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Home » Dinner

40 Slow Cooker Dinners So Effortless They Practically Cook Themselves

Published: Jan 14, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker dinners are a great way to make meals that are simple to prepare but still packed with flavor. Whether you're busy with work, running errands, or just want a break from the kitchen, these recipes make it easy to enjoy something special without a lot of effort. They practically cook themselves, so you can focus on everything else you need to do while dinner takes care of itself.

An overhead image of slow cooker French onion soup.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Top view of a bowl of slow cooker tortilla soup.
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker tortilla soup is smoky, hearty, and can be topped to your liking. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a great choice for busy days or cozy nights when you need minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

An image of ratatouille on a plate with bread.
Slow Cooker Ratatouille. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker ratatouille transforms fresh vegetables into a rich, herb-infused stew with almost no effort. The slow cooker’s hands-off approach allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a flavorful dish with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Green Bean Casserole

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

A slow cooker green bean casserole is an easy side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker ensures the dish is ready on time, freeing you up for other tasks.
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.

This slow cooker mac and cheese turns into a creamy, cheesy meal with little work. Simply add the ingredients, and the slow cooker handles the rest, making it a great choice for hassle-free dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

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

My go-to slow cooker potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect comforting dinner after a long day, and it’s so easy to make with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

An overhead image of slow cooker French onion soup.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker French onion soup combines caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a touch of thyme. The slow cooker develops the flavors while you focus on other tasks, making it a perfect, hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

An image of slow cooker black bean soup in a bowl with toppings.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker black bean soup is rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a go-to option for busy weeks, coming together effortlessly with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker sriracha honey garlic pork chops balance sweet and savory flavors. The slow cooker ensures the glaze infuses into the pork, creating a simple yet flavorful meal for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole combines enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheese. This straightforward recipe makes a great meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Lamb Stew

Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A slow cooker lamb stew combines tender lamb with mushrooms, white beans, and kale for a hearty dish. The slow cooker handles all the work, making it a practical option for cozy dinners or informal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

A white bowl with shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and green chilis.
Crockpot Mexican Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Slow-cooked spiced chicken requires minimal prep and can be used in tacos, burritos, or salads. It's an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Chicken

Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker poor man’s stew uses ground beef and requires minimal prep. It’s a comforting meal that cooks easily while filling your home with savory aromas, making it perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Stew

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup with a spoon.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Taco soup in the slow cooker is an easy meal with just 20 minutes of prep. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, making it a great option for busy days or preparing ahead for the week.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast ensures a moist and flavorful turkey with little work. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a tender, juicy turkey for any special occasion or holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Tri Tip Crock Pot

Tri Tip Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Tri-tip in the slow cooker results in tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures a tender result, making it a convenient and easy choice for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip Crock Pot

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker lasagna soup is an Italian-inspired dish perfect for colder weather. The slow cooker simplifies the process, creating a hearty, comforting meal with very little active cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Easy Salsa Chicken

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

Slow cooker salsa chicken blends tender chicken with your favorite salsa. The slow cooker enhances the flavors, making it a versatile dish for tacos, wraps, or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salsa Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole benefits from the slow cooking time, letting the ingredients meld together. It’s an effortless, flavorful meal that requires little attention, perfect for a no-hassle dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Butternut Soup

A crock of butternut soup.
Butternut Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Butternut squash stew in the slow cooker is a creamy, seasonal dish that's simple to prepare. The rich flavors make it a great addition to fall or winter meals with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Soup

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A slow cooker chicken stew mixes chicken, garlic, vegetables, and a creamy sauce into a hearty dish. It’s an easy meal to prepare after a long day, and pairs well with crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Chicken Paprikash

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

Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker allows you to enjoy a classic Hungarian dish with minimal effort. The slow cooking process helps develop rich flavors in the paprika sauce, making it perfect to serve with noodles or rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

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

Slow cooker chunky ham, potato, cheese, and broccoli soup is a hearty dish for cold days. It's a practical way to use leftover ham, creating a filling soup with minimal prep for cozy meals.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Beef Stew

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

Slow cooker beef stew combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth. It's a perfect choice for a comforting, hands-off meal during busy days or cool evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker Key West crab and lobster bisque turns simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful seafood soup. The slow cooker enhances the flavors over time, making it the perfect stress-free dish for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Marry Me Chicken

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

Marry Me Chicken in the slow cooker combines tender chicken and creamy sauce, all made simple. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken stays juicy, making it a great choice for casual dinners or special moments.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker butter chicken with cauliflower rice delivers tender chicken in a rich curry sauce with little effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together while you focus on other things.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Pot Roast

Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This slow cooker pot roast results in beef that falls apart effortlessly. The slow cooker provides an easy, low-maintenance meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family meals with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef and noodles with mushrooms in the slow cooker come together effortlessly for a fall dinner. The creamy sauce and tender beef create a satisfying meal with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Skirt Steak Crock Pot

Skirt Steak Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Skirt steak becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker. This method enhances the flavor, making it an easy choice for family dinners with minimal active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a great meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Skirt Steak Crock Pot

Brisket

Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker brisket turns out tender and juicy with little effort. The slow cooker simplifies the process for both beginners and experienced cooks, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Brisket

Short Rib Ragu

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

Short rib ragu in the slow cooker creates a richly flavored sauce while the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a comforting and effortless meal, perfect served over mashed sweet potatoes or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu

Cashew Chicken

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

Slow cooker cashew chicken with snap peas is an easy and flavorful dish. The slow cooker brings together tender chicken and crunchy cashews, delivering a meal with minimal preparation and big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Olive Garden-inspired chicken gnocchi stew features tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy broth. The slow cooker helps the flavors meld effortlessly, making it an easy, stress-free meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker pepper steak combines beef, onions, and peppers, cooking together with ease. The slow cooker ensures the flavors develop fully, making it a great option for busy weeknights with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

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.

Slow-cooked chicken drumsticks in honey mustard sauce are easy to prepare and full of flavor. The slow cooker ensures the chicken becomes tender, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Crockpot beef stew replaces traditional potatoes with tender radishes for a fresh twist on a classic dish. It’s a comforting, easy option that comes together with little effort, perfect for relaxing evenings.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

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.

Slow cooker lamb ragu braises the lamb to perfection, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. This straightforward recipe is easy to prepare, making it a great pairing for pasta or a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Apricot Chicken

Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apricot chicken in the slow cooker pairs savory chicken with a sweet apricot glaze. This simple recipe creates a flavorful meal without much preparation, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Easy Beef Stew

Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef stew in the slow cooker blends tender beef, vegetables, and broth for a hearty dish. With minimal prep, it's a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Flank Steak

Flank Steak. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Slow cooker flank steak makes it easy to prepare a lean cut of beef. The slow cooking process ensures the steak becomes tender and full of flavor, making it a great choice for busy evenings when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak

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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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