42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (2024)

It’s no surprise that we’re obsessed with Crock Pot recipes. They save a ton of time on busy weeknights (just like these other incredible make-ahead dinner recipes and one-pan meals) and make cleanup a breeze. Meal prep is easy when there are only a few ingredients: just dump them in, turn it on, and forget about it until you’re home for the evening. We’ve rounded up a list of our all-time favorite slow cooker recipes, from whole roasted chickens to pot roasts and tacos. And if you’re looking to save time in the morning as well, you can try these make-ahead breakfast recipes, too.

Savory Crock Pot Soup Recipes

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This is a fix-it-and-forget-it recipe if we’ve ever seen one. For kids who think wild rice is weird, substitute long-grain white rice. Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.

Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

Lasagna that’s made in a slow cooker? That’s served in a bowl? This has all the makings of our new favorite weeknight dinner recipe. Get the details from The Cozy Cook.

Baked Potato Soup

A baked potato with all the fixings is always a good idea, and this Crock Pot recipe for baked potato soup is so easy and so perfect for chilly days, you’ll be thanking us for finding it. Get the recipe from Slow Cooker Meals.

Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (1)

This hearty and flavorful soup fromFoxes Love Lemons features ingredients like apple, carrot, and fresh garlic. It’s a guaranteed fall classic slow cooker recipe and a great way to warm up on a chilly day!

Chicken Noodle Soup

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (2)

If there's another soup that is as big of a crowd-pleaser as chicken noodle soup, we haven't found it. Weelicious serves up this easy slow cooker version you'll want to add to your recipe rotation immediately.

Hearty White Bean Soup

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (3)

After trying this Crock Pot recipe from My Whole Food Life you'll never want to make soup on your stovetop again. Simply prep your veggies and then let the slow cooker do the work.

Related: 25 Easy Crock Pot Recipes to Try This Fall

Cultural Cuisine Crock Pot Recipes

Healthier Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (4)

Sometimes a chilly winter day calls for hearty pasta! This recipe from Kristine's Kitchen Blog is the perfect stick-to-your-ribs meal, with a healthier twist. (Think:ground turkey and whole wheat pasta.)

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (5)

This tagine from Feed Me Phoebe is one of those great Crock Pot recipes to make ahead for the weekend. There's protein and veggie goodness in every bite, and you can adjust the seasoning to accommodate tiny taste buds.

Slow Cooker Ramen

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (7)

Ready for the best ramen news ever? You can make your fave noodle soup right in your own slow cooker! All you need for broth that's drink-from-the-bowl good is this recipe from A Spicy Perspective. Then just add noodles, chicken, and soft-boiled eggs!

Related: 32 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for Lazy Nights

Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes

Chicken Enchiladas

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (8)

Reason #1 to fall in love with this dish? It only takes 10 minutes to prep! These slow cooker chicken enchiladas from Urban Cookery are one of the more simple recipes to make and taste delicious topped with cheddar cheese, enchilada sauce, sour cream or salsa.

Korean Chicken Sliders

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (9)

This crock pot recipe from Shared Appetite will quickly become a staple in your house. Since all of the work is done by the slow cooker over four hours, it's one of those recipes fit for entertaining. With toppings like aioli, bean sprouts, and avocado, your guests (and kids!) won't be able to resist these sliders.

Lemon Chicken

A few lemons, a whole chicken, and a little salt and pepper turn into something magical after a few hours in the slow cooker. This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice and roasted veggies.

Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is always a hit with our kids, and this slow cooker recipe makes it easier than ever. With just five ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get it here.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (10)

Ditch the carbs with this easy slow cooker recipe from Domestic Superhero. With only eight ingredients in total, your dinner could not be easier.

Slow Cooker Chicken

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (11)

Slow cooker recipes are our favorite, and this chicken recipe fromHello Spoonfulis a keeper—with only six ingredients, you can get this into the crock pot in the morning in less than 10 minutes. Once it’s time for dinner, serve it over rice, with salad, or in sandwiches—the sky’s the limit!

5-Cheese Chicken Bacon Pasta

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (12)

Chicken and bacon over pasta? With five cheeses? Sign us up for this decadent dinner from Slow Cooker Gourmet.

Orange Chicken

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (13)

Forget Panda Express—this orange chicken recipe from Kirbie’s Cravings is off-the-charts delicious and way healthier than anything you’d get in a restaurant. It’s the best way to brighten up your plate on a dreary weeknight.

Perfect Roast Chicken

Forget roasting the chicken in the oven. Check out this recipe for throwing the entire chicken in the Crock Pot instead. The result is a delicious fall-off-the-bone dinner.

Crock Pot Comfort Food Recipes

Beef Stew

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (14)

On a cold day, there’s no better way to warm up than with a hearty beef stew. This Crock Pot version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with tender chunks of beef, plenty of veggies, and a flavorful tomato base.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (15)

What could be more down-home than a batch of sloppy joes? These amazing (and amazingly simple) sloppy joes from Dragonfly Home Recipes are our new favorite meal!

Scalloped Potatoes

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (16)

For a hearty side, try making these yummy scalloped potatoes from Well Plated. They’re made using a mix of Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes, and the cheesy sauce makes them an instant kid favorite.

Mashed Potatoes

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (17)

We would have never thought to make mashed potatoes in the Crock Pot, but this recipe from Life Is But a Dish works like a charm. And since nobody likes cold ‘taters, the cooker keeps them warm until you’re ready to eat.

Chicken Pot Pie Stew

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, but who has time to roll out a pie crust and bake it to perfection? That’s why we can’t resist this stew, which incorporates all our favorite elements of a chicken pot pie without the hassle.

Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe

There are a ton of chicken and dumpling recipes out there, but none are so healthy (or fast!) as this one that includes fresh, whole ingredients.

Turkey Breast with Gravy

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (18)

Who says turkey is just for Thanksgiving? This delicious recipe from Skinny Taste helps keep the turkey moist by cooking it in the gravy mixture.

Chicken Parm

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (19)

A three-ingredient recipe that’s oh-so-yummy? Sign us up! While this recipe may not satisfy chicken parm traditionalists, we love how easy it is. And, the outcome is just as good as the real (non-crock pot) thing.

Crowd-Pleasing Party Dishes

Ranch Chex Mix

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (20)

The slow cooker isn’t just for main dishes—try out this awesome slow -cooker-made party mix from Oh, Sweet Basil. You can customize it by adding your favorite crunchy snacks, and the tangy ranch coating is super addictive.

Spinach Bacon Dip

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (21)

This genius recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s game day or a family gathering. Serve it with warm crusty bread and tortilla chips for an appetizer that will disappear in a flash.

BBQ Ribs

While everyone loves barbecue ribs, not everyone loves the prep time involved with this favorite meal. Nix the hassle and opt for the slow cooker. You won’t be disappointed.

Kid-Friendly Crock Pot Recipes

Sweet Pork

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (22)

This just might be the easiest dinner recipe ever—only three ingredients are needed! Brown sugar and salsa come together to create a tasty sweet-but-spicy (depending on what kind of salsa you choose) glaze for the pork.

Mac and Cheese

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (23)

Ditch the boxed mac and cheese and opt instead for this recipe from Khit of A Bountiful Love food blog. Not only is this recipe easy but it's budget-friendly.

Honey Ginger Chicken

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (24)

This Asian-inspired dish from The Skinny Fork incorporates tastes that kids love, from savory soy sauce to sweet honey. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with broccoli and steamed rice.

Mongolian Beef

Get adventurous with your slow cooker with this fun recipe for Mongolian beef. The little ones will love the delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

French Dip Sandwiches

Talk about getting your hands dirty—kids will love dunking their sandwiches in a super tasty beef jus made in a slow cooker. Plus, these French dip sandwiches are definitely a unique twist on your usual beef roast.

Pulled Pork Tacos

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (25)

Pulled pork isn't just for barbecue—this pulled pork taco Crock Pot recipe is super simple and fun for kids to customize with their own toppings. Add some veggies, cheese, and guac, and you've got a complete meal.

Related: 30-Minute Dinners That Are InsanelyEasy

Lemon Chicken Pitas

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (26)

Kids will love this fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish. Lemony chicken, tzatziki sauce and veggies are served on top of warm pitas—delish!

Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes

Veggie Lasagna

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (27)

Why slave away in the kitchen for hours trying to layer the perfect lasagna when you can easily make the recipe with your handy slow cooker?

Black Bean Soup

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (28)

Meat eaters and omnivores alike will love this filling soup from Away from the Box. You can finish it with tasty toppings like avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Breakfast Crock Pot Recipes

Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

Slow cooker recipes aren’t just for dinner! The mornings are often as hectic (if not more) as the evenings. Try prepping your breakfast the night before with this breakfast recipe made for the slow cooker.

The Sweeter Side

Blueberry Apple Cobbler

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (29)

This cobbler from Spiced is as comforting as homemade pie but way easier to make—sign us up! Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a guaranteed win with kids and adults alike.

Nutella Bread Pudding

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (30)

Dessert in the Crock Pot? Who knew! Little ones will happily gobble up this comforting Nutella bread pudding after a long day at school.

Advertisem*nt

42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (2024)

FAQs

Can you just throw everything into a slow cooker? ›

One of the main attractions for many people is the ease of a slow cooker, so when you're looking for recipes, avoid those that suggest a lot of pre-preparation. For many dishes, particularly soups and stews, you really can just throw all the ingredients in.

Can you put everything in a slow cooker the night before? ›

Make-ahead when possible: If your slow cooker has a removable insert, assemble the ingredients the night before and refrigerate the entire insert overnight. It's important to note that starting with cool ingredients may lengthen cooking time (but be sure to keep them out of the temperature danger zone).

How healthy are slow cookers? ›

Because of the lower temperature, the nutrients in the food remain more stable than other methods of cooking. By virtue of being in sealed unit, whether using an electric slow cooker or in a casserole dish in your oven, any of the nutrients usually lost in the liquid from heat are simply reabsorbed into the meal.

What is considered high on slow cooker? ›

Most cookers have two or more settings generally operate between 170° and 280° F. If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Is it safe to put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Is it OK to leave crockpot on low overnight? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

Can I leave my crockpot on low during the day? ›

But is it safe to leave a crockpot on all day? Yes! Since crockpots cook at a much lower temperature, it's often necessary to run the appliance for 4-8 hours.

What are the disadvantages of slow cooking? ›

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? Slow cookers only apply heat to the bottom of the crock, which cuts down on their ability to reduce liquids and brown foods, and develop flavor the same way a Dutch oven or pressure cooker can.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

What is the equivalent of 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

Cooking Conversions for Slow Cookers
Traditional Oven or Stovetop LowLow Slow Cooker Setting (about 200°F)High Slow Cooker Setting (about 300°F)
15-30 minutes4-6 hours1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours
35-45 minutes6-8 hours3-4 hours
50 minutes- 3 hours8-10 hours4-6 hours
Dec 8, 2016

What's the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

Should you stir a slow cooker? ›

Resist the urge. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds up to 30 minutes longer to your cook time. Slow cookers are made so you don't have to stir with the low cooking temperature, so relax. Leave it.

Is it better to slow cook beef on high or low? ›

It usually involves cooking your chosen cut of beef in a slow cooker or casserole dish over a low heat for a long period of time, with the meat submerged in liquid. Tough cuts of meat are ideal for slow cooking as the lengthy cooking process helps to tenderise them.

Is there anything you Cannot cook in a slow cooker? ›

Fish, shellfish, oysters and clams need to be cooked quickly. Obviously, slow cooking isn't quick, and it will obliterate these delicate proteins. The only seafood exceptions are squid and octopus because they tend to be tough meats and slow cooking makes them tender.

Can you cook things in a slow cooker without liquid? ›

A slow cooker does not need any liquid added at the beginning of the cooking process, because it will generate steam, which will become liquid in the bowl. For recipes that use liquid, and have not been written specifically for a slow cooker it make sense to reduce the amount of liquid by half.

What happens if you don't brown meat before a slow cooker? ›

Browning Is Better

And if you dredge the meat in flour before you brown it, your sauce will thicken up to make a gravy. You should always brown ground beef or any ground meat in a skillet before adding it to your slow cooker to prevent the meat from clumping up or from adding excess grease to your cooked dish.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5294

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.