35 Slow Cooker Recipes That Prove It’s Still Worth Using Even in Spring

Slow cooker recipes aren’t just for winter—they’re a great way to make flavorful, hands-off meals any time of year. These dishes come out rich and satisfying with barely any effort, making them perfect for busy spring days when you still want something delicious.

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

Black Bean Soup

Slow cooker black bean soup is a hearty, no-stress meal that requires little effort. Just set it and let it cook, making it a reliable option for busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Mac and Cheese

Slow cooker mac and cheese turns basic ingredients into a creamy, cheesy dish with almost no work. Just add everything to the pot, and the slow cooker handles the rest, making it a practical choice for easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Ratatouille

Slow cooker ratatouille turns fresh vegetables into a rich, flavorful stew with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to blend seamlessly, making it a practical, no-fuss dish.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker green bean casserole is a convenient side dish, especially for holiday meals. With only 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker handles the rest, giving you time to focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

French Onion Soup

Slow cooker French onion soup slowly caramelizes onions, bringing out deep flavors with very little hands-on time. The rich broth and melted cheese topping make it a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Potato Soup

Slow cooker potato soup comes together easily, delivering a rich, comforting meal after a long day. With minimal prep, it’s a smart option when you want something filling without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Tortilla Soup

Slow cooker tortilla soup is packed with bold flavors and can be topped however you like. It’s a low-effort meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Soup

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.

Slow cooker chicken gnocchi stew blends tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy broth. The slow cooker allows everything to meld together without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew brings together tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth with almost no effort. It’s a great option for cooler days or busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast comes out tender and flavorful with minimal hands-on time. It’s a simple way to prepare a juicy turkey for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Mexican Chicken

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

Slow-cooked spiced chicken is easy to prepare and works well for tacos, burritos, or salads. The slow cooker handles the cooking, making it a hands-off way to enjoy a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken

Chicken Stew

Slow cooker chicken stew combines chicken, garlic, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a hearty dish. It pairs well with crusty bread and requires minimal time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

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 is an effortless way to prepare tender, flavorful chicken. Just add the ingredients and let it cook, making it a convenient choice for tacos, rice bowls, or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salsa Chicken

Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast becomes fall-apart tender with very little prep. It’s an easy, low-maintenance meal that’s great for family dinners or weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Poor Man’s Stew

Slow cooker poor man’s stew is a simple dish with ground beef and vegetables. It comes together easily and is a practical choice for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Stew

Flank Steak

Slow cooker flank steak becomes tender and flavorful with almost no work. It’s a reliable choice for busy nights when you want a hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak

Apricot Chicken

Slow cooker apricot chicken combines tender chicken with a sweet, tangy glaze. It requires minimal prep, making it a convenient meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Lamb Stew

Slow cooker lamb stew combines tender lamb, mushrooms, white beans, and kale for a hearty dish. The slow cooking process develops rich flavors with minimal effort, making it a practical choice for comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Slow cooker crab and lobster bisque creates a creamy seafood soup with little effort. The slow cooker brings out the flavors over time, making it a simple choice for a relaxed meal.
Get the Recipe: Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu develops rich, deep flavors as the meat becomes tender. It’s an easy dish that pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole slowly melds the ingredients together, creating a flavorful dish with almost no work. It’s a stress-free way to prepare dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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 cooker chicken drumsticks in honey mustard sauce come out tender and flavorful. The slow cooking method makes them a great option for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Slow cooker butter chicken with cauliflower rice comes together in a rich, spiced sauce. The slow cooker does the work, making it a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Lamb Ragu

Slow cooker lamb ragu creates a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort. It pairs well with pasta, making it a simple way to prepare a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Pepper Steak

Slow cooker pepper steak combines beef, onions, and peppers in a rich sauce. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors while keeping the prep work minimal.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Skirt Steak

Slow cooker skirt steak cooks to fork-tender perfection with very little effort. The slow cooking method enhances the flavor, making it a convenient choice for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Skirt Steak

Cashew Chicken

Slow cooker cashew chicken with snap peas is an easy way to prepare a flavorful meal. The slow cooker makes the chicken tender while the cashews add crunch, making it a simple yet satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Chicken Paprikash

Slow cooker chicken paprikash delivers a rich, paprika-infused sauce with almost no effort. The slow cooking process deepens the flavors, making it a simple meal to serve with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Lasagna Soup

Slow cooker lasagna soup delivers all the flavors of lasagna without the extra steps. The slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy a comforting meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Low Carb Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew with radishes is a fresh take on the classic dish. The slow cooking process makes it easy to prepare a comforting meal with almost no hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Beef Stew

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Slow cooker ham, potato, cheese, and broccoli soup is a filling dish that’s great for using up leftover ham. It requires little prep and is a practical option for easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

Tri Tip

Slow cooker tri-tip turns out tender and flavorful with very little prep. It’s a practical option for busy days when you need a meal that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms creates a creamy, comforting dish with almost no work. The slow cooker ensures tender beef and a rich sauce, making it a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Taco Soup

Slow cooker taco soup requires just 20 minutes of prep before the slow cooker takes over. It’s an easy meal that works well for busy days or meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Slow cooker sriracha honey garlic pork chops are coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The slow cooker locks in the flavors, making it an easy way to prepare a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops