17 cozy comfort foods you can make in a slow cooker

Beef stew.

John Kernick/Williams Sonoma

• A slow cooker or Crock-Pot can be a valuable yet underutilized tool in your kitchen.
• A slow cooker can make many cozy comfort foods, from stews to simple soups and roasted meats.
• Meats like brisket and short ribs become tender when made in a slow cooker.

With a major winter storm expected to hit multiple parts of the country this weekend, it's the perfect time to bring out your Crock-Pot or slow cooker to prepare hearty meals that cook on their own.