It’s cold outside. Like, real cold. Enter the Crockpot, the kitchen’s best answer to warm, filling, and simple meals for the whole family. I know I lean on this dear appliance more in these frigid winter months, and I want to share with you some recent cozy recipes I’ve tried. They may not be the healthiest, but they are certain to warm up your week!
Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
I haven’t always lived in the Midwest, but I know that people around here sure love Ranch. Mix up this easy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes from Wishes and Dishes and you’ve got your whole meal done! I added egg noodles to ours, but you could eat it as is!
First, add ingredients to crockpot (veggies first, then chicken, then sauce on top). Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on high.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, not peeled, cut into chunks
- 2.5 cups baby carrots
Sauce:
- 1 large (23 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz.) packet dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
- fresh thyme, for garnish
Mexican Chicken and Rice
We love a taco night around here, and this Mashed recipe made the whole filling at once! After cooking, we topped off our tacos with cheese, sour cream and salsa.
- 1 pound white rice
- 1 (28 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces) can yellow corn, drained and rinsed
Add ingredients with the chicken breasts on top. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours. Make sure you stir a few times to cook the rice well! Shred the chicken and mix all together at the end. Enjoy!
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole
We like to celebrate my Polish roots with pierogis as a staple in this house. While I usually fry them, it was fun to try them in a casserole from Daily DIY Life! This recipe is super easy and kid friendly — the grown-ups in our house missed the crunch of the fried pierogis a little bit.
Cook the following ingredients on high for 3 hours, or low for 4-6 hours:
- 3 16 oz.boxes Mrs. T’s Frozen Cheddar Pierogies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 8 oz. block cream cheese
- 1 pound kielbasa – sliced (or other cooked meat mentioned above)
- salt & pepper to taste
There you have it! A week of cozy crockpot recipes — with plenty of leftovers — to warm you up inside. What are you cooking up this winter season? I’d love to hear!
Ready for something more challenging than a crockpot? Check out these fall recipes for your next meal plan!
