51 Best Slow-Cooker Recipes for Set-It-and-Forget-It Meals
We can’t think of an easier way to get dinner on the table than using one of these slow-cooker recipes. While these countertop appliances won’t slice and dice for you, they’ll handle pretty much everything else—just fill it up with all the recipe’s ingredients, select the appropriate level of heat, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.
If it’s time for you to phase out an old hand-me-down Crock-Pot and upgrade to a newer model, start with our slow cooker product reviews, then scroll down to find all of our favorite ways to use these machines, including perfectly cooked oatmeal and polenta, tender carnitas and pulled chicken, and hearty soups and other easy dinner recipes to feed you throughout the week.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry1/51Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder With Zesty Basil Sauce
The secret not everyone realizes about slow cooker recipes is that they're ideal for both cozy winter meals and dinners in the heat of summer when you can't bear to turn on your oven. This meltingly tender pork shoulder is the ultimate make-ahead main dish. It looks—and tastes—fancy, but it's really no-fuss.
Photo by Katrina Meynink and Kait Barker3/51Slow Cooker Chipotle Tomato Beans With Prosciutto Crumb
Cook dried beans in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce, then top with crumbled crisped prosciutto that’s been tossed with breadcrumbs. Have time for a quick-cooked egg? You can let your Instant Pot do that.
Photo by Johnny Miller4/51Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker
Yes, you can cook your holiday ham in the slow cooker. And yes, you should. This recipe from chef Alex Guarnaschelli adds flavor to a spiral-cut ham by cooking it in a bath of maple syrup and apple juice. Serve the tender meat on a bed of braised cabbage, if you like.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks5/51Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Dawn Perry8/51Slow Cooker Amaretto-Poached Peaches
Photo by JP Bevins, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone9/51Slow-Cooker Green Chicken Chili
Made with chicken, sweet potatoes, tomatillo salsa, and pinto beans, this easy game day chili is a cross between chile verde and white chicken chili. Top with creamy sliced avocado, cilantro leaves, sour cream, and/or finely chopped onion, and serve with cornbread if you really want to go all out.
Photo by Katrina Meynink and Kait Barker11/51Slow Cooker Potato, Leek, and Kale Gratin With Too Much Cheese
This cheesy gratin gets bold flavor from Gruyère, Parmesan, and blue cheese. You could serve this alongside a roast chicken (or store-bought rotisserie bird) or just offer a simple green salad with it.
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee12/51Slow Cooker Ribollita
Every winter, we crave hearty cannellini bean soup, thickened with torn country bread. This slow-cooker Italian dish is one of those soup recipes that tastes even better as leftovers.
Photo by Andrew Purcell13/51Slow Cooker Savory Oatmeal with Bacon, Scallions, and Cheddar
If you love cheesy grits, you'll adore this savory oatmeal. Top with a fried or poached egg.
Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick14/51Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Roast With Scalloped Potatoes and Easy Steamed Broccoli
