Home cooks shared their modern takes on comfy slow-cooker dishes. From rave-worthy party appetizers like hot honey pulled pork sliders to new go-to main dishes like Boursin chicken pasta, these recipes are slow-cooked to perfection.

1/12

1st Place: Lemongrass Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup

2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is inspired by my favorite childhood Filipino soup dish, chicken tinola, which is a chicken soup simmered in gingery broth. Since I married an Italian American, I gave this dish a twist by turning it into a chicken tinola lasagna soup, adding a bit of Italian influence so my husband could enjoy it too. —Maribeth Hanson, Londonderry, New Hampshire
2/12

2nd Place: Slow-Cooker Boursin Chicken Pasta

1 Reviews
Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Ever since I discovered Boursin cheese a few years ago, I've been finding new ways to use it whenever I get the chance. This slow-cooker pasta recipe is my family's latest obsession. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
3/12

3rd Place: Twisted Italian Meatballs

Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 45 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love making meatballs, and I've been told I make as good a meatball as any Italian nonna. I hide a little fresh mozzarella ball in the center of each one, which melts as they cook, for an irresistible final touch. —Becky Ellis, Roanoke, Virginia
4/12

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Curried Beef Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You won't find anything like this in your old slow-cooker recipe book. The flavors and heat of curry create a tender and succulent beef stew. Serve it over chickpea rice, couscous or quinoa for a fulfilling meal. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
5/12

Runner-Up: Chicken Parma Rosa

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my take on a classic Northern Italian dish that has been loved for ages. It's a savory blend of chicken in a creamy sauce, featuring fresh spinach, garlic, tomatoes and basil. It can be served as is, over the pasta of your choice, or even over grits or polenta. —Gina Workman, Kingsland, Arkansas
6/12

Runner-Up: Greek-Style Lamb Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband spent several years in the Mediterranean while in the U.S. Navy. He loved the people and the food, so I have tailored many of our family recipes to enjoy those wonderful Mediterranean flavors. This one is a family favorite. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
7/12

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Thai-Inspired Turkey Lasagna

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Turn tradition on its head with this globally inspired comfort dish! My slow-cooker Thai-inspired turkey lasagna fuses the cozy, layered goodness of Italian lasagna with the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. —Kristofer Jubinville, Lehigh Acres, Florida
8/12

Runner-Up: French Onion Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe takes your basic roast and elevates the flavors with cozy, onion-soup-inspired ingredients for a heartwarming meal. My family loves to enjoy this one on a cold night! —Amber McBride, Grain Valley, Missouri
9/12

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Hot Honey Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders

Contest Winner
Total Time:9 hours 25 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pulled pork is one of my slow-cooker favorites because it’s easy to throw together and comes out perfectly every time. These hot honey barbecue pulled pork sliders are great for weeknight dinners or game-day get-togethers! The meat is also great served over rice, polenta or baked potatoes. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire
10/12

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Contest Winner
Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted to give classic mac and cheese a seasonal twist that feels both comforting and modern. Creamy pumpkin puree blends right into the sauce for extra richness, while a drizzle of sage brown butter adds cozy fall flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead comfort dish that looks elegant enough for a dinner party but still tastes like home. —Lauren Wagner, Joliet, Illinois
11/12

Runner-Up: Slow-Cooker Peach and Green Chile Pork

2 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Being a big fan of south-of-the-border flavors, I created this fun new spin on a classic pork chile verde. The slightly sweet peaches are a great complement to the smoky chiles and bacon. Leftovers (if there are any!) work great served in warm tortillas or alongside cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast. —Shannon Kohn, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
12/12

Runner-Up: Slow Cooker Masala Chicken and Rice

Contest Winner
Total Time:5 hours
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is in regular rotation at our house. Indian spices and ground chicken come together for a new and easy take on the classic comfort food, chicken and rice. I modified this recipe to be mild in spice but strong in flavor. The ground meat makes it familiar enough that my kids will eat it, too! —Amanda Jones, Monroeville, Alabama