Slow Cooker Cioppino

Name: Slow Cooker Cioppino
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb mussels, cleaned; 1 lb clams, cleaned; 1 lb firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup fish stock or clam juice; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Taste the Globe

A classic Italian-American seafood stew, slow-cooked to perfection, featuring a medley of fresh fish, clams, and shrimp in a rich tomato broth.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-11T19:37:05.978Z

Cioppino is a delicious seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. This slow cooker version allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. The combination of fresh seafood and a rich tomato broth makes it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of fresh seafood in a savory broth
Easy preparation with minimal hands-on cooking time
Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions

      

A Taste of the Sea

Cioppino is a traditional Italian-American dish that brings the ocean's bounty right to your table. This hearty seafood stew originated in San Francisco, where Italian fishermen would combine their daily catch with fresh tomatoes, creating a rich, flavorful broth. The combination of shrimp, clams, mussels, and firm white fish makes this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing, showcasing an array of colors and textures that awaken the senses.

The beauty of cioppino lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out the seafood based on what's available or your personal preferences. While this recipe features shrimp, clams, and mussels, feel free to add scallops or even calamari for a unique twist. Each seafood variety adds its own character to the stew, allowing you to customize it for your family’s taste.

An Easy Cooking Experience

One of the standout features of this Slow Cooker Cioppino is its simplicity. With just a bit of prep work involving chopping and sautéing, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. This means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones, rather than hovering over the stove. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.

Additionally, the use of a slow cooker means cleanup is a breeze. You’ll have less mess to deal with, making this dish an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Simply toss your ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.

Perfect Pairings

Ingredients

For the Cioppino

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb mussels, cleaned
1 lb clams, cleaned
1 lb firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup fish stock or clam juice
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Serve with crusty bread for dipping!

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Layer the Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, fish stock, white wine, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Add the Seafood

Layer the shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish on top of the tomato mixture. Do not stir.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy your warm and hearty cioppino!

Storing and Reheating Cioppino

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing cioppino is easy. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of fish stock or water to maintain the broth's consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing cioppino. However, it's best to freeze the broth separately from the seafood to maintain texture. The seafood can become rubbery when frozen and reheated. Enjoy your cioppino within three months for the best flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This Slow Cooker Cioppino isn’t just delicious; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. Seafood is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating a variety of fish and shellfish into your diet can help improve heart health, support brain function, and boost your immune system.

The dish also includes a generous amount of tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants like lycopene. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. With this seafood stew, you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the slow cooker.

→ What type of fish works best?

Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper works best as they hold their texture during cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base ahead of time and add the seafood later when you're ready to cook.