Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes: Perfect for Every Day

Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy delicious, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This article showcases some of the easiest and most delicious slow cooker recipes that you can prepare with just a few simple ingredients. From tender pork belly to flavorful BBQ chicken thighs and creamy chicken casseroles, there's a recipe here for every taste and occasion.

Boiled Pork Belly

If you're looking for an easy and comforting dish to cook in your slow cooker, boiled pork belly is a must-try recipe. This dish is simple to make yet results in tender and savory pork that will delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

500g pork belly 1 green leek, sliced 1 piece of ginger, peeled and sliced 1 clove of garlic, halved or crushed 50ml sake 50ml soy sauce 40ml mirin 40ml sugar

Instructions

Place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and cook the pork belly to seal the surface. Remove the cooked pork from the pan. Place the pork belly in the slow cooker. Add the sake, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, and green leek. Pour enough water to cover the pork belly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily flakeable.

Alternatively, you can place the pork, seasonings, and water in a Ziploc bag and cook in the heat-retaining mode of a rice cooker. This method ensures that the pork retains its moisture and tenderness.

Alternative Cooking Method

For those who prefer a slightly different method, you can cook the pork using the heat-retaining mode of a rice cooker. Simply place the pork and seasonings in a Ziploc bag and cook. This will produce very tender and flavorful pork that is perfect for any meal.

BBQ Chicken Thighs

Another simple and delicious slow cooker recipe is BBQ chicken thighs. This recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs Garlic powder Onion powder Smokey paprika Salt Pepper Favorite BBQ sauce or homemade sauce

Instructions

Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in the crock pot and add your favorite BBQ sauce. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

No simple slow cooker recipe article should be complete without a creamy chicken and stuffing casserole. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly comforting.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs Cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup chicken stock (low sodium is best) Boxed stuffing Frozen green beans Optional: Sour cream for a tangy flavor

Instructions

Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and lay the chicken breasts or thighs in the pot. Place the stuffing in a separate bowl and mix it with the cream of chicken soup and chicken stock. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Add the frozen green beans to the crock pot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. For a tangy twist, mix a bit of sour cream with the soup and stock mixture and pour this over the stuffing and chicken. If desired, omit the green beans and serve the casserole with another vegetable.

Cube Steak and Gravy

For a rich and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare, cube steak and gravy is a fantastic go-to option. This recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences and is perfect for a snowy evening.

Ingredients

2 lbs cube steak 1 packet of dry gravy mix 1 packet of au jus mix (or substitute with cream of celery) 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of celery) 1/2 cup of water 3 tbsp cornstarch 3 tbsp of cold water

Instructions

Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and lay the cube steak in the pot. Spread the dry gravy mix and au jus mix in a separate bowl and mix with 1/2 cup of water. Pour this mixture over the steak in the crock pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until the steak is cooked through and easily flakeable. To thicken the gravy, mix the cornstarch with 3 tbsp of cold water and pour it into the crock pot. Stir until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Place the cooked steak back into the gravy and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.

These three easy and delicious slow cooker recipes will keep your kitchen simple yet flavorful. Whether you're looking to feed a family or impress guests, these recipes are sure to become your new go-to favorites. Happy cooking!