Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Look no further! The West Bend slow cooker is a game-changer for busy home cooks, allowing you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
From hearty stews and soups to comforting casseroles and sandwiches, our West Bend slow cooker recipes have something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for beef, chicken, pork, or veggies, we’ve got you covered. So grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy-to-make slow cooker stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day. Rich beef and tender root vegetables meld together in a flavorful, comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced parsnip to the slow cooker.
3. Place the seasoned beef on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using).
5. Sprinkle thyme over the stew.
6. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (Low) or 4-6 hours (High)
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of creamy goodness and savory flavors, all thanks to the slow cooker’s magic. With tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich broth, you’ll be left wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice (brown and white)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, wild rice, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream; adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
West Bend Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Get ready to fall in love with the tender and flavorful pulled pork sandwiches that can be easily prepared in your slow cooker! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup West Bend BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw and pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Pour West Bend BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce) over the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and place it on hamburger buns.
6. Top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken thighs, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and garlic until well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and drizzle with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Pour in the olive oil and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Chili
This hearty, comforting chili is perfect for a chilly day. With the rich flavors of lentils, vegetables, and spices, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, onion, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Stir in water.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Red Wine Gravy
A hearty, comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs beef pot roast (chuck or rump)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pot roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the roast and onions.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 8-10 hours
– High: 4-6 hours
West Bend Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
West Bend Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
A comforting classic that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, this West Bend Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the West Bend Slow Cooker, combine the milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Add the cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and stir until well coated with the cheese sauce.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, turkey, and spices for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add the diced sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe
Get ready for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs without the hassle of constant monitoring. This slow cooker recipe allows you to cook your favorite BBQ ribs while you’re busy with other tasks.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them cook evenly).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over both racks.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat starts to pull away from the bones.
6. During the last 30 minutes, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce.
7. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Experience the rich flavors of India in this effortless slow cooker recipe. Marinate chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cook it to tender perfection with aromatic vegetables and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne (if using). Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper on top of the chicken.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
West Bend Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep. This recipe combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich sauce in just 6 hours of cooking time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 bunch broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to the West Bend Slow Cooker.
4. Add the broccoli, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy tortellini soup, made easy in your slow cooker. This rich and satisfying recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 oz cheese-filled tortellini
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, olive oil, onion, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Add tortellini on top of the soup mixture.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Pork Loin
Tender and flavorful, this slow cooker garlic butter pork loin is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal solution for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) pork loin
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
West Bend Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Savor the flavors of a classic sausage and pepper dish with this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add sausage to the slow cooker.
2. Layer sliced peppers and onions on top of the sausage.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over the vegetables.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Tips:
– Use any combination of bell peppers you like – green, red, yellow, or a mix!
– If using hot sausage, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Drumsticks
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a stress-free Sunday lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
2. Place chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker and pour the maple-mustard mixture over them.
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Savor the flavors of tender peppers filled with a savory blend of vegetables and grains, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to “low”.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together rice, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, corn kernels, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the vegetable mixture, filling as full as possible.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker, leaving some space between each.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve warm, garnished with cheese and parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
West Bend Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
West Bend Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches: A Deliciously Easy Meal
This recipe is a classic Italian-inspired twist on traditional beef sandwiches, featuring tender and flavorful slow-cooked beef, melted mozzarella cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef roast (such as chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 crusty sub rolls
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Place the beef cubes in the slow cooker with the sliced onion and minced garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, Italian dressing, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and onions.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Preheat your broiler. Slice the sub rolls in half and toast them under the broiler.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing sliced beef onto the toasted rolls, followed by melted mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Creamy Mushroom Chicken
A hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and yields tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, mushrooms, onion, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, and heavy cream.
3. Stir in the thyme.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is a perfect blend of spicy and savory, made with tender black beans, aromatic spices, and the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup, depending on your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
West Bend Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/2 cup diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Add the oats, water or milk, diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to your West Bend Slow Cooker.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in an additional 1/2 cup milk (optional).
5. Serve warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as nuts, fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 20 mouth-watering West Bend slow cooker recipes perfect for busy weeknights! From comforting beef stew and creamy chicken soup to pulled pork sandwiches and hearty lentil chili, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at easy BBQ ribs or flavorful chicken tikka masala. Even veggie lovers are covered with vegetarian options like stuffed peppers and black bean soup. With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking a sweat. Simply add ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and let the magic happen!