Spread the love

    

One of my favorite times to slow down and enjoy time with my loved ones is on Valentine’s Day.

Fancy restaurants and fancy menus are nice, but there’s something really special about staying in, turning down the lights, and letting the smell of a home-cooked meal fill the house. And if you’re trying to save money, it’s a great way to stop spending money you don’t need to.

We are often busy during the day and don’t have time to spend hours cooking a big meal. That’s why I like to use my slow cooker for Valentine’s Day dinner. It’s like having a secret sous chef in the kitchen. I can focus on the atmosphere and spending time with my family instead of worrying about the stove.

I’ve learned over the years that slow-cooked meals are not only easy to make, but they also taste great and can be used in a lot of different ways. Your slow cooker can help you make a meal that feels fancy without the stress, whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a Valentine’s Day party for the whole family. There are endless options, from soft meats to creamy pastas to rich desserts. Also, a lot of these recipes are great for people who have certain dietary needs, like keto (which my family needs!).

Get your slow cooker ready, light some candles, and get ready to impress your partner or yourself with a list of comforting, love-filled meals. This set of 30 recipes will definitely set the mood and fill your evening with warmth, flavor, and a lot of love. Let’s get started!

1. Beef Bourguignon in a Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect dish to set the mood for a cozy, romantic meal on Valentine’s Day. It’s a fancy dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s rich, tender, and full of flavor, so you can spend more time enjoying the evening with your loved one.

Four servings

What you need:

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into cubes that are 1 inch long
• One cup of red wine, like Burgundy or Pinot Noir
• Two cups of beef broth
• 1 medium onion, cut up
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Two cups of sliced carrots
• 2 cups of mushrooms cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh parsley to use as a garnish

How to do it:

1. In a big skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then put them in the slow cooker.
2. Put the onions and garlic in the same skillet and cook them until they are soft. Put in the slow cooker.
3. Put the slow cooker on high and add the carrots, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix together by stirring.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, or until the beef is soft.
5. Before serving, take out the bay leaf. Add fresh parsley on top and serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

2. Chicken with lemon and garlic in a slow cooker

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite recipes for a special dinner at home. The lemon and garlic smell and taste great, and it feels fancy, but it’s so easy to make that I can spend more time with my Valentine.

4 servings

Ingredients:

• Four chicken breasts without bones or skin
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped up
• Juice and zest from two lemons
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh parsley to top it off
• Optional: Lemon slices to serve

How to do it:

1. Mix together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic sauce over them.
3. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Serve the chicken with fresh parsley and lemon slices on top, along with rice or a light salad.

3. Creamy Tuscan Pasta in a Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta is my idea of comfort food with a romantic twist. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and soft pasta make this dish feel like a treat. The best part is how easy it is to make, which gives me plenty of time to make Valentine’s Day extra special.

Serves: 4

Things you need:

• 12 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 cup of dried tomatoes, chopped
• Two cups of fresh spinach
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
• 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh basil to put on top

How to do it:

1. Put the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Make sure that the liquid covers the pasta.
3. Put a lid on it and cook it on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is done to your liking.
4. Add the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
5. Serve hot with fresh basil on top.

4. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon in a Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something elegant yet simple. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender salmon, making it a perfect choice for a Valentine’s dinner that feels special without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for decoration)
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place the salmon fillets in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic mixture over them.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, alongside steamed rice or vegetables.

As Valentine’s Day comes to a close, there’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling of sharing a warm, home-cooked meal with the ones you love most. These 30 slow cooker recipes prove that you don’t need an elaborate setup or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. From rich and savory main courses to comforting sides and even indulgent desserts, your slow cooker can be your secret weapon for a memorable Valentine’s dinner.

Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, your family, or even treating yourself, these dishes are a reminder that love is often found in the little things—like the effort put into a meal or the shared smiles over every bite. So, as you plan your Valentine’s menu, let your slow cooker do the work, and focus on what truly matters: making memories with the people who fill your heart.

Spread the love