45 Best Slow Cooker Recipes
The Best Slow Cooker Recipes
If you’re looking for easy slow cooker recipes, you’re in the right place! Evenings can be busy, and there’s nothing better than having dinner prepped and ready to serve when you’re ready to eat. With these crockpot recipes, you’ll save time making dinner since the slow cooker does most of the work.
Slow cooker recipes can sometimes have the reputation of being lacking in flavor, but not these recipes! Try a cheesy, spicy taco pasta, sweet and tangy honey garlic chicken or rich and comforting slow cooker beef stew. These meals are packed with flavor in every bite!
Slow Cooker Recipes for Comfort Food Classics
These hearty, cozy crockpot meals will warm you up from the inside out. Think pot roast, beef stroganoff and meatballs. Comfort food never tasted better.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Dinner doesn’t get any more cozy or comforting than pot roast. This one cooks all day in the slow cooker until the meat is fall-apart tender, the vegetables are soft and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
With a savory mushroom gravy, these pork chops cook up tender and flavorful. Serve them with noodles or mashed potatoes and a vegetable to round out the meal.
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is one of my family’s favorite cuts of meat, and I love that I can cook it in the slow cooker for a make ahead meal. In this simple recipe the pork cooks with sautรฉed onions and creates delicious pan juices as it cooks, perfect for spooning over the meat when serving.
Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
This easy beef stroganoff recipe features tender bites of beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. We love it served over egg noodles, but rice or mashed potatoes are also good options. Make this one on a cold, dreary day!
Slow Cooker Ribs
These slow cooker ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, seasoned with a delicious dry rub and slathered with BBQ sauce. This easy ribs recipe is the best way to make BBQ ribs!
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
While we love oven baked potatoes, you can’t beat the convenience of cooking potatoes in the crock pot. They turn out perfectly soft and fluffy, ready to load with your favorite toppings. Try sour cream and chives or butter, broccoli and cheese. They’re perfect for an easy meal or side dish!
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Italian meatballs simmered all day in a simple homemade marinara sauce? Yes, please! Serve these slow cooker meatballs over pasta or in a meatball sub.
Comforting Crockpot Pastas
Have you tried cooking pasta in your slow cooker? Not only is it convenient (one less pot to wash!), but the pasta soaks up so much flavor as it cooks in the sauce. These easy crockpot meals are sure to make everyone at the table ask for seconds!
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
This taco pasta is one of our most popular slow cooker recipes, and for good reason! It takes just 10 minutes to prep and is loaded with flavor. This easy recipe is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Crockpot Lasagna
This crockpot lasagna is possibly the easiest lasagna you’ll ever make! You don’t need to boil the noodles before layering the ingredients in your slow cooker. It’s cheesy, saucy and just so good.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac
Fifteen five star reviews praise this chili mac as a keeper! It’s a meatless meal that’s full of flavor, with hearty pasta, beans and cheese. Enjoy this slow cooker recipe on a busy weeknight, with a crisp green salad on the side.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
When you don’t have time to assemble and bake a classic Baked Ziti, this slow cooker baked ziti comes to the rescue. This healthy crockpot recipe is made with ground turkey, but you could certainly use sausage or ground beef instead.
Slow Cooker Spinach Lasagna
This vegetarian slow cooker recipe features spinach, mushrooms and ricotta cheese layered with noodles, sauce and mozzarella. As the lasagna cooks in the slow cooker, the noodles soak up all of the delicious flavors of the sauce. Make this when you’re craving comfort food and want to skip the meat.
Slow Cooker Turkey & Veggie Lasagna
As you can see, we love making lasagna in the slow cooker! This version is loaded with vegetables, plus ground turkey for protein. You’ll turn to this healthy slow-cooked lasagna recipe again and again.
Crock Pot Soups and Chilis
On a chilly day, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of soup or chili to warm you up. The soups below are some of our favorite healthy crockpot recipes. The best part? They’re a breeze to whip up and then your slow cooker does the rest!
Crockpot Potato Soup
This one is a must-make! Unbelievably creamy and so cozy, this easy potato soup recipe will get you through those cold winter days.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Rich and flavorful, beef stew is a tried-and-true dinner recipe. This one has potatoes, carrots and celery plus tender bites of beef chuck roast.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s a true dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. There’s not even any chopping of ingredients required! Salsa and taco seasoning bring loads of flavor to this easy taco soup.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This nourishing slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the perfect meal for when you’re feeling under the weather. It also hits the spot when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Like a hug in a bowl!
Slow Cooker Chili
If it’s a hearty classic chili that you’re craving, this slow cooker chili recipe is it! Serve it with cornbread and honey butter or tortilla chips for scooping.
Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup
This soup tastes as good as it looks! Filled with butternut squash, white beans and kale, this vegetarian soup is a dump and go slow cooker recipe. We especially love this one for meal prep lunches.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This white chicken chili gets its creaminess from pureed white beans rather than cream. It’s a healthy, dairy free slow cooker recipe that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Another dump and go crockpot meal, this creamy soup is easy to make. You can even prep the ingredients the night before and refrigerate so that all you have to do in the morning is turn on your slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Broccoli, Cheddar and White Bean Soup
This nutritious pureed broccoli cheese soup boasts broccoli, spinach and cannellini beans for a nutrient-dense soup that packs plenty of protein. Make this recipe when you’re craving healthy comfort food.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chickpea Chili
If you haven’t tried adding chickpeas to chili, you’ve been missing out! This colorful chili has lean ground turkey, bell peppers and classic chili spices. It simmers all day and will be ready to serve when you’re ready to eat.
Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup
Leeks bring mild onion flavor to this creamy potato cheddar leek soup. Like most soups, this comforting vegetarian meal reheats well for a quick lunch on a rainy day!
Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Winner winner chicken dinner! Chicken is a crowd-pleaser and these slow cooker chicken recipes will not disappoint. From basics like crockpot chicken breast and shredded chicken to creamy Tuscan chicken, these easy crockpot recipes offer plenty of dinner inspiration.
Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This delicious crock pot meal has juicy chicken thighs, carrots and potatoes with a flavorful gravy. The chicken is browned on the stove to create layers of flavor and then it finishes cooking in the slow cooker along with the vegetables and gravy.
Crockpot Chicken Breast
Cooking chicken breasts in the slow cooker is an easy way to prepare chicken for dinner. You can slice it and serve it with your favorite side dishes, or chop it up to use in recipes that call for cooked chicken.
Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
One of our best chicken thigh recipes! This crockpot recipe has tender slow cooked chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. The reviews on this recipe say it all!
Crockpot Chicken and Mushrooms
Chicken thighs, mushrooms and orzo pasta are a tasty trio. Served with some grated Parmesan cheese, this is one of our favorite easy weeknight recipes.
Crockpot Whole Chicken
Learn how to cook a perfect rotisserie-style chicken in your slow cooker. This crockpot whole chicken recipe makes the best juicy and flavorful chicken. Carrots and potatoes cook in the slow cooker along with the chicken, and you can even make a quick gravy with the cooking juices.
Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken broccoli rice is a classic comfort food that’s made easy in the slow cooker. The rice turns out ultra-creamy thanks to the slow cooking process plus creamy Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken
Meal prep fans will love this one! Cook shredded chicken in your slow cooker to use for all sorts of easy meals, from casseroles to soups and more!
A Sandwich Always Satisfies
Grab the rolls or burger buns because these hearty sandwiches are on the menu! Tender shredded beef, pork and chicken make a satisfying filling for your bread of choice.
Italian Beef
This Italian beef recipe is what I make when I want a hearty, easy, flavor-packed dinner. Served on toasted rolls with melty provolone cheese, these Italian beef sandwiches are one of our all-time favorite dinners. The recipe post includes Instant Pot directions as well.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Serve this BBQ pulled pork on toasted buns for a dinner the whole family will enjoy. Add in some coleslaw for a refreshing, healthy crunch!
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken is one of our go-to’s for an easy meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at a BBQ or potluck. Or try this easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
Taco Night Favorites
Taco Tuesday fans will rejoice with these easy dinner options! Cooking your favorite taco filling in the slow cooker is a smart way to do dinner. These make-ahead recipes are perfect for entertaining or any night of the week.
Carnitas
The slow cooker makes the best pork carnitas! Serve this Mexican-style pulled pork in tacos, or add them to quesadillas or nachos. This recipe is sure to impress!
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Made with only 3 ingredients, this shredded salsa chicken is one of our easiest slow cooker recipes. It’s one of our go-to’s for taco night! Everyone loves building their own tacos, just how they like them.
Slow Cooker Lentil Tacos
Looking for a delicious vegetarian taco recipe? You’ll love these slow cooker lentil tacos! The taco filling is perfectly seasoned with onion, garlic and spices. Instant Pot instructions are also included in the recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
In this crockpot chicken fajitas recipe, chicken, onions and bell peppers cook together in the slow cooker. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. We love them with guacamole!
Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
No, the taquitos don’t cook in the slow cooker (they’re baked), but the delicious taquito filling does! The filling is a creamy mixture of chicken, cheese, and homemade BBQ sauce. Roll it up in tortillas, bake until crispy, and dinner is done!
Better Than Takeout Crockpot Meals
Skip the takeout and whip up one of these healthier but just as satisfying slow cooker recipes.
Crockpot Sesame Chicken
It takes just 10 minutes to prep this recipe and then the slow cooker does the rest. If you love dump and go slow cooker recipes, this one is for you! Serve the saucy chicken over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Here’s another 10 minute prep dinner for you: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken! Healthier than takeout and just as delicious, this sweet and tangy orange chicken is perfect for serving with rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Fans of honey garlic sauce will swoon over this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe! This is another one of our super easy crockpot recipes. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Save Room for these Slow Cooker Desserts
Your slow cooker isn’t just for making dinner! These crock pot dessert recipes will make a sweet addition to your meal.
Crockpot Blueberry Peach Cobbler
With a simple biscuit-style cobbler dough and a sweet blueberry-peach filling, this easy cobbler is a favorite. The best part is that it can be made with fresh or frozen peaches, so you can enjoy this recipe any time of year.
Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Yes, it’s true! You can make an apple crisp entirely in the slow cooker. This easy dessert is bursting with juicy apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery crumble topping. Yum!
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Crisp
Can’t choose between pumpkin and apple? You don’t have to! This slow cooker pumpkin apple crisp is full of warm spices and sweetened with pure maple syrup. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks in the crock pot.
For tips on getting the most out of your slow cooker meals, read my slow cooker guide. Now, let’s get slow cooking!
Best Slow Cooker Recipes: Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can corn, drained
- 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mild salsa
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, or store-bought
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado, green onion, tortilla chips, etc.
Instructions
- Place black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken broth in slow cooker. Stir to combine. Nestle chicken into the slow cooker so that it is completely covered by the liquid and other ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Remove chicken and shred or chop into bite-size pieces. Stir chicken back into the soup.
- Serve with toppings as desired.
Notes
- Freezer to Slow Cooker Directions:
(1) Place all ingredients except for broth in a heavy duty zip top plastic bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
(2) Thaw the bag for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
(3) Transfer bag contents to slow cooker, add the broth and cook according to directions above. - As written, this soup is medium-spicy. You can use 1 tablespoon less taco seasoning for a mild version.
- The taco soup can cook for longer than 6 hours if needed. I wouldn't recommend cooking it more than 8 hours (on low).