Slow-cooker meals are easy to love. You set ’em and forget ’em—slow-cooker meals are convenient, easy, ready when you are. A meal that has been simmering in a slow-cooker is warming after a chilly day, both to the belly as well as the home. Plus, there’s just no easier way to tailgate or host a football watch party than to put a small army of slow cookers on duty. That most slow-cooker recipes use just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients is a (very welcome) added bonus.
To celebrate all things heart-warming, we decided to round up a list of our favorite slow-cooker recipes. Whether you love chili, pulled pork, meatballs, or even festive holiday turkey, this list has a slow-cooked paradise ready for shopping and hours of simmering—and filling your house with the aromas of a home-cooked meal.
Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork Carnitas
These rich, flavorful carnitas braise in a slow cooker while you’re at work. Simply crisp under the broiler, throw out a stack of steaming tortillas and taco toppings, and dinner is ready in minutes—and, thanks to this seasoning and this sauce (both favorites among our competition BBQ-er friends), good enough to share, even if you won’t want to.
Slow Cooker Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Head Country blogger pal Janelle shares with us her recipe for Slow Cooker Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Janelle’s approach to food is simple, not overly complicated, but always completely delicious. This recipe featuring slow-cooked BBQ chicken is no different.
Instant Pot Spicy Chili
This Instant Pot Spicy Chili can also be made in a slow cooker, depending on what you’ve got and how much time you can spare. It’s a wonderful recipe for those cold winter days when you need something to warm you up—we eat it year-round because it’s so dang good.
Slow Cooker Party Meatballs
The Speedy Spatula, written by Amy Whitfeild, suggests a party trick that’s easy to love: “slow-cooked” here just means that the meatballs cook themselves for hours, leaving the chef with time to get everything else in order before guests arrive. Try out these Slow Cooker Party Meatballs for that next big gathering. This recipe also has a secret ingredient that you won’t expect, but don’t skip it—it makes all the difference.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Here’s another favorite of ours from The Speedy Spatula: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Amy is inspired by a long line of family cooks, so she takes Southern favorites and makes them faster, healthier, and easier for the modern cook. This is a strong holiday meal that will certainly allow for extra time for family and decorating during festive seasons.
Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
The labor is low and the deliciousness is high with this incredible meal. Everyone will think you’ve been in the kitchen cooking for hours, but the prep time is actually only about 10 minutes, if that. Here’s the recipe if you need a yummy and lazy night: Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Chicken Drums.
Don’t forget to load up on Head Country BBQ sauce, seasoning, and marinade before you start your cooking adventures. It might not hurt to pick up a Head Country hat or an apron, too—if you’re going to cook like a BBQ champion, why not look the part? Find us in a store near you with our store locater, or order online.
