Skip to Content

75 Best Slow Cooker Recipes: From Appetizers To Mains!

75 Best Slow Cooker Recipes: From Appetizers To Mains!

Slow cookers are perfect for making a plethora of dishes, from appetizers to mains—and we rounded up 75 of our favorite slow cooker recipes here!

If you own a slow cooker, you have probably used it to prepare some tried and tested recipes, but why stop there?

This appliance can do everything, from warm and delicious breakfast and lunch to sweet and tasty desserts. 

Slow cookers can help you create easy and flavorful meals without exerting too much effort. 

They are perfect for those who are always on the go but still want to come home with home-cooked meals. 

If you’re a beginner cook, don’t worry!

You can make dishes that require almost no prep time but will make your guests think that you’re a pro cook. 

You will also earn a lot of brownie points for how good the house will smell after you make these dishes. 

With slow cookers, your meal possibilities are endless, so we’ve rounded up 75 best slow cooker recipes that you can easily prepare even on your busiest days. 

Whether you are cooking for the entire family or slow cooking just for a couple of friends, your meals just got simpler. 

After you try these incredible slow cooker recipes, you will be used to setting it and forgetting it, as it can magically make some of the most delectable and unforgettable dishes. 

Check out #48 if you prefer something vegan. 

Table of Contents

1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a juicy, tender, and flavorful recipe with the right blend of spices. 

Pulled pork is ideal for serving a crowd or weekly meal prep, especially as there is so much you can do with it. 

You can pair it with rice, make it into a sandwich, or serve it as a taco.

The beef and broccoli recipe only takes a couple of minutes to throw in the slow cooker. 

The beef has a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and the flavor is something that you’d be craving for.  

Add garlic into the mix for a more authentic taste, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Short Ribs are slowly cooked in beer with parsnips and carrots. 

The ribs are tender and delicious.

To serve this dish, remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and slowly strain the juices. 

Garnish the ribs with chopped parsley leaves and serve it with your favorite beverage. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is cooked with peppers, mushrooms, and olives. 

It is an easy-to-make Italian dinner that your friends and family will love. 

It has a ton of flavors, and it only takes a couple of minutes to put together, so you’ll come home to a restaurant-quality meal.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes recipe is melty, saucy, and cheesy. 

All the flavor from the thighs, garlic, butter, and thyme seep into the potatoes, creating a satisfying, comforting meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are covered in a sweet and savory Asian-inspired sauce. 

It is simmered until the thighs are perfectly tender and infused with flavor. 

If you want a recipe with an authentic Asian flavor, this is for you.

As soon as you learn how easy and quick it is to prepare a Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese, you will never turn back. 

This recipe uses American cheddar, but you can switch it to fancy gruyere or smoked gouda. 

Top it with bread crumbs, extra shredded cheese, and bacon for the ultimate comfort food.

The Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is made with tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked right in a tasty homemade alfredo sauce, and the pasta cooks in the slow cooker. 

This is the perfect way to make an easy, family-friendly dinner, and you can serve it with garlic bread or other delicious pastries.

These ultra-rich and fudgy Slow Cooker Brownies will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. 

The slow cooker helps to get the edges nice and chewy but not overdone, while the middle is fudgy and well-baked. 

These Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs are an excellent answer for quick weekend meals. 

You can toss them on pasta, make them into a homemade meatball sub, bake them with mozzarella for a meatball skillet, or add them into a meatball pasta bake for a filling casserole.

Teriyaki sauce is the perfect sweet and briny sauce for this slow cooker recipe. 

It is one of those meals that require almost no work on your part. 

Whisk up the sauce, pour it slowly into the slow cooker, add pork tenderloins, set the timer, and let it simmer. 

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork is excellent over rice, soft taco shells, or hamburger buns.

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is full of flavor and every soup lover’s dream. 

It is loaded with potatoes, pepper-jack cheese, ground beef, and bacon. 

Top it off with green onion for that extra spice.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a flavorful one-dish meal. 

It is loaded with chunks of chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp. 

Since it is quick and easy to prepare, you can enjoy this southern favorite every day.

This Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder is creamy, thick, and decadent. 

This hearty and filling corn chowder features tender chunks of potato and creamy corn. 

Add crispy bacon on top for the ultimate chowder recipe.

When it comes to game-day food, nothing beats the goodness of buffalo wings

You can make the wings the easy way by cooking them in the slow cooker. 

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Wings are made stress-free, and they are loaded with mouthwatering honey flavors. 

You and your friends will be tempted to take those little bites of crispy, sticky, and juicy wings dipped in some ranch dressing while watching your favorite game.

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup is a recipe that you can quickly throw together in the morning so you can enjoy a warm bowl for breakfast. 

You can also heat up this delicious soup for dinner, plus you can add your favorite vegetables to the mix.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is excellent comfort food.

Just the smell of its simmering away is soothing and comforting.

You can let the chicken noodle soup cook as you tend to other chores or while you catch up on your favorite show.

Spice up your meals and make a new family favorite with this warm soup. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup has all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish. 

Top the soup with tortilla strips for the perfect crunch. 

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipe is a flavor-filled meal you can serve to your family and friends. 

You can rest the shredded pork shoulder on top of mashed potatoes with gravy, or you can make a sandwich by putting it on a toasted sesame seed bun. 

The slow cooker version of this classic Mexican stew is big on flavor. 

This recipe is hearty, with tender chicken and plenty of tasty vegetables to boot.

Creamy, delicious, and smooth, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with ham is a classic recipe you can make any time. 

If you love the comfort food split pea soup, then this recipe is a must-try.

This Turkey Chili recipe is loaded with vegetables, beans, and lean turkey. 

It is a great game day meal, and the best part is the slow cooker does most of the work, so you can just sit back and watch as the ingredients turn into a tasty dish.

If you are a fan of crab cakes, you will definitely love this dip. 

This Slow Cooker Crab Dip is perfect for sharing. 

This dip is a fun and exciting appetizer for your next party, potluck, or while you are watching a movie. 

You get the unique flavor of crab cakes without going through the trouble of making the patties and cooking them.

Just put the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. 

This crab dip is not only great for crab cakes but also for crackers, bread, tortilla chips, or vegetables.

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is to die for. 

It enhances the taste of the cut of this beef as it is cooked in a simple homemade BBQ sauce until it is tender and infused with flavor. 

Serve the brisket with coleslaw or macaroni salad and steamed corn. 

You can also pile it high onto rolls and make sliders.

This tasty Slow Cooker Pizza is a fantastic way to make some homemade pizza when you do not have an oven. 

It does not end up as crispy as an oven-baked pizza, but it is mouthwatering. 

This recipe is filled with smoky chorizo, beans, and a thick, rich tomato sauce

It is packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying midweek dinner.

This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is warm and comforting and makes the perfect family-friendly meal. 

It is packed with mushrooms and carrots, and the sausage is submerged in a rich, unctuous tomato sauce. 

You can serve the sausage casserole with rice or mashed potatoes. 

This flavorful Tuscan white bean soup with sausage does not require any pre-cooking or searing, making it a great slow-cooker meal. 

 You can pick and choose the key ingredients that you put in your Tuscan soup.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, light, and tasty. 

You can tweak the consistency of the creaminess by using heavy cream. 

You can also choose the vegetables that you add to the soup, and you can also substitute heavy cream with whole milk. 

Serve this soup with green salad and bread.

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls are gooey, buttery, and delicious. 

It makes for a great breakfast to feed a crowd during the holidays. 

You can serve this with a glass of cold beverage or a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew made With Red Wine is rich and delicious. 

You will love the intense flavor, which is quick to make in a slow cooker.

Serve this beef stew with egg noodles or with crusty bread and salad.

A Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie is best served hot with ice cream and chocolate sauce on top. 

What is amazing is you bake the cookie in a slow cooker so you can go and get on with your chores while you wait for your dessert to be ready.

This Slow Cooker Corned Beef With Cabbage recipe is an excellent all-in-one meal. 

It is tasty and fork-tender. 

It is a perfect meal to serve during gatherings and weekend get-togethers. 

The Slow Cooker Salmon makes tender, flaky fish topped with creamy lemon sauce. 

The dish is luscious, super flavorful, and cooked to juicy perfection in your slow cooker. 

You can pair the salmon with rice or eat it as is.

These Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos make for a hands-free and fun meal. 

The toppings of the tacos are up to you. 

Add lettuce, beans, cheese, onions, tomatoes, lime, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, or even rice.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is rich and rustic and made with sauce packed with flavor. 

You can coat this mouthwatering Bolognese sauce on top of the pasta of your choice. 

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken with sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce is what comfort food is really made of. 

The chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and seasoned. 

It is topped with incredible Italian herb cream sauce and slow-cooked to perfection. 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter combines the signature flavors of fall.

It makes an excellent spread on toast, bagels, and other pastries. 

It is sweet, creamy, and luscious that you will never return to the store-bought kind.

Enjoy Slow Cooker Paella at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. 

The recipe combines tender chicken and pork with spicy chorizo and sweet, tender shrimp that is fit to feed a crowd. 

It is ideal for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers.

The Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is full of peppers, andouille sausage, creamy homemade alfredo sauce, and tender chicken cuts made right in your slow cooker. 

The Cajun seasoning is made by blending paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and pepper, and it adds an extra kick to the Alfredo sauce.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas have all the delicious flavors of traditional fajitas without the extra hassle. 

Put all of the fajitas ingredients into the slow cooker and let it simmer. 

This ends with tender and well-seasoned chicken fajitas that you can prepare on busy days.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast comes out perfectly juicy and seasoned every single time. 

This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

If you are tired of scalloped or mashed potatoes from a box, this Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe is for you. 

Mix paprika, a can of soup, sour cream, salt, and Worcestershire sauce, and add slices of potatoes. 

Slow-cook the ingredients, and you get a warm, home-cooked meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is an easy version of the classic comfort food that simmers away all day in the slow cooker. 

The dumplings are made from prepared biscuit dough that is so delicious that it is hard to stop at just one bowl.

These Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are simmered in a buttery sauce that is great for spooning over vegetables and rice. 

This recipe is gluten-free, and you can assemble it ahead and freeze it so you can heat it anytime.

This Corned Beef Hash is an interesting take on the classic dish that you can make on days when you don’t have enough time to prepare ingredients. 

You can take the Corned Beef Hash recipe to the next level by adding different flavors, like adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or paprika for a spicy spin. 

You can also add cheddar or blue cheese on top if you want a more cheesy take.

Cheesy grits are delicious and filling, and it is a great meal to prepare when you don’t have much in your pantry. 

You can add pepper and Tabasco leaves and mix the toppings together for a more flavorful dish.

This Slow Cooker Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal is a filling breakfast meal made with coconut milk, blueberry, and milk. 

It is a creamy and vegan-friendly breakfast option.

Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole is a great dish made with fresh eggplant, sauce, portabella mushrooms, and cheese. 

This Eggplant Casserole is perfect for vegetarians, and it works both as a main meal and a side course.

Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Queso is a cheesy, amazing dip that is ideal for game day or any time that you crave something cheesy. 

As for the toppings, there are so many options that you can choose from. 

You can add sour cream, jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and avocados.

These tender pork chops are smothered in a creamy, mouthwatering gravy. 

You can make pork chops right in your slow cooker and have a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dinner.

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is another excellent comfort food on our list. 

The chicken is smothered in a creamy sauce, and the pie’s crust is buttery and chewy. 

Also, the chicken is tender, has tons of vegetables, and the biscuit on top makes this meal complete and filling. 

What makes a cheesecake made in a slow cooker different is the way it holds moisture. 

That means you do not need a water bath to bake an ultra-moist and silky cheesecake, and it won’t crack. 

The result is a creamy, perfect cheesecake that makes for a great dessert or snack.

These Party Meatballs are spicy, sweet, and utterly tasty. 

Your slow cooker will become the motorhome for these meatballs worth cheering for. 

It is loaded with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic, and it melts in your mouth. 

Boiled Peanuts in a slow cooker are a simple and filling snack. 

This recipe is great for low-stress parties, and you don’t have to do much to prepare it. 

This recipe guarantees you’ll get snackable peanuts, not watery and soft. 

Slow Cooker Lobster Mac & Cheese is made with cooked lobster meat, tender pasta, and three kinds of cheese melted into indulgent heaven in a bowl. 

For a tasty and crispy topping, transfer the lobster mac and cheese to a pan and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar.

There is nothing like a braised pot roast with tender chuck roast and classic vegetables infused in a savory broth.

The slow cooker effectively melts the roast, making it chewy and boosting with flavor. 

Ideal for chicken lovers, this recipe is made with skinless, boneless thighs that are simmered in a slow cooker. 

Once the chicken is ready, add biscuits and serve it in a bowl. 

It tastes heavenly, and it is another great comfort food on the list that you can prepare at any time. 

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos are tangy, sweet, and spicy. 

It is piled in seasoned taco shells, and it is so delicious that you won’t be able to stop at one serving.

This Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup is loaded with peanut butter, creamy coconut milk, curry paste, vegetables, and chicken. 

Packed with flavor and deliciousness, this Thai soup makes for a great appetizer.

This delicious Slow Cooker Ratatouille is packed with vegetables. 

It is served as a side, over rice or quinoa, or even in an omelet. 

If you love Italian dishes, this recipe is ideal for you.

This seafood bisque is incredible and is perfect for days when you need something to warm you up. 

It is filled with vegetables, and the shrimp and crab are poached until tender. 

You can serve this bisque with ice-cold white wine and baguette toast. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps are made with lean ground chicken, vegetables, and thick, creamy sauce. 

This dish serves as a great appetizer, and you can prepare this at your next house party.

This Kung Pao Chicken recipe effectively curbs your takeout craving. 

When made in a slow cooker, it lights up the same classic sweet and spicy flavors as your local Chinese restaurant.

Using a slow cooker to prepare lasagna does not require you to cook the noodles beforehand. 

This means you don’t have to spend a lot of time making this classic dish. 

You can select what type of sauce you want in your lasagna, may it be ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, or béchamel white sauce.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta will surely put a smile on everyone’s face at dinner. 

It is a cheesy pasta dish with only a couple of ingredients needed, and it is cooked in a slow cooker, so you have a lot of time to do something else while you prepare your meal.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos are a great take on the Mexican favorite. 

Unlike the store-bought or restaurant-made taquitos that are fried, this version is baked until crispy. 

This is another great recipe for your next game day.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are filled with gooey cheese and savory marinara sauce. 

The stuffed shells make a fantastic dinner and are a great way to use any leftover pasta sauce.

This Butternut Squash Soup recipe is creamy, full of flavor, and made with ingredients that are already available in your pantry. 

You will definitely love the sweet, spiced flavor of this classic squash soup that you can serve any night of the week.

Use your slow cooker to turn a specific cut of meat into decadent and delicious beef stroganoff. 

The beef is cooked with stock, mushrooms, garlic, and mustard and finished with sour cream before serving. 

This beef stroganoff recipe is excellent if you are cooking for a crowd.

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe boasts a rich, aromatic sauce and tender chicken thighs.

You can beef up the spice mix to make the flavors more complex. 

Just add some cumin, turmeric, and paprika to give the dish an extra smoky flavor that mimics the fire-licked taste of traditional chicken tikka masala.

Slow Cooker Stir-Fry Lo Mein is made with juicy morsels of chicken combined with crunchy stir-fried vegetables and flavorful sauce. 

This take on Lo Mein allows you to serve a restaurant-style meal that your friends and family will enjoy. 

When everything is crazy and hectic, all you want to do is just sit back and relax with comfort food to chew on. 

One great comfort food that you can make any time is Slow Cooker Chili Mac. 

Made with ground beef, chili sauce, beans, tomatoes, onions, and macaroni, every bite is like a warm hug.

If you’ve had the classic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, you know the bread can easily overpower the pork, carrots, and all the flavors. 

So why not scrap the bread and put all the ingredients in a bowl over brown rice and prepare it in your slow cooker for a unique take on traditional Vietnamese food?

If you feel making breakfast is like a chore, there is a quick way that you can whip up a meal in the morning and still end up with delicious results. 

The Slow Cooker Omelet does not require additional cooking. 

You can just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. 

You can serve this tasty omelet with bread or rice.

The bottom line

There is much to love about slow cookers. 

The ease of arriving home to a hot meal ready to eat makes life easier.

With slow cookers, you can say goodbye to pot stirring and hours of preparing to cook one dish. 

If you have a slow cooker, you try the recipes that we have listed so you can discover the wonders of this amazing appliance.

Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cookers are perfect for making a plethora of dishes, from appetizers to mains—and we rounded up 75 of our favorite slow cooker recipes here!

Ingredients

  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
  • Slow Cooker Short Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
  • Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
  • Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
  • Slow Cooker Brownies
  • Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
  • Slow Cooker Jambalaya
  • Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
  • Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Wings
  • Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
  • Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
  • Slow Cooker Crab Dip
  • Slow Cooker Beef Brisket With BBQ Sauce
  • Slow Cooker Pizza
  • Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole With Chorizo & Beans
  • Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Tuscan Bean & Sausage Soup
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew With Red Wine
  • Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Slow Cooker Corned Beef With Cabbage
  • Slow Cooker Salmon
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
  • Slow Cooker Paella
  • Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
  • Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
  • Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
  • Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash
  • Slow Cooker Cheese Grits
  • Slow Cooker Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal
  • Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Queso
  • Slow Cooker Pork Chops
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
  • Slow Cooker Cheesecake
  • Slow Cooker Party Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts
  • Slow Cooker Lobster Mac & Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Pot Roast
  • Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken With Biscuits
  • Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
  • Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup
  • Slow Cooker Ratatouille
  • Slow Cooker Shrimp & Crab Bisque
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  • Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Lasagna
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
  • Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
  • Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Slow Cooker Stir-Fry Lo Mein
  • Slow Cooker Chili Mac
  • Slow Cooker Banh Mi Rice Bowls
  • Slow Cooker Omelet

Instructions

  1. Take a look at our Slow Cooker Recipes list!
  2. Bring the ingredients to create a new favorite dish.
  3. Woohoo! You created a home-cooked meal.
  4. Comment your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Skip to Recipe