11 Slow Cooker Recipes That Keep December Nights Simple

When December rolls around, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. These slow cooker recipes make it easy to enjoy hearty, comforting meals without the hassle. Whether you’re craving a warm stew, savory soup, or a tender roast, these recipes let the slow cooker do all the work, so you can relax and enjoy more time with family. Perfect for busy nights, these dishes are simple to prepare and full of flavor, making them a go-to choice for cozy winter dinners.

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew is a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth, especially during cold December nights. The slow cooker makes this dish even better, as the meat becomes incredibly tender and the vegetables soak up all the rich flavors. Start by searing beef cubes in a skillet for extra flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add in chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Pour in beef broth along with your favorite herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, and let the stew simmer on low for 6-8 hours. The slow-cooking process ensures that every ingredient melds, creating a hearty, flavorful dish.

As the beef stew cooks, the aroma fills the house, making it the perfect meal to come home to on a chilly evening. The slow cooker does all the work, so you do not have to worry about constantly checking on it. Serve the stew with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. Whether you enjoy it as a filling dinner or a cozy lunch the next day, this beef stew recipe simplifies your December nights while providing a comforting, satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a one-pot wonder that comes together with minimal effort, making it a perfect dish for busy nights. To start, place boneless chicken breasts into the slow cooker along with chopped bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Add in long-grain rice, chicken broth, and seasonings such as garlic powder, thyme, and bay leaves. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 4-6 hours, and let the chicken and rice cook together, absorbing all the savory flavors. The rice will become tender and flavorful while the chicken stays juicy and easy to shred.

This dish is not only simple but also versatile. You can add extra ingredients like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to customize it to your taste. The beauty of slow cooking is that it requires little attention, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself. The result is a comforting meal that feels like home, making it a great option for a stress-free December night. Enjoy it as-is, or top it with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warming up on chilly December nights, and the slow cooker makes it even more convenient. Start by browning ground beef, turkey, or chicken in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add in canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto), diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili seasonings such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Pour in beef or chicken broth and let the chili simmer on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop deeply, creating a rich, flavorful chili that is both filling and satisfying.

One of the best parts of slow cooker chili is its ability to be customized. You can add toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even a dollop of guacamole. Serve the chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, chili is an easy and delicious choice that requires minimal effort, allowing you to relax while it cooks.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a delicious and easy dish that can feed a crowd with minimal effort. Begin by seasoning a pork shoulder with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Place the pork in the slow cooker along with sliced onions and a bit of apple cider vinegar or your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook the pork on low for 8 hours, allowing it to slowly break down into tender, flavorful shreds. The slow cooker ensures that the meat is perfectly cooked and infused with all the seasonings, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Once the pork is done, shred it with a fork and mix it with the juices from the slow cooker. This pulled pork can be used in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to tacos to a topping for baked potatoes. You can serve it with coleslaw and pickles for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or enjoy it on a bed of rice for a comforting, hearty meal. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires very little hands-on time, making it ideal for those busy December nights when you want a filling meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a deliciously warming dish that’s perfect for chilly December nights, and it’s so easy to prepare in the slow cooker. Start by adding boneless chicken breasts to the slow cooker along with onions, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken becomes tender and shreds easily, creating a hearty, flavorful base for the soup. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory broth.

Once the soup is ready, shred the chicken and stir it back into the broth. Top the soup with crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. This soup is a crowd-pleaser and can be made in large batches for easy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. The slow cooker makes it even more convenient by doing most of the work, leaving you with a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a classic Asian-inspired dish that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. To make it, start by browning slices of beef in a skillet, then add it to the slow cooker with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add in chopped broccoli and cook the mixture on low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooker helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with the rich, savory sauce, while the broccoli stays vibrant and slightly crisp. Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice for a filling meal that feels like it came straight from your favorite takeout restaurant.

This dish is perfect for those who want a flavorful, comforting dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop gradually, so the beef soaks up all the savory goodness from the sauce. The broccoli adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the beef. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that simplifies your December nights, leaving you with a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a creamy, comforting dish that’s made easy with the slow cooker. Start by browning pieces of beef stew meat in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with onions, garlic, and beef broth. Let the beef cook on low for 6-8 hours until it becomes tender and flavorful. About 30 minutes before serving, add in sour cream and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce. This results in a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the beef, making it a satisfying and indulgent dish.

Serve this beef stroganoff over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a classic meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop while you focus on other things. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any night when you want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal preparation. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried it before.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a light yet hearty dish that’s perfect for a December night. To make it, place chicken breasts in the slow cooker along with white beans, corn, onions, and green chilies. Add chicken broth, garlic, cumin, and oregano for flavor, then let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken becomes tender and shreds easily, while the beans and corn soak up the savory broth. This chili is a great alternative to traditional chili, offering a lighter, yet still filling, option.

Top the chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful, filling meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a comforting dish with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A pot roast is a classic dish that is perfect for a relaxed, cozy meal. Start by seasoning a beef roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and searing it in a skillet for extra flavor. Place it in the slow cooker along with potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth. Cook the roast on low for 8 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. The slow cooker helps infuse the meat with rich flavors, making it a truly comforting dish.

Once the pot roast is ready, slice the meat and serve it with the vegetables and gravy made from the cooking juices. This meal is great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the next day. It’s simple to prepare, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, making it an ideal choice for busy December nights. This dish will leave you feeling warm and satisfied with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a flavorful and easy dish to prepare in the slow cooker. Simply add boneless chicken pieces to the slow cooker along with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a sweet and tangy sauce made from vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Let the chicken cook on low for 6-8 hours, and the sauce will thicken and become rich in flavor. The chicken stays juicy, while the vegetables soak up the sweet and sour sauce.

Serve this dish over steamed rice for a complete meal. The slow cooker helps tenderize the chicken, infusing it with the tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner with minimal prep work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal with little time spent in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for holiday gatherings or family dinners.

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that brings brightness to the table without much effort. To prepare, simply place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker with garlic, lemon juice, zest, and some olive oil. Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth of flavor. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, and the result is a juicy, fragrant chicken that pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple salad. The citrus and garlic give the chicken a fresh, zesty kick, making it a refreshing change from heavier winter dishes.

This recipe is perfect for nights when you want something light yet satisfying. The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook gently, absorbing all the lemon and garlic flavors. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time and reheat, making it ideal for busy days. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, lemon garlic chicken is sure to be a hit with minimal work required.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.