slow cooker

This comforting soup is loaded with broccoli and chicken in a creamy, cheesy base and finished off with the classic toppings of bacon and scallions. Frozen onions and rice keep their integrity and add texture to the soup, but chopped fresh onions and cooked brown rice (not frozen) can be used in their place.

This whole-grain porridge is a healthy way to start the day. Dehulled or hulless barley is unprocessed and takes longer to cook than the quicker pearled barley; use either for this recipe (servings of fiber will differ).

The aromatic trio of garlic, cumin and thyme harmonize in this hearty soup that comes together quickly before the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Kielbasa adds protein and a deeply savory note to this dinner in a bowl.

This creamy slow-cooker leek soup showcases leeks’ mild onion flavor, enhanced by plenty of fresh and dried herbs and with potatoes adding texture and body. Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese, similar to whipped cream cheese, that comes in a variety of flavors. We like how the garlic-and-herb flavor enhances the overall flavor of the soup, but you can substitute sour cream. To prevent the sour cream from curdling in the hot soup, place in a small bowl and slowly stir in some of the hot broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy-looking before adding to the slow cooker.

This comforting soup is loaded with broccoli and chicken in a creamy, cheesy base and finished off with the classic toppings of bacon and scallions. Frozen onions and rice keep their integrity and add texture to the soup, but chopped fresh onions and cooked brown rice (not frozen) can be used in their place.

Tender red potatoes, corn, shrimp, smoky sausage and flavorful Old Bay seasoning give this crockpot seafood boil the classic flavors you love. Because it's all made in the slow cooker, pulling this meal together is a breeze. It's perfect for a party—just serve it with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, bay leaves and ice-cold beer. If you can't find turkey andouille, use chicken andouille instead.

Let your slow cooker do the bulk of the work and end up with a meal that fulfills all your Mediterranean-food cravings. The mix of onions, tomatoes, kalamata olives, oregano and parsley adds pleasing acidity to the browned chicken, while toasted pine nuts lend interest to the orzo.

With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won't miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn't available, substitute regular.

Typically made with bacon, these vegetarian slow-cooked beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Molasses and brown sugar provide sweetness, while tomato, mustard and Worcestershire sauce add savoriness. Serve these beans as a side at any potluck or barbecue.

Originally from Mesopotamia, farro is a type of wheat with a wonderful nutty flavor and toothsome texture. It's packed with plant-based protein, niacin, magnesium and zinc. Ancient wheat strains have also been found to have higher levels of antioxidants and carotenoids, important for eye health.