10 Holiday Crock Pot Recipes to Free Up Your Oven Space

Cooking during the holidays can get hectic, especially when oven space is at a premium. Throwing your favorite dishes into a crock pot can be a lifesaver, allowing you to create delicious meals while keeping your oven free for all those baked goodies. Here’s a collection of tasty crock pot recipes perfect for the festive season that will help lighten your kitchen workload.

Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Stew Perfect For Winter Gatherings

When winter rolls around, nothing warms the heart quite like a hearty beef stew. This savory slow-cooked dish is perfect for gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a comforting meal without taking up precious oven space. Imagine a bowl filled with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich broth, all simmered to perfection in your trusty crock pot.

The image captures the essence of this dish beautifully. A wooden bowl brimming with chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots sits invitingly, steam rising from the warm stew. The rustic setting, complete with a cozy blanket and a side of fresh bread, sets the stage for a delightful meal shared with loved ones.

Using a crock pot for this recipe means you can set it and forget it, making it a stress-free option for busy holiday gatherings. The flavors meld together as it cooks, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut the beef into cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add Vegetables: In the slow cooker, add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
4. Mix the Broth: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Rich And Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta For Effortless Entertaining

When it comes to holiday gatherings, having a delicious dish that doesn’t take up oven space is a win. This rich and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is perfect for feeding a crowd without the hassle. The image captures a beautiful bowl of fettuccine, coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce, topped with tender pieces of chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s not just a feast for the stomach, but also for the eyes!

This dish is simple to prepare in a crock pot, allowing you to focus on your guests while it cooks away. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory chicken, creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, making it a great choice for festive occasions.

Let’s get into the ingredients and steps to whip up this delightful chicken Alfredo pasta!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a crock pot, combine heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook on low for about 2 hours until heated through.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the diced chicken and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
4. Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine to the crock pot. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your rich and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta!

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Comforting Slow Cooker Chili To Warm Up Your Holiday Nights

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili on a chilly holiday night. This slow cooker chili is perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty without taking up oven space. The rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it a go-to dish for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Imagine coming home to the smell of spices and simmering beans. The vibrant colors of the chili, topped with cheese and fresh cilantro, make it as inviting as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!

Gather your friends and family around the table, and serve this chili with some crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. It’s a simple way to bring everyone together and enjoy the warmth of the season.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Flavor-Packed Honey Garlic Chicken That Will Impress Guests

This honey garlic chicken is a showstopper for any holiday gathering. The image showcases tender pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, sweet, and savory sauce. It's served alongside fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The festive decorations in the background hint at the holiday spirit, making it a perfect dish for your celebrations.

Using a crock pot for this recipe frees up your oven space, allowing you to prepare other dishes simultaneously. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a flavor that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, it's super easy to make!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
5. Serve: Spoon the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Hearty Vegetable Soup For A Healthy Holiday Option

When the holiday season rolls around, it's easy to get caught up in rich and heavy dishes. A hearty vegetable soup is a fantastic way to balance things out. This colorful soup is packed with fresh veggies, making it a healthy option that everyone will love.

The image shows a vibrant bowl of vegetable soup, brimming with chunks of carrots, celery, and peppers, all swimming in a savory broth. The bowl's design adds a festive touch, perfect for the holiday table. Surrounding the bowl are festive decorations, including ornaments and fresh herbs, creating a cozy atmosphere.

This soup not only warms the body but also saves oven space, allowing you to prepare other holiday favorites. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have on hand!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large crock pot on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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Classic Italian Meatballs For A Taste Of Tradition

When you think of comfort food, classic Italian meatballs often come to mind. They bring warmth and nostalgia, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. The image showcases a hearty bowl of spaghetti topped with succulent meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart.

Using a crock pot for this recipe means you can free up your oven for other holiday dishes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in meatballs that are tender and packed with flavor. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• Spaghetti, for serving
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the meatballs in the crock pot and pour the marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. When ready to serve, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Plate the spaghetti and top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.

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Sweet And Tangy Cranberry Orange Chicken For A Unique Twist

Looking for a dish that brings a unique twist to your holiday table? This Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Chicken is just what you need. The vibrant colors of the dish, with bright orange slices and deep red cranberries, make it visually appealing. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty oranges creates a delightful flavor profile. This dish is perfect for those who want to impress guests without taking up oven space. You can let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on other holiday preparations.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as this chicken cooks slowly, soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with festive sides. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy holiday days.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange (juiced and zested)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well.
3. Add to Slow Cooker: Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Serve: Once done, shred the chicken if desired and serve over cooked rice. Garnish with extra cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.

Delicious Slow-Cooked Potato Soup For Comfort On Chilly Nights

When the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup. This slow-cooked version is creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights. The image captures a delightful bowl of potato soup topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs, surrounded by warm bread rolls and cheese. It’s a cozy setup that invites you to dig in and enjoy.

This recipe is a lifesaver during the holiday season when oven space is at a premium. You can let the crock pot do all the work while you focus on other dishes. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and bacon creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and vegetable broth in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
3. Once cooked, mash the potatoes slightly with a fork or potato masher for a creamy texture.
4. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley. Enjoy with warm bread rolls on the side!

Spicy And Savory Jambalaya For A Southern Holiday Flare

Jambalaya is a classic dish that brings a taste of the South to your holiday table. This spicy and savory meal is packed with flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd. The image showcases a vibrant bowl of jambalaya, filled with plump shrimp, smoky sausage, and colorful veggies. The warm tones of the dish contrast beautifully with the festive decorations in the background, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering.

Using a crock pot for this recipe not only saves oven space but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The combination of spices, rice, and proteins creates a hearty dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large crock pot, combine the sausage, bell peppers, onion, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, rice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
3. After 4 hours, add the shrimp and frozen peas. Stir gently and cover again. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
4. Once done, fluff the jambalaya with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tasty Teriyaki Chicken For An Easy, Flavorful Option

When the holiday season rolls around, oven space can become a precious commodity. That's where your trusty crock pot comes in! This Tasty Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only simple but also bursting with flavor. It's a perfect dish to whip up while saving your oven for those holiday pies and casseroles.

The image showcases a mouthwatering plate of teriyaki chicken, served alongside fluffy white rice and vibrant broccoli. The chicken is glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds for that extra crunch. The bright green broccoli adds a pop of color and a healthy touch to the meal.

This dish is great for busy holiday days when you want something delicious without the hassle. Just toss the ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and let it do the work while you focus on other holiday preparations.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. Cover and let them steam until tender.
4. Serve: Once everything is cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

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