Slow-Cooked Comfort Food

By Southern Living
Photo: J. Savage Gibson

When it comes to tackling weeknight dinners, a dependable slow cooker is our tool of choice. Throw a few ingredients into the pot, set it on “low,” and go about your business. By dinnertime, you’ll have a fabulous meal ready to enjoy. Slow cookers are made for so much more than just soups and stews. Whether you’re looking for a simple, versatile way to use your slow cooker, or a way to make your favorite Southern comfort foods with less than half the hands-on cooking time, a slow cooker can save you time without sacrificing flavor. Juicy barbecue, tender brisket, slow cooker beans, creamy chicken, spicy chili, hearty potato soup, and so much more – your slow cooker can make cooking up a pot of Southern comfort food easier than you’d ever imagined. For a cold winter’s night, we recommend our crowd-pleasing, wine-braised slow cooker oxtail. Throw your ingredients in the pot and plug it in – within hours, your home will be filled with the savory, decadent flavor of Southern comfort food. You’ll never need to light another candle again.

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Green Tomato Chile Verde

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Green Tomato Chile Verde

We like the tang and body that green tomatoes give this comforting stew.

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Wine-Braised Oxtails

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Wine-Braised Oxtails

Slow cooking oxtails (beefy cuts from the tail of a cow) with red wine and aromatic vegetables releases their rich flavor, creating a hearty, fork-tender stew that’s guaranteed  to take the chill off a cold winter’s evening.

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Peppered Beef Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Peppered Beef Soup

Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to three months. Add a bit of canned broth when reheating to reach desired consistency. For a pretty finish, serve in Toasted Bread Bowls.

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Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut

Thinly sliced pancetta (unsmoked Italian bacon cured with salt and spices) and a few quick twists of kitchen string turn an inexpensive pork loin into a party-worthy dish.

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King Ranch Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Fans of creamy, Southwestern flavored King Ranch Chicken Casserole will love this easy slow cooker version of the recipe.

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Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

The key to this dinner-party-worthy dish is to brown the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker.

Cooking Video: How To Make Rosemary-Garlic Chicken Quarters

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Italian Pot Roast

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Italian Pot Roast

This hearty pot roast is perfect for a busy weeknight. Just put the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work.

 

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Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Photo: Howard Lee Puckett

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Smoked turkey sausage, bell peppers, and red beans come together in this classic, easy slow-cooker recipe. Serve over long-grain rice for an amazing meal.

Cooking Video: Quick-Fix Red Beans and Rice

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Easy Brunswick Stew

Recipe: Easy Brunswick Stew

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty Brunswick stew. Sop up every flavorful last bit with crusty bread or crispy cornbread crackers.

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Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken

Phoot: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Creamy Slow-cooker Chicken

This versatile recipe can be used in lots of innovative ways. Shred the cooked chicken, and toss with hot cooked pasta. Create a casserole, or jump-start a filling for easy enchiladas or a fast pot pie.

 

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Beef With Red Wine Sauce

Recipe: Beef With Red Wine Sauce

Make a simple one-dish dinner that's sure to wow your guests. This beef recipe, flavored with gravy and mushrooms, is a hearty, filling dish. Pair with a salad or bread, for sopping up the sauce, and you're ready to eat.

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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Make your favorite creamy coleslaw to serve with or on this barbecue sandwich. Freeze any leftover meat for up to one month.

 

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Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

This slow-cooker chili recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker brings out the rich flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Video: Easy Homemade Turkey Chili

 

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Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket

Serve shredded brisket on top of tortillas with your choice of toppings for a creative taco night.

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Hearty Potato Soup

Photo: J. Savage Gibson

Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup

Bread bowls are a sandwich shop favorite for a reason. Instead of venturing out into the cold night air, fill homemade Italian Bread Bowls with chunky potato soup featuring potatoes, onions, carrot, celery, and savory seasonings.

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