Now that the weather is getting cooler, it’s “time to get cozy,” according to Senior Producer Nicole McLaughlin. And we’re so ready. We’re ready for sweaters, pumpkin carving, and jumping in leaves. But we’re especially ready for comfort food, and that means breaking out the slow cooker. Here, Nicole gives us five easy dinners you can set and forget in our trusty appliances—perfect for fall.
Swamp Potatoes and Sausage
Peyton Beckwith
“One of the most delicious things I have made in a long time,” Nicole starts us off with Swamp Potatoes and Sausage—a hearty meal packed with potatoes, smoked sausage, green beans, and more. Cook it for six to seven hours and it’s just “divine.”
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
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“The epitome of comfort food…Salisbury Steak…it’s going to be smothered, and delicious, and you can serve it over mashed potatoes,” Nicole notes. We’re in. While it takes a little more prep than other slow cooker recipes to shape and sear the beef patties, it’s all worth it for that first bite. “Tastes like a hug from your Southern grandmother.”
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
Allrecipes
Proving not everything that comes out of the slow cooker is a soup or a stew, this teriyaki pork recipe is highly rated on our site with hundreds of five-star reviews. Set in on low for up to four hours and end up with a sauce “you’ll want to bathe in,” according to Nicole. The bonus here is this is a lighter dish—and you can use store-bought teriyaki to make things extra simple.
Widowmaker Creamy White Chicken Chili
Peyton Beckwith
Take a new spin on chili this season. According to the recipe creator, Natalie Gravoi, “This Widowmaker Creamy White Chicken Chili is a spicy slow cooker chili with white beans, salsa verde, and chili powder in a creamy cream cheese base. The best part is that it feeds a crowd.” As Nicole points out after her first taste, “the tomatillo salsa is what makes it.”
Pot Roast Dips
Allrecipes
To finish off the list, we have a genius recipe that turns beef chuck roast into gourmet sandwiches the whole family will enjoy. “It’s all about the jus,” Nicole points out, which is made easy by using a packet of dry au jus mix and a package of dry onion soup mix. “Simply delicious.” We’ll be making this on repeat.
