30 slow cooker recipes to keep you warm (and full)

WASHINGTON — Don’t have time to cook all day? That’s not a problem.

If you have a few minutes to prep ingredients, you can have dinner on the table when you walk through the door with these slow cooker recipes.

This Nov. 21, 2016 photo shows red lentil and chicken slow-cooker soup in New York. The soup is thick from the lentils, and fragrant with cumin and coriander. (Sarah E Crowder via AP)
Red lentil and chicken slow-cooker soup Cumin and coriander flavor this thick, warming soup. Find the recipe here. (Sarah E Crowder via AP)
This Feb. 1, 2016, photo, shows slow cooker Southwestern stew in Concord, N.H. This healthy recipe is full of fiber and protein thanks to the combination of black beans, chickpeas and lean ground beef. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Southwestern Stew This flavorful recipe from Melissa D’Arabian is packed with protein and fiber. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This January 25, 2016 photo shows slow cooker Greek chicken in Concord, NH.   Once this recipe is adapted for low and slow cooking, the flavors meld  perfectly and the technique is fast and simple.(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken The ingredients need a bit of browning before they hit the slow cooker, but the extra step pays off in the end. Try this recipe for slow cooker Greek chicken with potatoes and lemon for your next meal. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Oct. 19, 2015 photo shows slow cooker chicken chili in Concord, NH. For slow cooker chili, one of the greatest secret weapon ingredients is chipotles in adobo sauce. These are smoked jalapeno peppers that have been stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, salt and various spices, such as cumin, oregano and paprika.  (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili The secret weapon in this recipe for chicken chili is chipotles in adobo sauce, which are smoked jalapeno peppers that have been stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, salt and various spices. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Jan. 11, 2016 photo shows slow cooker pork shoulder vindaloo in Concord, N.H. This dish is from a recipe by Meera Sodha. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Vindaloo There’s no need to order Indian takeout. The next time you crave the spice of vindaloo, turn on your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Try this recipe for slow cooker pork shoulder vinadloo. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Dec. 1, 2014 photo shows slow cooker onion soup in Concord, N.H. The humble onion is one the most common aromatic vegetables, popping up in so many ways across so many cuisines. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Onion Soup You can caramelize onions and make a delicious French onion soup in the slow cooker. Here is a step-by-step recipe guide from Kitchn. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 20, 2015 photo shows slow cooker triticale porridge in Concord, N.H. Freekeh and triticale are among the latest hot whole grains gaining ground as more Americans look beyond brown rice.(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Triticale Porridge Enjoy a healthy, whole-grain breakfast straight from the slow cooker with this recipe for porridge. Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt and toasted pecans. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 1, 2016 photo shows slow cooker chicken teriyaki with carrots in Concord, N.H. This incredibly versatile and delicious teriyaki sauce recipe can be used on whatever protein at hand: chicken, steak, pork or salmon. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Have a busy week ahead? This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe only requires 20 minutes of prep time. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 1, 2016 photo shows Chocolate Cherry Slow Cooker Pudding Cake in Concord, N.H. This chocolate cake combines the best attributes of brownies and pudding. The result is tender and cakey, but also richly moist and even gooey. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Chocolate Cherry Slow Cooker Pudding Cake Make your dinner and dessert in the slow cooker. This chocolate cherry cake is a combination of brownies and pudding. What’s not to love? (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Jan. 25, 2016 photo shows 6-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork in Concord, N.H. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork All you need for a delicious pot of pulled pork is some olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and low-sodium chicken broth. Find the recipe here. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 8, 2016 photo shows slow cooker peach cobbler in Concord, N.H. If you think all your slow cooker is good for is cranking out pots of chili and beef stew, think again. This versatile kitchen workhorse can be put to use for all manner of things you probably never realized, including desserts. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler There’s no baking required in this recipe for slow cooker peach cobbler — just some fruit, biscuit dough and time. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
ShortRibs.jpg
Slow Cooker Short Ribs  Few things in life are as tasty and decadent as short ribs. Don’t let the “slow cooker” phrase throw you off — this recipe from Sara Moulton isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it one; it takes some time to make. But it’s well worth the effort. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
BeefChickPeaStew.jpg
Beef Stew with Chickpeas Nothing says cold-weather eating like a beef stew. This recipe from Melissa D’Arabian and the Associated Press doubles up on heartiness by incorporating chickpeas. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
MeyerLemonChicken.jpg
Slow Cooker Meyer Lemon Chicken Lemons, fennel, mushrooms and leeks add French flair to a classic chicken crock-pot dish. The recipe calls for a seven- to eight-hour cooking period, so start dinner before you leave for work and it’ll be done when you get home from work. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
CrockPotPasta.jpg
Creamy Caramelized Onion Pasta AP Food Editor J.M. Hirsch is at it again with a minimal-effort-required recipe. Caramelize the onions all day, and all that\’s left to do is boil the pasta and throw in a few additional ingredients when it’s time to eat. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
BeefandBarleySoup.jpg
Beef and Barley Soup Do you have a super-busy day planned? This recipe for beef and barley soup takes 15 minutes to prep, and it can be left alone for up to 11 hours. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
BeefBourguignon.jpg
Beef Bourguignon It’s a dish for which Julia Child was well-known — and for good reason. The classic recipe requires a lot of time and attention, but you can make it in a crock pot too, and the result is just as delicious. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
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Quinoa Lentil Tacos  Take the evening labor out of taco night. The filling for this vegetarian recipe — which includes sweet potatoes, lentils and quinoa — can cook in the crock pot on low for seven to nine hours. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
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Slow Cooked Cuban Sandwich Does it sound odd to make a sandwich in a slow cooker? Don’t question it for another second. The crock pot makes the pork shoulder perfectly tender for a classic Cuban sandwich. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
LambTagine.jpg
Lamb Tagine Branch out a little with your slow-cooker recipes and make this traditional Moroccan meal with only 10 minutes of prep time and six hours of cooking time. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
ChickenEnchiladaStack.jpg
Chicken Enchilada Casserole  The cheesy, flavorful Mexican classic has a crock-pot alternative too. Layer tortillas, chicken, onion, chilies, tomatoes, corn, beans and more to make a stacked enchilada casserole — perfect for a Sunday football party. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
CrockpotRibs.jpg
Crock Pot Ribs with Barbecue Sauce These saucy, meaty ribs are sure to … well, stick to your ribs and keep you warm through winter’s worst cold fronts. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Meatballs.jpg
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Next time you’re craving meatballs and pasta — or a meatball sub — break out your crock pot. This recipe from Food and Wine requires just four hours of cooking. (AP Photo)
MacAndCheese.jpg
Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese The ultimate comfort food can be cooked in the ultimate machine invented for culinary convenience. This recipe for mac and cheese from Food Network calls for about 3 hours in the slow cooker. (AP Photo)
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Sausages, Sauerkraut and Potatoes  Serve these juicy sausages, which cook with the sauerkraut and potatoes for seven to eight hours, with a touch of mustard for the perfect cold-weather meal. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Risotto.jpg
Slow Cooker Asparagus Risotto In need of a rich and creamy vegetarian dish? Give this crock pot risotto a try. The recipe calls for both Parmesan and Gruyere cheese, making it extra flavorful. (AP Photo)
BuffaloChickenSandwich.jpg
Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Shredded buffalo chicken sandwiches with blue cheese dressing can be accomplished in the crock pot with this recipe from Cooking Channel. (AP Photo/Matt York)
HominyStew.jpg
Hog ‘n Hominy Salsa Verde Stew This pork, hominy and salsa stew will shut down all thoughts of cold weather. The spice-driven dish is filled with peppers, pork, tomatillos, garlic and hominy. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
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Cedar Plank Salmon  If it’s too cold to trek out to the grill to cook your salmon, cut down your cedar plank and try this crock pot recipe instead. (AP Photo/CIA/Ben Fink)
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Crock Pot Coffee Cake The crock pot isn’t limited to savory comfort foods. You can use your slow cooker to make desserts as well, such as this recipe for a glazed cinnamon coffee cake. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
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This Nov. 21, 2016 photo shows red lentil and chicken slow-cooker soup in New York. The soup is thick from the lentils, and fragrant with cumin and coriander. (Sarah E Crowder via AP)
This Feb. 1, 2016, photo, shows slow cooker Southwestern stew in Concord, N.H. This healthy recipe is full of fiber and protein thanks to the combination of black beans, chickpeas and lean ground beef. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This January 25, 2016 photo shows slow cooker Greek chicken in Concord, NH.   Once this recipe is adapted for low and slow cooking, the flavors meld  perfectly and the technique is fast and simple.(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Oct. 19, 2015 photo shows slow cooker chicken chili in Concord, NH. For slow cooker chili, one of the greatest secret weapon ingredients is chipotles in adobo sauce. These are smoked jalapeno peppers that have been stewed in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, salt and various spices, such as cumin, oregano and paprika.  (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Jan. 11, 2016 photo shows slow cooker pork shoulder vindaloo in Concord, N.H. This dish is from a recipe by Meera Sodha. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Dec. 1, 2014 photo shows slow cooker onion soup in Concord, N.H. The humble onion is one the most common aromatic vegetables, popping up in so many ways across so many cuisines. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This July 20, 2015 photo shows slow cooker triticale porridge in Concord, N.H. Freekeh and triticale are among the latest hot whole grains gaining ground as more Americans look beyond brown rice.(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 1, 2016 photo shows slow cooker chicken teriyaki with carrots in Concord, N.H. This incredibly versatile and delicious teriyaki sauce recipe can be used on whatever protein at hand: chicken, steak, pork or salmon. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 1, 2016 photo shows Chocolate Cherry Slow Cooker Pudding Cake in Concord, N.H. This chocolate cake combines the best attributes of brownies and pudding. The result is tender and cakey, but also richly moist and even gooey. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Jan. 25, 2016 photo shows 6-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork in Concord, N.H. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Feb. 8, 2016 photo shows slow cooker peach cobbler in Concord, N.H. If you think all your slow cooker is good for is cranking out pots of chili and beef stew, think again. This versatile kitchen workhorse can be put to use for all manner of things you probably never realized, including desserts. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
ShortRibs.jpg
BeefChickPeaStew.jpg
MeyerLemonChicken.jpg
CrockPotPasta.jpg
BeefandBarleySoup.jpg
BeefBourguignon.jpg
LentilTacos.jpg
CubanSandwich.jpg
LambTagine.jpg
ChickenEnchiladaStack.jpg
CrockpotRibs.jpg
Meatballs.jpg
MacAndCheese.jpg
Sausage_and_Kraut.jpg
Risotto.jpg
BuffaloChickenSandwich.jpg
HominyStew.jpg
CedarPlankSalmon.jpg
CoffeeCake.jpg
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