Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

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These slow cooker peas and carrots are cooked with butter, honey, and a few extra seasonings for an irresistibly light and flavorful taste. This is one side dish where delicious meets healthy.

Peas and carrots are a perfect side dish to go along with any holiday main dish. We serve this side with brown sugar ham or even turkey breast.

Peas and carrots cooked in the slow cooker

Why this recipe works

This side dish cuisine takes the guesswork out of what to pair with any weeknight meal. Thanks to the quick prep time, you won’t have to worry about spending much time in the kitchen. It’s comfort food packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option. If you’re looking for a dish to add to the holiday table, this one has you covered.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for peas and carrots on table

Carrots – fresh, peeled, and sliced carrots are used for this recipe and cooked to the perfect texture. You can use baby carrots, but cut them before adding them to the crockpot.
Peas – packages of frozen peas are added toward the end to prevent overcooking.
Onion – adds both flavor and color to the overall dish.
Butter – everything is better with butter, right? This peas and carrots recipe uses salted butter.
Honey – adds the perfect amount of sweetness to each vegetable.
Garlic – garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic) adds another layer of flavor.
Seasonings – salt, pepper, and marjoram combine with everything else for a finishing touch.

Step by Step Directions

collage of peas and carrots, how to put in slow cooker

Step One – Add sliced carrots, onions, and quartered butter into the slow cooker (or crockpot) prepped with nonstick cooking spray.

Step Two – Add the remaining ingredients (except for peas).

Step Three – Stir ingredients together and cook on low for 5 hours (or until carrots are tender).

Step Four – Add the frozen green peas, stir, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve warm.

done cooking peas and carrots on a spoon

Variations

Make it vegan. To easily make this recipe vegan, simply substitute olive oil or vegan spread for butter.
Add color. Add a can of corn, or a small bag of frozen corn to the mix to add color to this simple peas and carrots recipe.
Go for a heartier side. Make this side dish cuisine extra hearty by mixing it with cooked brown rice (long-grain) or diced potatoes.

What to serve with this

Whole chicken – With peas and carrots being a classic side dish, it would pair perfectly next to pieces of a slow-cooked whole chicken.
Meatloaf – The flavors of meatloaf combined with a side dish like this make for a well-rounded meal. Simply add cornbread to top it off.
Apple and clove ham – If you’re looking for a sweet protein to pair with these buttery peas and carrots, then an apple and clove ham may be the way to go. The ham is cooked with apples, which could be served as an additional sweet side.
Pasta – You can mix the cooked carrots and peas with a noodle, like penne, for a healthy dish in one.

bowl of peas and carrots in front of slow cooker

Recipe FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Luckily this dish makes great leftovers. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 weeks (in a freezer bag or container).

What can I use instead of butter?

Butter is the best choice for flavor, though you can add vegetable broth, water, or olive oil instead of butter.

What other herbs could I add to this dish?

In addition to marjoram, oregano, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and basil would taste fantastic in this dish.

Can I use frozen carrots?

Although you can use frozen carrots in this recipe, it’s better to use fresh carrots as they taste much better. Frozen carrots can become spongey after cooking.