19 Best Ever Winter Crockpot Meals

When the cold winter days set in, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering away in your trusty crockpot. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these 19 Best Winter Crockpot Meals are your ultimate companions for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or simply surviving the hustle and bustle of the season! 

From hearty stews to creamy pastas, each recipe in this collection is designed to be deliciously satisfying and easy to prepare. With dump and go options for those days when you just don’t have the time to spend hours preparing a cozy and hearty dinner, there’s something here for everyone, and they’re perfect for busy families and batch cooking. 

Before we jump in, here are some of my favorite tips for really getting the most out of your slow cooker this winter:

• Use the Low Setting for Tender Results: Cooking on low heat for a longer time helps break down tougher cuts of meat and allows flavors to meld beautifully. It’s important to note that all crockpots and slow cookers are different and you may need to adjust your timings accordingly, but I’ve tested so many recipes in various models and I almost always find that lower settings create better results!
• Don’t Overfill the Crockpot: Leave at least one inch of space at the top to allow for even cooking and avoid overflow.
• Thicken Soups and Stews: If you prefer a thicker consistency, use cornstarch or flour to thicken the broth in the last hour of cooking.
• Prep the Night Before: For busy days, assemble your crockpot ingredients the night before and refrigerate the insert. In the morning, just place it in the base and turn it on.
• Avoid Opening the Lid Too Often: Each time you open the crockpot lid, heat escapes, which can extend cooking time by 20-30 minutes.
• Let the Crockpot Cool Before Cleaning: Allow the insert to cool before washing to avoid cracking, especially with ceramic crockpots.
• Plan for Leftovers: Most crockpot meals make excellent leftovers. Store extra servings in airtight containers for easy, reheatable meals throughout the week.

1. Crockpot Meatloaf

This classic comfort dish gets a makeover in the crockpot, resulting in a moist, flavorful meatloaf that’s perfect for any winter dinner. It’s a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table, and the leftovers (if there are any) make for great sandwiches!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed.
2. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until cooked through.

2. Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty blend of ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes makes this dish the ultimate comfort food. It’s a complete meal in one dish, and the flavors meld beautifully while cooking!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat and onion in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add carrots, peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce; stir well.
3. Top with mashed potatoes and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with fresh herbs for garnish. 

3. Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

These tender meatballs in a creamy sauce are a delicious addition to any winter gathering and are sure to impress your guests! They’re deliciously comforting and perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Perfect with pasta or creamy mashed potatoes for a real comfort food dinner. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion powder, and garlic powder. Form into meatballs. Add to skillet and brown slightly. 
2. Place meatballs in the crockpot. Add beef broth and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in sour cream before serving.

4. Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with all your favorite fixings, this loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights. It’s rich and hearty, plus it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, onion, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours.
2. Mash the potatoes slightly, then stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Serve topped with bacon and green onions.

5. Crockpot Lasagna

Layered with cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce, this lasagna is a game-changer for winter dinners. It’s a deliciously easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without the fuss of traditional baking, and it’s a dish that I make again and again over the colder months. Perfect with some garlic bread and a fresh green salad. 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish 

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef; drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
2. In the crockpot, layer marinara sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Garnish with fresh basil. 

6. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

This rich and creamy dish features tender beef and mushrooms in a savory sauce served over noodles or rice. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté the beef and onion in a skillet until the meat is sealed. Place beef, onion, beef broth, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours.
2. Stir in sour cream before serving over cooked egg noodles.

7. Crockpot Thai Chicken Curry

This flavorful and aromatic dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce. It’s a delicious escape to Thailand without leaving your kitchen!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, coconut milk, curry paste, bell pepper, and snap peas in the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in fish sauce before serving, garnished with cilantro.

8. Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo

Creamy and cheesy tortellini cooked in a rich Alfredo sauce makes for a comforting dish everyone will love. This one is super simple but it’s comfort food at its best, and I find that it’s always popular with kids and fussy eaters! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, combine tortellini, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, then stir in mozzarella cheese before serving, garnished with parsley.

9. Crockpot Lamb Stew

Tender lamb and hearty vegetables come together in this rich and flavorful stew, perfect for warming you up on cold nights. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners and festive occasions!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb stew meat, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Seal the lamb in a pan on the stove. Place lamb, carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or until lamb is tender.

10. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

This smoky and savory pulled pork is slow-cooked to perfection and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served on its own. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days or holiday gatherings! I often serve this as part of a hearty meal with veggies and roast potatoes, then I keep the leftovers for crusty sandwiches with coleslaw and salad the next day. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in the crockpot. Mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; pour over pork.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the pork and serve with additional BBQ sauce.

11. Crockpot Taco Casserole

Layered with flavors of taco night, this casserole is easy to make and perfect for a fun family dinner. It’s a fun mash-up of your favorite tacos, and who doesn’t love a good taco night?

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot. Add beans, corn, taco seasoning, and salsa; stir well.
2. Layer with tortilla chips and cheese. Cook on low for 4 hours.

12. Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast

This flavorful pot roast is cooked with ranch dressing and pepperoncini, resulting in a tender and zesty meal. It’s packed with flavor and practically cooks itself—what’s not to love?

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet au jus mix
• 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, with juice
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Place the roast in the crockpot. Sprinkle ranch and au jus mix over the top, then add the pepperoncini and juice. Top with butter.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.

13. Crockpot Baked Ziti

This cheesy and hearty baked ziti is a comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for cold winter nights!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta, uncooked
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, combine ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
2. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cook on low for 4 hours.

14. Crockpot Bolognese

This rich and hearty sauce simmers all day to create a delicious bolognese perfect for pasta night. It’s a classic dish that’s sure to impress and feed a crowd!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef and pork; drain excess fat. Transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add onion, carrots, garlic, crushed tomatoes, red wine, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over pasta and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan.

15. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

This creamy chicken Alfredo is a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner. It’s indulgent and delicious—a creamy pasta dish that everyone will love!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in pasta and Parmesan and heavy cream; cook for an additional 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.

16. Crockpot Chickpea Stew

This hearty and healthy chickpea stew is loaded with veggies and spices, perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. It’s a nourishing, plant-based dish that’s full of flavor and satisfaction!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the crockpot, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, carrots, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve warm.

17. Crockpot Pizza Chicken

This fun dish combines chicken with pizza sauce and toppings for a pizza-inspired meal that’s sure to be a hit! A great choice if you’re cooking for kids or you just want something that’s super fun and casual. I make this one when I’m trying to avoid ordering takeout but still want to enjoy the flavors! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped onions

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and top with pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta.