30+ Slow Cooker Appetizer Recipes
Save this list of slow cooker appetizer recipes for party prep, holidays, gamedays, and all your snacking needs! Appetizers made right in the slow cooker are hearty, delicious and convenient for keeping warm while hosting. From crave-worthy dips to bold, flavorful wings, there’s something here for everyone!
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Tips For Making the Best Slow Cooker Appetizers
It doesn’t take much to get the hang of your slow cooker, but keep in mind that every model and size heats a little differently. Here are a few key tips to keep your appetizers party-ready:
- In general, most slow cooker recipes can stay on the warm setting for up to 2 hours without food safety concerns. Keep an eye on the dish and make sure there is enough moisture or liquid (depending on the recipe) so it doesn’t dry out.
- When serving appetizers straight from the slow cooker, it’s important to stir occasionally to keep the ingredients from separating. (This is especially true if the dish includes greasy elements or dairy products.) If the appetizer has a cheesy base or a sugary sauce, such as BBQ, stirring while on the warm setting will help keep the edges from burning.
- Many recipes allow for modifications to prep ingredients ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in advance of cooking. This is a great way to minimize party prep – just check your recipe to see if sauces or other ingredients can be combined and stored in the fridge for convenience.
- Some cooks may prefer to use plastic liners in the slow cooker for messier dishes such as cheesy dips, but the liners can sometimes impact the flavor and presentation. I prefer to stick with the slow cooker insert and avoid plastic whenever possible.
30+ Simple Slow Cooker Appetizer Recipes
Slow Cooker Meatball Appetizers
Meatball appetizers make the tastiest bite, and they’re filling, too! Serve them with toothpicks for convenient snacking.
Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
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Go ahead and take the credit for everyone’s favorite appetizer at the party! Try this sweet and savory recipe for holidays, parties, and potlucks. Best of all, you only need three ingredients for Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs and they can be prepped in minutes.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen homestyle meatballs
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
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These Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs are bursting with flavor! From game nights to summer cookouts to weeknights, they are the tastiest addition to any occasion. Mix them up from scratch and savor the sweet and smoky deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons diced shallots
- 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning
- 1 cup BBQ sauce homemade or bottled
- 1/2 cup blueberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
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You can’t go wrong with a good meatball recipe and this one has a great twist on flavor! Try Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a tangy combination of pineapple, peppers, and onion in a delicious, glazed sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 2 bell peppers any color
- ½ white onion
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks in juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are a cozy, classic favorite that signals holidays, gamedays, and gatherings. They’re perfect for entertaining or adding something fun and flavorful for a simple weeknight dinner. Sweet cranberry, tangy ketchup, and a hint of citrusy orange come together in a syrupy sauce that’s both nostalgic and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs about 24–30 medium-sized meatballs
- 1 14 oz can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley or orange zest for garnish
Slow Cooker Pork Meatballs
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Instead of grabbing a bag of frozen meatballs, follow this recipe for insanely easy slow cooker pork meatballs that are perfect for potlucks, entertaining and even dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1 teaspoon deli mustard
Cheesy Slow Cooker Appetizers
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! The decadent dips on this list are classics that you just can’t get enough of! Make sure to serve with plenty of sturdy chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
Easy Rotel Dip in the Slow Cooker
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Grab your favorite bag of chips and enjoy this Easy Rotel Dip in the Slow Cooker for your next appetizer, holiday, or game day! Add some ground beef with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, and you have a Velveeta-free option with plenty of sharp, tangy flavor. The slow cooker melts the cheese perfectly for hearty, scoopable bites!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 1 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained)
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream optional, for smoother texture
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning optional, to boost flavor
- Salt to taste
Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip
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Whether it’s game day or just time to snack, get your slow cooker ready for this classic sausage cheese dip! Using fresh – not processed – cheese, this recipe is the best combination of smoothly melted pepper jack cheese, crumbled sausage, and a hint of salsa verde!
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground pork sausage
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons salsa verde
- tortilla chips for dipping
Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Everyone needs a tried-and-true party dip or game day snack, and cheesy buffalo chicken dip hits the spot! This hearty dip combines chicken, ranch seasoning, and, of course, lots of cheesy goodness. Enjoy with plenty of tortilla chips or raw veggies for dipping!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin sliced chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon homemade ranch seasoning blend
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Unsalted tortilla chips for serving
Spicy Slow Cooker Queso
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This isn’t your concession-stand nacho cheese! Slow Cooker Spicy Queso is rich, hearty, and made with fresh, real ingredients. Whether served as a snack or a topping for Tex-Mex meals, this easy queso dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 poblano pepper
- 1 shallot
- 2 garlic cloves
- 8 oz sharp cheddar
- 4 oz gouda
- 4 oz cubed cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
Easy Pretzel Cheese Dip in the Slow Cooker
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This isn’t your average concession-stand cheese dip! With real shredded cheese, whip up the best pretzel cheese dip recipe for gameday or entertaining – with no processed ingredients! Warm up some soft, salty pretzels and savor every bite of this oh-so-cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soft warm pretzels for dipping
Easy Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
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Easy Slow Cooker Pizza Dip is everything you could hope for and more – warm, cheesy pizza flavors in dippable form! Layer everything in and cook until perfectly melted and smooth, thanks to the creamy ricotta. Serve with bread, crackers, or veggies for a delightfully cheesy appetizer!
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup thick pizza sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional topping: sliced pepperoni olives, or sautéed mushrooms
Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip
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Forced to watch your favorite team play from the comfort of your own couch this year? At least the food can be delicious! Make this simple Chili Cheese Dip in your Slow Cooker for the perfect game day snack!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature (dairy free)
- 4-8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese dairy free
Slow Cooker Dips and Spreads
Warm, savory dips are comforting and delicious for any snacking situation! The slow cooker keeps these warm and ready to serve throughout your occasion.
Slow Cooker Roasted Corn and Poblano Dip with Bacon
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This Slow Cooker Roasted Corn and Poblano Dip with Bacon is so fresh! I use freshly shucked corn on the cob and a nice crisp poblano pepper along with back and you won't be sorry!
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 1 large poblano pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Tortilla chips for dipping
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion and Asiago Beer Dip
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Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion and Asiago Beer Dip would make a fabulous party dip when you are having friends over or you are headed to out to watch the game.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced yellow onion about half a large onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup asiago cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz beer
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Corn Dip
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Whether it’s game day or a summer cookout, a savory dip with chips makes the best appetizer! Jalapeño Corn Dip is a creamy and flavorful option that will be devoured at every gathering. Add everything to the slow cooker and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 16 oz bag frozen sweet corn
- 1 diced jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed or leave them in if you want to give it a little heat
- 8 oz chive and onion flavored cream cheese or swap regular cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Slow Cooker Spinach Bacon Dip
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Perfectly served up with crusty bread or with tortilla chips this Slow Cooker Spinach Bacon Dip can be the hit of your next party. Make it for a crowd or make it for a smaller gathering where heavy appetizers are the meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 2 shallots diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts from a can
Mexican Street Corn Dip In The Slow Cooker
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Mexican Street Corn Dip will be your new go-to party appetizer! Creamy, zesty, and full of bold flavors, this dip is bound to be irresistible, and it’s so simple to make in the slow cooker. Serve with tortilla chips to scoop it up and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz packages frozen sweet corn kernels
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for topping optional
Slow Cooker Artichoke and Bacon Dip
You can never have too many dip recipes and I can certainly guarantee that one with bacon will never be turned down. Slow Cooker Artichoke and Bacon dip is a winner.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick cut bacon (chopped)
- 1/4 cup finely diced shallots
- 2 cloves finely diced garlic
- 14 oz quartered artichoke hearts (1 can, drained and chopped)
- 12 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 cups shredded monterrey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese + 1/4 cup for topping/browning (optional)
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken Dip
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Sriracha lovers listen up! This dip is made for you! With just 6 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, this dip is perfect for your next gathering or game day celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I used white cheddar)
Slow Cooker Crab Dip
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Now you can have all the flavor and deliciousness of crab cakes any day without having to do all the work of making up the patties, frying them in the oil, and making up the sauce. Just make Slow Cooker Crab Cake Dip and enjoy the taste of crab cakes at your next party…or any day!!
Ingredients
- 12 oz can fancy crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 of a red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 of a green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Dip
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Slow Cooker Jalapeño Dip is a simple way to make your favorite appetizer without all the fuss. Delicious peppers, sweet jam and cream cheese perfect for dipping your favorite chip.
Ingredients
- 3 packages cream cheese (8oz each) softened
- 12 oz apricot preserves
- 1/2 pound jalapeno peppers diced (ribs and seeds removed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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With some whipped cream cheese, sour cream, canned artichoke hearts and a little cheese (plus a little red pepper for good measure) this can all basically be thrown in for a few hours to heat and that’s it! A very simple to make dip that will have everyone digging in!
Ingredients
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 15 oz can quartered artichoke hearts
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Game Day-Style Slow Cooker Appetizers
These game day snacks make easy bites to grab while cheering on your home team. Serve them on a tray for grazing and keeping the fans happy!
Slow Cooker Black Bean Tostadas
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Slow Cooker Black Bean Tostadas are a filling, delicious option for an easy meal that uses a simple combination of flavorful ingredients. With crispy tostada shells, canned or homemade refried beans, and fresh toppings, dinner can be ready and assembled in just under a few hours!
Ingredients
- 15 oz can refried black beans or use recipe from Slow Cooker Black Beans
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon homemade taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 prepared tostada shells
Slow Cooker Loaded Pub Fries
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Slow Cooker Loaded Pub Fries utilize my homemade spicy queso over roasted potatoes and loaded with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz frozen wedge cut oven fries
- Spicy Queso
- 4 slices thick cut bacon cooked
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings
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Chicken wings are a fan favorite but not the easiest appetizer to recreate at home. The slow cooker is the perfect solution to make wings for game day snacks or any night of the week! With sweet honey, BBQ sauce, and just a hint of lime, the ease and flavor of this Slow Cooker Chicken Wings recipe will convince you to make them again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or 12 oz light or citrusy beer
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Slow Cooker Chicken Wings with Honey Buffalo Sauce
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Whether you are hosting or headed to a get-together or just want a tasty snack to enjoy at home, these Slow Cooker Chicken Wings with Honey Buffalo Sauce will be perfect! They are easy, tasty and fun to make!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons bbq sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Nachos
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The snack you’ll want to eat as a meal! Make my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken and eat like a rockstar all week by making recipes like these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Nachos!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- 12 oz corn tortilla chips
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 cup thin sliced romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
Slow Cooker Enchilada Chili Cheese Street Fries
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Slow Cooker Enchilada Chili Cheese Street Fries are a fun way to bring food truck style fair home! Makes great party food or a fun family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 1/2 pound chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup water
For the cilantro sour cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For the salsa ranch:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 3 tablespoons salsa
Also:
- 24 ounce frozen potato fries (I love Trader Joe’s fries!)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I used AND recommend sharp cheddar and monterrey jack, freshly shredded)
- Additional fresh or dried cilantro for garnish optional
Hearty Slow Cooker Appetizer Toppings & Fillings
Layer these hearty toppings over nachos or French fries, top pizza bites, stuff sliders, or bulk up a tasty dip!
Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili
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Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili is the perfect chili for feeding a crowd or watching the game! Simple, full of flavor and easy to make and take!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beer
- 1 teaspoon cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chocolate powder
Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
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Every meal prepper needs a shredded chicken recipe! Even if you’re not batch cooking, making shredded chicken in the slow cooker is easy and a practical menu staple for many different meals. The slow cooker is the perfect choice for shredded chicken that stays juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
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If you’re looking for a simple dinner that is sure to please everyone around the table, try Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken! This easy recipe is just as mouth-watering as the pulled meats you can get at a local BBQ restaurant.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Easy Homemade BBQ Seasoning Rub
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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How to make the best slow cooker pulled pork! The perfect homemade spice blend makes it great for sandwiches, tacos and more!!
Ingredients
- 4 pound pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons paprika (try smoked paprika for more of that smoked flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef
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Shredded beef in the slow cooker will be your go-to meal when you have only a few minutes to prep and a handful of ingredients. Cook the savory beef in the slow cooker throughout the day and shred it to serve in so many different ways!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chuck roast
- 1 small sweet onion peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
