30 Boxing Day Slow Cooker Recipes for Cozy Comfort Food
Boxing Day is one of my favorite holidays, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and savor the leftovers of Christmas dinner while cozying up with loved ones. It's also a day when I get to bring out my trusty slow cooker to create comforting, delicious meals without spending all day in the kitchen.
To share that joy, I’ve compiled my favorite 30 Boxing Day Slow Cooker Recipes for Cozy Comfort Food. These dishes are not just incredibly easy to make but are also bursting with flavors that warm the soul. So, let’s dive into these delightful recipes that are sure to make your Boxing Day just as special as Christmas!
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1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty classic that never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Stir occasionally and season to taste before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting soup is just what you need on a chilly Boxing Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tbsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to slow cooker.
- Pour over chicken broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks, add noodles, and cook for another 30 minutes.
3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pulled pork that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Rub pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Place it in the slow cooker with sliced onions.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the meat.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred the pork and mix with the sauce before serving.
4. Slow Cooker Chili
A warming bowl of chili perfect for post-Christmas relaxation.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add to slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, beans, and tomatoes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
5. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
This creamy, cheesy dish is a family favorite that's super easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In the slow cooker, combine cheddar cheese, milk, evaporated milk, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This tender pot roast is perfect for a lazy Boxing Day dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic around the roast.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred the beef and serve with the vegetables.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
These easy and flavorful chicken tacos are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- Tortillas for serving
- Your favorite taco toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc.)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and top with salsa.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix well with the sauce.
- Serve in tortillas with your choice of taco toppings.
8. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Rich and creamy beef stroganoff that's a perfect comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked egg noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Stir in mushrooms and cornstarch (mixed with a little water).
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and serve over egg noodles.
9. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
A hearty, meatless chili that's packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and corn to the slow cooker.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
A simple, flavorful dish perfect for a relaxing Boxing Day.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 cup peas
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place chicken, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add rice and chicken broth.
- Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Add peas and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
11. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy, flavorful soup that's perfect for cold winter days.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add butternut squash, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour over vegetable broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk before serving.
12. Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
A classic French dish made easy in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, and carrots.
- Pour in red wine and chicken broth.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
13. Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
A nutrient-rich and flavorful vegetarian dish that's easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add lentils, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk to the slow cooker.
- Pour in vegetable broth.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with rice or naan bread.
14. Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
The ultimate party dip that's rich, creamy, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In the slow cooker, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Stir until melted and combined.
- Serve with chips or bread.
15. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A healthier take on your favorite takeout dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions:
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in broccoli and cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- Serve over rice.
16. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
A comforting pasta dish that's ooey-gooey and cheesy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta, cooked
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Brown Italian sausage in a skillet, then drain.
- In the slow cooker, layer half of the cooked ziti.
- Add half of the sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Top with remaining ziti, sausage, sauce, cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve hot.
17. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
These ribs are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone good.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Rub ribs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker with sliced onions.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- For extra tender ribs, briefly broil them before serving.
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
A creamy and dreamy pasta dish that's sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked fettuccine pasta for serving
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce.
- Serve over cooked fettuccine.
19. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
A velvety and flavorful soup that's perfect for Boxing Day.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour over vegetable broth and add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk before serving.
20. Slow Cooker Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew
A healthy and hearty stew that's full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown ground turkey in a skillet, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve hot.
21. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This wholesome and warming soup is incredibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add split peas, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in vegetable broth, and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree to desired consistency before serving.
22. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
These flavorful, stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers, tops and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef with onion, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff bell peppers with the mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Top with additional cheese and allow to melt before serving.
23. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A sweet and savory chicken dish that's incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions:
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve over rice.
24. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
A classic Italian vegetable soup that's perfect for a cozy day.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta, kidney beans, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
25. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
A delicious dessert that’s perfect for your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place sliced apples in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm with ice cream.
26. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
A lighter take on the classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked spaghetti for serving
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
27. Slow Cooker Clam Chowder
This creamy and hearty soup is a coastal classic.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups clam juice
- 2 cans chopped clams, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour in clam juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Stir in clams, heavy cream, and crumbled bacon.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
28. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Tender and delicious sandwiches with rich au jus.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Rolls for serving
- Provolone cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth and soy sauce over the meat.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred the beef and serve on rolls with provolone cheese and au jus for dipping.
29. Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes are creamy, delicious, and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir occasionally until cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.
30. Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
An indulgent treat that's perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In the slow cooker, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar until well combined.
- Add the chocolate chips and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in vanilla extract before serving.
- Serve hot with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Conclusion
These 30 Boxing Day Slow Cooker Recipes for Cozy Comfort Food are so delightful, you'll find it hard to pick just one to start with. Whether it’s a hearty stew, a sweet dessert, or a flavorful main dish, your Boxing Day is bound to be deliciously cozy.