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

Table of Contents
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Slow-Cooker Pizza Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Shredded Beef Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup Crock-Pot Apple Butter Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Pumpkin Spice Slow-Cooker Oatmeal Slow Cooker Pot Roast Crockpot Cube Steak Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup Crockpot Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Short Ribs FAQs
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

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (4)

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

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (5)

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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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.

See Also
Easy Hibachi Shrimp Recipe With Fried Rice And VegetablesBraai-Spiced T-Bone Steaks Recipe80 Cheap & Easy Dinner Recipes So You'll Never Cook A Boring Meal Again93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

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.

See Also
93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time

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

93 Slow-Cooker Recipes That'll Give You Back Some Much-Needed Time (22)

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

How many hours is high on a slow cooker? ›

How to use a slow cooker
Oven or stovetopSlow cooker (high)Slow cooker (low)
15 – 30 minutes1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours4 – 6 hours
30 – 45 minutes2 – 3 hours6 – 8 hours
45 minutes to 3 hours4 – 6 hours8 – 12 hours

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

Avoid overcrowding: For the best results, fill a slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full. Go ahead and cook big roasts and whole chickens; just make sure you use a large crock and that the lid fits snugly on top. Trim fat: For silky sauces and gravies, take a minute or two and cut the excess fat from the meat.

Learn More Now ›
What is the maximum slow cooker time? ›

As long as there is something inside cooking, preferably with liquid, and the top is on, your slow cooker could run for 24 hours or longer. Some liquid will slowly boil out, so the less liquid, the less time to leave it unattended. They key is that something is always absorbing heat from the cooker.

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

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Get More Info ›
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.

See Details ›
What cannot be cooked 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

Get More Info Here ›
What is the fastest food to cook? ›

Dinner's Done in 20 Minutes (or Less!) with These Lightning-Fast Recipes
  • Creamy Lemon Pasta.
  • Florentine Butter Chicken.
  • Lamb Chops Sizzled with Garlic.
  • Steak Au Poivre with Red Wine Pan Sauce.
  • Grilled King Salmon with Meyer Lemon Relish.
  • Scallops with Fennel Grenobloise.
  • Teriyaki Shrimp and Bok Choy Stir-Fry.
Nov 20, 2022

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Is there a difference between slow cooker and Crockpot? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

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Why do you put a tea towel under 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.

See Details ›
Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Slow cooker recipes have (obviously) long cook times, and it's the meat—not the carrots—that benefit from it. By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.

Read On ›

Is it better to start crockpot on high or low? ›

If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low.

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What are the 3 settings on a slow cooker? ›

The Slow Cooker has 3 different heat settings; high, low and keep warm. This allows you to tailor the temperature to what you are cooking resulting in succulent, tasty meals.

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Can I leave meat in slow cooker for 12 hours? ›

Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours. If you want to avoid overcooking your dish, follow the given guidelines as closely as possible.

Get More Info ›
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? ›

Yes, if you use them correctly. The slow cooker cooks foods slowly at a low temperature, generally between 170 and 280 degrees F, over several hours. The combination of direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam, destroys bacteria making the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

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Is 3 hours on high same as 6 hours on low slow cooker? ›

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. 1-2 hours, cook it for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

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Is 2 hours on high the same as 4 on low? ›

The general rule is the high setting cooks about twice as fast as the low setting.

Tell Me More ›
What is considered high on slow cooker? ›

The high setting on a Crock-Pot is between 170 and 280 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will cook the food quicker, but it is more likely to overcook or dry out the food. We recommend using this setting only when you're in a hurry or if your Crock-Pot doesn't have a low setting.

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Is 11 hours too long in a slow cooker? ›

Slow cookers are designed to be left on for extended periods of time, so it is safe to leave one on for 12 hours. However, it is important to note that slow cookers can vary in terms of how long they take to heat up and how hot they get, so you may want to check the food occasionally to make sure it is not overcooked.

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