42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (2024)

If you’re looking to make a delicious meal but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, try these handy Crock Pot recipes

It’s no surprise that we’re obsessed with Crock Pot recipes. They save a ton of time on busy weeknights (just like these other incredible make-ahead dinner recipes and one-pan meals) and make cleanup a breeze. Meal prep is easy when there are only a few ingredients: just dump them in, turn it on, and forget about it until you’re home for the evening. We’ve rounded up a list of our all-time favorite slow cooker recipes, from whole roasted chickens to pot roasts and tacos. And if you’re looking to save time in the morning as well, you can try these make-ahead breakfast recipes, too.

Savory Crock Pot Soup Recipes

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This is a fix-it-and-forget-it recipe if we’ve ever seen one. For kids who think wild rice is weird, substitute long-grain white rice. Get the recipe from Eating Bird Food.

Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

Lasagna that’s made in a slow cooker? That’s served in a bowl? This has all the makings of our new favorite weeknight dinner recipe. Get the details from The Cozy Cook.

Baked Potato Soup

A baked potato with all the fixings is always a good idea, and this Crock Pot recipe for baked potato soup is so easy and so perfect for chilly days, you’ll be thanking us for finding it. Get the recipe from Slow Cooker Meals.

Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup

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This hearty and flavorful soup fromFoxes Love Lemons features ingredients like apple, carrot, and fresh garlic. It’s a guaranteed fall classic slow cooker recipe and a great way to warm up on a chilly day!

Chicken Noodle Soup

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If there's another soup that is as big of a crowd-pleaser as chicken noodle soup, we haven't found it. Weelicious serves up this easy slow cooker version you'll want to add to your recipe rotation immediately.

Hearty White Bean Soup

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After trying this Crock Pot recipe from My Whole Food Life you'll never want to make soup on your stovetop again. Simply prep your veggies and then let the slow cooker do the work.

Related: 25 Easy Crock Pot Recipes to Try This Fall

Cultural Cuisine Crock Pot Recipes

Healthier Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

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Sometimes a chilly winter day calls for hearty pasta! This recipe from Kristine's Kitchen Blog is the perfect stick-to-your-ribs meal, with a healthier twist. (Think:ground turkey and whole wheat pasta.)

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

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This tagine from Feed Me Phoebe is one of those great Crock Pot recipes to make ahead for the weekend. There's protein and veggie goodness in every bite, and you can adjust the seasoning to accommodate tiny taste buds.

Chicken Tikka Masala

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This delish chicken recipe from One Lovely Life is bound to become a weekday Crock Pot staple. The rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken pair perfectly with rice and veggies.

Slow Cooker Ramen

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Ready for the best ramen news ever? You can make your fave noodle soup right in your own slow cooker! All you need for broth that's drink-from-the-bowl good is this recipe from A Spicy Perspective. Then just add noodles, chicken, and soft-boiled eggs!

Related: 32 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for Lazy Nights

Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes

Chicken Enchiladas

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Reason #1 to fall in love with this dish? It only takes 10 minutes to prep! These slow cooker chicken enchiladas from Urban Cookery are one of the more simple recipes to make and taste delicious topped with cheddar cheese, enchilada sauce, sour cream or salsa.

Korean Chicken Sliders

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This crock pot recipe from Shared Appetite will quickly become a staple in your house. Since all of the work is done by the slow cooker over four hours, it's one of those recipes fit for entertaining. With toppings like aioli, bean sprouts, and avocado, your guests (and kids!) won't be able to resist these sliders.

Lemon Chicken

A few lemons, a whole chicken, and a little salt and pepper turn into something magical after a few hours in the slow cooker. This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice and roasted veggies.

Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is always a hit with our kids, and this slow cooker recipe makes it easier than ever. With just five ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get it here.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Ditch the carbs with this easy slow cooker recipe from Domestic Superhero. With only eight ingredients in total, your dinner could not be easier.

Slow Cooker Chicken

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Slow cooker recipes are our favorite, and this chicken recipe fromHello Spoonfulis a keeper—with only six ingredients, you can get this into the crock pot in the morning in less than 10 minutes. Once it’s time for dinner, serve it over rice, with salad, or in sandwiches—the sky’s the limit!

5-Cheese Chicken Bacon Pasta

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Chicken and bacon over pasta? With five cheeses? Sign us up for this decadent dinner from Slow Cooker Gourmet.

Orange Chicken

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Forget Panda Express—this orange chicken recipe from Kirbie’s Cravings is off-the-charts delicious and way healthier than anything you’d get in a restaurant. It’s the best way to brighten up your plate on a dreary weeknight.

Perfect Roast Chicken

Forget roasting the chicken in the oven. Check out this recipe for throwing the entire chicken in the Crock Pot instead. The result is a delicious fall-off-the-bone dinner.

Crock Pot Comfort Food Recipes

Beef Stew

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On a cold day, there’s no better way to warm up than with a hearty beef stew. This Crock Pot version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with tender chunks of beef, plenty of veggies, and a flavorful tomato base.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

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What could be more down-home than a batch of sloppy joes? These amazing (and amazingly simple) sloppy joes from Dragonfly Home Recipes are our new favorite meal!

Scalloped Potatoes

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For a hearty side, try making these yummy scalloped potatoes from Well Plated. They’re made using a mix of Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes, and the cheesy sauce makes them an instant kid favorite.

Mashed Potatoes

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We would have never thought to make mashed potatoes in the Crock Pot, but this recipe from Life Is But a Dish works like a charm. And since nobody likes cold ‘taters, the cooker keeps them warm until you’re ready to eat.

Chicken Pot Pie Stew

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, but who has time to roll out a pie crust and bake it to perfection? That’s why we can’t resist this stew, which incorporates all our favorite elements of a chicken pot pie without the hassle.

Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe

There are a ton of chicken and dumpling recipes out there, but none are so healthy (or fast!) as this one that includes fresh, whole ingredients.

Turkey Breast with Gravy

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Who says turkey is just for Thanksgiving? This delicious recipe from Skinny Taste helps keep the turkey moist by cooking it in the gravy mixture.

Chicken Parm

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A three-ingredient recipe that’s oh-so-yummy? Sign us up! While this recipe may not satisfy chicken parm traditionalists, we love how easy it is. And, the outcome is just as good as the real (non-crock pot) thing.

Crowd-Pleasing Party Dishes

Ranch Chex Mix

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The slow cooker isn’t just for main dishes—try out this awesome slow -cooker-made party mix from Oh, Sweet Basil. You can customize it by adding your favorite crunchy snacks, and the tangy ranch coating is super addictive.

Spinach Bacon Dip

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This genius recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s game day or a family gathering. Serve it with warm crusty bread and tortilla chips for an appetizer that will disappear in a flash.

BBQ Ribs

While everyone loves barbecue ribs, not everyone loves the prep time involved with this favorite meal. Nix the hassle and opt for the slow cooker. You won’t be disappointed.

Kid-Friendly Crock Pot Recipes

Sweet Pork

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This just might be the easiest dinner recipe ever—only three ingredients are needed! Brown sugar and salsa come together to create a tasty sweet-but-spicy (depending on what kind of salsa you choose) glaze for the pork.

Mac and Cheese

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Ditch the boxed mac and cheese and opt instead for this recipe from Khit of A Bountiful Love food blog. Not only is this recipe easy but it's budget-friendly.

Honey Ginger Chicken

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This Asian-inspired dish from The Skinny Fork incorporates tastes that kids love, from savory soy sauce to sweet honey. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with broccoli and steamed rice.

Mongolian Beef

Get adventurous with your slow cooker with this fun recipe for Mongolian beef. The little ones will love the delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

French Dip Sandwiches

Talk about getting your hands dirty—kids will love dunking their sandwiches in a super tasty beef jus made in a slow cooker. Plus, these French dip sandwiches are definitely a unique twist on your usual beef roast.

Pulled Pork Tacos

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Pulled pork isn't just for barbecue—this pulled pork taco Crock Pot recipe is super simple and fun for kids to customize with their own toppings. Add some veggies, cheese, and guac, and you've got a complete meal.

Related: 30-Minute Dinners That Are InsanelyEasy

Lemon Chicken Pitas

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Kids will love this fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish. Lemony chicken, tzatziki sauce and veggies are served on top of warm pitas—delish!

Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes

Veggie Lasagna

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Why slave away in the kitchen for hours trying to layer the perfect lasagna when you can easily make the recipe with your handy slow cooker?

Black Bean Soup

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Meat eaters and omnivores alike will love this filling soup from Away from the Box. You can finish it with tasty toppings like avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Breakfast Crock Pot Recipes

Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

Slow cooker recipes aren’t just for dinner! The mornings are often as hectic (if not more) as the evenings. Try prepping your breakfast the night before with this breakfast recipe made for the slow cooker.

The Sweeter Side

Blueberry Apple Cobbler

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This cobbler from Spiced is as comforting as homemade pie but way easier to make—sign us up! Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a guaranteed win with kids and adults alike.

Nutella Bread Pudding

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Dessert in the Crock Pot? Who knew! Little ones will happily gobble up this comforting Nutella bread pudding after a long day at school.

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42 Slow Cooker Recipes We're Obsessed With (2024)

FAQs

How to fake a slow cooker? ›

Preheat the oven to about 160 C. Follow the slow cooker recipe, but use a baking dish with a lid instead of a crockpot or slow cooker. If the recipe calls for slow cooker setting, then divide the cooking time by 4. Eight hours on low then becomes 2 hours in the oven at 160 ºC.

Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

Is a crockpot the same as a slow cooker? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

Is it safe to put a tea towel under a slow cooker lid? ›

To prevent water from dripping back onto food in a slow cooker, some people place a clean, folded kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels between the lid and the pot to absorb moisture. If you use the technique, make sure you still have a tight seal between the lid and the pot.

Is it safe to leave a tea towel under the lid of slow cooker? ›

However it is totally personal choice if you feel this is safe for you to do or not with your slow cooker. Please make the decision for yourself on what you feel safe doing. It is not recommended to use the tea towel in general recipe cooking simply as a measure to reduce liquid in your every day slow cooking dish.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Can I leave my crockpot on low for 12 hours? ›

People do this all the time, but many aren't truly confident that it's 100 percent safe — I, for one, am one of those people. So I did a little digging to get the hard facts. The truth is, yes, leaving the slow cooker on and going about your day is safe, as long as you are using the appliance properly.

Can meat touch the bottom of slow cooker? ›

A lean joint won't provide the marbling needed to tenderize the joint during slow cooking. Beef joints also do best when they're placed on top of a bed of vegetables, like carrots, onions, celery, or garlic. This keeps your beef joint from touching the bottom of the slow cooker and cooking too quickly.

Why do they call it crack chicken? ›

Lansing, Michigan is home for the Crack Chicken. A great seasoning for all your favorite foods. Started in 2003, customers tried our famous chicken and came back for more. Their addiction to this delicious taste made them call it Crack Chicken, and that's how the name started, and cracked the food industry world.

How long to cook 1 pound of chicken in crockpot? ›

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Chicken is finished when internal temperature has reached 165F (75C) and it can easily be shredded with a pair of forks. Remove chicken from crockpot and use two forks to easily pull apart and shred chicken.

When should frozen vegetables be added to a slow cooker? ›

Simply follow our instructions on how to defrost meat and then add it to the slow cooker. Frozen vegetables however, can be added to the slow cooker from frozen. So you can defrost the meat in the fridge overnight and prepare the meal for your slow cooker the following morning for that evening's meal.

What is the most popular size slow cooker? ›

The 6- or 7-quart models are among the most popular, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best choice for everyone. (By the way, here's our favorite slow cooker brand.) Find yourself among the descriptions below to learn which slow cooker we'd recommend for you.

What is faster than a crockpot? ›

An instant pot might be a nice upgrade. Do you cook a lot of things that normally braise in the oven or cook on the stovetop for a long time? They cook much, much faster in a pressure cooker. That's really it's biggest advantage over a crock pot, it's much much faster.

Are Crockpot liners worth it? ›

Why should you use slow cooker liners? Slow cooker only keep cleanup fast and easy (after eight hours, food stuck to the pot can prove incredibly stubborn) but also protect your slow cooker itself from getting scratched and damaged from scrubbing.

What is the dry towel hack? ›

First, let's talk about the dry towel trick. Most people don't know this, but if you put a dry towel in the dryer with wet clothes, it will help dry the clothes faster and even make them fluffier.

What is the towel trick to make weight? ›

The towel is when they need to shed the tiny bit of weight that the underwear adds. The towel just covers them up because they're completely naked. Basically they're cutting it as close as they can to the maximum weight limit in the division they're fighting at.

How do you absorb moisture in a slow cooker? ›

Soak up condensation by lining the lid.

When using slow cookers as a water bath for custards, place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the cooker before closing the lid. As DiGregorio writes: “The paper towels soak up the steam and prevent it from dripping back down onto the surface of the custard”.

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