23 slow cooker dinners that make busy days run smoother

Photo of author

By Heidi Bruaw

| Published:

Busy days feel a whole lot easier when dinner is already taken care of. These slow cooker dinners simmer away while you get everything else done, filling the house with comforting aromas along the way. By the time evening rolls around, all that’s left to do is grab a plate and enjoy.

A plate of pot roast with sliced beef, baby potatoes, carrots, and onions, garnished with rosemary, sits on a table next to a green towel and a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

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.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting dinner that helps busy days run a little smoother. Tender chicken, baby potatoes, and sweet corn simmer low and slow in a rich, flavorful broth. A sprinkle of melty cheese and crispy bacon on top brings everything together for a bowl that feels extra satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Maid Rites

A sloppy joe sandwich with pickles on a sesame bun served with crinkle-cut French fries on a plate.
Slow Cooker Maid Rites. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These slow cooker Maid-Rites cook low and slow until the beef is tender, savory, and perfectly crumbly. Spoon that rich, seasoned filling onto soft buns and top with mustard and pickles for the classic finish. It tastes like you worked all day on it, but your slow cooker lets you take all the credit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Maid Rites

Slow Cooker Meatball Stew

A white bowl filled with a vegetable and meatball stew, garnished with peas and parsley, sits on a red checkered cloth next to fresh parsley, bread, and a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Meatball Stew is the kind of cozy dinner that makes life a little easier. The meatballs turn tender while the vegetables cook until just right, all in a rich, comforting broth. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it take care of dinner for you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatball Stew

Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

A stuffed chicken breast topped with herbs is served on mashed potatoes with a side of steamed broccoli on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker lemonade chicken cooks up tender and juicy with a fresh pop of citrus in every bite. The sweet and tangy flavor seeps into the chicken as it simmers low and slow. It’s one of those easy dinners that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

Tray of shredded pork tacos with diced onions and lime wedges, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.
Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos are a reliable dinner for busy nights. The pork cooks low and slow with enchilada sauce, green chiles, brown sugar, and a splash of Coca-Cola until tender and full of sweet, smoky flavor. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Two sloppy joe sandwiches topped with sliced jalapeños and sauce are served on a metal tray lined with parchment paper, with a striped napkin underneath.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes are sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy, packed with bacon, jalapeños, and tangy BBQ sauce. The slow cooker does the work, cooking the beef until it’s rich and tender. Spoon onto toasted buns with melty Colby Jack and watch them disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with black pepper and a cilantro leaf, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. Another identical bowl is partially visible in the background.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup cooks up smooth, cozy, and gently spiced. Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer away while your day goes on. By the time it’s ready, you’ll have a rich, comforting bowl of soup with barely any work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Plate with sliced roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, set on a wooden table with a blue cloth and a glass of iced tea in the background.
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker bacon-wrapped pork loin is a cozy, dependable dinner families trust on the busiest nights. Cooking low and slow keeps the pork tender while the bacon adds smoky flavor as it bastes. A touch of brown sugar melts into a glossy, savory-sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of pot roast with sliced beef, baby potatoes, carrots, and onions, garnished with rosemary, sits on a table next to a green towel and a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Rump Roast cooks low and slow until the beef turns fork-tender and packed with flavor. The meat becomes so tender it nearly falls apart, while the vegetables simmer in that rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of hearty dinner that helps busy days run a little smoother.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Two bowls of chili topped with avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Sliced lime and cheese bowl in the background on a marble surface.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker taco soup is filled with juicy chicken, tender meatballs, and cozy, slow-simmered spices. Shredded cabbage adds heartiness, and each bowl is finished with avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s an easy dinner that lets you take all the credit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with slices of cooked meat, sautéed onions, and herbs, served with Brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These slow cooker apple butter pork chops cook up tender and full of cozy flavor. As they simmer low and slow, the apple butter turns into a thick, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. Before long, the smell drifting through the house will have everyone wondering when dinner’s ready.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops

Slow cooker beef and broccoli

White bowl with beef and broccoli and rice with someone holding chopsticks over it.
Slow cooker beef and broccoli. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Slow cooker beef and broccoli comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor with hardly any effort. It’s a simple gluten-free dinner that takes the pressure off busy weeknights. Just set it, forget it, and let dinner practically make itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker beef and broccoli

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian pork roast simmers low and slow in the crockpot with herbs, spices, potatoes, and carrots. The pork becomes wonderfully tender while the vegetables soak up all that rich, savory flavor. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Close-up of shredded chicken with vegetables in a pan, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Add this slow cooker salsa chicken to your next dinner and watch it become a repeat request. It’s quick to prep but packed with bold flavor. With just chicken breasts and your favorite salsa, you’ll have tender, zesty chicken ready for easy meals all week.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Turmeric Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils.
Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Turmeric Lentil Soup is the kind of cozy bowl you’ll want when the weather starts to cool down. The lentils simmer until tender, soaking up warm spices that build rich, comforting flavor. It’s an easy recipe that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps filled with shredded meat and mixed slaw, placed on a plate.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

These slow cooker pulled pork lettuce wraps are a fresh, low-carb dinner that’s big on flavor and easy to pull together. The slow cooker turns a simple pork shoulder into tender, juicy meat that practically falls apart on its own. Pile it into crisp lettuce leaves and don’t be surprised when everyone goes back for another round.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Shredded beef garnished with lime slices and cilantro, served on a dark blue plate. Radishes are visible in the background on a wooden surface.
Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

This low carb slow cooker shredded beef is the kind of simple recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. It’s delicious tucked into tacos or lettuce wraps, and just as good served with rice or roasted vegetables. Leftovers are perfect for stirring into soup or topping a fresh green salad for an easy lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Marry Me Chicken in the Crockpot transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy dinner that tastes like something special. Tender chicken slow cooks in a garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s cozy, impressive, and sure to earn a few extra compliments at the table.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This slow cooker split pea soup is wonderfully simple, making it a great choice for busy days or for anyone just getting comfortable in the kitchen. Just chop the ingredients, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it handle the work. Let it simmer on low all day, or switch it to high when you need dinner ready a bit sooner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Creamy chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings cooks up into a warm, hearty meal that feels like pure comfort in a bowl. Simple ingredients simmer together in the slow cooker, creating tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that’s perfect for gathering the family around the table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Mississippi Pot Roast

A blue bowl filled with shredded pot roast on mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley and whole yellow peppers.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast comes together with simple ingredients like ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and butter for rich, flavorful beef. After a quick sear, everything goes into the slow cooker to work its magic. Hours later, the roast turns perfectly tender and easy to pull apart.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker pork loin turns out incredibly tender after hours of low, gentle cooking. It’s an easy recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful meat every time. One bite and you’ll see just how simple slow cooker cooking can be.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker mac and cheese makes a comforting classic incredibly easy to prepare. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it handle the work for you. The result is a rich, creamy, perfectly cheesy dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

17 copycat recipes so spot on, the originals can’t compete

31 spring dishes that smell like lemon, garlic, herbs, and finally getting your life back

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.