5 Slow Cooker Recipes That Are Perfect for Leftovers

Introduction

The slow cooker has become a beloved kitchen appliance for many home cooks, and for good reason. This versatile tool allows you to prepare flavorful, hearty dishes with minimal effort and time commitment. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do the work while you go about your day.

One of the most significant advantages of using a slow cooker is its ability to create meals that can be enjoyed again and again. Cooking in bulk means that you can repurpose leftovers into new and exciting dishes throughout the week. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces food waste and keeps your meals fresh and interesting.

In this blog post, we will explore five slow cooker recipes that are perfect for making leftovers. Each recipe will include an overview, ingredient list, cooking instructions, and creative ideas for using any leftovers. Let’s dive right in!

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Chili

Overview

Slow cooker chili is a classic comfort food that’s packed with flavor and nutritional value. With its rich, spicy taste and hearty texture, this dish warms you up from the inside out. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the spices and adding your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover chili can be transformed in numerous ways, such as:

• Chili Cheese Fries: Pour leftover chili over fries, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Chili Quesadillas: Use chili as a filling for quesadillas, grilled until crispy.
• Chili Stuffed Peppers: Mix with rice, stuff into bell peppers, and bake.

Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Overview

Slow cooker chicken tacos are a versatile and delicious option for taco night. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly, allowing the spices to infuse every bite. The best part? The leftover chicken can be used in various ways throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• Tortillas, for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, avocado, sour cream

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, and pour the salsa on top.
3. Add the black beans and corn to the slow cooker, mixing gently.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the other ingredients.
6. Serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover chicken can be repurposed in various ways:

• Chicken Salad: Mix with mayo, celery, and grapes for a delicious salad.
• Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, corn, and avocado.
• Chicken Enchiladas: Fill tortillas and bake with enchilada sauce and cheese.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Overview

A hearty beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender, and the vegetables to absorb all the flavors. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings and makes a fantastic leftover option.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in a skillet until browned on all sides.
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir to combine and cover.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Leftover Ideas

Here are some great ideas for using leftover beef stew:

• Beef Stew Pot Pie: Use leftovers as a filling for pot pie topped with puff pastry.
• Beef Hash: Sauté leftover stew with diced potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
• Beef Stew Soup: Thin it out with additional broth and serve as a soup.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Overview

Slow cooker vegetable soup is an excellent way to pack a variety of nutrients into a single bowl. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a great option for any time of the year. Plus, it’s an easy way to utilize any leftover vegetables in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In the slow cooker, combine all ingredients and stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover vegetable soup can be transformed into:

• Soup-Based Pasta: Cook pasta in the leftover soup for a hearty dish.
• Vegetable Soup Risotto: Use the soup as a base for risotto, adding rice and stirring until creamy.
• Vegetable Soup Casserole: Mix with rice and top with cheese, bake until bubbly.

Recipe 5: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Overview

Slow cooker pulled pork is a crowd favorite, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The pork becomes tender and shreds easily, making it a versatile ingredient for various meals. Its smoky flavor and juicy texture are sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. Place the sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the seasoned pork shoulder on top and pour BBQ sauce over it.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce before serving.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover pulled pork can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Serve on buns with coleslaw and extra BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, pulled pork, and toppings.
• Pulled Pork Tacos: Use in tacos with fresh toppings.

Summary Table of Recipes