why make this recipe
Make these slow cooker comfort meals when you want warm food with little work. The slow cooker saves time and makes flavors deep and soft. For a warm, cheesy soup idea to pair with these meals, try Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup — warm and cheesy.
introduction
This set of recipes gives three easy slow cooker meals: Beef Stew, Creamy Chicken and Rice, and Vegetarian Chili. Each recipe uses simple steps and common ingredients. If you want more classic comfort ideas, see Grandma’s Chicken Soup — the ultimate comfort food.
how to make Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
Beef Stew
Brown the cubed beef in a pan for a few minutes to seal flavor. Put the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of red wine if you like. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
For another hearty beef option, you can read about Cattle Drive Casserole — a comforting classic.
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add rice, chicken broth, sliced mushrooms, and your seasonings (garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs). Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook until peas are hot and rice is tender.
Vegetarian Chili
Dump drained kidney beans, drained black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, chopped jalapeño, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Taste and add salt or chili powder if needed.
Ingredients :
Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A splash of red wine
Creamy Chicken and Rice:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Seasonings to taste (garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs)
Vegetarian Chili:
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 1 can corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Beef Stew:
- Brown the cubed beef in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker with veggies, broth, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Creamy Chicken and Rice:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker, add rice, broth, mushrooms, and spices.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Mix in cream and peas 30 minutes before serving.
Vegetarian Chili:
- Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir and season.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
how to serve Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
Serve beef stew hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. For the creamy chicken and rice, serve spooned over a plate and add a green salad. Serve vegetarian chili with grated cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. You can also make a pot pie side like Easy Chicken Pot Pie using Crescent Rolls — a comfort food favorite to go with the meals.
how to store Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
Cool food to room temperature within two hours. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in suitable containers for 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
tips to make Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
- Cut ingredients evenly so they cook at the same rate. For example, chop potatoes and carrots the same size.
- Do not lift the slow cooker lid while cooking. Each lift adds time.
- Brown meat first for better flavor, but you can skip browning to save time.
- Use low heat for the best texture and flavor when you have time.
- For a richer taste in stews, add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
For a fun twist on comfort flavors, read about Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup — the ultimate comfort.
variation (if any)
- Make the beef stew spicier: add a diced jalapeño or 1 tsp chili powder.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts in the chicken and rice, but check cooking time so chicken stays moist.
- For the chili, add sweet potatoes or more veggies for extra fiber and flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meat or vegetables?
A: Yes. You can use frozen meat or vegetables, but add extra cook time. Thawing first gives more even cooking.
Q: Can I cook these on high instead of low?
A: Yes. High cooks faster. Use the stated high time in each recipe.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice may need more liquid or longer cook time. Check rice before serving.
Q: How thick should I make the stew or chili?
A: For thicker stew or chili, remove the lid near the end and cook on high for 20–30 minutes. You can also mash some beans or potatoes to thicken.
Q: Can I freeze the creamy chicken and rice?
A: Creamy dishes can separate after freezing. Freeze them if needed, but reheat slowly and stir well.
Slow Cooker Comfort Meals
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the cubed beef in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker with veggies, broth, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker, add rice, broth, mushrooms, and spices.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Mix in cream and peas 30 minutes before serving.
- Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir and season.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.