Facebook
  • News
    • All News
    • 2026 Election
    • Arts & Culture
    • Community
    • Council
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Politics
    • Property
    • Transport
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle Articles
    • Automotive
    • Entertainment
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holly in the Burbs
    • Home & Decor
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Our People
    • Photos
    • Puzzles
    • Read, Watch & Listen
    • Religion
    • Senior Living
    • Simon Gault
    • Travel
    • Walks & Tourism
  • Sport
  • Business
    • Finance
    • HR
    • Insurance
    • Legal
    • Marketing
    • Professional
    • Tech
    • Trades
  • Opinion
    • Aksel Bech
    • Andrew Bayly
    • Andy Baker
    • Casey Costello
    • Christopher Luxon
    • Desley Simpson
    • Franklin Local Board
    • I Am Hope
    • Papakura Local Board
    • Cartoons
    • Junior Journalists
    • Times Polls
  • Real Estate
  • Win!
    • Competitions
    • Nominate a Community Hero
  • Whats On
  • Classifieds
    • Book a Classified
    • All Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Situations Vacant
  • Read Online
  • Free Digital Subscription
Search
Times
Thursday, September 24, 2026
  • Read Online
  • Pickup Locations
  • Weekly Newsletter
  • Home Delivery
  • Contact Us
Times
  • News
    • All News
    • 2026 Election
    • Arts & Culture
    • Community
    • Council
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Politics
    • Property
    • Transport
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle Articles
    • Automotive
    • Entertainment
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Holly in the Burbs
    • Home & Decor
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Our People
    • Photos
    • Puzzles
    • Read, Watch & Listen
    • Religion
    • Senior Living
    • Simon Gault
    • Travel
    • Walks & Tourism
  • Sport
  • Business
    • Finance
    • HR
    • Insurance
    • Legal
    • Marketing
    • Professional
    • Tech
    • Trades
  • Opinion
    • Aksel Bech
    • Andrew Bayly
    • Andy Baker
    • Casey Costello
    • Christopher Luxon
    • Desley Simpson
    • Franklin Local Board
    • I Am Hope
    • Papakura Local Board
    • Cartoons
    • Junior Journalists
    • Times Polls
  • Real Estate
  • Win!
    • Competitions
    • Nominate a Community Hero
  • Whats On
  • Classifieds
    • Book a Classified
    • All Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Situations Vacant
  • Read Online
  • Free Digital Subscription
HomeLifestyleFood & DrinkSlow cooker meals – the perfect winter solution for busy schedules

Slow cooker meals – the perfect winter solution for busy schedules

Times Team
By Times Team
April 21, 2026
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As the colder months settle in and daylight saving ends in New Zealand, shorter days and chilly evenings make home-cooked meals more appealing, but also harder to fit into busy schedules.

This is where slow cooker, or crockpot, meals become a practical and comforting solution.

Slow cookers allow you to prepare meals with minimal effort. Ingredients can be added in the morning before work, and by the time you return home, a warm, hearty dish is ready to serve.

This “set and forget” method is especially useful during winter, when energy levels can dip and motivation to cook from scratch is lower. Classic slow-cooked dishes such as beef stew, soups, and casseroles are ideal for colder weather.

These meals not only provide warmth but also allow flavors to develop over time, resulting in rich, satisfying dishes. Cheaper cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables can also be used effectively, making slow cooking a budget-friendly option.

For those with packed schedules, slow cookers support better meal planning and healthier eating habits. Instead of relying on takeaway meals, you can control ingredients, portion sizes, and nutritional value.

Many recipes can also be prepared in bulk, providing leftovers for the next day. As winter approaches, incorporating slow cooker meals into your routine can save time, reduce stress, and ensure you always have something warm and nourishing to come home to.

  • Tags
  • Beef Stew
  • Casseroles
  • Slow Cooker
  • Slow Cooking
  • soup
Share
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Linkedin
    Previous article
    What we’re reading: Best new books
    Next article
    Luxon survives confidence vote

    More from Franklin Times

    Let’s talk hearing: Should I clean my own ears?

    Noteworthy podcasts

    Call for Maori and Pacific donors on the registry

    Latest News

    GVR reeling after fatal incident

    September 24, 2026

    Frankliners benefit from rural water funds

    September 24, 2026

    Anyone for boccia? Takanini hosting national champs

    September 24, 2026

    Healthy Home, Healthy Planet Expo… healthy Pukekohe?

    September 24, 2026

    To infinity and beyond at Franklin libraries

    September 24, 2026

    Cartoon: learning the ropes

    September 24, 2026

    Join the Franklin Times Online Newsletter for all the latest news, developments and more.

    Times

    About

    The Franklin Times is published by Times Media, an independently-owned publishing company based in East Auckland, founded in 1972.

    Facebook
    Mail

    Useful Links

    • Read Online
    • Pickup Locations
    • Digital Edition
    • Classifieds
    • Contact Us
    • Nominate a Community Hero

    Latest News

    GVR reeling after fatal incident

    Frankliners benefit from rural water funds

    Copyright © Times Media 2025