Slow-Cooked Comfort Food

November 29, 2011
Hector Sanchez
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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

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.

3 of 15

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.

Advertisement

4 of 15

Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut

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.

5 of 15

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.

6 of 15

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

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.

8 of 15

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

9 of 15

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.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    10 of 15

    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.

    11 of 15

    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.

    12 of 15

    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.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    13 of 15

    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

    14 of 15

    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.

    15 of 15

    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.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Replay gallery

    Share the Gallery

    Up Next