27 Slow Cooker Recipes for Days You’re Just Too Tired to Cook

Slow cooker recipes are perfect for days when you're just too tired to deal with the hassle of cooking but still want something great on the table. They’re easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and let you step away while the magic happens. Whether it’s a cozy meal for the family or just a little something to keep you going, these recipes make dinner feel effortless and comforting. No stress, no mess—just great food with almost no work.

Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Ratatouille

This slow cooker ratatouille transforms fresh vegetables into a rich, herby stew with almost no effort. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for days when you’re too tired to cook but still want something wholesome and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Tortilla Soup

This slow cooker tortilla soup is hearty and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. It’s a flavorful option that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy days or cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Soup

French Onion Soup

Slow cooker French onion soup combines caramelized onions and gooey cheese in a way that feels like comfort in a bowl. Made entirely in the slow cooker, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish for days when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker green bean casserole is a creamy and comforting holiday side dish with just 10 minutes of prep time. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, making it perfect for a stress-free addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Black Bean Soup

Slow cooker black bean soup is a hearty, rich option that comes together with minimal prep work. It’s an easy go-to recipe for busy weeks, offering a reliable dinner that cooks while you relax.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Potato Soup

This slow cooker potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy dinner that’s perfect for when you’re too tired to cook but want a comforting bowl of soup to end your day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Mac and Cheese

Slow cooker mac and cheese is an effortless way to enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss in the ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Ranch Pork Chops

Slow cooker ranch pork chops require only three ingredients and minimal effort. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful, ready-to-serve dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pork Chops

Beef Barbacoa

Slow cooker beef barbacoa is a bold, flavorful dish that’s great for meal prep or family dinners. With minimal effort, you get tender, shredded beef that’s perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Apricot Chicken

Slow cooker apricot chicken offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s an effortless recipe that lets the slow cooker handle the work, so dinner is ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast delivers tender, flavorful beef and vegetables with minimal prep work. It’s a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, making it great for busy weeknights or casual weekends.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian chicken is an effortless slow cooker recipe combining sweet and savory flavors. It’s a simple dinner option for busy evenings when you want a flavorful, ready-made meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Chicken Alfredo

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

Creamy slow cooker chicken alfredo is a practical meal for weeknights when you’re short on time. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Pork Loin

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

Slow cooker pork loin ensures tender, juicy meat without complicated cooking methods. It’s a stress-free recipe that’s perfect for fall evenings or when you’re hosting family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin

Beef Carnitas

Slow cooker beef carnitas offer an easy, flavorful way to prepare tender, shredded beef. The recipe requires minimal effort, with the slow cooker doing most of the work for a meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Beef Carnitas

Cheesy Ranch Chicken

A picutre of cheesy chicken with bacon and dried parsley. — Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Slow cooker chicken with cheesy ranch flavors is an easy way to make a comforting dish. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for nights when you need a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Healthy Chicken Verde

Chicken Verde with Potatoes Soup in a blue bowl with spoon. — Healthy Chicken Verde. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Slow cooker chicken verde with potatoes soup is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for when you want a hands-off recipe that’s ready to enjoy after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Verde

Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew combines tender beef and vegetables for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy fall days when you want something satisfying with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup. — Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Slow cooker ham and potato chowder is a creamy, satisfying soup that comes together effortlessly. It’s a go-to recipe for cooler days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Potato Chowder

Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles. — Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crockpot beef with noodles is a hearty dinner option that’s both easy and filling. The slow cooker simplifies the process, giving you a stress-free meal for fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles

4-Ingredient Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker chicken in a black plate. — 4-Ingredient Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow cooker chicken and gravy makes for a comforting dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Just toss in the ingredients, and the slow cooker delivers a ready-to-serve dinner with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Chicken

Honey Lemon Chicken

A cooked chicken thigh next to roasted asparagus and baby potatoes on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Honey lemon chicken in the slow cooker is a flavorful dish that’s ready with just 10 minutes of prep time. The slow cooker handles everything else, giving you a hassle-free dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Chicken

Ranch Chicken

Slow cooker ranch chicken brings together hearty flavors in an easy-to-make dish. It’s a comforting option for fall evenings when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken

Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Crockpot cheesy salsa chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that’s quick to prep. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you need a reliable dinner with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Thai Chicken Curry

Slow cooker Thai chicken curry delivers bold flavors with a recipe that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s an excellent option for fall meal prep, with the slow cooker taking care of the hard work.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Slow cooker honey sriracha pork chops combine sweet and spicy flavors for a tender, flavorful meal. The slow cooker does all the work, letting you enjoy a hands-off recipe perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish made with tender chicken and hearty vegetables. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy fall days when you need something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup