A slower day at home can still end with a generous dinner when the crock pot handles the long cooking. This collection ranges from tender pork and chicken to hearty casseroles, soup, and a Mexican-style shredded pork spread. Choose a family favorite, start it ahead, and use the extra time to rest or enjoy the people around the table.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Rich tomato gravy and tender pork make this a welcome dinner after a full day. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops simmers pork shoulder chops with beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and serves six, leaving the slow cooker to handle most of the work. Spoon the chops and sauce over mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Al Pastor Carnitas
Crisp-edged shredded pork brings a lively change to the dinner routine. Al Pastor Carnitas slow cooks pork shoulder with Mexican oregano, cumin, chipotle, onion, jalapeño, garlic, broth, pineapple juice, and citrus. The recipe takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes and makes ten servings, so there is plenty to share or freeze. Serve in lettuce wraps, or set out tortillas and rice for everyone to build a plate.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas
Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast
Fragrant herbs and slow-cooked pork make the kitchen smell like dinner is already taken care of. Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast pairs pork shoulder with rosemary, sage, thyme, white wine, broth, garlic, carrots, celery, shallots, and baby potatoes. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and serves six. Plate the roast with the vegetables for a hearty meal, with little need to plan separate sides.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Paprika-scented broth and tender beef bring a warming, old-fashioned feel to supper. Authentic Hungarian Goulash slow cooks stewing beef with onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, broth, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. It takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes and makes six servings, so it works well on a day at home. Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread to catch the rich broth.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Mississippi Meatballs
Savory meatballs with a tangy, buttery sauce turn an everyday dinner into something everyone can spoon over a starch. Mississippi Meatballs combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, au jus and ranch seasonings, pepperoncini, and butter. The slow cooker takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes, and the recipe serves six. Set them out over mashed potatoes or noodles, and let the sauce bring the plate together.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples
Sweet and savory flavors mingle as pork, fruit, and vegetables cook together. Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples combines pork with sweet potatoes, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and dried cranberries. It takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes and serves six. The built-in sides make it a practical one-pot dinner, especially when the evening is better spent sitting down.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples
German Pork Loin
A savory wine-and-mustard sauce gives the pork a hearty European-style touch. German Pork Loin slow cooks pork loin with German mustard, onions, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and serves eight. Slice it beside roasted or mashed potatoes, then spoon over the cooking juices for an easy family meal with plenty to go around.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Golden layers and a hearty filling make this a crowd-friendly dish with dinner and comfort in one pan. Cowboy Cornbread Casserole includes ground beef, onion, taco seasoning, Rotel, pinto beans, corn, green chiles, and cheddar. The slow cooker takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes, and it serves eight. Add a crisp salad or simple toppings at the table for a full, low-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
A build-your-own spread lets everyone assemble dinner while the pork stays warm. Slow Cooker Carnitas Board cooks pork shoulder with cumin, ancho chile, Mexican oregano, broth, jalapeño, onion, and garlic, then serves it with tortillas, chips, guacamole, cheese, and salsa. It takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes and serves eight. Set the toppings out in bowls for a relaxed meal that works for family or casual company.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Few steps and a short shopping list make this chicken especially handy on an overbooked day. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken combines chicken breast with cream of chicken soup, stuffing mix, and water or broth. It takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes and makes four servings. Serve the tender chicken with a green vegetable or spoon it over potatoes, letting the cooker take care of the main while you handle the rest of the evening.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
Sharp, savory notes give this pot roast its distinctive German-style tang. Slow Cooker German Pot Roast cooks chuck roast with bacon, onion, beer, garlic, thyme, carrots, baby potatoes, dill pickles, and German mustard. It takes about 6 hours and 10 minutes and makes six servings. The vegetables cook alongside the beef, so dinner needs little extra planning. Bring the roast to the table with the sauce spooned over each serving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Colorful peppers and a tomato-rich sauce make this an easy choice for a casual dinner. Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers combines Italian sausage with onions, garlic, red, yellow, and green peppers, Italian seasoning, and marinara. It takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes and serves six. Tuck the sausage and peppers into rolls, or serve them over pasta for a hands-off meal that feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Each bowl is hearty, with enough texture and substance for a full meal. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup brings meatballs together with chicken broth, carrots, celery, small pasta, spinach, and Italian seasoning. It takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes and serves six. Set out grated Parmesan and bread for the table, then ladle dinner straight from the slow cooker when everyone is ready.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
Tangy, buttery gravy brings bold flavor to a simple chicken dinner. Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken pairs chicken breast with onion, chicken gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, pepperoncini, and butter. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and makes six servings. Shred or serve the chicken in pieces over rice, mashed potatoes, or sandwich rolls, letting the savory sauce help carry the meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
Birria de Res
Deep chile flavor and tender shredded beef make this a satisfying dinner with plenty of ways to serve it. Birria de Res slow cooks chuck roast with onion, celery, garlic, beef broth, vinegar, cumin, oregano, and dried chiles. The recipe takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes and yields eight servings. Serve the beef in tacos with some cooking broth for dipping, or offer it over rice for a filling plate.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Slow Cooker Hatch Chili Salsa Chicken
Bright chile salsa gives the chicken a lively flavor while the slow cooker handles dinner. Slow Cooker Hatch Chili Salsa Chicken combines chicken breasts or thighs with Hatch chile salsa, onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes and makes six servings. Shred it for tacos, spoon it over rice, or tuck it into bowls with beans and toppings for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hatch Chili Salsa Chicken
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
A golden, crisp-topped finish makes this hearty casserole a familiar family favorite. Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole layers ground beef with corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar, onion, garlic powder, and tater tots. It takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes and serves six. Pair it with a simple green salad or serve it on its own when a filling, low-effort dinner is just right.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole