Slow-Cooker Chilies, Soups, and Stews

By Parents Magazine
May 01, 2014
No matter what the weather is outside, slow-cooker chilies, soups, and stews are always in season. We've gathered 19 of our favorite recipes perfect for the entire family to enjoy.
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Chickpea Stew Over Couscous

Credit: Tina Rupp
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Slow cooking is a perfect hands-off method for making healthy and economical dried beans. In this light recipe chickpeas pack protein and fiber. Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty punch to tie all the flavors together.

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Chicken Stew with Potato Dumplings

Credit: James Baigrie
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Pick up fully cooked gnocchi to use as no-prep dumplings.

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Asian Beef Stew

Credit: Mark Thomas
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Garnish this Asian-style stew with thin strips of crisp scallions for added zing.

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Cheesy Potato and Leek Chowder

Credit: Photographs by Laura Moss
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"When I was a newlywed, one of the first dishes I made in a slow cooker was this scrumptious soup. It's a take on a French classic, so I felt just like Julia Child. It's been in my family's dinner rotation for years. Best of all, it's so easy!" -- Carla Snyder, author of One Pan, Two Plates

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Chicken Mango Curry

Credit: Photographs by Laura Moss
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"This not-too-spicy cross between a curry and a stew is even better after a day or two, when the flavors have had a chance to meld further. The mango adds sweetness, and the cashews give it a crunchy boost." -- Matt Kadey, author of Muffin Tin Chef

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Asian Chicken Stew

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With crowd-pleasing ingredients, such as sweet potato and chicken, this stew is a great way to introduce Asian cuisine. Check out the stove-top variation for a last-minute prep solution.

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Veggie Stew with Dumplings

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Dress up this classic vegetable stew with no-fuss cornmeal dumplings.

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Golden Chicken Chili

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This lighter take on chili always hits the spot. Make dinner fun by setting out toppings such as sour cream, chopped tomato, and cilantro for a make-your-own-chili bar.

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Tortilla Soup

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It's hard to beat the flavors of slow-simmered soup, especially this Mexican-inspired favorite made with pork tenderloins.

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All-American Chili Chowder

Credit: James Baigrie
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Made with lean ground turkey, this lighter chili recipe features kidney beans and corn. Serve over crunchy tortilla chips.

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Easy Indian Stew

Credit: Rita Maas
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If your kids haven't eaten the healthiest breakfast and lunch, this can make up for it: Just one serving delivers major fiber and lots of protein.

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Beef and Barley Stew

Credit: Rita Maas
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Even kids who fuss over food will go for the whole-grain barley in this dish, because the beef broth and seasonings make it amazingly flavorful.

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Barbeque Chili

Credit: Tina Rupp
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For the taste of barbeque without the messy clean-up, opt for this delicious barbeque chili.

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Picky Eaters: 3 Ways To Encourage Healthy Eating

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Italian Wedding Soup

Credit: Alexandra Grablewski
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This rich and satisfying soup is filled with meatballs, pasta, and vegetables and simmered in the slow cooker to give the flavors all day to blend.

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Corn Chowder

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The slow cooker makes this creamy corn soup a breeze to prepare. Serve this recipe with a generous amount of crumbled bacon.

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Chilled Red Pepper Soup

Credit: Kate Mathis
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The perfect make-ahead recipe, this irresistible soup simmers in the slow cooker and then chills overnight before serving.

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Tuscan Vegetable Stew

Credit: Peden and Munk
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This stew has planned leftovers. Stash them in the freezer for a quick meal on a time-crunched night.

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Lemony Lentil Soup

Credit: Peden and Munk
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Thanks to the lentils, just one portion of this vegetarian soup packs as much energy-boosting protein as a burger.

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Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder

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With five ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, this go-to recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

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