Let's talk about the unsung hero of the kitchen: the slow cooker. Who has the time or energy for elaborate cooking every day, right? That's where slow cooker recipes swoop in to save the day – set-it-and-forget-it magic at its finest! In this article, we're delving into a treasure trove of tried-and-true slow cooker favorites guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. From hearty stews to succulent pulled meats, get ready for dishes that not only taste amazing but also require minimal effort to whip up.
Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Just like Grandma used to make, except that Grandma probably didn't know you could make meatloaf in a slow cooker. The top won't brown the way it does in the oven, but that doesn't matter: This recipe calls for a ketchup-based topping. With luck, you'll have leftovers for sandwiches.
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Yep, you can roast a bird in the slow cooker. The secret ingredient in this recipe is an envelope of onion soup mix.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
If you're a pasta fan but don't eat red meat, this is the entree for you. It uses chicken stock, cheese and Italian seasonings to create a creamy sauce for the noodles. Bits of chicken breast take the place of meatballs; you can also use chicken thighs, to keep costs down.)
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Slow Cooker Vegan Chana Masala
This hearty chickpea curry can be made with just a few on-hand ingredients, like canned chickpeas and tomatoes, onions and a few basic Indian spices. The understanding author gives substitutions for those who don't have fresh ginger or cardamom on hand.
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Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken
A smoky shredded-chicken dish that's perfect for many Mexican-style dishes, such as burritos, enchiladas and nachos. It could also brighten up salads, sandwiches or omelets.
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Slow Cooker Tomato And Feta Soup
The sweet ripeness of fresh tomatoes combines perfectly with the briny creaminess of feta cheese. Toast some good bread and tell everyone it's a "deconstructed grilled cheese sandwich."
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
With just two ingredients, this recipe couldn't be simpler! Customize with add-ins like peppers, onions or black beans if you like.
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Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken
A few pantry basics create an ultra-simple yet sophisticated dish. If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
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Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Pork shoulder, carrots and potatoes make this a fuss-free, one-pot meal. Garlic and herbs add to the richness.
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Mississippi Pot Roast
Brown gravy and ranch dressing mixes, butter and pepperoncini turn ordinary chuck roast into a tender feast. Delicious on potatoes or rice, or served on hoagie rolls.
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Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Easy, cheesy goodness with just 10 minutes of prep time, this hearty dish is great for busy days. Pro tip: Use a crockpot liner for super-simple cleanup.
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
With a rich sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce, this recipe makes humble chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish. Decadent dining reminiscent of an Italian restaurant, at a fraction of the cost.
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Korean-Style Braised Beef Short Ribs
Fork-tender ribs in a velvety, sweet-and-tangy marinade, this recipe is divine served with rice or as taco-style lettuce wraps.
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5-Ingredient Easy Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup
The flavor of a loaded baked potato, in a soup bowl! This dish takes just five minutes of prep time and is an antidote to chilly winter evenings.
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Crockpot Beef Enchiladas For Two (Slow Cooker Enchiladas)
This small-batch recipe yields tender, delicious beef enchiladas for you and someone special. No leftovers getting soggy in the fridge, either.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef Enchiladas For Two (Slow Cooker Enchiladas)
Slow Cooker Spicy Barbecue Beef Tips
Tender beef stew meat with a simple yet luscious homemade BBQ sauce, this dish is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice or even pasta.
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Slow Cooker Queso Chicken
A can of Rotel tomatoes, a jar of queso, some taco seasoning and chicken breasts turn into tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls -- or just eat this stuff by the savory forkful.
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Best Crock Pot Chicken Leg Quarters
Skin-on chicken leg quarters turn juicy and flavorful in a honey-garlic sauce.
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Slow Cooker Collard Greens and Ham
Tender collard greens simmered in broth flavored with ham hocks or ham chunks -- this Southern delicacy has never been simpler.
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The Best Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Meat, vegetables and potatoes all in one pot make this a simple supper. Let the Tater Tots turn you into a kid again.
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Crockpot Salisbury Steak and Gravy
Cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix add fast flavor. You can use ground beef or cube steak.
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Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Is a can of cranberry sauce gathering dust in your pantry? Add barbecue sauce and jalapeno pepper to make this great potluck dish.
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Healthy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Rich and delicious, this recipe uses low-sodium beef broth, bay leaves and tomato paste to enhance the meat's natural flavors.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A bottle of garlic parmesan wing sauce is starting point for this hearty, flavorful comfort-food dinner. Cream cheese and Parmesan cheese make the sauce extra-rich.
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Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Tender beef in a rich sauce enhanced by cream cheese and Greek yogurt -- a great family meal that's also fancy enough for company.
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Hatch Green Chile Mac And Cheese
Hatch chile peppers, bacon, jalapenos and lots of cheese. Enjoy it at home, or become the star of the next potluck.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika
A smoky, creamy sauce turns plain old chicken into a celebration. You can use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs, or save money by using thighs only.
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Keto Carnitas
These tender, flavorful strips of pork make a delicious dinner. You'll also score by setting them out on game day with tortillas and taco makings.
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One-Pot Chickpea Noodle Soup
Packed with protein, iron and fiber, chickpeas are a healthy substitute for chicken. This meal is delicious enough to share with non-vegetarians, too.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Chickpea Noodle Soup
Easy Overnight Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Oats, cinnamon sticks and honey, simmered overnight, make a fragrant and nourishing breakfast. Stir-ins such as dried fruit and flax seeds enhance both flavor and nutrition.
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Slow Cooker Red Lentil & Chickpea Curry With Potatoes & Peas
This simple, hearty dish has relatively few ingredients but packs a flavorful wallop. Let it cook all day and be greeted with the fragrance of Indian cuisine when you get home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Red Lentil & Chickpea Curry With Potatoes & Peas
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Sure, you can set it out on game day to delight your guests. But your household deserves Buffalo Chicken Dip, too! Set it out with pita bread and celery sticks, or serve it atop baked potatoes for a simple, satisfying supper.
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Slow Cooker Sausage & Bean Casserole
Pure comfort food, this dish is made from basic pantry ingredients and can fill you up for relatively little money. Carrots and potatoes add nutrition and heft, and Worcestershire sauce provides a bit of a kick.
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
Oranges, cranberries, maple syrup and pork -- what a combo! This tender, tangy-sweet entree could become a holiday favorite in your home.
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Crock Pot Chicken And Dumplings
A few minutes of prep time produces a comfort-food classic. This recipe uses a can of biscuit dough for quick and easy "dumplings."
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Slow Cooker Thai Green Curry
It takes only five minutes to pull together ingredients for this classic dish. Tender chicken, loads of vegetables and a coconut milk sauce loaded with Thai spices will make you look like a trained chef. No one needs to know how easy it was.
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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Two ingredients (salsa and chicken) create a savory, versatile protein. Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas or nachos. Or just eat it warm, over rice, with maybe a side of black beans.
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Slow Cooker Roast Beef Po' Boys
Super-tender roast beef in a savory gravy, served on a hoagie roll with lettuce and tomatoes. These hearty New Orleans-style sandwiches sure don't sound "poor" to us!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
A buttery, creamy sauce with a hint of tomato and complex spices, this dish will turn your ordinary kitchen into an Indian restaurant.
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