5 Festive Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Holiday Evenings – Your Family Will Love These!

Busy holiday nights? These 5 festive slow cooker recipes will keep your family happy, full, and stress-free! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Food #Christmas

ST. PAUL, MN – The holidays are a magical time in our home in Minnesota. Every year, Jack and I host a Christmas party for family and friends. It’s one of our favorite traditions. And every year, Jack’s Cozy Christmas Chili steals the show.

Guests always ask for the recipe, and Jack loves hearing their compliments. The best part? It’s made in a slow cooker, which means it’s low-effort but big on flavor. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on slow cooker recipes for holiday meals. They’re lifesavers during busy evenings and still make everyone feel special.

Here are five of our go-to slow cooker recipes, including Jack’s famous chili, that your family is sure to love too!

1. Cozy Christmas Chili (Jack’s Famous Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (Jack’s secret holiday touch!)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground meat with the onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the browned meat to your slow cooker.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and spices.
4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
5. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions.

2. Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place the ham in your slow cooker, flat side down.
2. Mix honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cloves, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour over the ham.
3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
4. Let rest before slicing, and drizzle with extra glaze before serving.

3. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, wild rice, broth, carrots, celery, onion, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return to the slow cooker.
4. In a small bowl, whisk cream and flour. Stir into the soup and cook for another 30 minutes until thickened.

4. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers (red and green for a festive touch)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, tomatoes, half the cheese, and spices.
3. Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top 10 minutes before serving.

5. Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lb pork shoulder
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork with brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the slow cooker and pour apple cider over the top.
3. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
4. Shred the pork and mix with the juices in the slow cooker.
5. Serve on buns or with mashed potatoes.

Wrapping It Up

Slow cookers are the ultimate kitchen helpers during the holidays. These recipes are easy, delicious, and guaranteed to keep everyone happy. Try Jack’s Cozy Christmas Chili at your next gathering, or surprise your family with one of these other festive dishes.

Let us know which recipe is your favorite or share your own in the comments. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!

RELATED TOPICS: Food | Christmas

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