40+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With

pulled pork crock pot taco recipe Frankie Lopez via Unsplash

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 make-ahead breakfast recipes, too.  


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Savory Crock Pot Soup Recipes

Slow Cooker Ramen

A bowl of chicken ramen made in a slow cooker and topped with eggs
A Spicy Perspective

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!

Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup

Thanksgiving instant pot recipes
Foxes Love Lemons

This hearty and flavorful soup from Foxes 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! 

Tortellini, Sausage, and Kale Soup

A hearty tortellini, sausage and kale crock pot recipe
Chef Savvy

If you’ve got a spare 10 minutes in the morning, you’ve got enough time to make this hearty soup crock pot recipe from Chef Savvy. Simmer the sausage, tomatoes, and broth all day long, then just throw in the pasta and kale when you’re almost ready to eat.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Bowl of chicken noodle soup, one of our favorite crock pot recipes
Weelicious

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

three bowls of white bean soup, cooked in a crock pot, sit beside a carrot and celery
My Whole Food Life

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

Mexican Corn and Bean Soup

A bowl of Mexican corn soup that was made from a crock pot recipe

The kids won't mind eating their veggies when they're part of this fun, colorful Mexican-inspired soup. Top with some melty grated cheese, and they'll gobble it up in no time.

Globally Inspired Crock Pot Recipes

Healthier Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

A pot of slow cooker baked ziti with a serving spoon
Kristine's Kitchen Blog

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

A bowl of tagine made from a slow cooker is ready to serve
Feed Me Phoebe

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

A bowl filled with dinner made from a chicken tikka masala crock pot recipe
One Lovely Life

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. 

Related: 32 Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for Lazy Nights

Chicken Enchiladas

A platter of chicken enchiladas made from a crock pot are topped with sour cream
UrbanCookery

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

A Korean chicken slider sits on a black plate. It's one of those crock pot recipes that's great for entertaining
Shared Appetite

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. 

You Can Make That in the Crock Pot?!

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread

Thanksgiving instant pot recipes
Life Made Sweeter

Ready for the best-ever cornbread? Since this recipe from Life Made Sweeter is made in the Crock Pot, it comes out extra moist and just the right amount of sweet. You’ll set it, forget it, and absolutely love it.

Crock Pot Lasagna in a Soup Bowl

Time Inc. Books

We warned you we were obsessed, right? This variation of crock pot lasagna from Phyllis Good's book, Stock the Crock, is even more delicious in person, and in spite of the complex flavors, it is a very recipe easy to make.

Ranch Chex Mix

A close of of pretzels and other ingredients in a Ranch Chex mix that was made from a slow cooker recipe
Oh, Sweet Basil

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. 

Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving instant pot recipes
Life Is But a Dish

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. 

 

Crock Pot Breakfast

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.

Chicken Dishes

Lemon Chicken

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF8FiWcIh5R/

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.

Stuffed Mozzarella Chicken Breasts

Mozzarella stuffed chicken is served on a plate after being cooked in a crock pot
Queen of My Kitchen

For a meal that feels fancy without hours of prep work, you’ve got to try this genius recipe from Queen of My Kitchen. Mozzarella, tomato, and basil are a winning combination, and with the help of your Crock Pot, it couldn’t be easier to get this dish on the table. 

Slow Cooker Chicken

A bowl of honey garlic chicken made in a slow cooker
Hello Spoonful

Slow cooker recipes are our favorite, and this chicken recipe from Hello Spoonful is 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

A plate of cheese and bacon chicken that was cooked in a crock pot
Slow Cooker Gourmet

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

Orange Chicken

A plate of slow cooker orange chicken garnished with sliced oranges
Kirbie’s Cravings

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. 

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of chicken with wild rice made with a slow cooker
Rotin Rice

This hearty soup from food blogger Linda of Rotin Rice is so beloved she cooks it year-round. For convenience, Linda used leftover chicken but you can sub in fresh cubed chicken. 

Roasted 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.

Comfort Food Classics

Beef Stew

A white bowl of beef stew that was made from a Crock Pot
A Healthier Michigan

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.

Vegetarian Crock Pot Chili

Vegetarian chili sits in a crock pot after being cooked
Show Me The Yummy

This vegetarian chili is healthy comfort food, and it is so simple to make in a Crock Pot. Including three kinds of beans, this recipe from Show Me The Yummy is gluten and dairy-free.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes made from a crock pot are served in a bun on a plate
Dragon Fly Homes Recipes

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

Thanksgiving instant pot recipes
Well Plated

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.

Sweet Pork

Our Table for Seven

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.

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

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

Soy Sauce Chicken

Slow cooked chicken and glaze sit on a plate next to broccoli

This recipe comes courtesy of a new stay-at-home dad. He admittedly is not a wiz in the kitchen, which is why he loves this recipe. It can be made by amateur chefs or seasoned cooks. Either way, you’ll love the final result: yummy chicken thighs and glaze.

Turkey Breast with Gravy

Slow cooker turkey breast sits on a plate next veggie sides and a gravy boat
Skinny Taste

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

Chicken parm that was made in a crock pot sits on top of pasta on a plate

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.

Hearty & Healthy

Sweet Potato Chili

Two bowls of Sweet Potato Chili are topped with avocado
GI365

As a kid food blogger, Kari of GI365 disdained chili, but she decided to revisit this hearty winter dish as an adult. By adding sweet potatoes and taking out the beans, Kari realized she created a stellar recipe for those who wanted a dish beyond the traditional chili. 

Lentil Sausage Soup

Lentil Sausage Soup sits in a white bowl after being made in a slow cooker
Homemade Food Junkie

Food blogger, Diane of Homemade Food Junkie tells us that this recipe makes her life so easy and it will make yours easy too! This recipe is high-fiber, low-fat, dairy- and gluten-free. 

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A plate of Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Domestic Superhero

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

Crowd-Pleasing Party Dishes

Spinach Bacon Dip

A close up of a white bowl of Spinach Bacon Dip surrounded by bread
Slow Cooker Gourmet

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. 

Apple and Maple Pulled Pork

Apple and Maple Pulled Pork made from a Crock Pot sit on a plate
How to: Simplify

While the first thing that pops to mind when we say maple syrup is likely pancakes, waffles, and french toast, food blogger Jen of How to Simplify thought, pulled pork. She uses maple syrup in this recipe that'll soon make you think of maple syrup in a whole new light. 

Barbecue 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

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese that was cooked in a Crock Pot sits in a blue bowl
A Bountiful Love

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

The Skinny Fork

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.

Italian Beef Sandwiches

A sandwich full of juicy beef, melty cheese, and tangy marinara sauce? Sign us up! Thanks to the Crock Pot recipe, when you're ready for dinner, all you'll have to do is assemble the sammies—talk about instant gratification.

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

pulled pork crock pot taco recipe
Frankie Lopez via Unsplash

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 Insanely Easy

Lemon Chicken Pitas

chicken pita crock pot recipe
iStock

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

Weelicious

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

A black bean soup crock pot dish sits in a bowl
Away from the Box

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. 

The Sweeter Side

Blueberry Apple Cobbler

Two small bowls of blueberry apple cobbler topped with whipped cream
Spiced

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

A delicious Nutella Bread Pudding made from a Crock Pot sits in a festive bowl
The Perfect Pantry

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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