Dependable and easy to use, the slow cooker certainly earns its spot on the kitchen bench in the cooler months. And our easy slow cooker recipes are the ultimate autumn and winter feel-good foods.
The recipes are fuss-free and simple to prepare to make dinnertime even easier. From rich stews and curries to classic bolognese and hearty vegetarian meals, there’s plenty of delicious dinners to see every family through the rest of the season.
Best cuts for easy slow cooker recipes
Long, slow cooking will tenderise even the toughest cut of meat. Stewing or braising cuts are the best choices. Tough cuts are usually inexpensive, but cutting the meat off the bone yourself can save you more money as you’re not paying for the convenience of pre-cut meat. It also gives you the opportunity to trim off visible fat and make the pieces a uniform size.
The best cuts of meat to use for slow-cooked dinners are:
BEEF: Topside, oyster, blade, skirt, round, chuck, gravy beef.
VEAL: Osso buco, shanks, shoulder.
LAMB: Neck chops, boneless shoulder, shanks, boneless forequarter.
PORK: Forequarter chops, neck, belly, shoulder.
CHICKEN: Any pieces on the bone, such as drumsticks, thighs and marylands.
SEAFOOD: Seafood is generally not suitable for slow cooking as it toughens quickly. However, there are many recipes for sauces that can be cooked in the slow cooker, then add the seafood just before serving. The exception is large octopus, which will cook and become tender in a slow cooker.
Slow cooker tips
Slow cookers are available in a range of shapes and sizes and come with a variety of features. Each recipe will specify the size of slow cooker used when testing the recipe. If you have a smaller or larger cooker you will have to decrease or increase the quantity of food, and almost certainly the liquid content, in the recipes.
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for your cooker, as each will differ depending on its features. They will also outline appropriate safety measures, such as not leaving the appliance unattended at any time.
Slow cooker buying guide
If you’re considering upgrading your slow cooker, or buying your first, make sure you read our slow cooker buying guide. It covers the key features for several of the top slow cooker models in Australia.
You’ll need one of these …
Slow cooker chilli con carne
Slow cooker sweet and sour pork
Easy slow cooker bolognese
Slow cooker chicken and vegetable soup
Slow-cooker lamb shanks
Slow-cooker chicken tikka masala
Slow-cooker cashew and cauliflower curry
Slow-cooker beer and thyme beef cheeks
Slow-cooker beef stroganoff
Tunisian lamb stew with almonds
Slow cooker chicken and corn chowder
Slow-cooked Mexican beef chilli mole
Deep-pan pepperoni pizza
Slow cooker vegetable minestrone
Slow cooker shredded beef tacos
Slow cooker bean bourgignon
Slow cooker lamb shanks with tomato, chilli and fetta
Slow cooker beef ramen with shiitake mushrooms
Julie Goodwin’s 6-hour bolognese sauce
Slow cooker five ingredient cottage pie
Slow cooker honey soy lamb chops
Slow cooker Mexican chicken with beans
Slow cooker curried lentil and tomato soup
Slow cooker chicken drumsticks
Slow cooker lamb stew
Slow cooker chickpea and sweet potato curry
Slow cooker meatballs
Slow cooker massaman beef curry
Slow cooker whole chicken with peri peri marinade
Recipes by protein type
For more slow cooker recipe inspiration, see the below collections:
- delicious slow cooker chicken recipes
- beautiful slow cooker beef recipes & cooking tips
- slow cooker lamb dinners
- meatless slow cooker recipes
