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Home » Recipe Collections

23 Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Meals That Do All the Work For You

Published: Oct 27, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker meals are a great way to enjoy hearty and flavorful dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify mealtime while still serving up something that tastes amazing. With just a little prep, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these meals will impress everyone at the table.

A white baking dish with chicken drumsticks layered inside and honey mustard sauce on top.
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. Photo Credit: fANNEtastic food

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese offers a simple method for enjoying creamy, cheesy comfort food. Just mix the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work, making it a great choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

A halved spaghetti squash on a plate with a fork scooping out the stringy, cooked flesh.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker spaghetti squash provides a convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. Set it up and let it cook while you attend to other tasks, making it perfect for easy meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

Easy Salsa Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and beans on a plate.
Easy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a quick and flavorful dinner, slow cooker salsa chicken is an excellent choice. Tender chicken simmered in salsa can easily enhance tacos, wraps, bowls, and salads, making it a versatile option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salsa Chicken

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker lasagna soup combines Italian flavors in a hearty dish, perfect for colder weather. With minimal effort, even beginners can enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Marry Me Chicken

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Known as Marry Me Chicken, this slow cooker dish features flavors that impress without much effort. It’s perfect for cozy evenings when you want a memorable meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Cashew Chicken

Slow cooker cashew chicken with wooden utensils in a bowl.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sweet and spicy notes shine in this slow cooker cashew chicken with snap peas. The ease of the slow cooker enhances the preparation, making it a wonderful choice for effortless fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Apricot Chicken

Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken brings a sweet and savory combination that's perfect for hectic weeknights. The chicken becomes tender with apricot preserves and spices, ensuring an effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs in the slow cooker are a breeze to prepare and yield great results. The blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a flavorful dish, making it an easy meal option.
Get the Recipe: Country Style Ribs

Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

A white baking dish with chicken drumsticks layered inside and honey mustard sauce on top.
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken drumsticks are easy to prepare in the slow cooker. Slow-cooked in a honey mustard sauce, this recipe results in a flavorful dinner that works well for both weeknights and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms delivers a classic comfort dish that works well in fall. The creamy mushroom sauce simplifies preparation, making it easy for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is packed with chunks of potatoes, spicy sausage, kale, Parmesan, and bacon. It offers a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If rich, hearty flavors are what you seek, this slow cooker chicken wild rice soup is a fitting choice. With tender chicken, wild rice, fresh vegetables, and herbs in a creamy base, it's perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Lamb Ragu

a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

A slow cooker lamb ragu brings comfort with lamb slowly braised to create a rich sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a cozy dinner that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Try slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce for something different. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it a solid option for lunch or dinner in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

Italian Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This slow cooker Italian pork roast features Italian herbs and tender vegetables, creating a rich flavor profile. The simplicity of preparation makes it an attractive choice for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pork Roast

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken paprikash in skillet.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Experience the comforting taste of slow cooker Chicken Paprikash, featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce. Served over egg noodles or rice, this dish is perfect for a hearty dinner in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker chicken stew combines chicken, garlic, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, making it an excellent choice after a long day. It’s a comforting option for fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash chili in the slow cooker is a hearty vegetarian option that fits well in the fall season. This recipe allows for easy enjoyment of seasonal squash in a comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

While chicken enchilada casserole can be made in other ways, using a slow cooker brings out the best flavors. This method helps ingredients meld together, making it a great selection for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Beef Stew

A picture of beef stew with mushrooms carrots and thyme.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Warm up with a bowl of slow cooker beef stew, filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of a traditional stew without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken is a versatile protein, and the slow cooker butter chicken with cauliflower rice simplifies meal prep. This dish is a great option for cozy dinners as the seasons change.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy an easy slow cooker chili designed for one or two. This straightforward recipe makes it easy to have a comforting dish ready on those chilly fall days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker sriracha honey garlic pork chops make a great choice for any dinner throughout the year. Their sweet and sticky glaze, inspired by Chinese flavors, offers a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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