As the weather warms up and spring arrives, our taste buds start to crave lighter, fresher flavors. And what’s a better way to enjoy those flavors than with a deliciously easy meal cooked in your trusty slow cooker? Spring is the perfect time to break out your slow cooker and try some new recipes that showcase the season’s freshest ingredients. From hearty stews and soups to flavorful main courses and sides, we’ve got 18 mouthwatering spring-inspired slow cooker recipes to get you started.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a collection of recipes that incorporate the best of what spring has to offer – think asparagus, peas, mint, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and savory or light and refreshing, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
This recipe is a bright and flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can come home to tender, juicy chicken smothered in a zesty lemon and herb sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
2. In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spring Vegetable Beef Stew
As the seasons transition, this hearty stew celebrates the arrival of spring with a medley of fresh vegetables and tender beef. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, and can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups spring vegetable broth (or beef broth)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Slow Cooker Asparagus and Pea Risotto
Elevate your meal prep with this creamy and comforting slow cooker risotto, packed with tender asparagus and sweet peas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cups mixed asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. In the slow cooker, combine rice, warmed broth, cooked onion, asparagus, peas, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using).
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in additional broth if risotto seems too thick.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Herb-Roasted Spring Lamb in the Slow Cooker
Spring lamb is a tender and flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for slow-cooking. This recipe infuses the lamb with aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a deliciously moist and savory dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless spring lamb shoulder or leg
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the lamb in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the lamb from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Spring Minestrone Soup
This slow cooker spring minestrone soup is a delicious and comforting blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for a cozy evening meal or a quick lunch. With its vibrant colors and flavorful broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker in the order listed above.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp and Veggies
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering slow cooker recipe, perfect for a busy household. Succulent shrimp and tender veggies are smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, all cooked to perfection in just a few hours.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup mixed veggies (such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add shrimp, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mixed veggies to the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and parsley. Pour over the top of the vegetables.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Springtime Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
As the weather warms up, there’s nothing like a hearty, comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings to brighten up your day. This Springtime Slow Cooker recipe is perfect for a cozy evening meal or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. Sprinkle flour over the top of the mixture.
3. Add olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in dumplings (see below).
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Dumpling Mix:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg, beaten
Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ingredients. Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto the top of the chicken mixture and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Artichokes
Elevate your meal with these tender and flavorful slow-cooked artichokes infused with the brightness of lemon and richness of garlic. Perfect as a side dish or added to pasta, rice, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large artichokes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Rinse the artichokes and remove the tough outer leaves. Cut off the stems and slice the artichoke quarters in half.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add the artichoke halves to the slow cooker, along with the chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spring Herb and Potato Slow Cooker Casserole
Spring Herb and Potato Slow Cooker Casserole: A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a warm spring evening. This casserole combines the sweetness of potatoes with the freshness of herbs, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup mixed spring herbs (such as chives, parsley, and dill)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced potatoes, mixed herbs, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. Dot the top of the potato mixture with the unsalted butter.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots
Transform regular carrots into a sweet and sticky delight with this simple slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced carrots, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
– For an extra caramelized glaze, cook the carrots for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour after they’re tender.
– Adjust the amount of honey and spices to your taste preferences.
Spring Chicken and Wild Rice Slow Cooker Soup
This hearty soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh spring vegetables for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously flavorful soup ready to warm your belly and your home.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme to a large slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the mixed spring vegetables.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This recipe puts a creative spin on traditional stuffed shells by adding the creamy richness of spinach and ricotta to the slow cooker. The result is a comforting, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in slow cooker, topped with marinara sauce.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Spring Vegetable and Chickpea Curry in the Slow Cooker
This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to celebrate the arrival of spring, with a flavorful curry made using fresh vegetables and chickpeas. Perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 medium-sized red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Mix in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, frozen peas and carrots, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the water.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it yields moist and flavorful salmon with a zesty lemon dill sauce. Simply place all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you’re busy with other tasks.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and garlic.
3. Add the salmon fillets to the slow cooker, making sure they are covered with the sauce.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours (low) or 1-3 hours (high)
Springtime Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Springtime Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs: A Light and Refreshing Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
These tender turkey meatballs are infused with the bright flavors of spring, perfect for a warm-weather gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup spring-inspired sauce (such as lemon-garlic or mint-herb)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, oats, parsley, Parmesan, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-25).
4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour in spring-inspired sauce.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the comfort of roasted potatoes with the convenience of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine potatoes, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle chopped rosemary over the potatoes.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Spring Pea and Mint Soup in the Slow Cooker
As the weather warms up, this refreshing soup is a perfect way to welcome spring. With its vibrant green color and subtle mint flavor, it’s a delicious and healthy option for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh spring peas (or frozen)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Add the peas, broth, mint, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry
Perfect for a busy day, this slow cooker recipe combines the flavors of chicken, spring vegetables, and savory soy sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken and spring vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Discover the flavors of spring with these 18 delicious slow cooker recipes! From hearty stews to bright and citrusy dishes, these healthy recipes are perfect for the season. Enjoy flavorful options like Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken, Spring Vegetable Beef Stew, and Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp and Veggies. Or try new twists on classic favorites like Springtime Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings or Slow Cooker Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. With these easy and nutritious recipes, you’ll be cooking up a spring in no time!