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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Hands-Off Thanksgiving Recipes So Easy, You’ll Have Time to Relax

Published: Nov 17, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving recipes don’t have to mean endless hours in the kitchen. With these hands-off dishes, you can prep in minutes, let the slow cooker do its thing, and still have a great holiday spread. From hearty mains to sides that practically cook themselves, these recipes are all about keeping things simple so you can focus more on enjoying the day and less on stirring pots. It’s Thanksgiving made easy—perfect for anyone who’d rather spend more time around the table than in front of the stove.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is the perfect hands-off Thanksgiving side. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Mac and Cheese

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

My Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a hands-off Thanksgiving recipe that delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into the pot, stir, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Potato Soup

A bowl of slow cooker potato soup.
Potato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Slow Cooker Potato Soup is a creamy and cheesy option that requires little prep. Let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful soup that’s perfect for relaxing on Thanksgiving Day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Beef and Broccoli

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

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a great choice for a hands-off Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe combines tender beef and broccoli in a flavorful sauce, and the slow cooker ensures that dinner is ready without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is a velvety, creamy soup that makes a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. The slow cooker handles the cooking, so you can focus on enjoying your day instead of spending time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast with gravy is a great choice for a small Thanksgiving meal. The hands-off slow cooker method allows you to cook a flavorful turkey breast without the fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Turkey Breast

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato Lime Chicken is an easy, hands-off Thanksgiving meal that combines juicy chicken with fresh, vibrant flavors. Just set it in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready when you are, making it an excellent choice for a stress-free holiday.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, nostalgic side dish made easier in the slow cooker. With minimal prep and a hands-off cook time, this dish will be ready in time to complement your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Split Pea Soup is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal hands-off Thanksgiving soup. Just prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest, giving you more time to focus on the rest of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup

Beef Carnitas

Overhead image of slow cooker beef carnitas with a tongs in a pan.
Beef Carnitas. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas are an effortless option for a flavorful Thanksgiving dinner. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, and you’ll have a satisfying meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Carnitas

BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Close-up image of slow cooker bbq apple plled pork sandwich with apple carrot slaw.
BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with apple carrot slaw are a hands-off Thanksgiving recipe that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy time with your guests or finish other holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese, and Broccoli Soup is a hearty, rich soup that’s perfect for a cold Thanksgiving day. It cooks up in the slow cooker with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other parts of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting, hands-off recipe that combines chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect holiday meal, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying dish with minimal prep time and no constant stirring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Close-up image of bbq grape jelly meatballs.
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs are a hands-off Thanksgiving favorite. These savory-sweet meatballs cook up in the slow cooker, so you can set them and forget them while focusing on other tasks during your holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Beef Stroganoff

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

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy dish that’s a breeze to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let the slow cooker take care of the cooking, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Bean with Bacon

Top view of slow cooker bean with bacon topped with crackers in a bowl.
Bean with Bacon. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Bean with Bacon Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly fall days. The slow cooker does all the work, and you’ll have a warm, comforting soup ready without needing to stand over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Bean with Bacon

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with avocado and peppers.
Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Hearty Pumpkin Chili captures the flavors of fall and is a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it cook while you take care of other things during your holiday.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup in the slow cooker is an easy way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal prep. This Thanksgiving, let the slow cooker take care of dinner while you focus on other tasks and enjoy the day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chunky White Chicken Chili

Slow cooker chunky white chicken chili in a bowl.
Chunky White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow Cooker Chunky White Chicken Chili is a hearty meal that requires little hands-on time. This Thanksgiving, let the slow cooker handle the cooking while you prepare other parts of your meal, making it the ultimate hands-off recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chunky White Chicken Chili

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern Green Beans in the slow cooker are the ultimate hands-off Thanksgiving side. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker will turn smoked pork hock, bacon, and sausage into a flavorful dish that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Apple Butter. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter is an easy-to-make spread that fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving breakfasts or adding a special touch to your holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Chicken and Stuffing

Top view of crock pot chicken and stuffing in a white plate.
Chicken and Stuffing. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a comforting, hassle-free Thanksgiving meal. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the cooking, leaving you free to focus on other holiday dishes while this one comes together effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing

Split Pea Soup with Sausage

Top view of slow cooker split pea soup with sausage in a bowl.
Split Pea Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Sausage is a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a fall or Thanksgiving meal. Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other aspects of the meal or spend time with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup with Sausage

Chili

Close-up of slow-cooker vegetarian chili.
Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili is a flavorful, hands-off meal that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker. Let the slow cooker handle the cooking while you enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving, knowing dinner is ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Chili

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This hands-off cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential. With minimal prep, let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other parts of your meal, ensuring a flavorful and effortless addition to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

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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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