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Home » Recipe Collections

If You’re Not Using Your Slow Cooker This Week, These 40 Recipes Will Change That

Published: Mar 25, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker recipes are a great way to make flavorful, no-fuss meals that practically cook themselves. Whether you're tackling a busy workweek or just want dinner handled while you do something else, these recipes deliver big on taste with minimal effort. From hearty mains to comforting sides, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to get a great meal on the table—without hovering over the stove. If your slow cooker has been collecting dust, it’s time to plug it in and let it do the heavy lifting.

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 Ratatouille

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

Fresh vegetables transform into a tender, herb-filled stew with ease. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen naturally, making it a simple yet flavorful dish with almost no prep work.
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.

This side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, requiring just 10 minutes of prep. The slow cooker ensures it’s ready on time while you focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Hearty and easy to make, this soup comes together with minimal prep. It’s a convenient choice for busy weeks, delivering bold flavors with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

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

This soup slowly simmers to bring out rich, bold flavors. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare with minimal effort, and you can customize the toppings to suit your taste, making it perfect for busy days or relaxed evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

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

This soup develops rich, caramelized flavors as it slowly simmers. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it creates a savory, hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

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

Thick and cheesy, this soup requires hardly any effort. It’s a comforting dinner option that’s simple to prepare, perfect for winding down after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 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.

Creamy and rich with barely any work, this meal comes together effortlessly. Just add the ingredients, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, making it a hassle-free option for easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

These drumsticks slowly cook until tender and coated in a honey mustard sauce. The slow cooker makes them easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This turkey breast stays moist and flavorful as it slowly cooks. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a juicy turkey for holidays or special occasions without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

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.

This cheesy, saucy dish slowly simmers into a rich casserole. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, making it a practical choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

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.

This stew slowly simmers into a creamy, comforting dish. The slow cooker blends the flavors perfectly, making it an easy meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A rich, cheesy dish that slowly simmers into a flavorful casserole. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare with little effort, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Tri Tip Crock Pot

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

This cut of meat slowly cooks until tender and flavorful with barely any hands-on time. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a rich and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip Crock Pot

Cashew Chicken

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

This chicken and snap pea dish slowly develops bold flavors. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare with minimal prep, giving you a tasty meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

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

This chicken becomes flavorful and tender with little prep. The slow cooker makes it easy to use the chicken in tacos, burritos, or salads, creating a flexible, low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Chicken

Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This steak dish slowly develops rich flavors as it simmers. The slow cooking process makes the beef and peppers tender, creating a flavorful, hands-off meal.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

With only 20 minutes of prep, this soup comes together easily. The slow cooker enhances the flavors over time, making it a convenient meal for weeknights or batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Skirt Steak Crock Pot

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

This steak becomes tender and flavorful as it slowly simmers. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a low-effort option for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Skirt Steak Crock Pot

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef and mushrooms slowly cook into a creamy, savory dish. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Flank Steak

Flank Steak. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

This steak slowly becomes tender and juicy as it cooks. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it an easy option for busy nights with little prep.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

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

This seafood soup slowly simmers into a creamy, flavorful dish. The slow cooker develops the rich flavors over time, making it a stress-free option for cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Short Rib Ragu

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

This dish simmers into a rich, meaty sauce while the ribs become fork-tender. The slow cooker creates a flavorful meal with very little hands-on work.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu

Apricot Chicken

Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This dish slowly simmers, creating a sweet and savory glaze. The slow cooker makes it a low-maintenance meal, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This stew slowly develops rich flavors with chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce. The slow cooker makes it an easy, comforting meal to pair with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Pot Roast

Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This roast becomes fall-apart tender with little work. The slow cooker makes it a perfect choice for family meals or weeknight dinners with minimal prep required.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Chicken Paprikash

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

This classic dish simmers into a rich, paprika-infused meal. The slow cooker enhances the sauce’s flavors, making it an easy way to enjoy this traditional dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ground beef and vegetables simmer into a rich, savory dish. The slow cooker creates a comforting meal while filling your home with inviting aromas, perfect for busy or lazy days.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Stew

Butternut Soup

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

This stew becomes creamy and flavorful as it slowly cooks. It’s a simple option for fall or winter meals, requiring very little active preparation.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Soup

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dish brings together classic Italian flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker blends the ingredients perfectly, creating a hearty soup with very little active cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Lamb Stew

Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender lamb, mushrooms, white beans, and kale slowly meld together. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making it a hearty, low-effort option for laid-back dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

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

Ham, potato, cheese, and broccoli slowly cook into a creamy, hearty soup. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a filling meal with little prep work.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup

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.

Lamb slowly braises into a rich, flavorful sauce. The slow cooker makes it a simple, hands-off dish, perfect for pairing with pasta or serving as a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

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

This stew replaces potatoes with radishes for a fresh spin on a classic dish. The slow cooking process creates a rich, hearty meal with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dish slowly develops rich curry flavors as it simmers. The slow cooker gives the spices time to meld, making it a convenient, low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Beef Stew

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

Tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth come together effortlessly. The slow cooker makes it a low-maintenance meal, perfect for busy days or chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Easy Beef Stew

Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This stew slowly develops deep, savory flavors. With tender beef and vegetables, it’s a hands-off, comforting meal that’s ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Marry Me Chicken

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

Tender chicken simmers in a creamy sauce, staying juicy and flavorful. The slow cooker makes it an easy option for casual dinners or special meals.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender pork chops slowly cook as the sweet and savory glaze infuses into the meat. The slow cooker makes it a flavorful meal with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Easy Salsa Chicken

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

This chicken becomes tender and juicy while cooking in salsa. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, making it a versatile dish for tacos, wraps, or rice bowls.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salsa Chicken

Brisket

Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy and tender, this meat slowly cooks with hardly any effort. The slow cooker makes it a convenient way to prepare a flavorful meal, even for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Brisket

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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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