Slow Cooker Sensations 35 Meals for Effortless Cooking

When it comes to comfort food, few things beat the convenience and flavor of slow-cooked dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for tender short ribs, hearty soups, or deliciously spiced pulled pork, these 35 recipes bring slow-cooking to the next level. Perfect for busy days, these meals allow you to set it and forget it, letting the flavors develop while you take care of your day. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to unique dishes like bourbon bacon pulled pork, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into these satisfying slow-cooker and stovetop recipes!

Smothered Chicken

Close-up of a dish with tender pieces of meat simmered in a slow cooker, enveloped in a rich, thick curry sauce, and garnished with chopped cilantro. The deep orange-brown hue reflects a masterful blend of spices and flavors that only slow cooker recipes can achieve. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Braised Boneless Short Ribs

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, carrots, and vegetables in a thick brown gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This indulgent entry from our Beef Recipes collection is garnished with chopped green herbs. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This outstanding recipe for Braised Boneless Short Ribs produces unbelievably succulent beef that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the epitome of comforting, heartwarming cuisine!

Get The Recipe: Braised Boneless Short Ribs

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Three soft tacos filled with shredded meat, chopped onions, and cilantro are arranged in a row. Lime wedges are placed around the tacos, adding a fresh touch to this vibrant, appetizing meal inspired by slow cooker recipes. — Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Discover your new go-to recipe for mouthwatering Mexican-inspired pork carnitas! This delectable dish is effortlessly prepared in the slow cooker, resulting in irresistibly crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed carnitas that will leave you wanting more.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

This recipe is a delicious foundation for your personal touch! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or vegetables to create a customized lamb shank dish that reflects your taste preferences. It’s a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make your own.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Tender pork, marinated in savory seasonings and zesty citrus juice, steals the show in these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches. If you crave a robust dish brimming with flavor, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a hit with both adults and kids!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Breasts

Sliced roasted chicken breast garnished with rosemary sits on a white plate alongside green beans and two lemon slices. The chicken appears juicy with a golden-brown glaze, showcasing the best of slow cooker recipes for mouthwatering results.

This slow cooker chicken breasts recipe makes juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any meal. The savory seasoning blend, combined with onions and garlic, adds a burst of flavor, making it a versatile option for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Breasts

Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

Enjoy the taste of Germany with your loved ones using this Slow Cooker Sauerbraten recipe. Packed with a beef roast, vinegar, gingersnaps, and more, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

This quick and easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe makes a meat sauce bursting with Italian flavor. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Veggie Lasagna Soup

A closeup of vegan lasagna soup in a bowl shows freshly chopped herbs on top and a creamy sauce. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Warm up with a comforting bowl of vegan lasagna soup. This hearty dish captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy, slurpable form, complete with a rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and creamy vegan ricotta.

Get the recipe: Vegan Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Simply toss chicken with honey, soy sauce, and other delicious ingredients, then let your slow cooker do the work. Tender, flavorful chicken awaits you with minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Crockpot Bulgogi Jackfruit

Bulgogi Pulled Jack Fruit is great on a sandwich! — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Savor the rich, umami flavors of Korean cuisine with this slow-cooked jackfruit bulgogi. Tender jackfruit chunks are simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, infused with the aromatic notes of garlic, ginger, and sesame, creating a plant-based twist on the beloved Korean classic.

Get the recipe: Crockpot Bulgogi Jackfruit

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Barbacoa Beef Taco Bowls

A vibrant bowl filled with shredded meat from one of our favorite slow cooker recipes, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, leafy greens, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, garnished with cilantro. There is a fork resting on the rim of the blue bowl. — Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Your loved ones will love making their taco bowls, and you’ll enjoy how easily they come together! These Barbacoa Beef Taco Bowls are filled with flavorful, spicy Barbacoa Beef (customize as you like), cheesy hash browns (so tasty), fresh lettuce, various crunchy bell peppers, warm black beans, zesty cilantro corn, drizzled with tangy Avocado Ranch dressing, and topped with crispy tortilla chips!

Get The Recipe: Barbacoa Beef Taco Bowls

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

A close-up image of a ladle scooping hearty lentil soup from a black slow cooker. The soup includes visible chunks of carrots, spinach, and lentils in a thick, rich broth—a perfect addition to your collection of slow cooker recipes. — Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

This quick and easy Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup recipe is a breeze to prep, packed with feel-good ingredients, and bursting with the most delightful curried flavors!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

Greek Style Meat Sauce

This is a simple, classic Greek-style meat sauce made with tomatoes, perfect for tossing with pasta on those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Greek Style Meat Sauce

Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

A wooden spoon holds a serving of cheesy potato casserole, featuring tender potato chunks, bits of corn, and melted cheese, with strings of cheese pulling as the spoon is lifted. Ideal for slow cooker recipes, the background shows the edge of a white casserole dish. — Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Get ready for a mouthwatering treat! Our crockpot hamburger hash is bursting with tender potatoes, juicy beef, and sweet corn, all smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. And the final touch? Melted cheese on top before serving! This hearty meal will have you coming back for more every time.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Spaghetti and Italian Sausage with a block of cheese and grater in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is your gateway to Italian comfort food bliss. Packed with flavor and made with love, it proves that the best things are truly homemade.

Get The Recipe: Italian Sausage Sunday Sauce

Broccoli Cheese Soup

A closeup of a bowl of tomato soup with croutons, herbs, and parmesan cheese on top. — Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, effortlessly crafted in a slow cooker. Let your dinner gently simmer as you savor your day, then return to a mouthwatering meal. Get set to sing – dinner is served!

Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Turkey Tenderloin

Whether you choose to make it in the oven or slow cooker, this recipe makes succulent turkey tenderloin that’s bursting with flavor. With a simple brine, a savory sauce, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Tenderloin

Lentil Soup

Indulge in every mouthful of this Vegan Lentil Soup, showcasing slow-cooked veggies and lentils in a rich, flavorful broth. Pair it with your go-to bread for a satisfying, protein-packed meal experience!

Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Soup

Pressure Cooker Chicken Rice

Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice is an easy and flavorful four-ingredient dinner that leaves zero waste. Slow cooker instructions included.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Chicken Rice

Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

A white bowl full of Italian Pulled Pork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Italian pulled pork isn’t just for sandwiches! While it shines on a toasted bun, shred it up and add it to pasta dishes, stuff it into tacos, or serve it over polenta for endless flavor combinations.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a deep, comforting, smoky flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna

A close-up of a fork lifting a piece of lasagna out of a black slow cooker. The lasagna is layered with pasta, red sauce, and melted cheese, and garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. This hearty and well-cooked dish showcases the best of slow cooker recipes. — Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Dig into the ultimate comfort food at a chill family dinner with this tasty Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe. Picture layers of yummy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and soft lasagna noodles coming together to make a dish that’s easy to whip up and super enjoyable to savor.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragù is freezer ready and features shredded beef in a rich and savory tomato sauce. Step by step photos.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast

Whip up this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Italian Beef Dinner with just a chuck roast, spaghetti sauce mix, and veggies! Pair it with your favorite rolls, homemade biscuits, or cornbread for a deliciously quick and easy meal option.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup

A white bowl filled with brisket soup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup is a meal-prepping dream! It’s incredibly easy to throw together in your slow cooker and delivers a delicious and satisfying soup that’s perfect for dinner or leftovers for lunch. The hearty flavors and melt-in-your-mouth brisket make it a versatile option for any occasion.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

A close-up of a pot filled with a hearty tomato-based soup, featuring cheese tortellini, ground meat, and garnished with fresh parsley. The soup looks thick and flavorful, with a ladle partially submerged in the mixture—perfect for those who love slow cooker recipes. — Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup begins with a flavorful tomato soup base, cooked ground beef, and aromatics, mixed with cheese-filled tortellini and a creamy cheese filling for a tasty twist.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

A close up image of a bowl filled with Beef with Mushrooms and noodles. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a delicious foundation for your personal touch! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker for a customized meal that’s perfect for your taste preferences. It’s a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make your own.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

A slow cooker filled with a colorful rice dish. The dish contains sliced sausages, diced green peppers, and chunks of tomatoes, all mixed with seasoned rice. Garnished with chopped parsley, this hearty and flavorful creation is one of the best slow cooker recipes you can enjoy. — Image Credit: Budget Bytes

Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a Louisiana classic made simple, with all the big flavor and half the effort. Step by step photos.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Slow Cooker Apple Sausage in Onion Gravy

Close-up of a delicious sausage and onion dish. The sausages are surrounded by caramelized onions and garnished with fresh sage leaves. The rich, savory sauce glistens on the sausages and onions, making the dish look warm and appetizing—perfect for a slow cooker apple sausage twist. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty Slow Cooker Apple Sausage in Onion Gravy recipe is a classic British dish, served inside a large Yorkshire pudding.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Sausage in Onion Gravy

Slow Cooker Oxtail Orzo Soup

Oxtail and orzo come together in perfect harmony in this slow cooker soup. The tender oxtail meat and chewy orzo pasta create a delightful textural experience, all bathed in a rich and flavorful broth.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Oxtail Orzo Soup

Slow Cooker Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Slow Cooker Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork! The homemade-like barbecue sauce with a hint of bourbon is a game-changer, and who can resist the magic touch of bacon? It’s the ultimate dish to jazz up your dinner table, and savor every bite!

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork

Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot beef and broccoli will totally be your fam’s go-to dish—you’ll keep coming back for more because it’s just THAT good and easy! It’s ready in under 15 minutes, uses pantry staples, is healthier than takeout, reheats like a champ, and is super versatile—and don’t get me started on the sauce!

Get The Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

A close-up of a slow-cooked sirloin tip roast in a crockpot. The tender meat is shredded and garnished with fresh parsley, accompanied by a large carrot. A fork is placed within the roast, showing its tenderness and juiciness.

This Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast is a delicious slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef, carrots, and onions, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners!

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast