wonderful.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta With Mushrooms & Spring Peas
Packed with veggies, protein, and carbs, this slow cooker creamy chicken pasta with wild mushrooms and spring peas is a weeknight lifesaver. It can function as a meal entirely on its own or it can be served with a side salad or some quick-roasted veggies.
Slow Cooker Seafood Cioppino
Who knew the Crock-Pot could be used to make something this delicate — and do it so well? This slow cooker seafood cioppino is delicious, simple, and requires little prep.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Artichokes
We absolutely adore these super simple Crock-Pot stuffed artichokes. Normally, with artichokes, we have to keep checking the water levels below the steamer basket to make sure everything's going according to plan — this simplifies everything about 1,000%.
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Breast
We love the delicate flavor of this creamy spinach mushroom chicken breast, and the fact that it's so versatile. It would work so well paired with a side of wild rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili Verde
So easy, so full of beautiful flavor. This slow cooker pork chili verde. Serve it with classic beans and rice, and if there's time, a quick salad made of butter lettuce and orange slices.
Slow Cooker Crawfish Boil
It's crawfish season again! While traditionally made in a big vat outside, break out the biggest slow cooker in the house and get down with some Cajun cuisine for a totally delicious indoors variation: slow cooker crawfish boil.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
A traditional family favorite, this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is going to make everybody happy. Adjust the spiciness to the family's taste, and serve with a tray of quick-roasted garlicky broccoli.
Slow Cooker Crab & Artichoke Dip
We love having another couple over for a game night, but we don't love thinking about what to serve. Answer: slow cooker crab and artichoke dip. Throw all the ingredients in, set, forget, and serve with a bag of bagel chips or some slices of French bread.
Slow Cooker Tomato Balsamic Chicken
Bright, flavorful, and warming, this slow cooker tomato balsamic chicken is perfect for a cool spring day. Pair with a tall glass of milk for the kids and a nice Sangiovese for mom.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
It's not beef stew, y'all, it's slow cooker beef bourguignon. This is so rich and flavorful, and goes so well with a side of quick-roasted green beans (set oven to 425 F, throw green beans on baking sheet, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with garlic powder and salt, toss, remove 15 minutes later).
Slow Cooker Shrimp Risotto
This slow cooker shrimp risotto is easy enough to make on the busiest weekday, and elegant enough to serve for a weekend dinner party or at-home date night. Would be gorgeous with a glass of Vinho Verde.
Slow Cooker Mango Salsa Chicken
We love the bright tropical flavor of this slow cooker mango salsa chicken, which heralds in warm spring weather. Would be so delish served over cilantro-lime rice or a similarly flavored quinoa.
Crock-Pot Quinoa Chicken Primavera
This Crock-Pot quinoa chicken primavera is a complete-protein, one-pot-meal, with plenty of whole grain, vegetables, and lean protein. And it reheats beautifully in the microwave, too!
