There are the nights when dinner can’t come fast enough—when we need a hot meal on the table in less time than it takes to watch an episode of TV in our pajamas (and when we proceed to watch 5 episodes after that). On such nights, we pat ourselves on the back for the fact that we cooked at all.

And then there are the long autumn and winter days that turn to night far too quickly, when we’ll jump at any excuse to stay indoors. Puttering lends itself to projects, and that’s where these meals come in. Thirty-minute meals these are not, though we promise they’re not fussy. While the former sizzle and boil, these prefer to cook slowly—simmering on the backburner or braising until they’re fall-apart tender—and leave you to your own devices whilst you knit socks, add kindling to the fire, and do other things that putterers do.

Here are 16 of our favorite slow-cooking meals to make on slow weekend afternoons:

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken in Milk by Genius Recipes

(Photo: Bobbi Lin)

Secret Ingredient Beef Stew by SmallKitchCara

(Photo: Cara Eisenpress)

Spicy Sesame Pork Soup with Noodles by gingerroot

(Photo: James Ransom)

Roy Finamore’s Broccoli Cooked Forever by Genius Recipes

(Photo: James Ransom)

Dan Barber’s Braised Short Ribs by Amanda Hesser

(Photo: James Ransom)

Slow-Cooked Tuscan Kale with Pancetta, Bread Crumbs, and a Poached Egg by Alexandra Stafford

(Photo: James Ransom)

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup by foxeslovelemons

(Photo: James Ransom)

Pavo En Kol Indio by aargersi

(Photo: James Ransom)

Sweet and Savory Overnight Roast Pork by Merrill Stubbs

(Photo: Mark Weinberg)

Warming Red Pozole by monkeymom

(Photo: Mark Weinberg)

Betty Wason’s Basic Pot Roast by Genius Recipes

(Photo: James Ransom)

Lablabi (Middle Eastern Spicy Chickpea Stew) by creamtea

(Photo: James Ransom)

Diana Kennedy’s Carnitas by Genius Recipes

(Photo: James Ransom)

Short Rib Chili by lastnightsdinner

(Photo: James Ransom)

Matilda, Maple & Garlic Pork Shoulder with Crispy Skin by ENunn

(Photo: James Ransom)

Marcella Hazan’s Rice and Smothered Cabbage Soup by Genius Recipes

(Photo: Mark Weinberg)

By Rémy Robert.