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.

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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!

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

Dump and Go Recipes for the Slow Cooker
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

Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour or cornstarch
- 15 oz jar salsa verde
- 2 cups chicken broth

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

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

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

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

Pork and Beef Slow Cooker Recipes
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

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

Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth

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

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

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

Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
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

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

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

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

Ingredients
- 2½ 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

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

Side Dishes for the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- salt to taste

Ingredients
- 2 pounds of gold potatoes or potatoes of choice
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni uncooked
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cups heavy cream
- 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ 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

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

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)

Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

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!





