19 hearty slow cooker meals you’ve probably overlooked

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Weeknights are a battle. Between work and errands the slow cooker can feel like a lifesaver. These 19 hearty slow cooker meals are often overlooked, bursting with unexpected flavors.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beijing Beef

Beijing beef in a slow cooker.
Beijing Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker Beijing Beef is a healthier twist on takeout that won’t break the bank, and you’re likely not making it enough. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy restaurant-level flavors on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Beijing Beef

Slow Cooker French Dip

A sandwich with meat and gravy on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
Slow Cooker French Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The slow cooker French Dip is an overlooked gem that brings you all the joy of a hearty, meaty sandwich with a rich au jus. It’s a hands-off approach to a comfort classic that’s perfect for a laid-back dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili is a tropical take on a family favorite that you probably haven’t tried yet. It’s an effortless meal that lets your crock pot do all the work, ideal for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup in your own kitchen with this slow cooker recipe. It’s a comforting soup that combines creamy broth with chicken and veggies, and it’s a simple pleasure you might be overlooking for your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the flavors of the bayou to your table with Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish offers a creamy kick with perfectly seasoned chicken that you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, all with the ease of a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

You might miss out on the comforting embrace of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup if you overlook this slow cooker rendition. It’s a simple way to bring the familiar flavors of the beloved soup right to your kitchen, no pick-up line required.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker chicken thighs are an underutilized recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful feast. It’s a no-fuss approach to a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker pork chops smothered in mushroom soup are a creamy, comforting dish you’ve likely passed over. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that promises a delicious meal with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

You might be overlooking the ease of these Slow Cooker Beef Tips, which offer a gravy-laden dish of tender beef. It’s a comfort food classic that practically cooks itself, ideal for those who need their slow cooker to take the dinner shift.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

A slow cooker full of short ribs and vegetables.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker short ribs are an easy, yet often forgotten dish that results in perfectly tender meat. It’s a family-friendly meal that requires little prep for those busy days when time is scarce.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos with honey and lime are a festive twist on a weeknight meal that you might not be making enough. They’re a fuss-free solution to spice up your dinner routine with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Brown Sugar Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The sweet and savory harmony of these Brown Sugar Pork Chops is a slow cooker specialty that’s often overlooked. This dish promises a flavorsome dinner with the ease of a crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Don’t let these slow cooker BBQ chicken legs slip by you; they’re an effortless way to enjoy smoky, tangy flavors on a busy night. These drumsticks are a simple yet mouthwatering addition to your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

A tray of BBQ beef sandwiches topped with fried onions and bacon.
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches are a flavor fest you might not realize you’re missing. Topped with crispy onions and bacon, it’s a dish that turns any gathering into a memorable event.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and green onions.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asian Spare Ribs in the slow cooker are a set-it-and-forget-it meal that infuses a blend of spices and sauces into tender ribs. It’s an easy dish that might not be in your usual recipe repertoire but definitely should be.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

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

This slow cooker Barbacoa brings the Chipotle favorite right to your kitchen, a dish that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a homemade version you’ll crave, and it’s likely one you haven’t made enough.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Spiral ham on a plate with asparagus and peaches in the background.
Crock Pot Spiral Ham. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Overlooked for its simplicity, this Crock Pot Spiral Ham with peach preserves offers a sweet and spicy twist that’s perfect for holidays or any weeknight dinner. It’s a stress-free meal that fills the home with mouthwatering aromas.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This 3-ingredient slow cooker pulled chicken is a straightforward dish that’s easy to miss but offers tender, juicy chicken every time. Serve it up for an uncomplicated dinner that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is a dish you might not realize you need in your life. It’s a quick-prep meal that brings together a blend of spices and a creamy sauce for a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker country style ribs are an effortless dish that yields succulent results. With peach preserves and BBQ sauce, these ribs are a delightful meal you are not be making as often as you should.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

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