Top Slow Cooker Recipes NZ | Easy & Delicious Ideas

Embrace the Ease of Slow Cooking, Kiwi Style

Discover seven delicious slow cooker recipes nz, perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. From hearty lamb shanks to a modern take on boil-up, these recipes showcase classic Kiwi flavours with minimal effort. Learn how to create simple, satisfying meals using a slow cooker, incorporating ingredients easily found at your local grocer. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these slow cooker recipes nz offer something for everyone.

1. Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Merlot

This classic Kiwi slow cooker recipe showcases the best of New Zealand lamb, braised to perfection in a rich Merlot and rosemary-infused gravy. It's a testament to how simple slow cooker recipes NZ can be, transforming tough lamb shanks into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the lamb to absorb the deep flavours of the wine and herbs, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal perfect for a chilly evening. This method is a celebration of local ingredients and embodies the essence of hearty New Zealand cuisine.

The beauty of this slow cooker lamb shanks recipe lies in its simplicity. The lamb shanks are browned to develop rich flavour, then slow-cooked with Merlot, rosemary, and other aromatics. As the liquid simmers for hours, it reduces into a luscious, flavourful gravy that perfectly complements the tender lamb. This dish is a fantastic example of how slow cooking can elevate inexpensive, tougher cuts of meat into something truly special. Popularised by NZ food writer Allyson Gofton and adapted by chefs like Chelsea Winter, this recipe has become a mainstay in Kiwi kitchens, even featuring in the Food in a Minute NZ series. Its popularity stems from the readily available NZ ingredients and minimal prep time of around 15 minutes. The slow cooker does the hard work, creating its own gravy during cooking. Plus, leftovers freeze well, providing convenient meals for later.

This dish deserves its place on this list for several reasons. It highlights premium, local NZ lamb shanks, uses a wine-based sauce that reduces to create incredible depth of flavour, and feeds 4-6 people. The slow cooking time (8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high) allows you to simply set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

While browning the shanks beforehand yields the best results, it does add a small extra step. The cost of lamb shanks can also be a consideration, and the dish isn't suitable for dairy-free diets without some modification (like swapping out butter for oil during browning).

Ingredients You'll Need

4 lamb shanks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richer flavour—swap for oil if dairy-free)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups Merlot (use a good-quality NZ Merlot you enjoy drinking)
1 cup beef stock
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves
Optional: 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped (add in final 2 hours to avoid mushiness)
Optional: additional carrots or parsnips for heartiness

Tips for Success:

• Brown for flavour: Searing the lamb shanks before slow cooking creates a richer, deeper flavour.

• Choose a good Merlot: Opt for a quality New Zealand Merlot that you would enjoy drinking on its own.

• Time your veggies: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions in the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

• Perfect pairing: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

Learn more about Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Merlot This recipe is a perfect example of a delicious and easy slow cooker recipe NZ locals love, showcasing the best of local ingredients and slow cooking techniques.

2. Kiwi Beef and Kumara Stew

This hearty Kiwi Beef and Kumara Stew is a quintessential slow cooker recipe NZ locals love. It combines the richness of grass-fed New Zealand beef with the sweetness of our native kumara (sweet potato), creating a nutritious and flavourful one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking process tenderises more affordable cuts of beef like chuck or gravy beef, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully over time. This classic dish is a celebration of local ingredients and a testament to the power of slow cooking.

This slow cooker recipe is a true Kiwi classic for several reasons. It utilises readily available and affordable ingredients, making it a cost-effective choice for families. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The orange kumara, a staple Māori crop, adds a unique sweetness and vibrant colour, making this stew a true reflection of New Zealand's culinary heritage. It also earns its place in the list because it's a complete meal in one pot, minimising cleanup and maximising convenience. You can find variations of this recipe in the Edmonds Cookery Book, a Kiwi kitchen staple, and it's even a popular choice in school canteens across NZ, proving its widespread appeal. You can Learn more about Kiwi Beef and Kumara Stew for further insights and variations.

This stew is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. It typically serves 6 people and cooks in 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. One of its biggest advantages is its cost-effectiveness, allowing you to use cheaper cuts of beef and still achieve a delicious result. The kumara and other vegetables add a boost of nutrients, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. Being naturally gluten-free is another bonus for those with dietary restrictions.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Kumara can break down if added too early in the cooking process, so it's best to add it in the last 2-3 hours. This slow cooker recipe NZ style also requires some pre-cooking – browning the beef and sautéing the onions beforehand enhances the overall flavour.

For an authentic Kiwi flavour, use Watties tomato paste, a household favourite in New Zealand. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk a cornflour slurry and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Celebrity chef Jo Seagar has often championed this dish, further solidifying its status as a Kiwi classic. These tips will help you achieve the perfect Kiwi Beef and Kumara Stew, a true taste of New Zealand home cooking, perfect for any slow cooker enthusiast in NZ.

3. Slow Cooker Boil-Up (Modern Māori Hangi)

This slow cooker boil-up offers a delicious and accessible way to experience the flavours of a traditional Māori hangi without the elaborate earth oven preparation. It's a contemporary take on a cultural staple, perfectly suited for the modern Kiwi kitchen and a fantastic addition to our list of top slow cooker recipes NZ. By utilising a slow cooker, this recipe makes traditional Māori cuisine practical for everyday cooking while still honouring time-honoured food traditions.

This modern hangi involves slow-cooking pork bones (ideally with some meat still attached for richer flavour) to create a flavorful broth. The magic happens over a long, gentle simmer, typically 6-8 hours on low, which allows the pork bones to release their goodness and infuse the broth with depth. Puha (watercress), a key ingredient in a traditional boil-up, is added in the final 30 minutes of cooking to preserve its vibrant green colour and nutritional value. Finally, doughboys (unleavened dumplings) are dropped into the simmering broth about 30 minutes before serving, absorbing the rich flavours and providing a comforting, hearty element to the meal.

This method is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to pursue other activities while a delicious and culturally significant meal cooks itself. It's an economical choice too, using inexpensive cuts of pork and readily available ingredients. Learn more about Slow Cooker Boil-Up (Modern Māori Hangi)

This slow cooker boil-up has been championed by renowned chefs like Peter Gordon, known for his fusion cuisine, Monique Fiso of Hiakai restaurant, and hangi master Rewi Spraggon, demonstrating its acceptance and relevance in contemporary New Zealand cuisine. You’ll often find this modern adaptation at community gatherings and marae, a testament to its accessibility and enduring popularity. Featured even on Māori Television’s “Kai Time on the Road,” this dish is a true Kiwi favourite.

Tips for Slow Cooker Boil-Up Success:

• Pork Bones: Opt for pork bones with some meat attached for maximum flavour.

• Greens: Add puha (or silverbeet if puha is unavailable) in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain its nutrients and vibrant colour.

• Doughboys: Introduce the doughboys approximately 30 minutes before serving to allow them to cook through and soak up the flavourful broth.

Pros:

• Preserves cultural food traditions in a modern context.

• Economical meal utilising less expensive cuts of meat.

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from foraged or leafy greens.

• One-pot complete meal, minimising dishes and cleanup.

Cons:

• Sourcing puha (watercress) can be challenging outside of New Zealand.

• Traditional Māori flavours might be unfamiliar to some palates.

• Requires careful timing for adding greens and doughboys to maintain their texture and nutritional value.

This slow cooker boil-up deserves its place on this list of slow cooker recipes NZ because it offers a unique blend of tradition and convenience. It’s a simple, yet deeply flavourful dish that celebrates New Zealand's culinary heritage while making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. It’s perfect for those looking for a hearty, economical, and culturally rich meal that embodies the essence of Aotearoa.

4. Slow Cooker Creamy Seafood Chowder

This Slow Cooker Creamy Seafood Chowder offers a distinctly New Zealand twist on a classic comfort food, showcasing the country's abundant kaimoana (seafood) in a convenient, set-and-forget format. This recipe perfectly embodies the essence of "slow cooker recipes nz" by combining local ingredients with a cooking method Kiwis love. The slow cooker gently simmers the seafood in a rich, creamy broth infused with subtle hints of white wine, resulting in a flavourful and satisfying meal.

The magic of this slow cooker method lies in its simplicity. You combine your chosen seafood (typically hoki, mussels, and prawns – but feel free to experiment!), vegetables, and a creamy base in your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it simmer for 3-4 hours. This shorter cooking time, compared to many other slow cooker recipes, is a major advantage, especially when working with delicate seafood. The slow, gentle heat allows the flavours to meld beautifully, creating a rich and complex chowder. This recipe truly shines as a convenient yet impressive dish for entertaining, showcasing the best of New Zealand's coastal bounty.

You'll find variations of this creamy seafood chowder gracing restaurant menus in coastal towns across the country, and it's even been featured in NZ Fishing News magasine, further solidifying its place as a Kiwi favourite. Chefs like Al Brown and Annabel Langbein have helped popularise this dish, adapting it for home cooks with accessible ingredients and methods.

Tips for Slow Cooker Seafood Chowder Success:

• Add firm fish pieces during the last hour of cooking: This prevents overcooking and ensures your fish remains flaky and tender.

• Use NZ green-lipped mussels for authentic flavour: These iconic mussels add a distinctly New Zealand touch.

• Substitute coconut cream for dairy cream: A great alternative for those with lactose intolerance, adding a subtle sweetness.

• Serve with warm crusty bread or rewena (Māori potato bread): The perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of that delicious chowder.

Pros:

• Showcases New Zealand's delicious seafood.

• Shorter cooking time than most slow cooker meals.

• Convenient – you can use a frozen seafood mix.

• Impressive dish for entertaining guests.

Cons:

• Seafood can become overcooked if left in the slow cooker for too long.

• Can be a more expensive option due to the seafood ingredients.

• Not suitable for dairy-free diets (unless using a substitute like coconut cream).

This Slow Cooker Creamy Seafood Chowder deserves its place on this list of top "slow cooker recipes nz" because it offers a delicious, convenient, and distinctly Kiwi take on a classic dish. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a surefire winner for a comforting and impressive meal.

5. Slow Cooker Feijoa and Apple Crumble

This slow cooker feijoa and apple crumble is a uniquely Kiwi take on a classic dessert, perfectly showcasing New Zealand's beloved autumnal fruit. Instead of a traditional oven-baked crumble, this slow cooker recipe creates a self-saucing pudding with a warm, syrupy fruit base topped with a golden crumble. This method transforms the typical crumble experience, offering a comforting and easy dessert option ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The magic of this slow cooker recipe lies in its simplicity. The feijoas and apples, combined with sugar and a touch of spice, slowly cook in the slow cooker, releasing their juices and creating a delicious sauce. The crumble topping, sprinkled over the fruit, absorbs some of this sauce while still providing a textural contrast. This slow cooker method eliminates the risk of burning that sometimes comes with oven baking, making it a stress-free way to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert. This dish deserves its place in this list of slow cooker recipes NZ because it embodies the resourceful Kiwi spirit, using seasonal produce in a clever and convenient way.

This dessert is a fantastic way to utilise the abundance of feijoas during their peak season (March-June) and is a popular feature in resources like the NZ Gardener magazine and school fundraiser cookbooks. Celebrity chefs like Nadia Lim have also popularised the use of feijoas in seasonal slow cooker recipes, while budget-conscious cooks like Sophie Gray of Destitute Gourmet have championed its affordability. You can even learn more about Slow Cooker Feijoa and Apple Crumble. The recipe serves approximately six people and takes about 2.5 hours on high in a slow cooker.

Pros:

• Excellent way to use seasonal feijoa gluts.

• Creates its own luscious sauce while cooking.

• Can cook while dinner is being prepared, ensuring a fresh, warm dessert is ready when you are.

• Easier than oven versions, with no risk of burning.

Cons:

• Feijoas are seasonally available (typically March-June).

• Crumble topping may not be as crisp as oven-baked versions.

• Not suitable for those avoiding refined sugar.

Tips for Success:

• Line your slow cooker with baking paper for effortless cleanup.

• Place a tea towel under the lid to absorb condensation and promote a crisper topping.

• Canned feijoas can be substituted when fresh fruit is unavailable.

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard for the ultimate Kiwi dessert experience.

This slow cooker feijoa and apple crumble is a perfect example of how slow cooker recipes NZ can be both delicious and convenient. This method provides a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce while minimising effort in the kitchen.

6. Slow Cooker Sticky Asian-Style Pork Belly

This Slow Cooker Sticky Asian-Style Pork Belly recipe perfectly embodies the fusion of flavours that makes New Zealand cuisine so exciting. It's a fantastic example of how slow cooker recipes NZ style can elevate a simple, affordable cut of meat like pork belly into a restaurant-quality dish. This method cleverly combines the convenience of slow cooking with bold Asian-inspired flavours, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with a sticky, caramelised exterior. It deserves a spot on this list because it epitomises effortless gourmet cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

This recipe works by slowly braising the pork belly in a rich, fragrant sauce infused with five-spice, star anise, and other classic Chinese aromatics. The low and slow cooking process renders the fat beautifully, leaving the meat incredibly tender. A final crisping step under the grill or in a hot oven creates that desirable textural contrast.

Features and Benefits:

• Uses NZ Free-Range Pork Belly: Supporting local farmers while ensuring high-quality meat.

• Sweet, Sticky Glaze: The five-spice and star anise create an authentic Asian-inspired flavour profile.

• Convenient Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, allowing you to set it and forget it, plus an optional finishing step.

• Generous Servings: Feeds 4-6 people, making it ideal for families or entertaining.

Pros:

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, rendering the pork belly to perfection without any monitoring.

• Gourmet Results: Creates a dish that rivals high-end restaurants with minimal effort.

• Serving Versatility: Enjoy the pork belly in bao buns, served over rice, noodles, or even alongside a fresh salad.

• Elevates Affordable Meat: Transforms an economical cut of pork belly into a premium dining experience.

Cons:

• Requires Caramelisation Step: Needs a quick finish under the grill or in the oven for optimal crispiness.

• High in Sodium and Sugar: May not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

• Contains Soy and Refined Sugar: Those avoiding these ingredients should steer clear.

Tips for Success:

• Score the Skin: Before cooking, score the pork belly skin in a crosshatch pattern for better flavour penetration and crispier crackling.

• Reduce and Thicken Sauce: After the slow cooking process, transfer the sauce to a stovetop pan to reduce and thicken for a more intense flavour.

• Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy exterior, finish the pork belly under a hot grill for a few minutes.

• Balanced Meal: Serve with steamed bok choy or other seasonal New Zealand greens for a balanced and delicious meal.

Examples of Successful Implementation:

• Featured on Food TV NZ Programs: This dish's popularity has earned it features on several local cooking shows.

• Auckland Night Markets: You can find variations of this sticky pork belly delighting crowds at Auckland's vibrant night markets, showcasing its broad appeal.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Kiwis:

This Slow Cooker Sticky Asian-Style Pork Belly recipe embodies the best of slow cooker recipes NZ has to offer. It's a celebration of our multicultural food scene, using locally sourced ingredients and easy cooking methods to create a flavourful and satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a perfect example of how slow cooking can transform a humble cut of meat into something truly special. Popularised by culinary figures like Ray McVinnie and Jeremy Schmid of Auckland's Little Jimmy restaurant, this recipe is a testament to the power of fusion cooking in Aotearoa.

7. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa

This Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food, incorporating the distinctive flavour and medicinal properties of a native New Zealand herb. This recipe beautifully bridges traditional Māori plant knowledge with modern vegetarian cooking, making it a standout amongst slow cooker recipes NZ has to offer. It’s a nutritious, plant-based meal perfect for busy weeknights or a nourishing weekend lunch.

The magic of this soup lies in the slow, gentle infusion of kawakawa. This traditional Māori medicinal plant adds a peppery, slightly bitter note to the broth while imparting its purported health benefits. Combined with seasonal New Zealand-grown vegetables, this slow cooker soup becomes a powerhouse of nutrients and traditional plant medicine. The long, slow cooking method allows the flavours to meld beautifully, creating a rich and complex taste experience.

This soup deserves its place on this list because it offers a uniquely Kiwi culinary adventure. It showcases the versatility of the slow cooker while celebrating Aotearoa's indigenous ingredients. Learn more about Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa here. This recipe has gained popularity through the Māori food sovereignty movement and has been championed by Māori food experts like Charles Royal, further cementing its status as a modern classic. You’ll often find this soup featured in plant-based cooking workshops throughout NZ and served at wellness retreats in Northland and Coromandel.

Features and Benefits:

• Kawakawa Powerhouse: Incorporates kawakawa, a traditional Māori medicinal plant known for its potential health benefits.

• Plant-Based Goodness: Completely vegan-friendly and packed with nutrients from seasonal vegetables.

• Convenient Cooking: Slow cooks for 5-6 hours on low, making it ideal for busy schedules.

• Generous Servings: Yields 8 servings, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

• Freezer-Friendly: Freezes exceptionally well for easy future meals.

• Dietary Flexibility: Suitable for most dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

Pros:

• Rich in nutrients and traditional plant medicine.

• Uses seasonal NZ-grown vegetables.

• Freezes exceptionally well.

• Suitable for most dietary requirements.

Cons:

• Kawakawa may be difficult to source for some.

• Unique flavour profile may not appeal to all palates.

• Requires foraging knowledge for wild kawakawa (though it can be purchased from some specialty stores and markets).

Tips for Slow Cooker Success:

• Bouquet Garni: Add kawakawa leaves in a bouquet garni (tied in cheesecloth or a muslin bag) for easy removal before serving.

• Less is More: Use no more than 3-4 kawakawa leaves as the flavour is quite strong.

• Substitutions: If kawakawa is unavailable, substitute with more accessible herbs like bay leaves, oregano, or thyme.

• Creamy Finish: Add a swirl of coconut cream before serving for extra richness and flavour.

This Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa is a fantastic way to explore the unique flavours of New Zealand and embrace the benefits of slow cooking. Whether you're a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or just starting out, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. It's an excellent example of how slow cooker recipes NZ can be both delicious and culturally significant.

Slow Cooker Recipes NZ: Key Features Comparison

Recipe	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements 💡	Expected Outcomes ⭐📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⚡
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Merlot	Moderate: requires browning and wine reduction	Premium NZ lamb shanks and quality Merlot	Tender, flavorful meat with rich gravy	Special occasions, slow cooker enthusiasts	Minimal prep, makes own gravy, freezes well
Kiwi Beef and Kumara Stew	Moderate: browning and timing for kumara	Affordable NZ grass-fed beef, kumara	Hearty, nutritious stew with melded flavors	Family meals, budget-friendly, gluten-free	Cost-effective, one-pot complete meal
Slow Cooker Boil-Up (Modern Māori Hangi)	Moderate: careful timing of greens and dumplings	Inexpensive pork bones, puha or substitutes	Traditional flavors, nutrient-rich, culturally significant	Cultural gatherings, traditional cuisine	Preserves Māori traditions, economical
Slow Cooker Creamy Seafood Chowder	Lower: relatively simple, shorter cook	Fresh or frozen NZ seafood, cream	Creamy, comforting seafood dish	Entertaining, seafood lovers	Quick for slow cooker, showcases seafood
Slow Cooker Feijoa and Apple Crumble	Low: straightforward slow cooker dessert	Seasonal feijoas, apples, basic crumble ingredients	Warm, self-saucing dessert with fruity base	Autumn dessert, seasonal fruit use	Easy cleanup, no oven needed, self-saucing
Slow Cooker Sticky Asian-Style Pork Belly	Moderate: slow cook plus caramelising step	NZ free-range pork belly, Asian spices	Tender pork with sticky, caramelised exterior	Fusion cuisine, casual entertaining	Minimal effort for restaurant-quality result
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa	Low to moderate: simple prep, careful herb use	Seasonal vegetables, kawakawa (or substitutes)	Nutritious, healing, plant-based soup	Vegan/vegetarian, wellness-focused	Rich in nutrients, suitable for diets

Level Up Your Slow Cooker Game

With these 7 slow cooker recipes nz, from the rich Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Merlot to the comforting Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup with Kawakawa, you've got a week's worth of delicious and easy meals covered. We've explored the diversity of slow cooking, showcasing how simple it is to create flavourful, satisfying dishes with minimal effort, highlighting both traditional Kiwi classics like our Beef and Kumara Stew and modern fusion creations such as the Slow Cooker Sticky Asian-Style Pork Belly. Mastering these slow cooker recipes nz not only saves you time and energy in the kitchen but also allows you to enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth meals bursting with authentic New Zealand flavours. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these recipes prove that slow cooking is a fantastic way to elevate your everyday meals and impress your whānau.

Ready to embrace the magic of effortless cooking, Kiwi style? Find the perfect slow cooker, along with all the kitchen appliances and fresh ingredients you need to bring these delicious slow cooker recipes nz to life, at Folders. Explore our wide selection and equip your kitchen for slow cooking success!