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These easy slow cooker carrots make a simple and delicious side dish that you can throw together with minimal effort. The subtle blend of sweet and savory flavors from butter, brown sugar, garlic, and paprika creates a versatile accompaniment that complements everything from chicken to steak. It’s the kind of recipe that quietly steals the show at the dinner table without any fuss.
I first made these carrots when my husband suggested cooking carrots in the slow cooker because he loves them tender and flavorful. Now I make this recipe nearly every week, and it has become a staple that my whole family asks for repeatedly.
Ingredients
- Carrots: Two pounds of raw carrots peeled and sliced about half an inch thick for even softness while cooking. Choose firm and brightly colored carrots for the best flavor and texture
- Salted butter: Two tablespoons of salted butter melted to add richness and help bind the seasonings to the carrots
- Brown sugar: One tablespoon of packed brown sugar for a gentle sweetness that enhances the natural carrot flavor
- Salt: Three quarters teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors and bring out the carrots’ natural sweetness
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon of black pepper for a subtle touch of spice
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon of garlic powder to add savory depth
- Paprika: Half a teaspoon of paprika for a warm, earthy note and lovely color
- Parsley: Optional fresh or dried chopped parsley to garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous finish
Instructions
- Slicing the Carrots:
- Peel the carrots completely and cut them into halfinch thick rounds, cutting on the diagonal if you like for a bit of visual interest. Remove and discard the ends and peels carefully to make sure the carrots cook evenly without tough bits.
- Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the sliced carrots into your slow cooker. Pour the melted butter evenly over the carrots and then sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on top. Use a rubber spatula or cooking spoon to stir everything gently so the carrots are well coated with the buttery, spiced mixture.
- Cooking the Carrots:
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for about one and a half to two hours or on low for two and a half to three hours, depending on your slow cooker model and how tender you prefer your carrots. You want them soft but still holding a little texture to avoid mushiness.
- Finishing Touches:
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a bright fresh note and a pop of color.
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I really love how the brown sugar gently caramelizes the carrots without overpowering them. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when my husband first started making these—seeing him take pride in such a simple dish was heartwarming and now it feels like a quiet tradition we share every week.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These carrots reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep them moist. If you want to keep a batch longer, they freeze well for up to three months just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to keep it dairy free, swap out the butter for olive oil which will give a slightly different but still lovely richness. You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar if necessary, but it will lose a bit of that subtle molasses flavor. Fresh garlic minced finely can replace garlic powder for a more vibrant garlic flavor though add it at the start of cooking for best results.
Serving Suggestions
These carrots pair perfectly with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork. For a full meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes and a green salad. For a bit of brightness, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds a nice touch.
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These slow cooker carrots are an easy flavorful side that complements many meals. Make a batch and enjoy how quickly they become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What spices enhance the flavor of slow-cooked carrots?
Simple spices like brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika bring out a balanced sweet and savory flavor in slow-cooked carrots.
- → How long should slow cooker carrots be cooked?
Carrots cook well in about 1 ½ to 2 hours on high or 2 ½ to 3 hours on low, until tender but not mushy.
- → Can I use baby carrots instead of full-size carrots?
Yes, baby carrots can work, though full-size carrots sliced into thick rounds provide a preferred texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to double the quantity without affecting cooking time?
Doubling the carrots usually won't require more cooking time, but checking tenderness is recommended as slow cooker sizes differ.
- → What dishes pair well with slow-cooked carrots?
These carrots complement meat dishes like chicken, steak, burgers, and also pair nicely with various hearty main courses.
- → Any garnish suggestions for slow cooker carrots?
A sprinkle of fresh or dried chopped parsley adds a fresh finish to the cooked carrots.