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40+ Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Try in 2025

By: sixstoreys
Updated On: May 25, 2025

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a meal that’s been slow-cooking all day. I’ve always been a huge fan of slow cooker recipes—not just because they’re effortless, but because they turn simple ingredients into something really comforting and full of flavor. Whether I’m tackling a busy weekday or just want to let dinner cook itself while I handle life, my slow cooker is basically my kitchen BFF. That’s why I’ve rounded up over 40 of my absolute favorite easy slow cooker recipes. These dishes are tried, true, and ridiculously delicious. From tender meats and cozy soups to hearty stews and dump-and-go meals, I’ve got you covered.

Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

40+ Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This is my cold-weather lifesaver—rich, tender, and tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!).

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  3. Stir before serving and enjoy warm.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Creamy, cheesy, and done without standing over the stove.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz fettuccine (added later)
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add chicken, cream, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.
  3. Shred chicken, add Parmesan and cooked fettuccine. Stir and serve.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

So easy and unbelievably tender—perfect for sandwiches or nachos.

Ingredients:

  • 3–4 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Mix sauce, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in slow cooker.
  2. Add pork and coat well.
  3. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred and mix with juices.

4. Slow Cooker Chili

Hearty, spicy, and one of my favorite crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown ground beef before adding to the slow cooker.
  2. Add all ingredients and stir.
  3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

5. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

The kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb chuck roast
  • 1 lb baby potatoes
  • 4 carrots
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 packet onion soup mix

Instructions:

  1. Place roast in the slow cooker.
  2. Add vegetables, broth, and soup mix.
  3. Cook on low for 8–9 hours until fork-tender.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Set it, forget it, and come back to taco night made easy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 jar salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Shred and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

7. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

No boiling, no baking—just creamy cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 2½ cups shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring halfway through.
  3. Serve warm.

8. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and pairs beautifully with rice or veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  3. Spoon sauce over chicken before serving.

9. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Everything cooks in the peppers—super easy and super delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Mix beef, rice, onion, and seasoning. Stuff into peppers.
  2. Pour sauce over peppers.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours.

10. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Sticky, sweet, and full of flavor—this one never lasts long at my house.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Whisk sauce ingredients and pour over chicken in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.
  3. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.

11. Slow Cooker Lasagna

Lasagna with zero oven time? Yes, please.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
  • 1½ cups ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef and mix with marinara.
  2. Layer sauce, noodles (broken), ricotta, and mozzarella in slow cooker.
  3. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
  4. Cook on low 4–6 hours.

12. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Warm, thick, and hearty—just like Grandma used to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb split peas
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups broth
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 8 hours. Remove ham hock and shred meat into soup.

13. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

The rice soaks up all the flavor—super satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir and fluff before serving.

14. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup

Perfect with grilled cheese. I love how smooth and cozy this turns out.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp basil

Instructions:

  1. Add everything except cream and cook on low for 6 hours.
  2. Blend until smooth and stir in cream.

15. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Juicy and light—great for meal prep or subs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

  1. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Roll into balls.
  2. Place in slow cooker with sauce.
  3. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

16. Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and so easy for holiday dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs potatoes, peeled & cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook potatoes, garlic, and broth on low 6 hours.
  2. Mash in butter and milk before serving.

17. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Zesty, juicy, and perfect in tacos, bowls, or over rice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 jar salsa verde
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 lime, juiced

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 hours. Shred and serve.

18. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Wholesome and filling—this one’s perfect for meatless Mondays.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 onion
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups broth
  • 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

  1. Add everything to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 7–8 hours.

19. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Rich, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1/2 onion
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Cook broccoli, carrot, onion, and broth on low 5–6 hours.
  2. Stir in milk and cheese before serving.

20. Slow Cooker Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone goodness with zero babysitting.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby back ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rub ribs with seasonings and place in cooker.
  2. Pour BBQ sauce over.
  3. Cook on low for 8 hours.

21. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

Creamy, sweet, and hearty—this one gets requested a lot.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

  1. Cook everything except cream on low for 7 hours.
  2. Stir in cream and heat through before serving.

22. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Sticky, sweet, and better than takeout.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 clove garlic

Instructions:

  1. Mix sauce ingredients and pour over chicken.
  2. Cook on low 6 hours.
  3. Serve with rice and veggies.

23. Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

All the flavor of cabbage rolls—none of the rolling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef. Layer everything in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

24. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Tender beef and au jus = sandwich heaven.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chuck roast
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Hoagie rolls
  • Swiss cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook roast, broth, and soup mix on low 8 hours.
  2. Shred meat and serve on rolls with melted cheese and dipping juice.

25. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Yes, dessert too. This one’s gooey, rich, and surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 box instant chocolate pudding
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1½ cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Mix cake batter as directed. Pour into greased cooker.
  2. Mix pudding with milk and pour on top.
  3. Sprinkle chocolate chips.
  4. Cook on low 2–3 hours.

26. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Warm apples and crunchy topping = perfect fall dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 6 apples, sliced
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Layer apples in slow cooker.
  2. Mix topping and sprinkle over.
  3. Cook on low 3–4 hours.

27. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

A childhood favorite—now made easier.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef and onion. Add all to cooker.
  2. Cook on low 4–5 hours.

28. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

The ultimate sick-day or cozy-night-in soup.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 4 cups broth
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 cups egg noodles (added later)

Instructions:

  1. Add everything except noodles.
  2. Cook on low 6–7 hours.
  3. Shred chicken, add noodles and cook 15–20 mins more.

29. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Perfect for lazy Italian nights.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 jar marinara
  • 1 cup ricotta
  • 2 cups cooked ziti
  • 1½ cups mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage. Layer ingredients in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 4 hours.

30. Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

Tex-Mex layers of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can enchilada sauce
  • 1 can black beans
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 1½ cups cheddar

Instructions:

  1. Layer tortillas, beef, beans, sauce, and cheese.
  2. Cook on low 4–5 hours.

31. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Creamy, mildly spicy, and packed with flavor—this chili is a game-day winner at my house.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 can white beans, drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can green chilies
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese (added later)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients except cream cheese to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
  3. Shred chicken, stir in cream cheese, and cook 15 more minutes.

32. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

This is my lazy version of a sausage hoagie—just toss and cook.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage links
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

  1. Layer sausage, peppers, onion, and sauce in cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Serve on hoagie rolls or over pasta.

33. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy, cheesy, and a total crowd favorite. I bring this to nearly every party.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

  1. Mix everything in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve warm with chips or veggies.

34. Slow Cooker Rice Pudding

Creamy and comforting, this dessert is my go-to after dinner on chilly nights.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup white rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve warm or chilled.

35. Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan

All the Italian flavor without frying—just layer and forget.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggplants, sliced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Layer sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  2. Repeat layers and top with cheese.
  3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.

36. Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Restaurant-quality and oh-so-simple. I serve this over mashed potatoes or pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, added later)
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add chicken, mushrooms, wine, and broth.
  2. Cook on low 5–6 hours.
  3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 15 mins more to thicken.

37. Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Creamy, nutty, and full of flavor—this recipe makes a killer rice bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1/2 tsp ginger

Instructions:

  1. Mix sauce ingredients and pour over chicken.
  2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
  3. Shred and serve with rice or noodles.

38. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

A sweet and gooey dessert that practically makes itself.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can peach pie filling (or 4 sliced fresh peaches with sugar)
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Spread peaches in slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top.
  3. Drizzle with melted butter and cinnamon.
  4. Cook on low for 2–3 hours.

39. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Tender meatballs, pasta, and greens—this soup always feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb small meatballs (raw or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup pasta (like acini di pepe)
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients except pasta and spinach.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Add pasta and spinach, cook 20 more minutes.

40. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash & Meat Sauce

A low-carb meal that’s still super satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 1 spaghetti squash (whole)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pierce squash several times and place in cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low 6 hours.
  3. Remove, cut, and scrape out strands.
  4. Mix with cooked meat and sauce. Serve warm.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something magical about throwing ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a house that smells like dinner already made itself. These 40+ easy slow cooker recipes have saved me on busy weekdays, lazy weekends, and even special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just trying to make life a little easier, I hope this list helps you find a few new go-to favorites. Trust me—once you start slow cooking regularly, you’ll never want to go back. Happy cooking!

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