29 slow cooker recipes that make weeknights stress-free

It’s always a relief when dinner doesn’t take much thought. With 29 simple slow cooker recipes to try, weeknights feel a lot less hectic. Let the slow cooker handle the work while the rest of the day stays on track.

Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

You can let this one handle itself while everything else stays on your mind. Meals like Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili make busy nights feel more manageable. No extra effort needed once it's on.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Having this one in rotation means you’re already halfway to a solid meal plan. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot makes taco night easy to pull off with barely any cleanup. You’ll probably find yourself doubling it next time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

When you're too busy to think about dinner, this one always comes through. Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew hits the table ready to warm everyone up without a lot of prep. Leftovers are just as reliable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole. — Slow Cooker Beef Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When there’s no energy left to cook but you still want something with depth, this helps. Slow Cooker Beef Curry keeps things simple while building up flavor in the background. Dinner feels less like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

You’ll want something to catch the sauce when this one finishes. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef ends up tender and bold enough to carry the whole plate. Leftovers are just as welcome the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Mexican shredded beef bowls with plantains, rice and beans and peppers. — Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Let dinner take care of itself while you stay focused on everything else. The bold flavor in Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls makes this one a solid go-to when things get hectic. It works great with rice, greens, or wrapped up in tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

If you need something that just works with whatever’s on the plate, keep reading. Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes land right in that comfort zone without any fuss. No need to stir or babysit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

You won’t need more than a few minutes to get this one going. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken offers an easy mix of sweet and savory that pairs well with rice or noodles. No extra prep needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

This brings old-school comfort without heating up the kitchen. Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing is great when you want something easy but still filling. Scoop it straight onto the plate and you’re good.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Keep this one in rotation when you need dinner that doesn’t need babysitting. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops finish tender with a comforting sauce that works well over noodles or mashed potatoes. Cleanup barely takes a minute.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

There’s nothing complicated about this one, and that’s the point. Slow Cooker Potato Soup takes the edge off after a long day without needing more than a bowl and a spoon. It’s one of those easy wins.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

There’s a lot to like when you don’t have to do much to make it good. Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup cooks low and slow until it’s hearty enough for dinner on its own. It holds up well for days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup

Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

A plate with turkey meatballs coated in sticky honey sriracha sauce sitting next to green beans and soba noodles. — Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Keep this in your back pocket when you need a low-effort win. Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs have enough kick and balance to work for dinner, meal prep, or even a party snack. It’s always nice when one dish checks that many boxes.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Something about this one keeps it in regular rotation for dinner. When you need bold flavors without spending time over a stove, Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry comes through every time. You'll appreciate the leftovers just as much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

This one handles a whole lot of vegetables without you having to keep watch. With Slow Cooker Ratatouille, the end result fits with pasta, grains, or just a big piece of crusty bread. It's one of those that gets better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

This one brings together two weeknight classics with none of the usual hassle. Slow Cooker Chili Mac has just enough comfort to satisfy without being heavy. You won’t need a side dish at all.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Let this simmer quietly in the background while the rest of your day unfolds. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is flexible enough to serve as a main or a side, and it holds up well for leftovers. Everything fits in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Let something hearty simmer while the rest of your day runs its course. Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast turns into something rich and comforting with almost no work from you. Pair it with anything and dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it. — Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re craving something hearty but hands-off, keep this one in mind. Slow Cooker German Pot Roast simmers away until it’s fork-tender and rich in flavor. Just scoop and serve when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions. — Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one covers all the bases without any hands-on effort. Once Slow Cooker Barbacoa is ready, you’ve got enough to build tacos, bowls, or sandwiches. The flavor holds up over a couple of days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans

Here’s one that can stretch across multiple meals without any complaints. Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans work for tacos, rice bowls, or just on their own. You’ll be glad to have extra ready.
Get the Recipe: Secret-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Beans

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Once this goes into the pot, you can focus on everything else. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken finishes rich and tender without needing a long prep list. Pair it with rice or greens and you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

This one brings comfort without getting heavy. Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup has that simple, homey feel that fits into any weeknight. It reheats well and keeps things easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

An overhead image of slow cooker tikka masala in a bowl with rice, with a slow cooker on the background. — Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

You won’t need to check on this once it’s started. The flavors in Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala come together smoothly while you do anything else. Great for a meatless dinner that still feels full.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin

No need to hover or stir anything here. Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin takes its time and ends up rich and full-bodied. You’ll want to save some for lunch too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

This one's always a hit when you need something comforting without the oven. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese comes together hands-off and still lands creamy and rich. Nobody ever complains when this shows up.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

You get all the fun of taco night with way less cleanup. Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf combines big flavor with classic comfort food style. There’s usually none left by morning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Sometimes the simplest ones are the most useful. Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker makes it easy to build out tacos, bowls, or wraps without overthinking it. You’ll keep this on standby for sure.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

A bowl of creamy potato corn chowder topped with bacon and cheese, next to a wooden spoon, bread slices, and a green plant on a red checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

When you're too busy to think about dinner, this one steps in. Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder finishes thick and comforting without needing a bunch of ingredients. Just grab a bowl and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder