95 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time
Set and forget your way to some pretty incredible meals.
We can all agree that a crock-pot is kind of a miracle appliance, whether you're cooking for the whole family, are slow cooking just for two, or need to feed a party. Though we bet you've already got some tried and true recipes (hello standbys like pulled pork and beef chili), why stop there? Slow cookers can do everything from breakfast to dessert (seriously!), so what are you waiting for? Check out these 95 slow-cooker recipes, then set it and forget it!
There is NOTHING better than coming home from a long day to a home-cooked meal, and the slow cooker makes it easy, whether you're a beginner cook or someone with more experience who's constantly on the run. Classics like chicken Alfredo, pepper steak, beef & broccoli, chicken cacciatore, and more might just taste even better in the crockpot (and are certainly way more hands-off than their skillet or baking dish counterparts). We've even got some recipes on this list you might have never thought you could make in a slow cooker. Trust us, you can make everything from pizza to meatballs (like in our slow-cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi) to mac & cheese in yours!
We also love how much easier a slow cooker makes cooking up all of your party faves. Consider making your favorite dips and appetizers in your crockpot to save yourself a whole lot of stress and prep time. If you're low on oven or grilling space during game days, movie nights, or cookouts, use your slow cooker to make BBQ brown sugar pulled chicken, Buffalo ranch wings, chicken tinga tacos, or sausage & peppers. Grab a pack of slider buns or tortillas and you'll be ready to party!
Your slow cooker can even make sweets, and our crock-pot banana cake, our slow-cooker chocolate chip cookie, our crock-pot hot cocoa, and our pumpkin spice slow-cooker oatmeal are proof. Whether you're making them for a crowd over the holidays or during the warmer months when you can't bear to turn on the oven, they're sure to satisfy.
Loving the possibilities of countertop appliances? Check out all our best air-fryer recipes and Instant Pot recipes next!
Slow-Cooker Korean Beef
This is not a drill: If you toss a pot roast (we went for bottom round roast, which doesn't break the bank) in the slow-cooker with a bunch of spices and soy sauce, you'll have killer Korean beef for dinner!
Get the Slow-Cooker Korean Beef recipe.
Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken
Pulled chicken is made so easy in the slow cooker, and this version includes brown sugar, a little Italian dressing, and bourbon for a bit of smokiness. Dress these up with homemade coleslaw for the greatest dinner with zero effort.
Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.
Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
When you think Parm + chicken, you may be thinking of the melty, saucy chicken Parm, but you might like this version even more. All the flavor from the chicken thighs, butter, garlic, and thyme seep into the tender baby potatoes for a fully satisfying, comforting meal.
Slow-Cooker Pizza
Pizza night just got even easier. While you can absolutely use a store-bought dough for this recipe, feel free to try our homemade pizza dough too.
Get the Slow-Cooker Pizza recipe.
Slow-Cooker Ribs
Just because you don’t have a giant smoker doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy and share a tender, well-seasoned rack of ribs. The prep is simple: Rub them with your favorite dry rub, load them into the slow cooker, smother them with BBQ sauce, and cook them completely hands-free until they’re falling off the bone.
Get the Slow-Cooker Ribs recipe.
Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken
By cooking low and slow, the humble chicken breast is transformed into something that melts in your mouth. Lemon, herbs, and garlic infuse the chicken with loads of flavor with some cream at the end to round out the sauce.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Fact: A party is only as good as the Buffalo dip you serve. The best part? Your slow cooker will keep it warm and ready for dipping! Go all out and make a batch of homemade soft pretzels to serve with it.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
The secret to really good pulled pork is cooking it low and slow, and lucky for you, a slow cooker makes the drawn-out process a breeze. This on a potato roll plus pickles and coleslaw (and potato chips, if you're feeling crazy) = absolute perfection.
Get the Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Sure, everyone loves chicken noodle soup, but for some of us, there's nothing that soothes the soul like a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup. That goes double when it's made in your slow cooker.
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie
If you love crispy edges and gooey centers on your chocolate chip cookies, you've gotta make this cookie cake in your slow cooker. Never waste your time scooping out individual cookies again!
Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken
This slow-cooker meal made with only 4 ingredients is really something to celebrate. The chicken falls apart and becomes immensely tender, and is delicious alongsidea the familiar flavors of chunky salsa and taco seasoning, and brightened up with bursts of lime juice. Serve this over rice, in lettuce cups, or as tacos.
Get the Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken recipe.
Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi
For this recipe, we’re doubling down on the comfort by giving meatballs and gnocchi the Tuscan treatment, in one dish. What makes this even better? It all comes together in the slow cooker.
Get the Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi recipe.
Shredded Beef
The flavor profile for our shredded beef recipe mimics our carne asada with the use of garlic, scallions, orange juice, and chipotle chiles in adobo, which makes it the perfect addition to taco night, your favorite leafy green salad, or a buttery, toasted brioche bun.
Get the Shredded Beef recipe.
Crock-Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
If spinach-artichoke dip is one of those things you get really excited about at a party but you feel like it takes too much effort, this slow-cooker version is for you. Don’t bother turning on the oven (especially when you have other appetizers like cranberry brie bites to bake).
Crock-Pot Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a straightforward, savory sweet stir-fry that we think works amazingly when made in a slow cooker. The steak gets very tender, and it takes on some of the qualities of your favorite beef stew while still staying true to the original.
Get the Crock-Pot Pepper Steak recipe.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo
We love a nice creamy Alfredo, and this zero effort version of chicken Alfredo might be our new favorite. It's a perfect recipe for a date night or busy weeknight.
Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe.
Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup
Prep everything in the morning and then come home at night to this delightful slow cooker soup that will please everyone. No need to sear or use any other skillet. It's hearty and filling and just the thing you need to life up your spirits.
Slow-Cooker Chex Mix
We LOVE homemade baked Chex Mix, but it can be a little hands-on (you've got to stir it every 15 minutes!). Making it in your slow cooker is way easier.
Get the Slow-Cooker Chex Mix recipe.
Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
Having a big bowl of chili ready at dinner with very minimal effort (and dishes) is what winter is all about. This turkey chili is both comforting and healthy, so grab your slow cooker and cozy on up.
Get the Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.
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