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When your schedule is packed, the slow cooker becomes your best friend—turning simple ingredients into hearty, flavorful meals with minimal hands-on time.
From meaty mains to vegetarian classics, here are 17 easy recipes that let you set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious dinner.
1. Meatballs in Marinara
Roll or use store-bought meatballs. Let them simmer in tomato sauce with Italian herbs and a splash of red wine (optional). Serve over spaghetti or in a sub roll with melted mozzarella.
Get the Meatballs in Marinara recipe here
2. Classic Pot Roast
Place a chuck roast in the slow cooker with potatoes, carrots, onions, beef broth, and herbs. Cook until the meat is fork-tender, and enjoy a comforting meal without fuss.
Get the Classic Pot Roast recipe here
3. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Let it melt together, then stir in shredded cheddar at the end. Serve with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe
4. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Rub a pork shoulder with your favorite seasoning blend, add barbecue sauce and a little broth, then cook low and slow. Shred the meat and pile it onto toasted buns with pickles or coleslaw.
Get the Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe here
5. Vegetarian Chili
Toss in beans (kidney, black, or pinto), diced tomatoes, chopped veggies (peppers, onions, zucchini), and chili spices. A hearty dish that doesn’t miss the meat—topped with cheese or sour cream.
Get the Vegetarian Chili recipe here
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
Load chicken breasts (or thighs), veggies, broth, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Stir in egg noodles near the end, so they stay perfectly al dente.
Get the Chicken Noodle Soup recipe here
7. Mac & Cheese
Yes, you can make pasta in a slow cooker! Combine uncooked macaroni, milk, cheese, and seasonings. Stir occasionally; you’ll be rewarded with creamy, gooey goodness.
Get the Mac & Cheese recipe here
8. Chili con Carne
Brown ground beef before adding it to the crock, then toss in tomatoes, beans, onions, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for hours until the flavors meld into a cozy, robust chili.
Get the Chili con Carne recipe here
9. White Chicken Chili
Combine chicken, white beans, green chilies, broth, and a blend of spices (cumin, oregano, garlic). Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.
Get the White Chicken Chili recipe here
10. Baked Ziti
Layer cooked ziti pasta with marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella. Let the slow cooker meld the flavors into a cheesy Italian delight—no oven required.
Get the Baked Ziti recipe here
11. Chicken & Dumplings
Cook chicken, broth, and veggies. Toward the end, drop in biscuit dough pieces to create fluffy dumplings. This classic comfort food practically cooks itself.
Get the Chicken & Dumplings recipe here
12. Lentil Stew
Combine lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. A filling, nutritious dish perfect for meatless Mondays or any time you want a warm bowl of goodness.
Get the Lentil Stew recipe here
13. Pepper Steak
Slice flank steak (or a similar cut), bell peppers, and onions, and add a soy sauce-based marinade. After several hours, the steak is tender, and the peppers are sweet—perfect over rice.
Get the Pepper Steak recipe here
14. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Load chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and cream or half-and-half into the pot. The sauce becomes rich and flavorful—lovely with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe here
15. Sloppy Joes
Brown ground beef and onions first, then add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, and a bit of sugar. Let the flavors deepen in the slow cooker, and serve on soft buns.
Get the Sloppy Joes recipe here
16. Chicken Tikka Masala
Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook with tomatoes, onions, and cream (or coconut milk). A fragrant, Indian-inspired dish that pairs nicely with rice or naan.
Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe here
17. Apple Crisp
Yes, dessert in a slow cooker! Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar. Top with a crumble of oats, butter, and brown sugar, and let it cook until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
