27 lazy day slow cooker recipes!

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In our bustling lives, carving out moments to create a sumptuous home-cooked meal often feels like an uphill battle. Enter the humble slow cooker, a true ally for those days when you crave simplicity without compromising on taste. Our carefully selected compilation of 27 slow cooker recipes is designed for those effortless days, ensuring you can enjoy delicious meals with minimal preparation involved.

Budget-friendly roasted potatoes with cheese and parmesan.
Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow Cooker Veggie Chili

A bowl of mexican bean and corn soup with sour cream and avocado.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Then there’s this vegetarian chili that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with beans, corn, and all those spices that dance around in your mouth. It’s the perfect thing to have simmering away, filling your place with mouthwatering smells, ready to comfort you after a long day.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

A cheesy bowl of mashed potatoes with parmesan.
Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Imagine tossing some potatoes into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ve got the most amazing roasted potatoes ever. It’s like they’ve been sunbathing in flavors all day, getting crispy on the edges but staying fluffy inside. It’s the kind of side dish that asks, “Why rush?”

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas in a white dish with a fork.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken enchiladas in the slow cooker? Yep, and they’re a game-changer. Imagine tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a zesty sauce and melted cheese. It’s like throwing a little fiesta in your slow cooker, and everyone’s invited.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Slow Cooker Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birria de Res is this rich, hearty stew that makes your kitchen smell like a top-notch Mexican restaurant. The beef gets so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and the sauce? Oh, it’s got this kick that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria de Res.

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 like magic. You throw in these ribs, and a few hours later, you’ve got this sticky, sweet, fall-apart tender dish that makes you wonder if you’re secretly a culinary wizard. It’s the kind of meal that makes any day feel like a lazy Sunday.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew with mushrooms and carrots in a white bowl.
Beef Stew. Photo Credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef stew in the slow cooker is classic comfort food. It’s like every vegetable and piece of beef decides to become best friends in that pot, resulting in a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s waiting to welcome you home.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

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

Chicken tacos? Yes, please. It’s like your slow cooker takes a trip to the heart of Mexico and brings back the juiciest, most flavorful chicken ready to be tucked into tacos. Top with a squeeze of lime, and it’s like sunshine on a plate.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

A bowl of pasta with meat sauce and parsley.

Lamb ragu is all about bringing a little Italian countryside to your dinner table. The lamb gets so tender and the sauce so rich, it’s like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen when, really, your slow cooker did all the work.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

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.

Creamy chicken in the slow cooker is like a secret weapon for busy days. It’s ridiculously easy but so rich and comforting, you’ll want to lick the plate. It’s the kind of dinner that asks nothing more of you than to sit back and enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey garlic chicken is sweet, sticky, and just so darn good. It’s like your favorite takeout dish decided to up its game and become healthier and even more delicious, right in your slow cooker.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Image shows a close up head on view of Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups on a white tray, topped with guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Picture this: tender, spice-kissed beef nestled in the warm embrace of masa cups, each bite a journey to the vibrant streets of Mexico. It’s a fiesta of flavors, where the beef is slow-cooked to perfection, melding with aromatic spices to promise a bite that’s both satisfying and thrilling, topped with a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for that final touch of decadence.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

There’s nothing like a bowl of hot, zesty taco soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. Picture combining all the flavors you love about tacos in a comforting soup form. It’s a low-effort meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, perfect for those nights when you want to cozy up with something hearty and satisfying. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and dive into a bowl of pure comfort.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

A picutre of cheesy chicken with bacon and dried parsley.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health

Imagine if you could turn the addictive flavors of ranch dressing into a decadent, creamy chicken dish. This recipe does just that, transforming simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with just the right mix of cheese and ranch seasoning. It’s like a hug in a dish, promising to be a hit at any family dinner or gathering, filling the room with smiles and requests for seconds.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Slow Cooker Tri-Tip

Slow cooker shredded tri tip in a white bowl over mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Tri Tip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Picture this: a beautifully tender tri-tip roast, slow-cooked to perfection, so every bite melts in your mouth. This minimal-effort recipe brings out the robust flavors of the meat, making it a surefire way to impress at your next dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with a side of your favorite veggies for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri-Tip

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie in ceramic bowl on matching plate with wooden spoon and oregano garnish.
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

There’s something utterly comforting about shepherd’s pie, with its layers of savory meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Now imagine preparing it in your crockpot, where all the flavors meld together slowly, creating a warm, comforting dish that’s waiting to welcome you home. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings the classic comfort food into your busy life without any fuss.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

A gray mug containing instant pot hot chocolate with a gray kitchen towel, marshmallows and chocolate chips on a white background.
Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Transform your slow cooker into a chocolatey wonder with this hot chocolate recipe. It’s like having a chocolate fountain, but with marshmallows, whipped cream, and all your favorite toppings ready to make every cup a personalized treat. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this hot chocolate promises warmth and smiles, making everyone feel like a kid again.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Cincinnati Chili. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the unique world of Cincinnati chili, where the chili isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Over spaghetti or a hot dog, this meaty, spiced wonder brings a twist to your chili expectations. It’s a regional delight that the slow cooker makes approachable, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas and your dinner table with contented diners.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato lime chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Imagine a dish that dances on the edge of tangy and savory, bringing a splash of summer to your dinner table no matter the season. This tomato lime chicken recipe does just that, merging the brightness of citrus with the richness of tomatoes to create a chicken dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s like a little sunshine in a bowl, easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to brighten your mood.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

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.

Picture pork chops so tender, they practically fall apart at the touch of your fork, bathed in a creamy mushroom gravy that adds depth and warmth to every bite. This dish turns an ordinary evening into a special occasion, with the slow cooker doing all the hard work so you can relax and take all the credit. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to catch all that gravy goodness, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli with onion in brown bowl.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Farewell to takeout, because this beef and broccoli recipe brings your favorite Asian flavors right into your kitchen, simmering away in the slow cooker. Imagine beef slices becoming irresistibly tender, mingling with crisp, green broccoli in a savory sauce that’s just the right kind of sticky. It’s a no-fuss path to a dinner that’s both wholesome and wildly satisfying, proving that homemade can easily outshine the restaurant experience.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Envision a turkey breast so moist and flavorful, it redefines your holiday dinners, or perhaps becomes the highlight of a weekend feast. This recipe promises all the joys of a Thanksgiving turkey without any of the day-long prep. It’s a simple, stress-free way to enjoy the holiday favorite, complete with homemade gravy that makes every bite a celebration of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Pizza

Pepperoni pizza in a white crock pot after cooking.
Crock Pot Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who says pizzas need ovens? This crockpot pizza casserole layers all your favorite pizza components, from dough to sauce to toppings, into a deep-dish delight that cooks while you go about your day. It’s a fun twist on pizza night that lets everyone customize their layer and comes out bubbling and delicious, ready to scoop and serve. It’s like a pizza party without the hassle, ensuring smiles all around.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pizza

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine biting into a sandwich filled with tender, juicy beef that’s been slow-cooked in Italian spices, pepperoncini, and broth, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Piled high on a crusty roll and melted provolone cheese, this dish turns any meal into a hearty feast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for game day as it is for a casual dinner, offering up a taste of Italy with every savory bite.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Bring the flavors of Olive Garden into your home with this comforting chicken pasta dish, combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s just begging for your favorite pasta. It’s a dish that makes any night feel a bit more special, offering up a taste of dining out with the comfort of staying in. Just imagine the pasta soaking up that delicious sauce, ready to be twirled on a fork and enjoyed in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Thai Chicken Chili

Image shows an overhead shot of a bowl of Thai Chicken Chili.
Thai Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This dish is a bold fusion of tender chicken, fiery spices, and the aromatic essence of Thai cuisine, all simmering gently in your slow cooker. Imagine the surprise and delight of your taste buds as they dance between the heat of chili peppers and the cool, sweet notes of coconut milk. It’s a global flavor adventure, perfect for when you’re craving something different yet utterly comforting.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Thai Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Beef Shank

Easy beef shank slow cooker recipe over cauliflower mash with rosemary
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Now, imagine a dish that’s the epitome of slow cooking magic: beef shank that becomes so tender over hours of cooking, it practically falls off the bone. Infused with the deep, aromatic flavors of rosemary and garlic, this beef shank melts in your mouth, while a side of creamy cauliflower mash collects the savory, herb-infused juices. It’s a rustic, hearty meal that turns an ordinary evening into a special occasion, with the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shank

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into the heart of Mexican cuisine with carnitas that are so authentically delicious, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re at a street food stall in the heart of Mexico City. The pork shoulder cooks until it’s so tender and juicy, it effortlessly pulls apart, ready to be tucked into warm tortillas. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, with just the right balance of spice, citrus, and crispiness, making your kitchen the new go-to spot for taco Tuesday.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

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