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

Set and forget your way to some pretty incredible meals.

By Mackenzie Filson
96 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (1)

We can all agree that a crock-pot is kind of a miracle appliance, whether you're cooking for the whole family, are slow cooking just for two, or need to feed a party. 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 95 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 crock-pot banana cake, our slow-cooker chocolate chip cookie, our crock-pot 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

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.

2

Slow-Cooker Korean Beef

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This is not a drill: If you toss a pot roast (we went for bottom round roast, which doesn't break the bank) in the slow-cooker with a bunch of spices and soy sauce, you'll have killer Korean beef for dinner!

Get the Slow-Cooker Korean Beef recipe.

3

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.

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4

Slow-Cooker Quinoa Chili

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Unlike traditional Texas chili, this one contains lots of beans, making it a high-protein vegan dish. A mix of vegetables come together with quinoa and beans, then marry with an array of spices to create a delicious and satisfying chili even meat-lovers will want seconds of.

Get the Slow-Cooker Quinoa Chili recipe.

5

Slow-Cooker Pizza

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Pizza night just got even easier. While you can absolutely use a store-bought dough for this recipe, feel free to try our homemade pizza dough too.

Get the Slow-Cooker Pizza recipe.

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

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.

8

Slow-Cooker Ribs

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Just because you don’t have a giant smoker doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy and share a tender, well-seasoned rack of ribs. The prep is simple: Rub them with your favorite dry rub, load them into the slow cooker, smother them with BBQ sauce, and cook them completely hands-free until they’re falling off the bone.

Get the Slow-Cooker Ribs recipe.

9

Crock-Pot 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 Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.

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10

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.

11

Slow-Cooker Chex Mix

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We LOVE homemade baked Chex Mix, but it can be a little hands-on (you've got to stir it every 15 minutes!). Making it in your slow cooker is way easier.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chex Mix recipe.

12

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Sure, everyone loves chicken noodle soup, but for some of us, there's nothing that soothes the soul like a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup. That goes double when it's made in your slow cooker.

Get the Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.

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13

Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken

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This slow-cooker meal made with only 4 ingredients is really something to celebrate. The chicken falls apart and becomes immensely tender, and is delicious alongsidea the familiar flavors of chunky salsa and taco seasoning, and brightened up with bursts of lime juice. Serve this over rice, in lettuce cups, or as tacos.

Get the Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken recipe.

14

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.

15

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.

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16

Crock-Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

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If spinach-artichoke dip is one of those things you get really excited about at a party but you feel like it takes too much effort, this slow-cooker version is for you. Don’t bother turning on the oven (especially when you have other appetizers like cranberry brie bites to bake).

Get the Crock-Pot Spinach-Artichoke Dip recipe.

17

Crock-Pot 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 Crock-Pot Pepper Steak recipe.

18

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.

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19

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

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Grape jelly on meatballs might not sound like an ideal combo, but trust us, it is! The sweet jelly mixed with smoky BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven.

Get the Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe.

20

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 .

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

FAQs

What is the equivalent of 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

Cooking Conversions for Slow Cookers
Traditional Oven or Stovetop LowLow Slow Cooker Setting (about 200°F)High Slow Cooker Setting (about 300°F)
15-30 minutes4-6 hours1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours
35-45 minutes6-8 hours3-4 hours
50 minutes- 3 hours8-10 hours4-6 hours
Dec 8, 2016

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 happens if you slow cook on high instead of low? ›

Let's say you want to slow cook a pork roast recipe that calls for 8 hours on Low, but you need it done in much less than 8 hours. Switching to High for the sake of time savings can leave you with a roast that's dried out or even burned on the exterior, but undercooked and not at a food-safe temperature in the center.

Can I leave my crockpot on low for 8 hours? ›

Absolutely! If you feel comfortable leaving your crockpot on while you're at work, you should also feel safe using it overnight.

Can you overcook meat in a slow cooker on low? ›

Can you overcook something in a slow cooker? Slow cookers are specially designed to cook food for long periods of time, but yes, you can still overcook in a slow cooker if something is left on the wrong setting for longer than it's supposed to be.

Does meat get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker? ›

Collagen makes meat tough when cooked quickly, but when slow-cooked, it breaks down into gelatin, giving you that juicy, tender mouthfeel. Fattier — and cheaper — cuts of beef can also be good for slow cooking, because the fat helps to ensure the beef won't dry out while adding extra flavour.

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

If you want to leave the house while the slow cooker is running, set it on low. Save the high heat option for when you are in the house. Always turn off the slow cooker at the socket when not in use.

Can you turn a slow cooker off and back on? ›

Doing so could create an environment that allows bacteria to grow, which can make the food unsafe to eat. It's best to refrigerate slow-cooked foods as soon as they have cooled down, and then reheat them to a safe temperature of 165°F before consuming.

Can meat go bad in a slow cooker? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), slow cookers' max temperatures generally reach between 170 and 280 degrees F (77 and 138 degrees C). That's high enough to kill most bad bacteria, but the USDA still recommends thawing all foods completely before placing them in a slow cooker.

Can you put raw hamburger in a slow cooker? ›

Absolutely, which is why you should always adjust times and amounts as needed. Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.

Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Raw meat

A crockpot's gentle heat means meat will never get a chance to brown, but it's the golden colour from frying that gives it depth of flavour. If you don't want your stew to taste bland, brown the meat first, then put it in the slow cooker.

What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker? ›

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

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

Change cooking times depending on your schedule. One hour on HIGH generally equals two hours on LOW.

How do I convert slow cooker time from high to low? ›

If a recipe calls for cooking on the HIGH setting for three hours, you can cook it for seven hours on the LOW setting instead. Or if a recipe calls for eight hours on HIGH, it can be cooked for up to 12 hours on LOW.

How long is 1 hour in a slow cooker? ›

How long should I cook a slow cooker recipe? If a dish usually takes: 15-30 mins, cook it for 1-2 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low. 30 mins – 1 hour, cook it for 2-3 hours on High or 5-7 hours on Low.

How much does it cost to run a slow cooker on low for 8 hours? ›

At the time of writing, and in accordance with the current energy price cap, the cheapest slow cooker will cost you around 2.5p to run for an hour. For eight hours, this will set you back 20p.

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