As the weather warms up and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal to brighten up your plate. And what better way to do that than with a delicious slow cooker recipe? Spring is the perfect time to break out your slow cooker and get creative with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering spring slow cooker recipes that are sure to delight.
From classic comfort foods like chicken and dumplings, to flavorful vegetable-based dishes like ratatouille, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? These recipes are all easy to make and require minimal fuss, so you can spend more time enjoying your meals and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
So go ahead, take a look at our top 20 spring slow cooker recipes below, and get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing with joy!
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spring Vegetables
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is packed with tender chicken, zesty lemon, and savory garlic, all complemented by the sweetness of spring vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, lemon juice, garlic, and mixed spring vegetables.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spring Pea and Mint Slow Cooker Risotto
As the weather warms up, this Spring Pea and Mint Slow Cooker Risotto is the perfect way to welcome the season. This creamy, flavorful dish is a twist on traditional risotto, using fresh spring peas and mint for added freshness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 cups fresh spring peas
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition.
4. After 2 hours of cooking, add the fresh spring peas and chopped mint leaves. Stir well.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until the rice is creamy and the peas are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Elevate your meal with these tender and flavorful slow cooker honey glazed carrots infused with the warmth of thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add sliced carrots and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the glaze.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
– For a deeper flavor, use high-quality honey and fresh thyme.
– Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s temperature setting and desired level of tenderness.
Spring Vegetable and Herb Slow Cooker Soup
Spring Vegetable and Herb Slow Cooker Soup Recipe
As spring arrives, warm up with a hearty and flavorful soup that showcases the season’s freshest vegetables and herbs. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (such as peas, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the sliced carrots, celery, mixed spring vegetables, broth, water, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche
Elevate your brunch game with this creamy, savory slow cooker quiche that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus and mushrooms. Perfect for a crowd or a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to high.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and trimmed asparagus to the egg mixture; stir well.
4. Pour mixture into the slow cooker and top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Potatoes with Spring Onions
Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Potatoes with Spring Onions
A bright and flavorful twist on traditional slow-cooked potatoes, this recipe combines the tanginess of lemon juice with the pungency of spring onions and a hint of herbal freshness.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped spring onions (green and white parts)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine sliced potatoes, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and spring onions.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional spring onion slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spring Minestrone with Fresh Basil
As spring arrives, brighten up your meals with this vibrant slow cooker minestrone recipe. This flavorful and nutritious dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as bowtie or elbow)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, kidney beans, and dried basil.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Spring Herbs
Elevate your party game with this refreshing twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip. By incorporating spring herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, you’ll add a bright and revitalizing flavor to this slow cooker favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and chives.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, until heated through and bubbly.
4. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or pita bread.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low), 1-2 hours (high)
Springtime Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Springtime Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A hearty and comforting meal perfect for a chilly spring day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions)
– 1 cup of uncooked white rice
– 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, mixed vegetables, and rice to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour and butter to form a paste.
5. Drop small spoonfuls of the paste onto the top of the chicken mixture, creating dumplings.
6. Cover and continue cooking until the dumplings are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds
Elevate your green bean game with this easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This slow cooker dish combines the natural sweetness of green beans with the savory richness of garlic butter and crunchy almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Place the green beans in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, chicken broth, and water. Pour the mixture over the green beans.
3. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle almonds on top of the green beans.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-6 hours
Spring Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Zucchini and Eggplant
As the weather warms up, brighten your table with this vibrant and flavorful slow cooker ratatouille, packed with tender zucchini and eggplant. This spring-inspired twist on the classic Provençal dish is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, zucchinis, eggplants, and garlic until tender.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme to the slow cooker.
3. Add the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Pudding
Transform stale bread into a delightful dessert with this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe. The combination of lemon zest, poppy seeds, and sweet bread will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine bread, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Spring Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Fresh Peas
This hearty slow cooker stew is a perfect way to welcome spring, combining tender beef, fresh peas, and aromatic vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, frozen peas, carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Herb-Roasted Lamb with Spring Vegetables
This recipe combines the rich flavor of lamb with the brightness of spring vegetables, all perfectly cooked to tender perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a stress-free dinner party or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pound boneless leg of lamb
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cup spring vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place lamb in the slow cooker and add sliced lemon on top.
5. Add spring vegetables around the lamb.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Slow Cooker Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
This recipe transforms fresh strawberries and rhubarb into a luscious, slow-cooked compote perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 pound fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
4. Once cooked, use a fork to mash some of the fruit to create a chunky texture.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spring Slow Cooker Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
As spring awakens, warm up with this comforting slow cooker soup that combines tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine turkey breast, wild rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
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 or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon with Spring Greens
A bright and flavorful slow cooker recipe perfect for a springtime dinner. This dish is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients from the salmon and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 bunch of spring greens (such as spinach or kale)
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Place the salmon in the slow cooker and spoon the lemon-dill mixture over each fillet.
4. Add the spring greens on top of the salmon.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spring Vegetable Lasagna
As the weather warms up, this spring-inspired lasagna is a perfect way to celebrate the season’s fresh flavors. Layers of tender vegetables, creamy ricotta, and rich tomato sauce come together in a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for greasing the slow cooker
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Mix well.
4. Grease the slow cooker with olive oil.
5. Begin building the lasagna by spreading a layer of crushed tomatoes on the bottom. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top.
6. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mixed spring vegetables.
7. Repeat the layers: tomato sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and vegetables.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Slow Cooker Apricot Glazed Chicken with Spring Herbs
This sweet and savory recipe combines the flavors of apricots, spring herbs, and chicken for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this slow cooker recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together apricot preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the chicken.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Fresh Berry Cobbler with Lemon Zest
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your slow cooker cobbler with this refreshing dessert. With minimal prep and only 3 hours of cooking time, you can enjoy a warm, gooey berry cobbler perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Mix well to coat the berries evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
4. Add melted butter to dry ingredients; mix until a crumbly dough forms.
5. Place dough on top of berry mixture in slow cooker.
6. Cook on Low for 3 hours or High for 1.5 hours.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds this spring with these 20 fresh slow cooker recipes! From hearty stews and soups to sweet bread puddings, there’s something for everyone. Try Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spring Vegetables, Spring Pea and Mint Slow Cooker Risotto, or Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, try Slow Cooker Spring Minestrone with Fresh Basil or Slow Cooker Herb-Roasted Lamb with Spring Vegetables. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to please!
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