As the chaos of Thanksgiving prep looms, the last thing anyone wants is a week of complicated dinners. Enter the slow cooker: your trusty, hands-off chef for cozy meals that take minimal effort. These recipes bring all the ease of letting your food cook itself while you tackle everything else on your list. From comforting stews to tender pulled pork, these dishes give you one less thing to worry about.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Skip the takeout and go for this honey garlic chicken right at home in the slow cooker. A sweet, sticky sauce with pieces of pineapple adds just the right amount of flavor to make this a family favorite. It’s an easy recipe that brings out the comfort of a slow-cooked meal perfect for pre-holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These BBQ apple pulled pork sandwiches are paired with a sage, apple, carrot, and raisin slaw, bringing autumn flavors into every bite. A simple way to serve up a seasonal favorite while letting the slow cooker handle most of the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
Shredded Mexican beef bowls loaded with rice, beans, plantains, and peppers make this a balanced option for meal prep. Perfect for days when the slow cooker can prep meals with minimal effort, making it a solid choice leading up to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A fresh take on beef stew that keeps the kitchen cool. This version includes summer vegetables for a lighter, seasonal twist and cooks all day for a ready-to-eat dinner with ease.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Frittata
Packed with grated zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto, this frittata is topped with an arugula salad for extra freshness. Perfect as a breakfast or dinner option that the slow cooker brings together easily, especially for a busy pre-holiday week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Frittata
Slow Cooker Tri-Tip
Tri-Tip Roast in the slow cooker uses just a few ingredients and fresh herbs to create a meal with hardly any prep. This dish is great for feeding the family and couldn’t be easier to make, offering a tender roast to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri-Tip
Kabocha Squash Chili
Kabocha squash chili, a hearty vegetarian option, brings a nutty and subtly sweet flavor without needing meat. Ideal for a pre-holiday meal that’s satisfying, especially with kabocha squash in season.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Balsamic pulled pork served over cheesy polenta with cilantro-infused avocado crema. This dish is comfort food done right, providing a mix of flavors that come together easily in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Whether served over mashed sweet potatoes or pasta, this short rib ragu is a cozy, rich option for cooler days. An effortless way to bring warmth and flavor to the table, ideal for the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot
This pork loin practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the slow cooker’s magic. With minimal effort, you get tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot
Slow Cooker Barbacoa
This copycat Chipotle barbacoa recipe brings juicy, tender, and flavorful meat to your tacos without leaving the house. It’s an easy way to recreate a favorite, using the slow cooker for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Crock Pot Ramen
Crock Pot Ramen is all about simplicity—just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do its thing. A hands-off way to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of ramen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
A quick-prep creamy chicken dish that works well for busy days. With tender chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s a great choice to add a comforting meal to the week before Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow cooker enchiladas combine spicy, tangy, cheesy flavors with tender chicken and enchilada sauce. A solid weeknight option that’s ready without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
This pepper steak is an easy, all-day dish that lets you come home to a meal that’s been simmering in flavors. A stress-free option to keep dinners simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Cheesy ranch chicken is just the thing to come home to after a long day, with a creamy, cheesy topping that’s hard to beat. Perfect for anyone looking for a dish that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu
A slow-cooker take on classic chicken cordon bleu, delivering the same comforting flavors with a hands-off approach. Perfect for those who want an easy yet impressive meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu