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Home » Recipe Collections

27 Slow Cooker Dishes That Are Practically Foolproof

Published: Nov 24, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker dishes are the ultimate go-to for anyone who wants festive, hearty meals without the stress. Whether you’re prepping for a big family gathering or just looking for something to make your weeknights easier, these recipes are great for keeping things simple and satisfying. They’re perfect for bringing bold flavors and comforting vibes to the table while giving you the gift of hands-off cooking. No tricky techniques, no second-guessing—just foolproof meals that deliver every single time.

Sliced slow-cooker apple cider brined turkey breast with knife on a cutting board.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Potato Soup

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

Creamy and cheesy, this slow cooker potato soup is a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. With minimal preparation, the slow cooker does all the work, giving you a hearty dinner that feels effortless to make.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

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 is a hands-off way to prepare rich, creamy comfort food for the whole family. Just add the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its job, and enjoy a no-hassle dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

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

Slow cooker green bean casserole simplifies a classic side dish, making it an excellent choice for holidays or weeknight dinners. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker handles the rest, delivering a creamy and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Black Bean Soup

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

Rich and hearty, this slow cooker black bean soup is a fantastic option for busy weeks when you need something quick and easy. The slow cooker brings out bold flavors with minimal effort, perfect for an effortless dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sriracha honey garlic pork chops turn out tender and flavorful thanks to the slow cooker. With a sweet and tangy glaze, this simple recipe is a great way to enjoy a no-stress dinner during a hectic week.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Cheesy Penne

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

Slow cooker cheesy penne combines ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese into a satisfying, hearty dish. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking, making it an easy and family-friendly meal for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Penne

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms deliver tender beef in a rich mushroom sauce without any hassle. This recipe is perfect for fall nights when you want a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider brined turkey breast prepared in the slow cooker turns out moist and flavorful with very little work. It’s a reliable recipe for holiday dinners or seasonal celebrations when you need a foolproof main dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Short Rib Ragu

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

Short rib ragu is made effortlessly in the slow cooker, creating a robust sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta or mashed sweet potatoes. This dish is a great pick for cooler weather or when you want a flavorful dinner with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu

Beef Stew

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

Packed with tender beef and vegetables, this slow cooker beef stew simplifies classic comfort food. Perfect for busy schedules, the slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy a hearty, no-fuss meal any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Brisket

Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker brisket recipe is a foolproof way to achieve juicy, tender meat without any extra stress. Whether for a family gathering or casual dinner, the slow cooker guarantees an easy and crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Brisket

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, nutrient-rich slow cooker meal. Transforming leftovers into a rich soup, this recipe is a convenient way to enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli 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 make weeknight dinners simple with their tender, flavorful meat. Just a few minutes of prep and a quick broil finish create an easy, versatile dish perfect for tacos or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Beef Carnitas

Beef and Broccoli

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

Beef and broccoli cooked in a slow cooker combines a savory ginger-garlic sauce with tender beef and crisp broccoli. This effortless recipe is a perfect alternative to takeout, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Pot Roast

Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow cooker pot roast is a timeless recipe made easier with the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker. The beef turns out so tender it practically falls apart, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

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

Key West crab and lobster bisque is a creamy seafood dish made easy with the slow cooker. The slow cooking process develops a rich flavor, making it a satisfying option for a comforting dinner or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Chicken Paprikash

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

Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker transforms chicken into a tender, saucy dish that’s full of paprika flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for serving over rice or noodles on a cool evening with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

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 honey mustard chicken drumsticks are a flavorful and simple dinner option made easy in the slow cooker. With just a few ingredients, this dish is a practical choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cincinnati chili made in the slow cooker is packed with bold flavors from ground beef, spices, and tomato sauce. This dump-and-go recipe is a practical way to prepare a hearty dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cincinnati Chili

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker lasagna soup delivers Italian-inspired flavors with the ease of a hands-off recipe. Perfect for colder months, the slow cooker ensures a satisfying meal with very little prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Taco Soup

Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Crockpot taco soup is a quick and easy recipe combining beef, spices, and pantry staples into a comforting dish. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a no-fuss option for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Beef Stroganoff

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

Slow cooker beef stroganoff creates tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce with minimal effort. This hearty recipe is a great choice for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Beef Barbacoa

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

Beef barbacoa in the slow cooker results in bold, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or meal prep. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a practical way to enjoy a hearty, fall-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

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 creates a tender, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta for an effortless dinner. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe lets the slow cooker handle the hard work while you focus on other things.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken enchilada casserole in the slow cooker brings together all the classic flavors in a simple, hands-off dish. The long cooking time lets the ingredients meld perfectly, making it a practical choice for flavorful dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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 made even easier in the slow cooker, combining savory and sweet flavors effortlessly. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hungarian Goulash is made tender and deeply flavored in the slow cooker, making it an excellent choice for fall dinners. Paired with bread or rice, this easy recipe is a comforting and practical way to enjoy a rich meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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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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