24 Slow Cooker Recipes for Valentine’s Day: Perfect Dishes for Romance
As you unwrap the ribbon of romance on Valentine's Day, you're looking for dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. You'll discover succulent pork chops, hearty lamb shanks, and decadent desserts that will leave you wanting more, with slow cooker recipes that make it all easy.
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1. Romantic Chicken Recipes
Tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Rich and flavorful French-inspired stew perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bacon, diced
Instructions
- Season the beef short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef short ribs until browned.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, red wine, beef broth, and bay leaves.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and diced bacon to the slow cooker and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.
3. Decadent Desserts
Rich, velvety chocolate lava cake perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the cream mixture to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into 2 small ramekins or cups.
- Place the ramekins in the slow cooker and add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Remove the ramekins from the water and let cool for a few minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen it, then invert onto plates and serve warm.
4. Valentine's Day Stews
Rich and flavorful Valentine's Day stew for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the red wine and beef broth.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
5. Hearty Lamb Shanks
Tender lamb shanks in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup lamb broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the lamb shanks until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the lamb shanks to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the red wine, lamb broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Pour the sauce over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the rich, flavorful sauce spooned over the top.
6. Succulent Pork Chops
Succulent pork chops cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
7. Sensual Seafood Dishes
Indulge in romantic seafood paella on Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 lb mussels
- 1 lb clams
- 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in the slow cooker and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice, chicken broth, saffron threads, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
8. Easy Slow Cooker Meals
Delicious slow cooked meals for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef or chicken
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the beef or chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add the seasoned beef or chicken to the slow cooker.
- Chop the onion and garlic, then add them to the slow cooker.
- Add the mixed vegetables and beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
9. Italian-Inspired Recipes
Tender beef in rich Italian sauce, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pasta, such as pappardelle
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, and dried oregano to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve the beef and sauce over the cooked pasta.
10. French Cuisine Delights
Indulge in rich French cuisine on Valentine's Day with Coq au Vin, a classic dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat butter in a pan and sear the chicken until browned.
- Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until softened.
- Add the garlic, red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.
11. Rich and Creamy Soups
Indulge in a rich and creamy broccoli soup perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add broccoli, butter, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional broccoli florets if desired.
12. Exquisite Vegetable Dishes
Roasted vegetables in a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add the sliced eggplant, zucchinis, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, vegetable broth, and dried basil.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the vegetables 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
13. Lovely Lasagna Recipes
Delicious layered lasagna perfect for Valentine's Day dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Spread a layer of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the marinara sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top the final layer of mozzarella cheese with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.
14. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Tender and flavorful ribs cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup beer
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, beer, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and brush the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over both racks.
- Cook the ribs for 8-10 hours or overnight.
- After 8 hours, check the ribs for tenderness and fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
15. Tender Chicken Tacos
Delicious and flavorful chicken tacos perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 taco shells
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and top with salsa, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the juices.
- Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the chicken mixture into the shells and adding desired toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
16. Delicious Dip Recipes
Rich and creamy spinach dip perfect for Valentine's Day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, parsley, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours or until the cheese is melted and the dip is warm.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.
17. Sophisticated Side Dishes
Roasted garlic and rosemary infused carrots make a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped carrots to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Pour the garlic and rosemary mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
18. Mouth-Watering Meatballs
Tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for Valentine's Day dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic.
- Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and olive oil.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
19. Lovely Lentil Recipes
Hearty lentil stew perfect for a cozy Valentine's Day dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
20. Incredible Indian Curry
Incredible Indian Curry is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound boneless chicken or lamb
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté them in a pan until the onions are translucent.
- Add the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the coconut milk, broth, and chicken or lamb.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or basil.
21. Elegant Eggplant Recipes
Rich and decadent eggplant dish perfect for a romantic evening.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds and season with salt to draw out moisture.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the tomato sauce to the pan and stir to combine.
- In a slow cooker, create a layer of tomato sauce, followed by a layer of eggplant slices.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the eggplant slices.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
22. Beautiful Braised Shorts
Tender short ribs in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the short ribs on all sides.
- Transfer the short ribs to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until browned, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits.
- Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Serve the short ribs with the rich, flavorful sauce spooned over the top.
23. Scrumptious Slow Cooker Sides
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a decadent side dish perfect for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 3-4 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks.
- Place the potatoes, milk, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
24. Gorgeous Gourmet Recipes
Indulge in a decadent, slow-cooked Short Ribs Bourguignon for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions
- Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the short ribs on all sides.
- Transfer the short ribs to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Add the garlic, red wine, and beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour the mixture over the short ribs in the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Serve the short ribs with the vegetables and sauce.
Conclusion
You'll savor these 24 slow cooker recipes on Valentine's Day, remembering "the way to someone's heart is through their stomach." With rich sauces and tender meats, your romantic dinner will be unforgettable, and you'll enjoy a cozy evening with your loved one, indulging in decadent desserts and hearty stews.