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80 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

It's time to break out your crockpot!

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slow cooker tex mex chicken soup
Mike Garten

Between Instant Pot recipes and air fryer dinners, it's never been easier to make delicious dinners with just a little bit of effort and time. Slow cooker recipes are perfect for when you want perfectly tender meat or a slow-simmered soup, but you don't have a whole afternoon to hovering over an over or stove. If you need some inspiration for your neck meal, look to these easy slow cooker recipes.

You can even still make many of these recipes even if you don't have a traditional slow cooker on hand as your Instant Pot can also function as one. Another bonus of these slow cooker recipes is that they allow you to get dinner on the table without turning on the stove or oven — which can be a blessing during those long spring and summer days when you can't bring yourself to stand in a hot kitchen.

While these recipes are often thought of as being great weeknight options or make-ahead meals, we think these recipes might inspire you to use your slow cooker for even special occasions. After all, you can make things like brisket, roast chicken, savory mashed potatoes and even dessert in this nifty pot. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling!

1

Slow-Cooker White Bean Soup with Pistou

slow cooker white bean soup with pistou
mike garten

Throw all your ingredients into a slow cooker in the a.m., then let this vegetarian soup simmer away all day. That way, you can come home to something comforting. (P.S. Each serving clocks in 15 grams of protein!)

Get the Slow-Cooker White Bean Soup with Pistou recipe.

RELATED: The Best Slow Cookers to Buy, According to Experts

2

Ropa Vieja

slow cooker recipes ropa vieja
Mike Garten

This slow-cooker Cuban dish brings together tender beef, red peppers, onions, garlic and tomatoes. It's hearty and pairs perfectly with black beans and fluffy rice.

Get the Ropa Vieja recipe.

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3

Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde

slow cooker recipes pozole verde
Mike Garten

This cozy dish made with chicken thighs, tomatillos, poblano peppers, and cilantro is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can even freeze a few servings of this to have on hand anytime.

Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde recipe.

4

Slow Cooker BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich With Pineapple Slaw

slow cooker recipes bbq jackfruit sandwich
Mike Garten

Whether you need a new dish for meatless Monday or you're wondering what to make for the vegetarians at the summer barbecue, this dish deserves a spot on the table. It couldn't be easier to make!

Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich With Pineapple Slaw recipe.

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5

Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup

slow cooker recipes smoky vegan black bean soup
Mike Garten

This hearty, veggie-packed soup comes together in your slow cooker, but if you're short on time you can also make it in an Instant Pot.

Get the Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup recipe.

6

Carnitas Tacos

carnitas tacos   cinco de mayo recipes
Mike Garten

Taco Tuesdays just got a whole lot better (and easier!) with this delicious recipe made in the slow cooker.

Get the Carnitas Tacos recipe.

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7

Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Ribs

slow cooked teriyaki ribs with a side of coleslaw on a plate
Emily Kate Roemer

These teriyaki ribs are so easy and tasty — especially when served up with some light slaw.

Get the Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Ribs recipe.

8

Slow-Cooker Meatballs

meatballs on sliders on a sheet pan
Brian Woodcock

This Italian favorite tastes even better when made in your slow cooker.

Get the Slow-Cooker Meatballs recipe.

RELATED: 51 Delicious Ways to Have Meatballs for Dinner

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9

White Bean Cassoulet With Pork and Lentils

white bean cassoulet with pork and lentils
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Waiting for this cassoulet to simmer all day long will totally be worth it when you taste the final result.

Get the White Bean Cassoulet With Pork and Lentils recipe.

10

Crock-Pot Chicken With Walnut-Herb Sauce

crock pot chicken with walnut herb sauce
Mike Garten

Forget supermarket rotisserie chicken — this ultimate Crock Pot chicken recipe will be the star of your table.

Get the Crock-Pot Chicken With Walnut-Herb Sauce recipe.

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11

Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

slow cooker tex mex chicken soup
Mike Garten

This comforting chicken soup combines all the best flavors of Tex-Mex — and is topped with homemade tortilla strips for extra crunch.

Get the Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken Soup recipe.

12

Slow Cooker Cider-Braised Pot Roast

slow cooker cider braised pot roast
Romulo Yanes

Apple cider allows this hearty pot roast to become incredibly tender (and tasty) in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow Cooker Cider-Braised Pot Roast recipe.

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13

Slow Cooker Sesame-Garlic Chicken

sesame garlic chicken and broccoli over white rice
Emily Kate Roemer/Studio D

A delicious Asian-inspired dish, all with minimum effort.

Get the Slow Cooker Sesame-Garlic Chicken recipe.

RELATED: 25 Rice Bowl Recipes That Make Cooking Dinner Almost Too Easy

14

Slow-Cooker Brisket

gluten free recipesdinners
DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO

Not only is this tender brisket made in the slow cooker, it also requires only six ingredients!

Get the Slow-Cooker Brisket recipe.

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15

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Chicken & Potatoes

slow cooker lemon butter chicken potatoes
Brandon Bales

Slow-cooking this lemony chicken makes it oh-so-tender (and it's cooked up with the most delicious potatoes, too).

Get the Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Chicken & Potatoes recipe.

16

Pecan-Stuffed "Baked" Apples

pecan stuffed baked apples
Con Poulos

A light and fruity dessert made with zero effort? Sign us up ASAP.

Get the Pecan Stuffed Baked Apples recipe.

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17

Slow-Cooker Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

slow cooker recipes rosemary mashed potatoes
Mike Garten

This creamy dish isn't just for Thanksgiving! Enjoy mashed potatoes any night of the week with this simple slow cooker recipe.

Get the Slow-Cooker Rosemary Mashed Potatoes recipe from Woman's Day.

18

Slow Cooker Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

slow cooker recipes vegan butternut squash recipe
Lucy Schaeffer

This gorgeous soup gets its creaminess from coconut milk, making it vegan-friendly. Top it with chopped cilantro or toasted seeds for an extra crunch.

Get the Slow Cooker Vegan Butternut Squash Soup recipe from Delish.

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19

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

slow cooker recipes pot roast
Erik Bernstein

This savory pot roast tastes like you spent hours tending to it in the kitchen. You do have to brown the roast before putting it in the slow cooker, but we promise it's worth the time and effort.

Get the Slow-Cooker Pot Roast recipe from Delish.

20

Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup

slow cooker recipes creamy chicken potato soup
Lucy Schaeffer

If you want a recipe that comes together entirely in the slow cooker — no searing, no immersion blender — consider this cozy soup made with chicken breast, vegetables, and cream cheese.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken & Potato Soup recipe from Delish.

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