Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Apples 'n' Cream Pancake
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch—because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples...they make this a true Midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking also teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This gourmet peanut butter and jelly recipe is easy to make and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty beef dish for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Farmers Breakfast
Start off your day on a hearty note! This one-dish wonder will easily keep your family satisfied until lunch. —Jeannette Westphal, Gettysburg, South Dakota
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
This is an old Southern biscuits and gravy recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken
Oranges and olives are elegantly paired in this different but delicious dish. The chicken is marinated, then cooked slowly in a flavorful sauce, so it stays moist. —Aney Chatterson, Soda Springs, Idaho
Overnight Pancakes
Our kids love waking up to these golden, fluffy pancakes. The buttermilk batter is refrigerated overnight, making them perfect busy mornings and special occasion breakfasts alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana
Easy Chow Mein
Our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay some years ago with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now, I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Creamy Italian Chicken
Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, it's rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Slow Cooker Pizza
Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri
Peppered Meatballs
Plenty of ground pepper gives these saucy meatballs their irresistible zest. They're so hearty, I sometimes serve them over noodles as a main course. —Darla Schroeder, Stanley, North Dakota
Sausage Spanish Rice
My husband and I both work the midnight shift, so I'm always on the lookout for slow cooker recipes. This one couldn't be easier. We often enjoy it as a main course because it's so hearty, but it's also good as a side dish. —Michelle McKay, Garden City, Michigan
Slow-Cooked Ham
Entertaining doesn't get much easier than serving this tasty five-ingredient ham from the slow cooker. Bonus: The leftovers are delicious in casseroles! —Heather Spring, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
Ham and Bean Stew
You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut
Avocado Fruit Salad
This dish is simply delish. I'm glad a friend gave me the recipe. My family loves it...and so do I.—Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this slow-cooked lentil stew. Add whatever ingredientsyou have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas
Creamy Bratwurst Stew
A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin
Very Vanilla French Toast
These French toast slices have creamy vanilla flavor from convenient pudding mix, plus a hint of cinnamon. We like to top them with syrup or powdered sugar and fresh berries. —Linda Bernhagen, Plainfield, Illinois
Thai-Style Pork
A creamy peanut butter sauce coats moist slices of pork in this delectable dish from Amy Van Orman of Rockford, Michigan. “This recipe is from a friend in my cooking club, and it's always a favorite,” she notes.
Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken
Our three children all love the spicy flavors found in this dish. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
Spicy Goulash
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens.—Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Burgundy Beef
When my adult children are coming over for dinner, this is the request. All three of them, and their significant others, love this dish. Yum! — Urilla Cheverie, Alfred, Maine
Chicken Stew with Gnocchi
My chicken stew makes the house smell wonderful as it gently bubbles in the slow cooker. One whiff and my family heads to the kitchen to see if it's ready. —Marge Drake, Juniata, Nebraska
Flavorful Lemon Chicken
This easy and attractive meal is bound to become a staple in your home. Made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this great find. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Baked Blueberry Pancake
For a quick breakfast, Norna makes the pancake while fixing supper the night before, then cuts it into squares. The next morning, she tops them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. This innovative way to make pancakes takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. Norna Detig - Lindenwood, Illinois
Crunchy Apple Side Salad
With fiber-rich fruit, light dressing and crunchy walnuts, this is a great side dish or snack. Try it with low-fat granola. —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Grandma Edna's Cajun Pork
My grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio
Thai Chicken Thighs
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet Orange Chicken
This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Conga Lime Pork
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Easy Breakfast Strata
We start this breakfast casserole the night before so it's ready for the oven the next day. That way, we don't have to deal with the prep and dirty dishes first thing in the morning! —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Carne Guisada
While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Overnight Maple Oatmeal
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid the mid-morning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Spicy Lentil & Chickpea Stew
This recipe came to me from a friend and previous co-worker at a health food store. I changed a few things until I found a version that my family loves. My son doesn't like things too spicy, so I make the stew milder for him and add a sprinkle of extra spice in mine. My husband, who farms, works outdoors for long hours at a time and finds this soup hearty enough to keep him satisfied. —Melanie MacFarlane, Bedeque, Prince Edward Island
Easy Chili Verde
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet taste of Carolina barbecue chicken. In fact, my sons are more likely to show up to dinner if they know I'm serving this slow cooker recipe. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking 50 years and this dish is still one that guests ask for frequently. My No. 1 standby slow cooker meatballs recipe also makes amazing hero sandwiches, and the sauce works for any pasta. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits
A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own with sausage, green chilies and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Indian-style chicken masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Southern Loaded Sweet Potatoes
For a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina
Microwave Egg Sandwich
If you're looking for a grab-and-go sandwich, this is high in protein, low in fat and fills you up. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
Roast chicken is easy to make in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cool Summertime Oatmeal
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get a few extra zzzs in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
As a busy mom, I love my slow cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook them with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Kalua Pork & Cabbage
My slow cooker pork has four ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep. The result tastes just like the kalua pig slow-roasted all day in an underground oven. —Rholinelle DeTorres, San Jose, California
Waffle Monte Cristos
Waffles packed with turkey, ham, bacon and apricot preserves have so much sweet, smoky love going on. I use frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle iron to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Sausage Lasagna
On especially cold winter days, my family loves this with mild Italian sausage. I agree about the cold days, but I prefer a spicy sausage blend, which gives it a bit of a zing. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Powerhouse Protein Parfaits
Parfaits have marvelous taste and texture, but many are loaded with sugar and leave you peckish for more. Here’s my protein-inspired option with yogurt, fruit and nuts. —Jen Hubin, Minnetonka, Minnestoa
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs
Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe like this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and friends. When I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker, it got even better. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, Oregon
Mexican Bubble Pizza
This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Cajun-Style Beans and Sausage
Beans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. The sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice that chicken sausage is used in this dish. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Broccoli-Cauliflower Chicken Casserole
A chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is one of our favorite comfort foods. I make my easy variation in the slow cooker. You can easily swap in whatever cheese you prefer. I sometimes use dairy-free cheese to create a more paleo-friendly dinner. The dish is also delicious sprinkled with a simple bread crumb topping. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada
Chicken in Coconut Peanut Sauce
My youngest son has been out of the country for several years teaching English. When he returned to the United States, I made this home-cooked meal for him that combined Asian and American cuisine. He loved it! —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Low & Slow Pork Verde
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
Short Rib Poutine
This dish combines the hearty, spicy flavors of my beloved slow-cooker short ribs with my all-time favorite comfort food: fries and gravy. With a little prep in the morning, it's just about ready when I come home from work (plus, the kitchen smells amazing!). If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha chili sauce. —Erin DeWitt, Long Beach, California
Saucy Chicken & Tortellini
This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
My Brazilian Feijoada
A co-worker's mom used to make this dish for him and it was his favorite. So I made him my own version. Instead of sausage you can use ham hocks, or substitute lean white meat for the red meat if you prefer. —Christiane Counts, Webster, Texas
North African Chicken and Rice
I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Asian Slow-Cooked Short Ribs
After a long day of sledding, the aroma of these beautiful short ribs says welcome home. Warm and comforting, they make a worthy low-maintenance dinner. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Cheesy Tater Tots & Canadian Bacon
This slow cooker meal was created to pay homage to my favorite style of pizza—Hawaiian with bacon and pineapple. The Tater Tots in this recipe make it family-friendly. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja
When discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give it an extra kick— and it does. The ropas may be served over hominy or tortillas—however the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Filipino Adobo Aromatic Chicken
This saucy chicken packs a wallop of flavor—salty, sweet, sour, slightly spicy and even a little umami. It can be made on the stove, too. Any way I make it, I think it tastes even better the next day served over warm rice. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle
An irresistible sauce gives this beef another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on barbecue for the theme. Even my father enjoyed this taco, and he doesn't care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
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Kristin Sutter