I Always Come Back to These 39 Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes on Hectic Days

Some nights, dinner just needs to happen without much help. That’s when these 39 slow cooker recipes come in handy. They’re easy to throw together, don’t need much checking, and still turn out really good. I always come back to them on hectic days when cooking feels like too much.

Image shows overhead of cooked slow cooker pork chili.

Slow Cooker Pork Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crock Pot Tortilla Soup

A bowl of chili with black beans, corn, and shredded chicken, topped with crispy tortilla strips.
Crock Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This soup is packed with flavor but takes almost no effort to make. As it cooks low and slow, the spices blend into a rich broth that tastes like it took all day. This is one of those easy-to-make slow cooker recipes I always come back to on hectic days.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This pork turns out tender and full of garlicky flavor without needing much from you. After hours in the slow cooker, the meat falls apart and works great in sandwiches or over rice. It’s a go-to slow cooker recipe that saves the day when I don’t want to do much.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Tongs holding shredded barbeque pork over a white bowl with more pork inside.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, and you end up with juicy, fall-apart pulled pork. It’s great in tacos, sandwiches, or even straight from the bowl. This is a delicious slow cooker recipe I always use when I need something easy and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Crockpot Chili

Image shows crockpot chili in a bowl.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it turn into a thick, hearty chili packed with flavor. The beef and beans soak up the spices as they simmer for hours. I always come back to this easy slow cooker recipe when I want something warm and filling without any stress.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Corned Beef

Image shows irresistible crock pot corned beef.
Crockpot Corned Beef. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

You can throw this corned beef in the slow cooker and forget about it until it’s tender and full of flavor. It slices up easily and tastes great on a plate or in a sandwich. This is a hands-off slow cooker recipe that always works when I need a break from cooking.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Corned Beef

Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Image shows Slow Cooker Thai Pork on a bed of rice on a white plate with sliced carrots and green onion on top of it.
Slow Cooker Thai Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This slow-cooked pork is loaded with bold flavor but barely takes any effort to make. It comes out tender and juicy and works well with rice or noodles. I always come back to this easy slow cooker meal on days when I want something good with no hassle.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Slow Cooker Pork Chili

Image shows slow cooker pork chili served in a serving pot with toppings.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Let the slow cooker turn pork, beans, and spices into a thick, hearty chili that doesn’t need babysitting. The long cook time brings out deep, smoky flavors in every bite. It’s one of those no-fuss slow cooker meals I use when the day’s already too full.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili

Sweet Tomato Chicken

Plate of rice topped with shredded chicken in red sauce.
Sweet Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This slow cooker chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce that gets better the longer it cooks. The sauce thickens and coats the meat with tons of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make slow cooker recipe I use when I need something tasty and filling without the extra work.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Tomato Chicken

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows a delicious bite of homemade carnitas on a fork.
Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pork turns juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker, and it only takes a few minutes to throw everything in. After a few hours, it shreds perfectly and works great in tacos or burritos. This is one of those simple, slow cooker recipes I keep using because it never lets me down.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast

A plate of sliced roast meat topped with gravy, sautéed onions, and a few diced tomatoes, accompanied by a serving of mashed potatoes.
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This pot roast comes out juicy and full of rich flavor after a long, slow cook. It’s perfect with pasta, potatoes, or just a slice of bread to soak up the sauce. I always come back to this slow cooker recipe when I want something hearty but easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Image shows a close up head on view of Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups on a white tray, topped with guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This slow-cooked beef turns out so tender and flavorful that it barely needs a fork. The bold spices soak in during the long cook, making it perfect for masa cups, rice bowls, or tacos. It’s a delicious slow cooker recipe I always come back to when I need something filling that feels like I did more than I actually did.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

The slow cooker makes this chicken juicy and packed with tangy tomato-lime flavor without much effort. The sauce thickens and coats the chicken, making it great for rice, tortillas, or eating as is. I always use this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe when I want something bright and tasty on a busy day.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Perfect Pot Roast

A cooked beef roast surrounded by halved red potatoes in a slow cooker.
Perfect Pot Roast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A slow cooker turns a basic pot roast into a tender, flavorful meal that needs no babysitting. The beef soaks up all the broth and seasonings while cooking low and slow with vegetables. This is one of those slow cooker meals I always go back to when I need dinner to make itself and still taste like I tried.

Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast

Thai Chicken Chili

Image shows bite of irresistible Thai chicken chili.
Thai Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This slow cooker chili blends spicy heat and savory chicken into a thick, rich dish that’s hard to stop eating. The ingredients simmer together for hours, building flavor while you do anything else. It’s a flavorful slow cooker recipe that I keep on repeat when I want something bold with barely any effort.

Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili

Mexican Meatball Sandwiches

Mexican Meatball Sandwiches. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These meatballs cook in a rich, spiced sauce that turns them juicy and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them in sandwiches, on rice, or with pasta, they always hit the spot. I always come back to this easy slow cooker recipe when I want a crowd-pleaser without doing too much.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Meatball Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

White bowl with rice and teriyaki chicken topped with green onions with chop sticks on the bowl and more green onions behind it.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken is sweet, savory, and only takes a few minutes to prep before letting it cook. The honey-sweetened sauce thickens over time and soaks into every piece of tender chicken. It’s one of those simple, slow cooker meals that always work when I’m short on time but still want something good.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Two cooked chicken thighs on a red dish, a bowl of cherry tomatoes behind, and a slow cooker in the background.
Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This slow cooker version of fried chicken gives you crispy skin and juicy meat without the mess of deep frying. The chicken stays tender as it cooks and still gets that golden crust that makes it satisfying. I always come back to this slow cooker recipe when I want fried chicken but don’t want to stand over a stove.

Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Let the slow cooker handle dinner while the ribs turn fall-off-the-bone tender and soak up all the flavor from the sauerkraut. The savory pork and tangy kraut balance each other out for a meal that’s rich and hearty. It’s a delicious slow cooker recipe I use again and again when I want something bold with almost no work.

Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops covered in gravy with parsley on top.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

These pork chops cook low and slow in a rich gravy that keeps them juicy and tender all the way through. The sauce thickens and adds deep flavor that works perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice. This is one of those slow cooker meals I come back to when I want comfort food without spending all night cooking.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This slow cooker chili is thick, hearty, and full of bold flavor even without the meat. The beans and spices simmer for hours, giving every bite a rich, smoky taste that’s super filling. It’s an easy-to-make slow cooker recipe that proves meat-free meals can be just as satisfying on busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This creamy chicken dish simmers in the slow cooker until it’s full of rich, bold flavor in every bite. The sauce is thick and perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or even bread. It’s one of those delicious slow cooker recipes I always come back to when I want dinner to feel special without doing too much.

Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup

A bowl of slow cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This is a light but filling soup that’s easy to make and great when you want something simple. The slow cooker blends tender chicken, fresh veggies, and broth into a meal that feels good without being heavy. I always return to this slow cooker recipe when I need something wholesome but don’t have the energy to cook.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup

Venison Stew

Venison stew in a red pot with a wooden spoon.
Venison Stew. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

A slow cooker turns venison into a rich and hearty stew with barely any effort. The meat gets tender as it simmers with earthy vegetables and broth for hours. It’s one of those slow cooker recipes I always come back to when I want something comforting and full of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This honey garlic chicken is sweet, sticky, and filled with flavor that comes together with hardly any work. The slow cooker keeps the chicken juicy and lets the sauce soak in deeply. It’s a delicious slow cooker recipe I make on repeat when I want takeout-style food without leaving the house.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of Ham and Bean Soup with visible chunks of meat, seasoned with herbs, next to a whole onion and fresh parsley.
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This ham and bean soup cooks low and slow until the flavors all blend into something warm and satisfying. The broth gets thick, the beans get soft, and it all comes together with hardly any hands-on time. I always come back to this slow cooker recipe when I want something filling that can cook while I’m busy.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Bowl of chicken pot pie soup with mixed vegetables and a biscuit on top, placed on a white wooden surface beside parsley and a checkered cloth.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You get all the comfort of chicken pot pie without any of the fuss when you let the slow cooker do the work. It cooks everything down into a creamy mix of chicken, veggies, and sauce that’s great over biscuits. This is one of those easy, slow cooker recipes I reach for on nights when I just need something that feels like home.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

A slow cooker filled with mac and cheese with a gooey, cheesy topping.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

The slow cooker makes this mac and cheese super creamy, cheesy, and hard to stop eating. The noodles soak up the sauce as it cooks, turning into a dish that’s just as comforting as it is easy. I keep coming back to this slow cooker recipe when I want something that feels rich but takes almost no effort.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These chicken legs stay juicy in the slow cooker while soaking up every bit of smoky BBQ sauce. The skin gets just the right texture, and the flavor is bold all the way through. This is one of those easy, slow cooker recipes I rely on when I want something that feels like a treat without doing much.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it turn split peas into a thick, hearty soup that sticks to your ribs. It simmers for hours, blending into something creamy, rich, and super comforting. This is one of those slow cooker meals I always go back to when I want something warm and filling with no work.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pork shoulder cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender and full of smoky, tangy flavor. The mustard BBQ sauce brings a sweet and bold taste that works great in sandwiches or on a plate with simple sides. It’s a flavorful slow cooker recipe I always come back to when I need to feed a lot of people without stress.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup

A bowl of mexican chicken chowder with corn and black beans.
Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This creamy soup is packed with tender chicken, hearty hominy, and tons of flavor from hours in the slow cooker. The sauce thickens into a rich, cheesy broth that makes every bite warm and comforting. It’s a slow cooker recipe I always come back to on hectic days when I want something easy but filling.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup

Pot Roast with Bacon

A plate of pot roast with bacon and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Pot Roast with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Let the slow cooker handle this pot roast while the bacon adds even more deep, savory flavor to every bite. The beef gets incredibly tender, and the smoky bacon makes the dish feel special without much effort. I always return to this slow cooker recipe when I want a hearty dinner that basically cooks itself.

Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This beef roast simmers for hours in the slow cooker until the meat is tender and the gravy is packed with bold flavor. A mix of spices and vinegar gives the sauce a tangy kick that pairs well with simple sides. It’s one of those slow cooker meals that feels like a lot of work, but really isn’t.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup.
Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This chowder comes together easily in the slow cooker and turns out rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The ham and potatoes make it hearty, while the slow cooking brings everything together into a warm and comforting meal. It’s an easy, slow cooker recipe I rely on when I need dinner to be simple and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Shredded pork on a white plate.
Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A brown sugar rub gives this slow-cooked pork a sweet and savory crust that’s hard to beat. It turns out juicy and tender enough to shred with a fork and works great for sandwiches, bowls, or plates. I always come back to this slow cooker recipe when I want something full of flavor that’s easy to prep.

Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

A close up of cheese and cream soup in a crock.
Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

The slow cooker melts layers of chicken, ham, and cheese into a creamy, satisfying dish that doesn’t take much work. Everything cooks low and slow until the flavors come together into something rich and filling. It’s a slow cooker recipe that makes dinner easy but still feels like a treat.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These pork chops cook for hours in the slow cooker until they’re soft, juicy, and full of deep flavor. The sauce adds just the right amount of richness without needing anything fancy. This is a slow cooker recipe I keep using on busy days when I want something good without having to think too much.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Pork Loin in the Crock Pot

A plate of sliced roast pork loin and cubed sweet potatoes, with a fork on the plate and a glass of water on a woven placemat.
Pork Loin in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

The slow cooker turns pork loin into something tender and full of flavor with almost no effort. It shreds easily once cooked and can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or anything you’ve got in the fridge. I always go back to this slow cooker recipe when I need something flexible and low-stress.

Get the Recipe: Pork Loin in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Bowl of taco soup with shredded chicken, avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and lime on a marble surface.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This taco soup comes together fast and turns into a thick, hearty bowl of bold flavors in the slow cooker. The spices blend with beans, meat, and broth to make something warm and filling. It’s a slow cooker recipe I always come back to when I want something easy that still tastes like I really cooked.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

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