93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (2024)

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (1)

Whether you're cooking for the whole family or are slow cooking just for two, we can all agree that a crockpot is kind of a miracle appliance. Though we bet you've already got some tried and true recipes (hello standbys like pulled pork and beef chili), why stop there? Slow cookers can do everything from breakfast to dessert (seriously!), so what are you waiting for? Check out these 93 slow cooker recipes, then set it and forget it!

There is NOTHING better than coming home from a long day to a home-cooked meal, and the slow cooker makes it easy, whether you're a beginner cook or someone with more experience who's constantly on the run. Classics like chicken Alfredo, pepper steak, , chicken cacciatore, and more might just taste even better in the crockpot (and are certainly way more hands-off than their skillet or baking dish counterparts). We've even got some recipes on this list you might have never thought you could make in a slow cooker. Trust us, you can make everything from pizza to meatballs (like in our slow cooker Tuscan chicken meatballs with gnocchi) to in yours!

We also love how much easier a slow cooker makes cooking up all of your party faves. Consider making your favorite dips and appetizers in your crockpot to save yourself a whole lot of stress and prep time. If you're low on oven or grilling space during game days, movie nights, or cookouts, use your slow cooker to make BBQ brown sugar pulled chicken, Buffalo ranch wings, chicken tinga tacos, or . Grab a pack of slider buns or tortillas and you'll be ready to party!

Your slow cooker can even make sweets, and our crockpot banana cake, our slow cooker chocolate chip cookie, our crockpot hot cocoa, and our pumpkin spice slow cooker oatmeal are proof. Whether you're making them for a crowd over the holidays or during the warmer months when you can't bear to turn on the oven, they're sure to satisfy.

Loving the possibilities of countertop appliances? Check out all our best air-fryer recipes and Instant Pot recipes next!

1

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

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The secret to really good pulled pork is cooking it low and slow, and lucky for you, a slow cooker makes the drawn-out process a breeze. This on a potato roll plus pickles and coleslaw (and potato chips, if you're feeling crazy) = absolute perfection.

Get the Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.

2

Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken

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When you think Parm + chicken, you may be thinking of the melty, saucy chicken Parm, but you might like this version even more. All the flavor from the chicken thighs, butter, garlic, and thyme seep into the tender baby potatoes for a fully satisfying, comforting meal.

Get the Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken recipe.

3

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

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For this recipe, we’re doubling down on the comfort by giving meatballs and gnocchi the Tuscan treatment, in one dish. What makes this even better? It all comes together in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi recipe.

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4

Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

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Pulled chicken is made so easy in the slow cooker, and this version includes brown sugar, a little Italian dressing, and bourbon for a bit of smokiness. Dress these up with homemade coleslaw for the greatest dinner with zero effort.

Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.

5

Slow-Cooker Pizza

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6

Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

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By cooking low and slow, the humble chicken breast is transformed into something that melts in your mouth. Lemon, herbs, and garlic infuse the chicken with loads of flavor with some cream at the end to round out the sauce.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken recipe.

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7

Shredded Beef

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The flavor profile for our shredded beef recipe mimics our carne asada with the use of garlic, scallions, orange juice, and chipotle chiles in adobo, which makes it the perfect addition to taco night, your favorite leafy green salad, or a buttery, toasted brioche bun.

Get the Shredded Beef recipe.

8

Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie

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If you love crispy edges and gooey centers on your chocolate chip cookies, you've gotta make this cookie cake in your slow cooker. Never waste your time scooping out individual cookies again!

Get the Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.

9

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Fact: A party is only as good as the Buffalo dip you serve. The best part? Your slow cooker will keep it warm and ready for dipping! Go all out and make a batch of homemade soft pretzels to serve with it.

Get the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

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10

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

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Having a big bowl of chili ready at dinner with very minimal effort (and dishes) is what winter is all about. This turkey chili is both comforting and healthy. So grab your slow cooker and cozy on up.

Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.

11

Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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We love a nice creamy Alfredo, and this zero effort version of chicken Alfredo might be our new favorite. It's a perfect recipe for a date night or busy weeknight.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo recipe.

12

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

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Looking for a low-effort, stick-to-your-ribs dinner? You've come to the right place. This Tex-Mex-inspired soup is hearty, delicious, and endlessly riffable.

Get the Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe.

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13

Crock-Pot Apple Butter

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While you can make apple butter on the stovetop, using your slow cooker is the easiest way to create this spread at home. Simply toss all of your ingredients in and let them break down for several hours—no extra stirring or careful watching of the pot required!

Get the Crock-Pot Apple Butter recipe.

14

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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We love slow cookers because they do all of the work for us, meaning we can do literally anything else while the chicken cooks. Need dinner faster? Make our classic chicken cacciatore instead.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

15

Pumpkin Spice Slow-Cooker Oatmeal

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Forget the classic pumpkin spice latte—this pumpkin spice slow-cooker oatmeal will be your new morning pick-me-up. Heartier than a latte and a pastry, this pumpkin spice recipe is the hearty breakfast you need when you want to stay full and satisfied all morning long.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Slow-Cooker Oatmeal recipe.

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16

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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a long day, there's nothing quite like serving up a plate of rich, flavorful pot roast paired with hearty potatoes and sweet carrots. Plus, we decided to make this dish even easier by letting the slow-cooker do most of the work for you—you're welcome. 😎

Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.

17

Crockpot Cube Steak

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Looking for a hearty slow-cooker recipe that you can set and forget until dinnertime? Look no further. This easy smothered cube steak is perfect for hungry crowds, best served with mashed potatoes and a light veggie side like spinach salad.

Get the Crockpot Cube Steak recipe.

18

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup

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Prep everything in the morning and then come home at night to this delightful slow cooker soup that will please everyone. No need to sear or use any other skillet. It's hearty and filling and just the thing you need to life up your spirits.

Get the .

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19

Crockpot Pepper Steak

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Pepper steak is a straightforward, savory sweet stir-fry that we think works amazingly when made in a slow cooker. The steak gets very tender, and it takes on some of the qualities of your favorite beef stew while still staying true to the original.

Get the Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe.

20

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

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Few things feel as special—and as satisfying—as a well cooked beef short rib. This version is fall-off-the-bone tender and insanely flavorful, thanks to a quick sear before slow cooking and a Korean-inspired sauce that would make anything taste good.

Get the Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe.

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (23)

Mackenzie Filson

Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (2024)

FAQs

What's the longest you can leave a slow cooker on? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

What's the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

Why do you put a tea towel under a slow cooker lid? ›

Soak up the condensation

Taste user Jenny says she puts a tea towel under her crockpot lid to catch water and stop it thinning too much. This technique is also a favourite with taste's food editor Miranda.

Can I leave food in a slow cooker overnight off after? ›

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on and leave the house? ›

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “are slow cookers safe to use overnight or unattended?”, and the answer is- yes!

Is it safe to put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and safety guidelines. Start clean. Start with clean hands, utensils surfaces and a clean cooker.

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

While there are some disadvantages to using a slow cooker, such as the risk of overcooking food or forgetting to turn it off, these generally pale in comparison to the benefits. For busy families or those who enjoy coming home to a hot meal, a slow cooker can be a great addition to any kitchen.

What is best cooked in a slow cooker? ›

Here are some great long-cooking cuts to try in your slow cooker:
  • Beef: chuck roast, brisket, stew meat and short ribs.
  • Pork: pork shoulder, pork butt, pork ribs, country-style ribs, ham.
Jan 6, 2020

What happens if you don't brown meat before a slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Should meat or vegetables go in crockpot first? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

What's better than a slow cooker? ›

An Instant Pot is a countertop appliance that slow-cooks—and then some. It is a brand of multicooker, an appliance known for having lots of features, typically including slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, steaming, searing, fermenting, and more. In sum, multicookers do more than slow cookers.

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.

How do I get the best results from a slow cooker? ›

Reduce liquid when using a slow cooker

It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don't overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won't cook so well. Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.

How not to use a slow cooker? ›

7 Slow Cooker Mistakes to Avoid, According to Chefs
  1. Adding Delicate Vegetables Too Early. ...
  2. Overfilling the Slow Cooker. ...
  3. Using a Slow Cooker to Reheat Food. ...
  4. Not Reducing Liquid for Soups and Stews. ...
  5. Not Searing Meat Before Putting It in a Slow Cooker. ...
  6. Putting Frozen Foods in a Slow Cooker. ...
  7. Adding Fresh Herbs Too Early.
Sep 15, 2023

Are slow cookers safe to leave on while at work? ›

Absolutely! If you feel comfortable leaving your crockpot on while you're at work, you should also feel safe using it overnight. However, if your slow cooker is old, it may be time to toss it.

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