37 Slow Cooker Dinners That Practically Make Themselves

Slow cooker recipes are perfect for anyone who wants a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work while you take care of your day. The result is tender, flavorful every time.

These recipes range from comforting soups and stews to shredded chicken for tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls. Whether you like bold spices or something more mild, there’s something that fits your taste. Many use simple pantry staples and come together with minimal prep.

They’re great for meal planning, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd with ease. Slow cooker recipes save time without giving up flavor, and they’re easy to adjust based on what you have at home. It’s all about convenience without cutting corners.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

This dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and slightly tangy apricot glaze that thickens beautifully as it cooks. The sauce is simple but packed with flavor, making it a great option for busy days. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit. A set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal with great payoff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros

Slow-cooked chicken, seasoned just right, makes the perfect filling for homemade gyros. Pair it with warm pita, crisp veggies, and a dollop of tzatziki for an easy, hands-off dinner. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful all day in the slow cooker. Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash

This version of corned beef hash uses the slow cooker to build deep flavor with minimal effort. Tender beef, diced potatoes, and onions cook together until perfectly soft and golden. It’s great on its own or topped with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or dinner. Set it and forget it until mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash

Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup takes all the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls and turns it into a warm, comforting bowl. Ground beef, cabbage, and rice simmer in a tomato-based broth until everything’s soft and flavorful. It’s hearty, simple, and great for leftovers. A budget-friendly way to feed the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This chicken simmers in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It cooks up tender enough to shred with a fork, making it great for rice bowls, wraps, or noodles. Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. A reliable weeknight option with tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

Loaded with bold spices, this chicken is slow-cooked until it’s ready to fall apart. Use it for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even on top of salads. The flavors build as it cooks, so it turns out rich without much effort. Keep some in the freezer for quick meals later on.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is extra rich and comforting when it’s made low and slow. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a filling meal. Perfect for cooler days or anytime you want something warm and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Steak Picado Recipe

This dish brings together tender steak pieces simmered with peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. It has a bit of a kick and works well with rice, tortillas, or over a bed of beans. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor. Great for weeknight dinners when you want something bold without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Steak Picado Recipe

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Strips of beef slowly cooked with bell peppers and a savory sauce come out tender and flavorful. This one’s easy to serve over rice or noodles, soaking up all the sauce. A simple dish that feels like takeout, but made at home. Let the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Combining eggplant with beef makes for a juicy, flavorful meatball that’s a little different from the usual. The eggplant keeps the texture soft, and they pair well with tomato sauce or on top of pasta. Bake or pan-fry depending on your mood. A great way to sneak in extra veggies without compromising flavor.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

This pasta dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all thanks to slow cooking. The penne holds its shape, and the sauce gets rich as it simmers with cheese, beef, and seasonings. No boiling needed—just layer and let it cook. A hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pot roast made in the slow cooker comes out fork-tender with a rich, savory gravy. Add carrots, potatoes, and onions for a full one-pot meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinner. It takes minimal prep and delivers big comfort. Great for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This chicken gets plenty of flavor from garlic, herbs, and a generous helping of parmesan. The slow cooker makes the meat extra tender, and the sauce is great over rice or veggies. It’s rich, but still simple and comforting. A great weeknight option with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Yes, it’s possible—crispy-style chicken cooked in a slow cooker! While it’s not deep-fried, the coating still gets flavorful and golden. Finish under the broiler if you want extra crunch. A fun way to enjoy the flavors of fried chicken with less fuss.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

This taco filling cooks low and slow until the chicken is easy to shred and full of flavor. Add your favorite toppings—like salsa, guac, or cheese—for a custom taco night. Great for meal prep or feeding a hungry group. Leftovers work well in bowls or quesadillas too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This homemade version of the takeout favorite is easy to prep and perfect for weeknights. Thin slices of beef cook down in a flavorful sauce, and the broccoli is added at the end to keep it crisp. Serve it over rice for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal. No need to order out when it’s this easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Sloppy Joe Recipe for a Crowd

Feeding a group? These slow-cooked Sloppy Joes make it easy. The beef mixture is tangy, saucy, and full of flavor—great on buns or even over baked potatoes. It stays warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Recipe for a Crowd

Slow Cooker Mississippi Salisbury Steak

This take on Salisbury steak combines beef patties, gravy, and signature Mississippi flavors like ranch and pepperoncini. The result is tender patties with a bold, slightly tangy sauce. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the extra flavor. Comfort food with a little twist.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Salisbury Steak

3 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs

Just three ingredients—frozen meatballs, sauce, and a little something sweet or spicy—come together for a simple dish that works as a snack or main. Let them simmer until tender and glazed. Perfect for parties, game day, or a quick dinner over pasta. Minimal prep, maximum return.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs

Pot Roast with Bacon

Classic pot roast gets an upgrade with the smoky flavor of bacon. As everything cooks together, the broth turns rich and savory, soaking into the meat and vegetables. It’s hearty and full of flavor without a lot of fuss. A comfort dish that’s hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

This dish layers ground beef, cheese, and tater tots for a slow cooker meal that’s a guaranteed hit. The tots crisp up slightly on top while staying soft underneath, and the beef mixture adds rich, cheesy flavor. Easy to prep and always popular. Great for casual dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Slow-cooked with spices, garlic, and lime, this beef turns incredibly tender and full of flavor. Use it for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads—it’s versatile and freezer-friendly. A great meal prep option when you want something bold with very little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Zippy’s Chili Recipe

A flavorful, hearty chili with a bit of spice, modeled after the well-known version from Hawaii. Made with ground beef, beans, and a mix of seasonings, it’s great for a cozy dinner or game day. Let it simmer slowly so everything melds together nicely. Tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Zippy’s Chili Recipe

Crock Pot Chili for Two

This scaled-down chili recipe is perfect when you’re cooking for just one or two people. It’s still rich and hearty, with just the right amount of spice. Great on its own or topped with cheese, sour cream, or chips. Leftovers keep well for a quick meal later.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Beef Carnitas

These shredded beef carnitas come out tender with crispy edges if you finish them under the broiler. They’re cooked with citrus, spices, and garlic for a ton of flavor. Great for tacos, nachos, or bowls. A no-stress way to feed a group.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Beef Carnitas

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs (Beer or Broth)

Perfect for parties or cookouts, this method keeps hot dogs warm and juicy without overcooking. Beer or broth adds extra flavor while they gently heat. Great for serving a crowd with no grill needed. Just set out the buns and toppings and let everyone build their own.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dogs (Beer or Broth)

Beer Chili Recipe

A hearty chili with the added depth of flavor from beer—it gives the broth a rich, slightly malty kick. Perfect with ground beef, beans, and all your favorite spices. Serve it with cornbread or chips, and maybe a cold one on the side. Easy to double for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with ranch flavor, this chicken is an easy crowd-pleaser. It’s great on its own, over pasta, or spooned onto baked potatoes. The sauce thickens as it cooks and coats every bite. A few pantry staples go a long way here.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

This dish is all about a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that clings to tender chicken as it simmers away. Sundried tomatoes and herbs give it a boost of flavor that feels more special than your average weeknight dinner. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even bread for soaking up the sauce. Minimal effort with impressive results.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

A comfort food classic, this version layers chicken with ham and cheese in a creamy sauce. Everything cooks low and slow until the chicken is tender and the cheese melts perfectly. It’s simple to prep and works well with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies. Great for cozy dinners without the oven.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

This dish brings together sweet cranberries and tangy dressing for a flavorful glaze over juicy chicken. The combination may sound unusual, but it just works. It’s a nice switch from the usual slow cooker meals and only takes a few ingredients. Pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

All the comforting flavors of a pot pie, made easier with your slow cooker. The chicken, veggies, and creamy base cook to perfection—just add some biscuits or puff pastry to finish it off. A cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days or feeding a family. Let the slow cooker do most of the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Recipe

Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this version is made at home with simple ingredients and tons of flavor. The chicken stays juicy and picks up all the seasoning during its slow cook. Serve it with baked potatoes or veggies for a full meal. Easy enough for weeknights, tasty enough for company.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is loaded with tender chicken, beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice. Let it simmer all day for deep flavor, then top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, or cheese. It’s filling without being heavy and great for leftovers. A go-to for easy, comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

This chicken curry comes together with warm spices and a creamy sauce that thickens as it cooks. It’s a great base for adding vegetables or tailoring to your spice preference. Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete meal. Comforting, rich, and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

Just three ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker give you sticky, flavorful wings with zero stress. Finish them under the broiler for a bit of crispness. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a no-fuss dinner. Make a big batch and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

This chowder has that creamy, hearty texture that’s perfect on cooler days. Sweet corn, tender chicken, and simple seasonings come together in one pot. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a full meal. Inspired by the store favorite, but made right at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Let these beans simmer all day for maximum flavor and perfect texture. Great as a side dish, in burritos, or served over rice. They’re budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and require minimal hands-on time. Season how you like and make a big batch to use throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pinto Beans

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Corn Soup

This soup blends chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy broth into something cozy and filling. It’s easy to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it go until dinnertime. Add a little cheese or spice if you want to switch it up. Great for leftovers and easy to scale up for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Corn Soup

Lipton Onion Soup Dip Recipe

This classic dip comes together with just a packet of soup mix and a few pantry staples. Creamy, savory, and perfect with chips or veggies. Great for parties, snacks, or whenever you want something quick and easy. It’s always a hit with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lipton Onion Soup Dip Recipe

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Packed with flavor from ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini, this chicken is tender and full of bold taste. It’s a great option for sandwiches, sliders, or over mashed potatoes. Only a few ingredients, but the flavor really comes through. Great for making ahead and easy to freeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken