Listicles
ByAmy Glander
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: May 08, 2024
Turn to these easy slow cooker recipes for the best set-it-and-forget-it meals. Explore ideas for dinner, appetizers and dessert.
1/64
Country-Style Barbecue Ribs
These get a good sear under the broiler, then go into the slow cooker to become fall-apart tender. Enjoy them with great sides, or shredded on a bun. Either way, they’re the most amazing ribs you’ll ever have. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
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2/64
Chicken Mushroom Stew
The flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
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3/64
Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
From the tenderest meat to flavorful vegetables, this slow-cooker pepper steak is a perfectly tasty weeknight meal that doesn’t require too much thought to throw together.
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4/64
Deviled Swiss Steak
This main dish is satisfying all by itself, but you can also serve the Swiss steak over hot mashed potatoes. —Melissa Gerken, Zumbrota, Minnesota
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5/64
Apple-Dijon Pork Roast
This recipe takes just minutes to assemble and is delicious. I like to serve the roast with rice, then use the tangy sauce as a gravy for both. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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6/64
Tender Beef over Noodles
I dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes terrific with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon
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7/64
Slow-Cooked Peach Pork Chops
“I played around with many variations of this recipe until I came up with one that was just right,” Bonnie Morrow writes from Spencerport, New York. “The warm peaches make an excellent side dish for the pork.”
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8/64
Mushroom Pork Ragout
Savory slow-cooked pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
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9/64
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip will be the hit of the party. The combo of shredded chicken, cheese and wing sauce is melty, gooey and delicious.
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10/64
Crazy Delicious Baby Back Ribs
My husband craves a good ribs recipe, so we cook them multiple ways. This low and slow method with a tangy sauce is the best we’ve found. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
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11/64
Slow-Cooker Dump Cake
Our crockpot dump cake combinesthe classic flavors of pineapple upside-down cake with the ease of slow-cooking. Just dump the ingredients in and let them simmer—it doesn’t get much better than that!
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12/64
Sunday Chicken Supper
I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
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13/64
Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs
This recipe for slow-cooker chicken thighs always goes over big with my family. They turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin. Want to try more recipes? Learn how to make slow-cooker chicken and rice.
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14/64
Slow-Cooker Chai Tea
A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
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15/64
Hawaiian Pork Roast with Pineapple
This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. It’s wonderful with rice or potatoes and any vegetable. It also reheats well for lunch the next day. —Ruth Chiarenza La Vale, Maryland
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16/64
Chicken Soft Tacos
My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
17/64
Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
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18/64
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
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19/64
Shredded Steak Sandwiches
I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
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20/64
Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake
Here in Wisconsin, winter weather is extreme. A hot dessert is just the thing to warm us up. This slow-cooked chocolate cake gets its crunch from a sprinkling of peanuts. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
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21/64
Boston Baked Beans
Simmered in molasses, these slow-cooker Boston baked beans are perfect to take to your next potluck. The sauce is sweet, dark and rich and they complement anything you serve with them.—Darlene Duncan, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
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22/64
Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
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23/64
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey
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24/64
Corn Spoon Bread
This slow-cooked spoon bread is more tender than corn pudding made in the oven, and the cream cheese is a nice addition. —Tamara Ellefson, Frederic, Wisconsin
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25/64
Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
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26/64
Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
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27/64
Sassy Pot Roast
I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
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28/64
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
This slow-cooker chicken tacos recipe is anything but boring or bland. Fresh lime juice, chili powder, salsa and corn give the tender chicken a burst of fresh flavor.
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29/64
Tomato Hamburger Soup
As a full-time teacher, I only have time to cook from scratch a few nights each week. This slow-cooker soup recipe makes a big enough batch to feed my family for two nights. —Julie Kruger, St. Cloud, Minnesota
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30/64
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
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31/64
Apple Butterscotch Crisp
I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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32/64
This dish is appreciated any time of the year, but I love serving it on holiday mornings. Once started, it requires little attention. It's a fun meal for the family. —Andrea Schaak, Jordan, Minnesota
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33/64
This creamy dip reminds me of my dad, who took us crabbing as kids. Our fingers were always tired after those excursions, but eating the fresh crab was worth it. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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34/64
Curried Lentil Soup
Curry gives a different taste sensation to this chili-like soup. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream. My family welcomes it with open arms—and watering mouths. —Christina Till, South Haven, Michigan
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35/64
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
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36/64
Sweet ‘n’ Sour Ribs
If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois
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37/64
Flavorful White Chili
For a tasty twist on conventional chili, try this low-fat version. It's packed with plenty of beans, tender grilled chicken and a zippy blend of spices. —Wilda Bensenhaver of Deland, Florida
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38/64
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
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39/64
Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
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40/64
Sage Turkey Thighs
I created this for my boys, who love dark meat. It is more convenient than cooking a whole turkey and reminds me of our traditional Thanksgiving turkey that's seasoned with sage. —Natalie Swanson, Baltimore, Maryland
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41/64
Warm Broccoli Cheese Dip
When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia
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42/64
Marinated Pot Roast
I've long used whole or ground cloves as my secret ingredient in cooking and baking. Added to an overnight marinade, they provide the gravy in this meaty main dish with great flavor. —Marijane Rea of Milwaukie, Oregon
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43/64
Spiced Acorn Squash
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
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44/64
Meat Loaf Burgers
These hearty meat loaf sandwiches are delightful for potluck dinners. Served on hamburger buns, the beefy patties get extra flavor when topped with the seasoned tomato sauce. —Peggy Burdick, Burlington, Michigan
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45/64
Sweet ‘n’ Sour Curry Chicken
A little mango chutney goes a long way in adding a zesty twist to chicken. I also add some curry powder to give the dish flair. —Carol Conrad, Edmonton, Alberta
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46/64
Pork Carnitas
I use this recipe often when entertaining. I set out all the toppings, and folks have fun assembling their own carnitas. Because I can prepare everything in advance, I get to spend more time with my guests. —Tracy Byers, Corvallis, Oregon
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47/64
Orange Spiced Cider
Every time I serve this wonderful hot beverage, someone asks for the recipe. Orange juice adds a bit of sweetness and Red Hots are a fun substitute for traditional cinnamon sticks. —Erika Reinhard, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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48/64
Pineapple Baked Beans
Tangy pineapple dresses up these hearty baked beans. Brown the beef while you open the cans and chop the vegetables—it doesn't take long to get this side dish ready for the slow cooker. —Gladys De Boer, Castleford, Idaho
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49/64
Slow-Cooker Burgundy Beef
When my adult children are coming over for dinner, this is the request. All three of them, and their significant others, love this dish. Yum! — Urilla Cheverie, Alfred, Maine
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50/64
Applesauce Sweet Potatoes
During the holidays, using a slow cooker not only frees up oven space, but time, too! Sweet potatoes are a must on our family menu, and this no-fuss version will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. —Pamela Allen, Marysville, Ohio
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51/64
Pork and Beef Barbecue
It's the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a little lettuce and tomato for a crisp contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, Michigan
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52/64
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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53/64
Molten Mocha Cake
When I first made my decadent slow-cooker chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. Now it's one of my daughter's favorites. Later, I gave one of these cakes to our next-door neighbors. Turns out their teenage son, who'd answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
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54/64
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
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55/64
French Dip Sandwiches
I found this recipe in one of our local publications. It's perfect for an easy weeknight meal, since the meat cooks all day without any attention. —Dianne Joy Richardson, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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56/64
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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57/64
This filling Tex-Mex egg casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia
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58/64
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
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59/64
Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Italian sausage and feta cheese give zest to the rice filling in these tender peppers I've prepared often over the years. When I was married in 1970, slow cookers were the rage. In our home, it's one appliance that's never gone out of style. —Judy Earl, Sarasota, Florida
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60/64
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine
Convenient canned soup and process American cheese hurry along the assembly of this creamy sauce loaded with delicious chunks of chicken. —Melissa Cowser, Greenville, Texas
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61/64
Slow Cooker Fruit Compote
I use canned goods and my slow cooker to whip up an old-fashioned treat that’s loaded with sweet fruits. It makes a cozy dessert or even a change-of-pace side dish for large parties. —Mary Ann Jonns, Midlothian, Illinois
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62/64
Pumpkin Oatmeal
There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
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63/64
Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler
I adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona
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64/64
Polynesian Pulled Chicken
I love the aroma of pork as it cooks but don't eat pork, so I make a pulled chicken with coconut and pineapple for a Polynesian twist. —Becky Walch, Manteca, California
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Originally Published: February 27, 2019
Author
Amy Glander
Amy is a former book editor at Taste of Home where she poured her passion for food and storytelling into a range of trade and series cookbooks. When she's not writing or editing, you'll find Amy cooking and baking from vintage cookbooks and exploring Milwaukee's urban beauty with her DSLR camera in hand.
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