Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » 30 Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

30 Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Tired of scrambling at dinnertime or resorting to the drive-through again? Here’s your go-to lineup of Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes for busy weeknights. Enjoy these healthy, tried-and-true meals my own family loves – just set it and forget it until dinnertime. 

Want me to send this recipe right to your inbox?

We'll email this post right to your inbox, so you can easily find it later!

Why do I love the slow cooker?

Let me count the ways!

  • I love the slow cooker’s simplicity. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to master this appliance and get delicious, effortless meals on the table! Most slow cookers have just a couple of settings, making them easy to manage and stay hands-free.
  • Many of my favorite slow cooker recipes are practically dump-and-go, which significantly cuts down on prep time when you’re already on a busy schedule! Just combine the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work.
  • The slow cooker makes it easy to get healthy weeknight meals into your menu. With the steady heat and slow cooking method, you can get incredible flavors and textures with minimal ingredients and whole foods – no need for all the processed additions!
  • When you’re juggling a busy schedule, sometimes the last thing you want to do at dinnertime is get out the pots and pans and start cooking. The slow cooker lets you prep when it’s convenient for you and time your meal when you need it. Plus, the assembly often takes even less time than ordering takeout!
  • Meal prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right tools. I love using the slow cooker for meal prep and batch cooking – especially soups, stews, and proteins. Whether prepping meals for the fridge or freezer, I love having a few flavorful options ready to enjoy!
blue soup bowl with chicken taco soup

What are the best things to make in the slow cooker?

The slow cooker works best on foods that would otherwise simmer and tenderize over longer amounts of time. This includes tougher meats such as roasts or steaks that need time to break down muscly fibers, or soups and stews that benefit from extended simmering to deepen their flavors.

Anytime you need a larger meal for family dinners, gatherings, or to prep extra food for a few meals, the slow cooker is a game-changer! Use it for those larger portions while keeping your hands free from the stove or the need to stay near the oven.

Tips For Preparing and Making These Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Thaw meat in advance and avoid using frozen meat (unless the recipe specifies frozen ingredients such as meatballs or seafood). In general, the slow cooker will not reach safe temperatures in a sufficient amount of time to reduce food safety risks for larger portions of frozen meat, such as chicken breasts and thighs, roasts, and steaks.
  • For recipes using ground meat, brown it in advance to save a step when it’s time to assemble. You can refrigerate or freeze single-recipe portions of browned meat to easily prepare slow cooker recipes in fewer steps.
  • Use frozen, precut veggies for even more convenience! Check the recipe for when to add specific vegetables, but utilize this packaged step to make your weeknights even easier.
  • Resist lifting the lid too often, as this releases the trapped heat and extends cooking time.
  • Remove cooked food from the slow cooker insert and let it cool before storing in the fridge or freezer. Store in appropriate sealed containers – not the slow cooker insert, since it will retain heat.
  • Larger slow cookers will often accommodate a double batch of many recipes, but be careful to not overfill the insert. In general, a slow cooker should not be more than ½ to ¾ full to reach necessary cooking temperatures.

Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

Slow Cooker Soups & Stews

Hearty Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Hearty Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup is the old-fashioned “fill you up” kind, rich in flavor and packed with nutrition! This easy vegetarian slow cooker recipe combines rustic vegetables with simple marinara sauce and vegetable broth to bring it all together. It makes a satisfying meal with a slice of crusty bread, or a tasty soup-and-sandwich combo!

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick
  • 2 celery stalks sliced about ¼ inch thick
  • 2 medium yukon gold potatoes diced (can leave skin on)
  • 1 zucchini sliced into ¼ inch half moons
  • 1½ to 2 cups marinara sauce no added sugar
  • 1 15 oz can white beans or kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup green beans (optional) fresh or frozen, stir in at the end
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional) stir in at the end
Get the full recipe and instructions
overhead view of bowl of vegetable soup, surrounded by gold spoon, wooden cutting board with parsley, and black slow cooker in background
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Every season can be soup season, especially when you have a healthy option that is packed with veggies and protein. Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup checks all the boxes for simple prep, flexible cooking time, and amazing flavor enveloped in a creamy mix.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs chopped
  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup diced sweet onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 4 oz canned green chiles
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
Get the full recipe and instructions
blue soup bowl with chicken taco soup
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (No Beans!)
Try this smoky no-bean chili recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly smooth! Brown the meat, then add everything to the slow cooker for a hands-off, filling meal. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or chips for the tasty meal that works for everyone.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground turkey or use all beef if preferred
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 –2 jalapeños seeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce no chunks
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth add up to ½ cup more if needed for consistency
  • 2 tablespoons homemade chili seasoning blend of chili powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Get the full recipe and instructions
dinner plate with bowl of chili with sour cream and cheese on top, crackers on side, with bowl of cheese, crackers and black slow cooker in background
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the cozy dish you need for practically any season! This isn’t your average canned soup, though… This comfort-food classic is elevated with a bright and fresh citrusy twist! It’s wholesome, simple, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 4 celery ribs 1 cup chopped
  • 5 carrots 2 cups peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 oz Reames frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles for later
  • salt & pepper for later
Get the full recipe and instructions
side view of bowl of chicken noodle soup surrounded by wooden salt and pepper shakers, another bowl of soup, gold spoons, and black slow cooker
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
Find the best slow cooker tortellini soup right here – packed with veggies, creamy broth, and cheesy tortellini! This family-friendly comfort food is simple to throw together and uses shortcuts like marinara sauce for maximum flavor. It’s an indulgent, hearty, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights around the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (use a high-quality brand made with olive oil and no added sugar)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional, taste before adding
  • 1 9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese for serving
Get the full recipe and instructions
two bowls of tortellini soup, one with garlic bread on side, with black slow cooker in background
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie soup in the slow cooker tastes just like the classic baked version, but is much simpler to make! You only need a handful of healthy ingredients to make a delicious, hearty soup packed with chicken, veggies, and creamy broth. Add a buttery biscuit and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound boneless skinless breasts chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 cup frozen mixed veggies
  • 4 oz baby potatoes diced
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup bowl served with a spoon

Dump and Go Recipes for the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is a simple way to transform an average roast into a tender, savory meal bursting with flavor! This recipe has been shared in home-chef communities countless times over the last decade or two. Taste for yourself the slow cooker recipe known for combining everyday ingredients and resulting in an incredible fusion.

Ingredients

  • 3- pound rump or chuck roast
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon homemade ranch seasoning
  • 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Get the full recipe and instructions
roast in brown liquid mixture and peperocini on top with a side of mashed potatoes served on plate on pink table with a fork on plate
Easy Slow Cooker Chile Verde
Easy Slow Cooker Chile Verde comes together with just 4 simple ingredients for a hearty, flavorful meal. Juicy, tender chicken simmers in a zesty jarred salsa verde base for a convenient step – just dump and go! Serve over rice or tortillas and finish with cilantro, lime, or your favorite toppings for a satisfying family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour or cornstarch
  • 15 oz jar salsa verde
  • 2 cups chicken broth
Get the full recipe and instructions
overhead view of black plate containing chile verde on rice with tortilla chips, jalapeno peppers cheese and sour cream, on a wooden cutting board with limes and cilantro in background
Slow Cooker Taco Casserole
Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is the easiest, all-in-one dish that you can assemble in minutes, with no precooking required. It’s ready in just a few hours and packed with melted cheese, veggies, and tortilla chips for a simple, comfort-food casserole!

Ingredients

  • 6 oz about half a bag tortilla chips gently crushed
  • 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 14.5 oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes drained
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 8 oz can enchilada sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
taco casserole with wooden spoon in oval mini casserole slow cooker
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Beef is fall-apart tender and flavorful with sliced peppers, onions, and tasty au jus for serving. Layer the juicy shredded beef on a toasted roll for a traditional Italian beef sandwich and add giardiniera or your favorite toppings. It’s effortless and a crowd-pleasing choice made simple in the slow cooker!

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon homemade Italian seasoning or store-bought
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoncini with juice
  • ½ cup sliced banana peppers with juice
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste
Get the full recipe and instructions
dinner plate with Italian beef sub with cheese, with cutting board holding another sub, slow cooker and bowl of banana peppers in background
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken
If you haven’t yet explored the world of slow cooker curries, you are bound to be amazed by some flavorful surprises! Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry combines a hearty mix of chicken and potatoes with signature curry seasoning and a creamy coconut milk sauce. A low-prep, one-pot meal that is packed with flavor, but mild enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 oz baby potatoes halved or quartered
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon homemade curry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15 oz canned coconut milk
  • 2 oz baby spinach
Get the full recipe and instructions
close up of curry chicken with rice on blue plate
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
This is a recipe you will definitely want to save for easy reference. It takes less time to prepare than ordering takeout or making a sandwich, and you can serve it in so many different ways. Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken uses 7 ingredients and delivers the most delicious combination of seasoned and shredded chicken!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles
  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
Get the full recipe and instructions

Pork and Beef Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy
It doesn’t get any more classic than pot roast and gravy in the slow cooker. The savory smells of flavorful meat, carrots, and potatoes wafting through your kitchen will tempt just about any appetite and bring waves of nostalgia. Try this classic meal with a few extra ingredients for the most delicious made-from-scratch gravy!

Ingredients

  • 2- pound chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • 1/2 sweet yellow onion cut into quartered pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz baby carrots
  • 16 oz gold potatoes halved or quartered if large
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tapioca pearls
Get the full recipe and instructions
white plate with serving of pot roast, carrots, potatoes and gravy topped with parsley
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
You can’t go wrong with a good meatball recipe and this one has a great twist on flavor! Try Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a tangy combination of pineapple, peppers, and onion in a delicious, glazed sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds frozen meatballs
  • 2 bell peppers any color
  • ½ white onion
  • 20 oz can pineapple chunks in juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs served on a bed of rice
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
If you love my #1 post, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, then you'll love this BBQ pulled pork version too! With simple seasoning, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and cooks all day for fall apart tender, juicy pork oozing with tangy sweet sauce.

Ingredients

Get the full recipe and instructions
bbq pulled pork on bun topped with coleslaw on gray plate
Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor without relying on canned soups or processed ingredients. Fresh onions, garlic, ranch seasoning, and herbs come together in a simple method that delivers the tastiest results every time. Serve these savory pork chops over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and be sure to spoon the irresistible jus over the top.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops ¾-1 inch thick
  • 1 medium onion sliced into thick rings
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred)
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried chives
Get the full recipe and instructions
white dinner plate containing one slow cooker pork chops with onions, green beans and potato wedges with dinner knife and fork on top of a wooden cutting board
Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles meets your comfort-food cravings effortlessly! With fall-apart-tender beef, rich, savory gravy, and thick egg noodles, this hearty slow cooker recipe checks all the boxes for a warm, satisfying family meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2- pound chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch whisked with an equal amount of water
  • 16 oz Reames noodles
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Get the full recipe and instructions
beef and noodles in a round slow cooker
Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew stands apart from the rest with its simplicity and incredible flavor. Made with tender stew meat, rustic potatoes, onions, and carrots combined in a rich, savory broth, it’s home cooking at its finest! Prep the stew in just a few minutes and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup, and leftovers that are just as delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef tips
  • 1/4 cup sweet onion peeled and diced
  • 4 oz carrots peeled and cut into large chunks (or use baby carrots)
  • 16 oz potatoes cut into large bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons small tapioca pearls
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons herb and garlic seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cup beef broth
Get the full recipe and instructions
bowl of beef stew on wooden cutting board with silver spoon, raw carrots, raw potato

Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Sometimes a classic one-pot meal is just what you need to round out your menu for the week. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice is full of simple ingredients and not lacking a bit in flavor! Try this easy and filling home-cooked classic in your slow cooker for your next family meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 cup quick cook 10 minute jasmine rice
Get the full recipe and instructions
white plate with chicken and rice casserole and black fork
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This comfort dish is calling your name! Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy combines a creamy, made-from-scratch sauce with hearty mushrooms and tender chicken. Add some fresh, flaky biscuits and enjoy the perfect home-cooked meal!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 8 oz frozen or fresh sliced portobello mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream for later
Get the full recipe and instructions
biscuit in Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy served on plate next to fork
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a recipe that circulates online year after year because it’s just that delicious! Use the slow cooker to make a hearty, cheesy pasta without lots of effort. It’s a protein-rich, filling meal that everyone in the family will devour!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 16 oz pasta noodles choose your favorite
  • 8 oz shredded parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ heavy cream
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta served on black plate
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ready to level up on your mac and cheese game? Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is just the right amount of insanely easy to make, rich and spicy, and totally creamy with a homemade cheese sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (start with 1/4 and add more to taste when done)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • 8 ounces shell pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 6 oz shredded colby jack cheese
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese in a white bowl
Juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
Juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor and the perfect easy weeknight meal. Serve the chicken whole or shredded with your favorite sides, or use it in plenty of meal prep dishes throughout the week. With a premade sauce, the classic barbecue flavor comes together with minimal effort and delicious results!

Ingredients

  • pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons herb and garlic seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust based on seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup thick BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Get the full recipe and instructions
closeup view of white dinner plate of bbq chicken thighs, broccoli and rice with bowl of bbq sauce and black slow Cooker in background
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Enjoy authentic Tuscan flavors straight from the slow cooker! In this Italian-inspired recipe, Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is a simple yet hearty home-cooked meal featuring juicy chicken thighs, peppers, potatoes, and olives in a rich, tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound baby potatoes halved
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic
  • 4 oz sliced black olives
  • 29 oz pureed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
Get the full recipe and instructions
white dinner plate with chicken Cacciatore over a bed of rice and black dinner fork, with another finished plate and black slow cooker in the background

Side Dishes for the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes don't have to be a lot of work when you make this NO BOIL version in your slow cooker! Perfect for a weeknight meal or for Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds russet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • salt to taste
Get the full recipe and instructions
mashed potatoes in a gray bowl
How To Make Baked Potatoes In The Slow Cooker
Let me show you how to make slow cooker baked potatoes and make your life easier with this set-it-and-forget-it side! Prep your potatoes in the morning and enjoy a delicious base for toppings or a “potato bar” for weeknight dinners. Stay hands-free and don’t worry about the oven!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of gold potatoes or potatoes of choice
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Get the full recipe and instructions
cooking sheet with opened tin foiled potatoes and containers of green onion, bacon bits and sour cream with spoon, some potatoes halved and dressed with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions
Best Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
The ultimate cheesy comfort food – now available via the slow cooker! The Best Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is anything but ordinary and will delight adults and kids alike. This easy and homey melt-in-your-mouth mac is perfect for a holiday or potluck side dish, or anytime you need a kid-friendly dinner idea.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
Get the full recipe and instructions
closeup view of two bowls of Mac and cheese with black slow cooker in the background
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
For a good ole’ classic side dish, try this Slow Cooker Baked Beans recipe with crispy bacon and leftover pulled pork! This sweet and savory combo works with many other main dishes and sides. Plus, it’s easy to assemble with canned beans for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bacon
  • 6 oz leftover pulled pork
  • 30 ounces beans drained and rinsed (I used white navy beans)
  • 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Baked Beans garnished and served in bowl
Slow Cooker Corn On The Cob
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob takes the fuss out of firing up the grill and allows you to enjoy it with any meal! Add tangy chili-lime flavors with butter and let it cook in foil until it is perfectly tender-crisp. One more easy side dish handled in the slow cooker!

Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob shucked and cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Get the full recipe and instructions
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob on baking dish with parchment paper next to slices of lime
Slow Cooker Carrots with Herbed Honey Butter Sauce
Are carrots one of those veggies that present a struggle for your reluctant eaters at mealtime? I’ve discovered the secret sauce, literally, to take a basic vegetable side and make it scrumptious! Try Slow Cooker Carrots with Herbed Honey Butter Sauce for a sweet and savory side dish that can’t get any easier.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound carrots
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Get the full recipe and instructions
cooked pieces of carrots in a green serving bowl

My Favorite Slow Cookers 

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the slow cooker, you will start to notice the features you love the most! Over the years, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to test out many variations of this appliance and have my favorites. 

Here’s what I love to use in my kitchen:

  • Crock-Pot Locking Lid 6qt Cook and Carry Programmable Slow Cooker Moonshine Green (Green) – I have the neutral white colorway of this slow cooker, but I love this particular model because it is simple and programmable. I can set the timer and not worry about overcooking, and it also has a latching lid that comes in handy if I need to take the food with me to a party or gathering. At 6 quarts, it’s big enough for family use and for larger recipes such as soups, stews, and chili.
  • Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue – Not only is this slow cooker aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive, but I also love it for smaller recipes, especially small casserole recipes. It’s a great option for preparing side dishes and for easy cook-to-table serving with the removable stoneware dish.
  • Ninja® 14-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PRO | 8.5qt, Sous Vide, Proof, Bake, & Steam Multicooker – If you don’t mind a bigger investment and want something that can do it all, the Ninja Multicooker is awesome because of the sheer number of appliances it can replace! I mainly use this larger slow cooker when I need to brown meat or sauté ingredients first and don’t want to wash an extra pan.
  • Crock-Pot Design Series 4.5 Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Purple Potato – If you don’t have to worry about being away from home all day, generally cook average-sized meals, and don’t need anything fancy, my go-to slow cooker is a basic 4- or 4.5-quart, manual slow cooker. I have this model in the dark green option and use it for soups, family dinners, and more!

More Slow Cooker Recipe Roundups

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *