It's Time To Break Out Your Slow-Cooker For These 25 Recipes Gallery

Slow-cookers (such as the original name-brand Crock-Pot) are such a useful kitchen appliance, allowing you to prepare meals and get them cooking hours in advance without the need to monitor oven temperatures or supervise an open flame.

Whether you are cooking for one or a crowd, being prepared and calling to action a slow-cooker can save you time (that you just don't have) and valuable energy while still ensuring that dinner gets on the table in a deliberate and delicious way. Now that the weather is getting cooler, heartier, braised dishes or soups and stews, served warm, straight from the slow-cooker, are back on the menu. From savory lasagna, macaroni and cheese, chili, and minestrone to sweet rice pudding, hot cocoa, and chocolate cake, there are so many delicious recipes that your slow-cooker is just yearning to make. Click on to discover 25 recipes to cook in your slow-cooker this season.

Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Pulled pork lends itself so well to the low and slow nature of the slow-cooker. This recipe uses cinnamon, brown sugar, and cider and will make you feel utterly cozy in the kitchen.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork recipe.

Beef and Mushroom Stew

Throw everything into your slow-cooker and, after four hours, ladle your bowls full of this deliciously comforting stew.

Click here for the Beef and Mushroom Stew recipe.

Beef Stroganoff

Make this simple beef stroganoff in the morning and get on with your day, knowing that dinner will be satisfying, easy, and delicious.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff recipe.

Butter Chicken

There's no need to order takeout with this recipe in your repertoire! Recreate this popular Indian dish with all the ease of slow-cooking.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken recipe.

Butternut Squash Soup With Sausage

This recipe is a lovely take on classic minestrone — full of Italian sausage, butternut squash, and small ditalini pasta.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup With Sausage recipe.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Seared chicken, toasted onion, and spices are layered and cooked for four hours in a lovely tomato-coconut sauce in this winning chicken tikka masala.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.

Chocolate Cake

Have you ever made a cake in a slow-cooker? Now is the time to try with this excellent chocolate cake!

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Chocolate Cake.

Cinnamon French Toast

Who could say no to a spoonful of slow-cooked cinnamon French toast? This recipe heats up beautifully so you can easily make it the day before and have a wonderful breakfast ready in no time the next morning.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Cinnamon French Toast recipe.

Coconut Rice Pudding

Make this rice pudding for breakfast or dessert! With brown rice, coconut milk, and maple syrup you can enjoy this dish guilt-free any time of day.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding recipe.

Cranberry-Orange Cake

If your oven is already in use (or you just don't want to turn it on), you can still make cake and eat it.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Cranberry-Orange Cake recipe.

Enchilada Soup

Throw this soup together in just 10 minutes and enjoy a full flavored dish full of spices that pack a punch.

Click here for Slow-Cooker Enchilada Soup recipe.

Honey Barbecue Pork Roast With Carrots

Barbecue sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger transform a simple pork loin into a delectable meal over the course of a day.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Honey Barbecue Pork Roast With Carrots recipe.

Lazy Day Lasagna

This is the perfect recipe for those days when you absolutely need lasagna but don't feel like spending all afternoon making it.

Click here for the Lazy Day Lasagna recipe.

Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup

This soup is full of flavor from nutritious ingredients like spinach, carrots, and celery that simmer together all day, creating a tasty dinner that's ready when you get home.

Click here the for Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken and Orzo recipe.

Mac and Cheese

Come home to a slow-cooker full of mac and cheese that is ready to eat as soon as you step through your front door.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe.

Meatballs With Garden Vegetable Sauce

The sauce for these meatballs is absolutely chock full of vegetables — an excellent way to get any suspicious children to eat a healthy dinner.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Meatballs With Garden Vegetable Sauce recipe.

Minestrone Stew

This soup is easy to make and can be customized depending on the vegetables that are already in your fridge — perfect for any "cleaning out the fridge" days.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Minestrone Stew recipe.

Moroccan Chicken With Chopped Almonds, Apricots, and Cauliflower

Tender chicken marinated in almond butter, cumin, coriander, and ginger is a delicious meal. Make it extra-healthy by serving it over cauliflower rice that is studded with dried cherries and lots of fresh herbs.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chicken with Chopped Almonds, Apricots, and Cauliflower recipe.

‘Osso Buco’ Stew

Instead of the traditional veal shanks, this recipes uses cubed stewing meat. Cooked for hours in wine, broth, and vegetables, this version of the Milanese classic is just as hearty and delicious.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker 'Osso Buco' Stew recipe.

Pork Shoulder

This slow-cooked recipe transforms cheap pork shoulder into a mouthwatering, tender piece of meat. Once cooked it can be added to a number of dishes or simply enjoyed on its own with a green salad or your favorite side.

Click here for Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder recipe.

Short Ribs

Short ribs can be seen on an awful lot of menus these days, but cooking them at home can be a little intimidating. This recipe makes the process simple and will deliver a delicious result to the plate every time.

Click here for the Slow-Cooked Short Ribs recipe.

Spicy Hot Chocolate

Don't limit your slow-cooker to braised meat and stews — add a kick to any cold day with this cardamom- and cayenne-spiced hot chocolate recipe.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Spicy Hot Chocolate recipe.

Tarragon Chicken With Mushroom Cream Sauce

Tarragon is a wonderful herb that is totally underutilized. Try this recipe and fall in love with the bittersweet anise flavor that pairs so beautifully with chicken.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Tarragon Chicken With Mushroom Cream Sauce recipe.

Thai Beef Stew

If you are in the mood for a Thai beef stew, look no further. With fresh ginger, red curry paste, tomato paste, and a splash of fish sauce, the flavors in this stew might well become a weeknight staple.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker Thai Beef Stew recipe.

White Chicken Chili

This white chicken chili is creamy, soupy, and full of shredded chicken. Serve with tortilla chips for a chili-tortilla soup hybrid that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. For 50 delicious and healthy slow-cooker dinner recipes, click here.

Click here for the Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.