16 Slow Cooker Recipes to Rely on for Busy Weeknights

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There is nothing better than a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day. These 16 slow cooker recipes are cozy, flavorful, and honestly a little life-saving when dinner sneaks up on you. From soups that simmer into comfort in a bowl to hearty mains that taste like they’ve been cooking for hours, this list is all about easy wins. Grab a fork, a bowl, or even just some crusty bread and let’s dive into the slow-cooked goodness.

Slow Cooked Overnight Leg of Lamb

Close-up of a plate with tender, slow-cooked beef pieces covered in gravy. The beef is garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, and gold utensils rest in the background. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in a melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooked Overnight Leg of Lamb, marinated in wine, garlic, and herbs for maximum flavor. The rich sherry gravy takes this comforting dish to the next level, perfect for a holiday gathering or special occasion. This recipe from Erren’s Kitchen is sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Overnight Leg of Lamb

Potato Leek Soup

This Potato Leek Soup is a comforting and healthy meal that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a low-fat, vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. Top with cheddar cheese and chives for the perfect bowl.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

This Pasta E Fagioli Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s packed with flavor, uses pantry staples, and can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for a simple, satisfying meal. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Pasta E Fagioli Soup

The Best Chicken Cacciatore of Your Life

Chicken Cacciatore in a pot — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is the best you’ll ever have! With tender chicken, savory pancetta, and aromatic herbs, this homemade dish is a comforting and delicious Italian classic. Whether made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, it’s a one-pot meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: The Best Chicken Cacciatore of Your Life

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup! This easy one-pot recipe combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a flavorful broth, making it a family-friendly favorite for chilly days. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Breasts

These Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Breasts are the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal! With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd on game day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken Breasts

Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

Sirloin Tip Roast on mashed potatoes — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a tender and flavorful dinner with this Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast. This easy-to-make recipe features slow-cooked beef in a savory gravy, perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings. Let your slow cooker do the work and come home to a delicious, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

These Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. The recipe features a rich sauce made with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of cranberry sauce for a unique twist. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

Mexican Soup

A close up image of Mexican Rice & Bean Soup in a bowl — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Mexican Soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with fresh vegetables, beans, rice, and spices, it’s a delicious vegetarian option that can be easily customized with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Prepare on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Soup

Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

This Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms recipe is a comforting classic with tender meat in a rich, dark gravy. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for a cozy night in or a hearty game day gathering. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors meld together for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs

These Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs are a Southern staple! This easy appetizer uses frozen meatballs, chili sauce, and muscadine jelly for a sweet and savory flavor that’s perfect for any gathering. Make them in your slow cooker for a fuss-free dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Classic Muscadine Cocktail Meatballs

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

ladle of taco soup coming from slow cooker — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This slow cooker taco soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of seasonings, it’s an easy and delicious Tex-Mex dinner. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Frito Pies

overhead shot of slow cooker frito pie in a bowl. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This Frito Pie recipe is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker! With just a handful of ingredients like ground beef, chili seasoning, and canned beans, dinner is ready in no time. Top with Fritos, cheese, onions, and sour cream for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pies

Slow Cooker Chicken ala King

A creamy chicken and vegetable mixture with peas and carrots, inspired by slow cooker recipes, is served on a flaky golden pastry square, garnished with herbs on a white plate with a fork and spoon. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Chicken Ala King recipe is a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy! Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and serve over puff pastry for a comforting and flavorful dinner. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken ala King

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

The BEST Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas! They're easy to make in the crock pot, made with my favorite Mexican seasonings, and so crispy and delicious! Perfect for tacos, enchiladas, salads, burritos, quesadillas and more. | gimmesomeoven.com — Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe uses a secret trick to get your pork perfectly tender and crispy in the slow cooker. Use this flavorful pork in tacos, burritos, salads, and more for a delicious and versatile meal. It’s seasoned with spices like chipotle powder, cumin, and chili powder for a smoky kick.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew

uncooked soup with potatoes, beef, celery and beans in a slow cooker. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This recipe for Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make. With ground beef, potatoes, and kidney beans, this stew is a filling and satisfying dish for a cozy night in. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew