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One of the pros of our new self-isolation life is that we are learning our way around the kitchen and getting quite domesticated. Grocery store runs are the new social events of the season and our dinner tables are the new five-star restaurants. We all have at least five recipes we have learned while adulting, but every now and then we want to try something new.

Did you know there are emotional benefits to cooking? Studies show that it boosts confidence, increases concentration, and encourages creativity. The Wall Street Journalreported that therapists even recommend cooking classes as a way to treat depression and anxiety, and addiction. Talk about benefits!

As we make the kitchen our sanctuary, we have to give props to one of the best things ever invented: the slow cooker. Its versatility brings so much flavor and comfort to meals. If you don't have a slow cooker, I need you to add it to your Amazon cart immediately! The advantages of using a slow cooker are second to none, from the optimal distribution of flavors to the fact that you can leave a slow cooker on for hours.

Ahead, you'll find some slow cooker recipes that will make you think about slapping ya mama (because we know you were raised better than that).

Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe

This savory and healthy meal can bring some comfort during these unprecedented times. We love this recipe from Chef Savvy. Adding some white rice or riced cauliflower for an additional side can take it to the next level.

INGREDIENTS

  • Chuck Steak
  • Beef Broth
  • Soy Sauce
  • Garlic
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • Sesame Oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Broccoli

For the full recipe, click here.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Your city may be experiencing some lower temperatures so this tortilla soup will keep you warm and satisfied. The fried tortilla strips will change your life, thanks to Delish's recipe. It's also packed with tons of protein.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 115-oz. can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 c.frozen corn
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 1 15-oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/4 c. freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. cumin
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 c. shredded Monterey jack
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • Sliced avocado, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Sliced avocado, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving
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Slow-Cooker Salmon With Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

We challenge you to try this new and innovative way to cook salmon. Diet Hood's formula allows you set it, forget it and then indulge in a super juicy piece of fish packed with powerful flavor. Looking for a side? Try some garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALMON

  • 3 lemons, divided
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
  • Cooking spray
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules, or garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For the full recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Short Ribs with Cheesy Grits Recipe

This recipe is for the aspiring chef that's about that life. My mouth is watering simply looking at this photo. Imagine what your kitchen will smell like as you prepare this delectable meal for you and bae in Cafe Quarantine. Simply Recipe's instructions walk us through how to get the short ribs just right.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 to 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Orange zest, for garnish

For the full recipe, click here.

Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

For me, breakfast is the hardest thing to prepare so I am obsessed with this casserole. It combines all of my favorite things and requires very little effort.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. bacon
  • Cooking spray
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 c. whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 lb. frozen hash browns
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 c. shredded cheddar
  • Freshly chopped chives, for garnish
  • Freshly chopped chives, for garnish

For the full recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor Recipe

Taco Tuesday has never looked so amazing! Prepare some chips and salsa, guacamole and margaritas with a fan favorite, Taco Al Pastor. Fun fact: Tacos al pastor were created in the 1930s in Puebla, Mexico, by Lebanese immigrants who introduced the region to classic shawarma: roast lamb served on a flour tortilla or pita bread (pan árabe).

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (5-pound) boneless pork shoulder roast (Boston butt), extra fat trimmed off
  • 1 (12-oz.) bottle of beer (I used Modelo Negra, or use chicken stock if making this gluten-free)
  • 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored, then roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder (not cayenne)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • corn tortillas, for serving
  • optional toppings: crumbled goat cheese, (extra) diced fresh pineapple, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, chopped red onions, diced avocado, thinly-sliced radishes

For the full recipe, click here.

Getty Images

Loaded Slow-Cooker Potatoes

Loaded Slow-Cooker Potatoes may be the easiest meal on this list. You can pair them with a protein or eat it as its own dish. No matter your choice, you will thoroughly enjoy this comfort food. For more flavor, try using multiple types of cheese.

INGREDIENTS

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 lb. baby potatoes, halved and quartered if large
  • 3 c. shredded Cheddar
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked
  • 1/4 c. sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Sour cream, drizzling

For the full recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe

Take a mental trip to NOLA with this shrimp boil recipe from The Kitchn. You can even add some crab legs if you're feeling saucy. Who knows, you could even do a lit mukbang aka an online audiovisual broadcast where a host eats food while interacting with the world wide web.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes (about 15), quartered
  • 1 pound smoked Andouille or kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 ears corn, shucked, cut into thirds crosswise
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
  • 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 medium lemon, halved, plus wedges for serving
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 pounds large raw shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), cleaned and peeled but with tails left on, thawed if frozen
  • For serving: chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, freshly ground black pepper, melted butter, and hot sauce

For the full recipe, click here.

Asian Lettuce Wraps (Crock Pot or Stovetop) Recipe

Looking to add an easy but healthy recipe to your repertoire? Well Plated by Erin's recipe has you covered. The sesame oil and soy sauce are essential to this recipe so make sure you do taste tests throughout the preparation.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce — plus 1 tablespoon, use tamari to make gluten free
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground chicken breast
  • 1 small bunch green onions — thinly sliced, white/light green and dark green parts divided
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic — minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 8 ounces baby bella cremini mushrooms — finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup grated carrots — from about 3 large carrots
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes — reduce to 1/4 teaspoon or omit if sensitive to spice
  • 2 cans water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped — (8 ounce cans) drained and finely chopped
  • 2 heads butter lettuce

For the full recipe, click here.

Crock-Pot French Toast Recipe

French toast is my favorite breakfast staple so I was extremely intrigued when I saw that you can make it in a crockpot. The picture looks fire so I can't wait to try this buttery goodness.

INGREDIENTS

  • Cooking spray, for Crock-Pot
  • 1 large brioche (or challah), preferably day-old
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 c. half-and-half
  • 1/3 c. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • small pinch nutmeg
  • Maple syrup, for serving
  • small pinch nutmeg
  • Powdered sugar, for serving

For the full recipe, click here.

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Featured image by Getty Images

 

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