10+ Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Slow cooker recipes make meal prep a breeze. You just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and walk away while dinner does its thing.

Using a slow cooker saves you time and helps you create tasty dishes without watching the stove.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or just bored of your usual go-tos, these recipes offer something for everyone. Busy weekday? Lazy Sunday? There’s an option here for both, and honestly, who doesn’t want more homemade meals without the hassle?

1) Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

You can whip up a classic French Beef Bourguignon right in your slow cooker. Just toss in all the ingredients and let it do the work.

The beef gets super tender, and the veggies soak up that rich, savory sauce. Everything comes together as it cooks low and slow.

This recipe calls for beef, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, all simmered in red wine and broth. After several hours, the flavors really meld together.

You’ll walk into your kitchen to the best smells, and dinner’s basically ready.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown beef chunks in a pan, then add them to the slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, mushrooms, and onion.
3. Mix red wine, beef broth, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves in a bowl.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef and veggies.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours until the beef is tender.
6. Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

For more details, see Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon.

2) Dump and Go Chicken Tacos

When you just want dinner to make itself, dump and go chicken tacos are a lifesaver. You put a few things in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to flavorful chicken.

Prep takes almost no time. It’s a go-to for busy nights or when you just can’t be bothered to chop much.

The chicken cooks in the spices and salsa, getting juicy and easy to shred. After it’s done, pile it into taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

You can cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
2. Add chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa if you’re using it.
3. Cook on low (200°F / 93°C) for 6-8 hours or high (300°F / 149°C) for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred chicken with forks before serving.

3) Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork in the slow cooker is ridiculously easy. You season a pork shoulder, let it cook all day, and it turns out super tender.

The meat soaks up spices, vinegar, and barbecue sauce as it cooks. Low heat for 8 to 12 hours gives you juicy, fall-apart pork.

Once it’s done, just shred with forks and mix with the sauce. Throw it on buns, in tacos, or just eat it straight—no judgment.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the pork with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Place pork in the slow cooker.
3. Add vinegar and barbecue sauce around the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8 to 12 hours (about 200°F / 93°C).
5. Shred pork with two forks.
6. Mix with cooking juices and serve.

For more tips, see this slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

4) Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo in the slow cooker? Absolutely. Throw in chicken, cream, butter, and cheese, and let it all simmer into a rich, dreamy sauce.

The chicken gets tender and soaks up the creamy flavors. When it’s ready, serve it over pasta or noodles for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (57g) butter
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta or noodles, to serve

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add heavy cream, butter, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Remove chicken and shred it with two forks.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
7. Serve over cooked pasta or noodles.

For more details, check this slow cooker chicken Alfredo recipe.

5) Slow Cooker Chili Marinara

Chili Marinara in the slow cooker brings together chili’s bold flavors and classic tomato sauce. It’s hearty, a little spicy, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Grab some ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Let them cook low and slow, and you’ll get a filling, flavorful dish.

The tomato sauce gives it a tangy base, and the chili powder adds a nice kick. Serve over pasta, rice, or just eat it straight from a bowl.

If you want, a bit of brown sugar or cocoa powder adds a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a pan.
2. Add to the slow cooker.
3. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir before serving. Serve over pasta or rice.

6) Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is surprisingly easy in a slow cooker. You let beef, mushrooms, and garlic cook all day in broth, and the flavors just get better.

Near the end, mix in some sour cream for that classic creamy sauce. It’s perfect over egg noodles.

Try adding a bit of mustard or Worcestershire for more depth. Slow cooking makes the beef super soft and rich.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Add beef, onion, mushrooms, garlic, broth, Worcestershire, and mustard to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 5 hours.
3. Stir in sour cream just before serving.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over egg noodles.

For a great recipe example, see this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.

7) Slow Cooker Cider Pulled Pork

Cider pulled pork in the slow cooker is a breeze. You cook pork shoulder with apple cider and spices until it’s so tender you can shred it with a fork.

The cider gives a sweet, mellow flavor that works perfectly with the savory meat. Serve it on buns, rice, or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and mustard for the sauce.
2. Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour apple cider over it.
3. Pour the sauce on top of the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork hits 190°F (88°C) and shreds easily.
5. Shred with two forks and stir into the sauce.
6. Serve warm.

You can find more details about this recipe in this slow cooker cider pulled pork guide.

8) Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Making a slow cooker pot roast is honestly a breeze, especially on those days when you just can’t be bothered to fuss over dinner. You only need a handful of basics: beef chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Toss everything into the slow cooker and get on with your day. The meat gets ridiculously tender after hours of slow cooking.

Meanwhile, the veggies soak up all the flavor. You can pour in some broth or sprinkle on your favorite seasonings to make a gravy that’s actually worth sopping up with bread.

The slow cooker keeps dinner warm until you’re ready—no frantic last-minute rush. This is one of those classic comfort recipes that never really goes out of style.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place the roast in the slow cooker.
3. Add carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic around the roast.
4. Pour beef broth over everything.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Remove the roast and veggies, then stir the liquid to make gravy if you like.
7. Serve warm.

For more details, check out a slow cooker pot roast recipe with easy steps and flavors at The Kitchn.

9) Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Slow cooker vegetarian chili is perfect when you want a meal that’s hearty but not heavy. It’s loaded with beans and veggies like bell peppers, onions, and carrots.

Just toss everything in and let it simmer. Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans all work together for a satisfying texture.

Crushed tomatoes and corn add a nice touch of sweetness. Chili spices bring the warmth you want on a chilly day.

If you’re busy, this is an easy way to eat healthy without standing over the stove. Serve it with rice, bread, or just a big spoon—whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
2. Stir well to mix everything.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve warm with your choice of side.

For a similar recipe, you can check out this slow cooker vegetarian chili.

10) Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow cooker Bolognese sauce is such a simple way to get that deep, Italian flavor without hovering over the stove. Just toss in ground beef, some veggies, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine.

Let it all simmer on low, and pretty soon the sauce thickens and the meat turns tender. The flavors meld together in a way that stovetop sauces just can’t quite match.

Serve it over spaghetti or whatever pasta you have on hand. You’ll probably have some left for tomorrow, which is always a win.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off the extra fat—nobody wants greasy sauce.

2. Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Let everything cook until the veggies soften up a bit.

3. Move the mixture into your slow cooker.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

5. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a rush, high for 3 to 4 hours does the trick.

6. Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning before you serve.