25 Springtime Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

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25 Springtime Slow Cooker Recipes (1)Salam FatayerUpdated: Apr. 29, 2023

    Whether spring is just around the corner or fully upon us, arm yourself with these super tasty and refreshing spring recipes, from Asian rolls to chicken gyros.

    1/25

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Our fun, simple slow-cooker chicken tacos are perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

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    2/25

    Taste of Home

    Asian Wraps

    This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

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    3/25

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

    We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

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    4/25

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Sweet 'n' Sour Pork

    Even though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today. -Martha Nickerson of Hanco*ck, Maine

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    5/25

    Italian Mushrooms

    Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota

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    6/25

    Taste of Home

    Shredded Chicken Gyros

    Our family always has such a wonderful time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

    7/25

    Taste of Home

    Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Olives

    This squash is outstanding as a side dish, but you can also top it with canned tuna to create a simple, healthy main dish. It's easy and so tasty! I like to use my own canned tomatoes for the best flavor. —Carol Chase, Sioux City, Iowa

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    8/25

    Slow-Cooked Green Beans

    I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

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    9/25

    Taste of Home

    Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce

    The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

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    10/25

    Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

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    11/25

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal

    This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekend mornings. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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    12/25

    Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos

    Sometimes I'll substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tacos. —Kathleen Wolf Naperville, Illinois

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    13/25

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Broccoli

    This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee

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    14/25

    Slow-Cooked Lemony Spring Veggies

    These spuds do a slow simmer with carrots and onion for a comfort side that bucks up any entree. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    15/25

    Taste of Home

    Cheesy Spinach

    My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois

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    16/25

    Loaded Veggie Dip

    Packed with veggies and bursting with flavor, this chunky dip is sure to be a hit at your next party. Be sure to serve it with a thick cracker that can be used as a scoop. —Patrice Slaughter, Palm Bay, Florida

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    17/25

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

    Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

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    18/25

    Slow-Cooker Pizza

    Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri

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    19/25

    Stuffed Chicken Rolls

    Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida

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    20/25

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Italian Chicken

    Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida

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    21/25

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

    Use up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida

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    22/25

    Taste of Home

    I’m all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

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    23/25

    Taste of Home

    This simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

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    24/25

    Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings

    I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan

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    25/25

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts

    After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

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    Originally Published: March 12, 2019

    25 Springtime Slow Cooker Recipes (26)

    Salam Fatayer

    When she's not writing, Salam spends her days making digital art or rewatching her favorite films. She's always ready for a passionate karaoke session, even if it's in the middle of her living room.

    25 Springtime Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

    10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
    1. Raw Meat.
    2. Seafood.
    3. Pasta.
    4. Rice.
    5. Delicate Vegetables.
    6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
    7. Dairy.
    8. Wine and Other Liquor.
    Jan 19, 2024

    What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker? ›

    Slow cookers are great for cooking cheaper cuts like beef brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder and chicken thighs. You can also use less meat, as slow cooking really extracts a meaty flavour that permeates the whole dish. Bulk up with vegetables instead.

    Can I leave the lid off my slow cooker? ›

    Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.

    Can I leave food in slow cooker overnight off? ›

    It is not recommended to keep food warm in a slow cooker overnight by turning it off and not opening it until the next morning. Doing so could create an environment that allows bacteria to grow, which can make the food unsafe to eat.

    What's the difference between slow cooker and crockpot? ›

    A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

    Can I put raw meat in slow cooker? ›

    Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned. However, browning meat and caramelising the beef is a great way to add depth of flavour and improve the visual appearance of the final dish.

    Why are my carrots still hard in the slow cooker? ›

    If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.

    Can you use oven bags in slow cooker? ›

    Can you use oven bags in a slow cooker? We do not recommend it. Try Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners. They were specifically developed and sized for use in slow cookers, while Reynolds Kitchens® Oven Bags were designed and sized to hold large cuts of meat for pan-roasting in the oven.

    Can I use parchment paper in my slow cooker? ›

    To use the slow cooker for delicate dishes like salmon, or harder-to-remove items like stuffed peppers and baked goods, line it with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil that is long enough to come over the sides. The cooked food can then be easily lifted out and transferred to a serving platter fully intact.

    Can you put kitchen roll under lid of slow cooker? ›

    Wondering how to stop condensation in a slow cooker? To prevent water from dripping back onto food in a slow cooker, some people place a clean, folded kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels between the lid and the pot to absorb moisture.

    Why is my beef so tough in the slow cooker? ›

    “Beef may be tough in the slow cooker if you haven't added enough liquid, or haven't cooked it for long enough,” Kristen Carli, M.S., R.D., owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, tells SELF. “For cuts of meat, the fattier cuts are often the ones that get juicy and tender.

    Does meat get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker? ›

    Aside from being juicier, slow-cooking makes meat a lot more tender and flavorful. The extra juices help to accomplish this but it's mainly the long-cooking time that brings out the richness of the meat.

    Should you stir a slow cooker? ›

    Should I stir ingredients in my Crockpot slow cooker while they're cooking? Although you may be tempted, resist the urge to check on the ingredients during the cooking process! Lifting the lid allows heat and steam to escape, which will cause you to have to increase the cooking time.

    How do I get the best results from a slow cooker? ›

    Avoid overcrowding: For the best results, fill a slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full. Go ahead and cook big roasts and whole chickens; just make sure you use a large crock and that the lid fits snugly on top. Trim fat: For silky sauces and gravies, take a minute or two and cut the excess fat from the meat.

    Why does my slow cooker burn everything? ›

    This is because slow cookers cook food at a lower temperature than other methods, such as stovetop cooking. This means that it takes longer for the food to reach the correct temperature, which can cause the food to overcook and become burnt.

    What are the disadvantages of slow cooking? ›

    5 Disadvantages of Slow Cookers
    • Cooking times are long.
    • You can't sear food.
    • They always produce a soft texture.
    • It's not possible to adjust as you go.
    • Some foods don't work.
    Nov 15, 2023

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

    While there are some disadvantages to using a slow cooker, such as the risk of overcooking food or forgetting to turn it off, these generally pale in comparison to the benefits. For busy families or those who enjoy coming home to a hot meal, a slow cooker can be a great addition to any kitchen.

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