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Home » Recipe Collections

Crockpots Are Having a Moment—Here’s Why Everyone’s Dusting Theirs Off

Published: Oct 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

It’s easy to see why crockpots are having a moment—they take the stress out of dinner while still delivering that made-from-scratch feel. These are the kinds of meals that practically cook themselves, freeing you up to focus on everything else. Whether you’re after something hearty or simple, each recipe here reminds you why slow cooking never really went out of style.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Slow-Cooker-Beef-and-Noodles-with-Mushrooms.jpg

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pepper steak with onions and bell peppers cooks into a hearty, flavorful dinner. It’s a hands-off option that shows why crockpots are perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Beef Barbacoa

Top view of keto beef barbacoa in a square pan.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Beef Barbacoa simmers into soft, flavorful meat ready for tacos or rice bowls. It’s proof that slow cooking makes weeknights feel easier and more relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Pork shoulder in mustard BBQ sauce cooks down until rich and tender. It’s an easy comfort meal that works for sandwiches or a simple plate dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic..
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Chicken Alfredo becomes creamy and flavorful while it cooks. It’s a simple way to make a comforting pasta night with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pulled pork cooks until tender and juicy with minimal prep. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels made for a weeknight when you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef and noodles with mushrooms turn creamy and hearty after slow cooking. It’s a hands-off meal that tastes homemade from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

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.

Honey mustard drumsticks cook down into tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a simple dinner that feels like you spent all day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cheesy penne simmers in tomato sauce until rich and ready to serve. It’s a stress-free pasta night that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Penne

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Ranch pork chops use just a few ingredients to turn into a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s an easy win for nights when you don’t want to lift a finger.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sausage and peppers cook down into a rich, bold dinner with almost no prep. It’s a perfect example of how crockpots make cooking easier than ever.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

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 turn tender in a sweet honey and peach glaze. It’s a slow-cooked comfort meal that’s easy but feels like a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Country Style Ribs

Flank Steak

Flank Steak. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Flank steak becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking for hours. It’s practical for busy days yet feels like a reward when it’s done.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak

Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot beef stroganoff with wooden spoon.
Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef stroganoff cooks into a creamy, rich meal that’s pure comfort. It’s one of those dishes that remind you why crockpots are having a moment again.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Salsa Fresca Chicken

Slow cooker salsa fresca chicken with slices of avocado and lime in a white plate.
Salsa Fresca Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Salsa fresca chicken uses simple ingredients to build bright flavor over time. It’s a low-effort, refreshing dinner that still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Fresca Chicken

Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Shredded chicken gyros cook with herbs and spices for easy, flavorful wraps. It’s a laid-back dinner that comes together without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Honey garlic sriracha pork chops turn tender with a balanced, bold glaze. It’s an easy meal that packs flavor without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork chops cook all day until juicy and tender. It’s the kind of dependable meal that makes dinner effortless.
Get the Recipe: Swiss Pork Chops

Steak Cubes Crock Pot

A plate of steak cubes crock pot.
Steak Cubes Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Beef cubes simmer in gravy for a hearty dish to spoon over rice or potatoes. It’s a simple, slow-cooked dinner perfect for a midweek night in.
Get the Recipe: Steak Cubes Crock Pot

London Broil

London Broil. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

London broil with potatoes and carrots turns tender as it cooks. It’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like a Sunday dinner.
Get the Recipe: London Broil

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A bowl of slow cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken soup with zoodles becomes light yet filling as it cooks. It’s a simple way to have something comforting ready when you want it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Short Rib Ragu

Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Short rib ragu develops rich flavor as it slow cooks. Served over pasta, it’s a cozy meal that feels like something from a long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu

Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork chops become fork-tender after hours of slow cooking. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli with onion in brown bowl.
Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef and broccoli simmer in a ginger-garlic sauce until the meat turns tender. It’s a takeout-style dinner that makes itself while you relax.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork loin cooks until tender and flavorful with almost no prep. It’s one of those dishes that prove why crockpots are having a moment.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Sausage and Potatoes

Close-up image of slow cooker sausage and potatoes.
Sausage and Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Sausage and potatoes cook together in one pot for an easy, hearty meal. It’s simple comfort with no extra cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potatoes

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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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