70 Crockpot Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves
If you can't afford a live-in chef, delicious and easy Crockpot recipes are basically your next best option. Sure, some slow-cooker tips may involve a bit of advance prep and patience, but the rest of the process is almost always hands-off and easy as can be—something a little like having a live-in chef, we imagine.
The beauty with a lot of slow-cooker recipes is the simplicity. Often, all you really have to do is add ingredients to a Crockpot before hitting the road (or the home office five feet away) so that the dish can simmer by itself while you go about your business. You can even adjust the settings to enable your machine to cook faster or slower, depending on the amount of hands-off time you need. That way, when you do finally get home (or finish work for the day), you’ll have piping hot food ready in the nick of time.
This general slow-cooking method can apply to just about every dish you can imagine. We're talking takeout-inspired savory mains (like noodles or curries), delectable snacks and sides (like nuts or veggies), homey scratch-made meals (like casseroles or pot roasts), wholesome breakfasts (like oatmeal or egg dishes), and gooey sweets (like fruit crisps or chocolatey delights). And, let's not forget the signature Crockpot meals: hearty soups and stews galore.
Some recipes, like those desserts, may have you take a few extra steps, like buttering the slow cooker or lining it with baking paper so that nothing sticks. And some soups may also require a bit of searing and sautéing, for instance, before you let the Crockpot take over cooking duties and do its thing. But even in that case, you wind up cutting down on your hands-on time tremendously.
From breakfast to dinner (and dessert) these 70 slow-cooker recipes will have you feasting like a royal. Once you've done your work, you can sit back, relax, and let the slow cooker do the chef's work for you.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell1Slow-Cooker Braised Beef in Baked Potatoes from SELF
Tender braised beef is the perfect filling for baked potatoes. Make this savory, filling meal ahead of time and eat it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Beacom and Stacie Hassing via The Real Food Dietitians2Slow-Cooker Spiced Nuts from The Real Food Dietitians
The only bad thing about these sweet, spiced nuts is having to resist going at them while the smell of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cardamon, nutmeg, and vanilla wafts through your kitchen for two-and-a-half hours while they cook. A clever lining of parchment paper keeps the tempting snacks from sticking to the slow cooker.
Get the recipe here.
Erin Clarke via Well Plated3Beef and Broccoli from Well Plated
This takeout favorite is satisfying as is thanks to plenty of beef and broccoli. Try serving it over a bed of brown rice for a meal that also has all the carbs you need.
Get the recipe here.
Karina Carrel via Cafe Delites4Tortellini Minestrone Soup from Cafe Delites
You'll want to wait until this stew has had at least 20 minutes to stew before adding the tortellini. Otherwise, they may end up mushy and overcooked.
Get the recipe here.
Denise Bustard via Sweet Peas and Saffron5Broccoli, Ginger, and Turmeric Soup from Sweet Peas and Saffron
This soup is filled with bold and warm flavors from ginger and turmeric that will heat you right up in cold weather.
Get the recipe here.
Heidi Larsen via Foodie Crush6Kale and Turkey Meatball Soup from Foodie Crush
Who doesn't want a soup filled with meatballs? This is a great slow-cooker recipe to keep in mind for big family dinners because it makes a bunch of servings.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay Cotter via Cotter Crunch7Barbecue Lentil Chili from Cotter Crunch
This vegetarian chili is a great base for all kinds of toppings, from Ritz crackers to sour cream. Keep it vegan by opting for dairy-free and plant-based toppings instead.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay Ostrom via Pinch of Yum8Quinoa Chicken Primavera from Pinch of Yum
With fresh spring veggies, quinoa, cheese, garlic, and chicken, this slow-cooker meal has everything you could want. Can't find the fresh spring veggies this recipe calls for? Frozen vegetables will work just as well.
Get the recipe here.
Lori Yates via Foxes Love Lemons9Sausage, Apples, and Fennel from Foxes Love Lemons
These German-inspired apples and sausages taste great with a pint of beer. Use what you can't eat immediately as a quick and tasty sandwich or wrap filling.
Get the recipe here.
Blair Lonergan via The Seasoned Mom10Greek Chicken Gyros from The Seasoned Mom
The slow-cooked filling for these chicken gyros is great in so many ways—sandwiched between two slices of white bread, wrapped in a pita, or even eaten over a bed of rice.
Get the recipe here.
Chungah Rhee via Damn Delicious11Tomato, Kale, and Quinoa Soup from Damn Delicious
Filled with all the beans and veggies, this vegan Crockpot soup will keep you full for days. OK maybe not days, but at least until your next meal.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Beacom and Stacie Hassing via The Real Food Dietitians12Buffalo Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from The Real Food Dietitians
Here's a great way to satisfy your buffalo wing cravings on a daily basis. Prep a large amount of the buffalo chicken filling and use it to fill up sweet potatoes as featured above, or in all kinds of other applications, like sandwiches and salads.
Get the recipe here.
Lee Hersh via Fit Foodie Finds13Coconut Chicken Curry from Fit Foodie Finds
A touch of chili powder turns up the heat on this satisfying curry. Full-fat coconut cream makes the whole thing creamy and luxurious without any actual dairy.
Get the recipe here.
Alyssa Rimmer via Simply Quinoa14Lentil Sloppy Joes from Simply Quinoa
When it comes to delicious vegan Crockpot recipes, slow-cooked legumes are where it's at. Using lentils to make plant-based sloppy joes is a great way to achieve the same flavors as the original without any actual meat.
Get the recipe here.
Lori Yates via Foxes Love Lemons15Thai Turkey Noodle Bowls from Foxes Love Lemons
You'll use your slow cooker to make the turkey for this recipe, and while it cooks you'll have time to put all your toppings together. When the meat is ready, so is everything else.
Get the recipe here.
Erin Alderson via Naturally Ella16Rutabaga Gratin With Millet from Naturally Ella
Not sure what to do with rutabaga? Try this easy, creamy recipe. A combination of gruyère, mascarpone, and whole milk creates a cheesy texture, and a bit of crunchy millet creates balance.
Get the recipe here.
Erin Clarke via Well Plated17White Chicken Chili from Well Plated
White chicken chili is the creamy stew of your dreams. This recipe is packed with white beans and shredded chicken, and loaded with sour cream, avocado, and sliced jalapeños.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird Food18Sausage Kale Soup from Eating Bird Food
Kale, carrots, and sausage simmer together on low for six hours to create this filling and warming stew. Eat it with crusty country bread or brown rice for a truly satiating meal.
Get the recipe here.
Becca Pusey via Easy Cheesy Vegetarian19Burrito Bowls from Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
Yes, you can make burrito bowls in a slow cooker. This recipe starts like any other healthy slow-cooker recipe: Simply toss all your ingredients into the pot, even the rice, and let it cook for around three hours. Before you know it, you'll have a takeout-style dinner ready and waiting.
Get the recipe here.
Lee Hersh via Fit Foodie Finds20Honey Sriracha Chicken from Fit Foodie Finds
Fans of easy slow cooker chicken recipes, take note: You'll want to serve this delicate and spicy shredded chicken with a side of brown rice and vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Get the recipe here.
Heidi Larsen via Foodie Crush21Mediterranean Egg Casserole from Foodie Crush
This recipe is perfect for brunch parties because you can cook it overnight. That way, when you wake up groggy from the night before, breakfast is the last thing you need to worry about.
Get the recipe here.
Monique Volz via Ambitious Kitchen22Tofu Tikka Masala from Ambitious Kitchen
This vegan Crockpot recipe is a satisfying choice whether you stick to a plant-based diet or not. That's all thanks to a hearty base of tofu, which can be just as satisfying and juicy as any piece of meat.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell; Carrie Purcell23Meal-Prep Pork Shoulder from SELF
Having slow-cooked pulled pork ready and waiting in your fridge is a gateway to quick and speedy lunches and dinners. You'll never have to think twice about adding protein to salads and grain bowls with this tender meat waiting in your fridge.
Get the recipe here.
Chungah Rhee via Damn Delicious24Tomato Basil Soup from Damn Delicious
This Crockpot soup is topped with grilled cheese croutons (!), as if the fact that you can make it in a slow cooker weren't reason enough to cook it.
Get the recipe here.
Lee Hersh via Fit Foodie Finds25Cinnamon Applesauce from Fit Foodie Finds
Make one batch of this applesauce in your slow cooker, and you'll have enough warm, fruity goodness to last a week or more. Eat it plain, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Get the recipe here.
Sommer Collier via A Spicy Perspective26Chickpea Curry from A Spicy Perspective
Eat this bright, colorful, and warming curry over a bed of rice or whole grains like farro for a full and satisfying meal.
Get the recipe here.
Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef27Ranch Party Mix from Inquiring Chef
You can’t go wrong bringing a big batch of this perfectly crispy, ranch-seasoned snack to your next party or movie night.
Get the recipe here.
Amber Forbes via Slim Pickin's Kitchen28Sundried Tomato, Asparagus, and Feta Frittata from Slim Pickin’s Kitchen
Although you can’t go wrong with tomatoes and feta in this Crockpot frittata, feel free to play around with the cheese and veggie combinations—the possibilities are endless.
Get the recipe here.
Lori Yates via Foxes Love Lemons29Barley and Chickpea Risotto from Foxes Love Lemons
Pearl barley is fluffier than its unhulled cousin, and it makes for a fun risotto alternative. Add some chickpeas and veggies, and you’ve got a filling dinner.
Get the recipe here.
Kim Lee via Kim's Cravings30Jambalaya from Kim’s Cravings
This rendition of the iconic Cajun dish keeps it pretty classic with a trio of shrimp, chicken, and smoked sausage, but opts for brown rice instead of the typical white rice.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay Ostrom via Pinch of Yum31Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Pinch of Yum
If you make this creamy, carby side in a slow cooker once, you'll never want to go back to the stovetop method.
Get the recipe here.
Monique Volz via Ambitious Kitchen32Pumpkin Peanut Butter Chicken Soup from Ambitious Kitchen
This soup marries a creamy, aromatic base of coconut milk, canned pumpkin, and peanut butter with zingy flavorings like fresh ginger and cayenne. Serve over brown rice and top with peanuts and cilantro.
Get the recipe here.
Carrian and Cade Cheney via Oh Sweet Basil33Lemon Butter Chicken from Oh, Sweet Basil
Let the simple, timeless flavor combo of lemon, butter, and garlic shine in this simple but perfect chicken dish. Try pairing it with anything from basmati rice to pasta. It's hard to go wrong.
Get the recipe here.
Rachael via Eazy Peazy Meals34Lasagna from Eazy Peazy Meals
Layering the traditional lasagna ingredients into a Crockpot is a ridiculously low-lift way to enjoy a homemade version of the Italian comfort food on a weeknight. Prego!
Get the recipe here.
Jordan Cord via The Fitchen35Crock-Pot Poblano Corn Soup from The Fitchen
Corn may be a summer vegetable, but you don't need the fresh stuff to make this vegan Crockpot soup. Both frozen or canned alternatives will produce equally great results.
Get the recipe here.
Esteban Castillo via Chicano Eats36Mole Coloradito Pulled Pork Sliders from Chicano Eats
A slow cooker takes care of the hard work of gently cooking your meat so that you can focus on the fun part: putting the sandwiches together at the end!
Get the recipe here.
Beth Moncel via Budget Bytes37Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup from Budget Bytes
As long as you have a slow cooker on your counter, this cozy chicken noodle soup can always there for you on cold, rainy days.
Get the recipe here.
Tayo Oredola via Low Carb Africa38Instant Pot African Lamb Stew from Low Carb Africa
Though this hearty stew is definitely one of many great Instant Pot recipes, it's also easy to adapt to a Crockpot. This recipe features instructions to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Get the recipe here.
Adrianna Adarme via A Cozy Kitchen39Birria Tacos from A Cozy Kitchen
These tacos are beloved for a reason: They're saucy, cheesy, and easy to make in a slow cooker. Top with a generous serving of lime juice and chopped onions to balance the rich flavors of the meat.
Get the recipe here.
Laura Fuentes via Laura Fuentes40Slow-Cooker Chili With No Beans from Laura Fuentes
Unlike many Crockpot chili recipes, this one ditches beans and puts the focus entirely on the meat and veggies. The resulting chili is one that bean haters will have to agree is delicious.
Get the recipe here.
Stephanie Le via I Am a Food Blog41Crock-Pot Beef Stew from I Am a Food Blog
Beef stew is such a beloved option for Crockpot dinners because of the way the machine cooks the meat to tender perfection. After all, no one wants a chewy beef stew.
Get the recipe here.
LaKita Anderson via Simply LaKita42Slow-Cooker Black-Eyed Peas from Simply LaKita
With the new year coming and the need for lucky black-eyed peas rising, this Crockpot meal is a good one to have on your radar. You'll need just five ingredients to make the whole thing!
Get the recipe here.
Kalyn Denny via Kalyn's Kitchen43Slow-Cooker Blueberry Crisp from Kalyn's Kitchen
As if it weren't already clear, this sweet recipe hammers home the fact that Crockpots aren't only meant for savory foods. Eat this treat with a bit of whipped cream or your favorite brand of ice cream.
Get the recipe here.
Carrian and Cade Cheney via Oh Sweet Basil44Slow-Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup from Oh Sweet Basil
Wait to add the cheese to this recipe until just before serving so that it doesn't end up getting stuck to the inside of your slow cooker for an eternity.
Get the recipe here.
Sue Moran via The View From Great Island45Slow-Cooked Apple Bourbon Pork Chops from The View From Great Island
This easy Crockpot recipe is just another great example of how to use apples in a savory way. Not a fan of bourbon? Use another brown liquor that you do like instead.
Get the recipe here.
Tiffany Azure via Creme de la Crumb46Slow-Cooker Honey Jalapeno Cornbread from Creme de la Crumb
When you're running short on oven space during the hectic holiday season, the slow-cooker cornbread is a gift from above. Set it and forget it while you take care of more important business (like opening presents, of course).
Get the recipe here.
Tanya Harris via My Forking Life47Slow-Cooker Garlic-Herb Mushrooms from My Forking Life
This hands-off mushroom recipe is an excellent side dish or appetizer for all kinds of occasions. Plus, it will make your house smell delicious before guests arrive.
Get the recipe here.
Lisa Lin via Healthy Nibbles and Bits48Slow-Cooker Corn and Potato Soup With Roasted Chickpeas from Healthy Nibbles and Bits
You can either roast the crispy chickpea toppers for this soup while the slow cooker is running, or way ahead of time. They'll retain their crunch for days as long as they're packed in an airtight container.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Merchant via How Sweet Eats49Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate from How Sweet Eats
This Crockpot recipe is one worth keeping on hand even after the holiday season has ended. Having a warm pot of hot chocolate on demand just makes the colder temps easier to handle, you know?
Get the recipe here.
Sue Pressey via My Korean Kitchen50Slow-Cooker Korean Short Ribs from My Korean Kitchen
All you have to do while these potatoes and short ribs cook in your Crockpot is whip up a batch of rice.
Get the recipe here.
Aaron Hutcherson via The Hungry Hutch51Slow-Cooker Peach Butter from The Hungry Hutch
You've heard of apple butter, now prepare to fall in love with peach butter. This silky, slow-cooker treat is best made when the peaches are in season during the summer.
Get the recipe here.
Michelle Blackwood via Healthier Steps52Vegan Crockpot Oatmeal from Healthier Steps
Making oatmeal in the morning when you're still barely awake is a chore, but waking up to thisslow-cooker breakfast definitely isn't. Just grab a bowl and dig in!
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Beacom and Stacie Hassing via The Real Food Dietitians53Slow-Cooker Italian Stuffed Artichokes from The Real Food Dietitians
This easy Crockpot recipe makes cooking with artichokes way less daunting. Aside from a bit of chopping and stuffing in the beginning, the machine does all the hard work for you.
Get the recipe here.
Layla Atik via Gimme Delicious54Slow-Cooker Queso Chicken Dip from Gimme Delicious
Though there's no Velveeta in this Crockpot chicken recipe, you'd never guess based on how velvety it actually is. You can thank a mix of cream cheese and sharp cheddar for that iconic texture and color.
Get the recipe here.
Andrea Bemis via Dishing up the Dirt55Slow-Cooker Black Bean, Corn, and Zucchini Chili from Dishing up the Dirt
Here's another great Crockpot chili recipe that puts the focus on tender juicy vegetables and flavorful ground beef. Eat it with a dollop of sour cream or skip it to keep the whole thing dairy-free.
Get the recipe here.
Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park via Spoon Fork Bacon56Slow-Cooker Pickled Pulled Pork Sandwiches from Spoon Fork Bacon
If you're not a fan of traditional white bread, know that this pickled pulled pork filling tastes great in everything from wraps to grain bowls.
Get the recipe here.
Maryanne Cabrera via The Little Epicurean57Shoyu Pulled Pork Sliders from The Little Epicurean
These mini pulled pork burgers get an extra boost of umami from a soy sauce marinade. A little bit of brown sugar rounds out the flavors without making the meal too sweet.
Get the recipe here.
Nik Manning via Lizee Angel58Vegan Pot Roast from Lizee Angel
If you're searching for an excellent vegan main for your holiday spread, look no further than this vegan pot roast. The mushrooms in it become just as tender as meat after a long slow-cooking session in your Crockpot.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika via Orchids and Sweet Tea59Slow-Cooker Quinoa Veggie Soup from Orchids and Sweet Tea
A mix of quinoa, potatoes, onions, kale, and carrots make for one very satisfying vegan Crockpot soup. Serve it with a slice of vegan buttered bread for sopping up the leftover broth.
Get the recipe here.
Krysten and Marrekus via Cooks With Soul60Slow-Cooker New Orlean's Red Beans and Rice from Cooks With Soul
If you can't find the andouille sausage that this recipe calls for, your favorite store-bought chorizo will deliver similar effects. Though you can use canned beans if you're making this on short notice, opt for dried for the best possible results.
Get the recipe here.
Cassie Johnston via Wholefully61Fall-Apart Slow-Cooker Chicken from Wholefully
If you're intimidated by the thought of roasting a whole chicken the traditional way, using your slow cooker will definitely make the process more inviting. With this tool, there's no need to worry about it burning or overcooking. When the timer stops, your bird is ready.
Get the recipe here.
Krista Rollins via Joyful Healthy Eats62Crock-Pot Turkey Stuffed Shells with Spinach from Joyful Healthy Eats
With a slow cooker in your kitchen arsenal, these Italian restaurant-worthy stuffed shells will always be within reach. Freeze what you can't eat for later, and you can enjoy leftovers in just minutes.
Get the recipe here.
Kristin Porter via Iowa Girl Eats63Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip from Iowa Girl Eats
You only need five ingredients to make this hands-off Crockpot appetizer idea: cream cheese, chicken breasts, colby Jack, hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh crunchy veggies.
Get the recipe here.
Kim Lee via Kim's Cravings64Slow-Cooker Jambalaya from Kim's Cravings
Dial down the heat levels in this flavorful jambalaya by using one or two fewer jalapeños. And make the prep process easier and faster by buying pre-shelled and deveined shrimp.
Get the recipe here.
Taylor Kiser via Food Faith Fitness65Kabocha Squash Slow-Cooker Soup from Food Faith Fitness
Though butternut squash and pumpkin get the bulk of the attention in the fall and winter, kabocha squash is just as deserving of our attention. Sweet, nutty, and slightly savory, it's perfect for silky Crockpot soup recipes like this.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Merchant via How Sweet Eats66Slow-Cooker Chipotle BBQ Meatballs from How Sweet Eats
There are so many great ways to eat these sweet and spicy meatballs. Try them with some melted cheese between two pieces of crispy bread.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay Landis via Love and Olive Oil67Slow-Cooker Tom Kha Gai from Love and Olive Oil
This spicy, coconut-based Thai-style soup uses a slow cooker to get the most out of every ingredient. The lengthy cooking process does an excellent job of drawing out all the fragrant aromas from kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal.
Get the recipe here.
Karina Carell via Cafe Delites68Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore from Cafe Delites
This tomato sauce-based chicken, potato, and veggie stew is excellent over pasta or with bread. And the recipe makes a bunch of servings for leftovers. (You may want to freeze some for later.)
Get the recipe here.
Beth Moncel via Budget Bytes69Slow-Cooker Coconut Lentil Curry from Budget Bytes
You'll get a whopping 10 servings out of this one $10 recipe. That includes all additional toppings and the rice or flatbread that you'll eat with the curry.
Get the recipe here.
Denise Bustard via Sweet Peas and Saffron70Slow-Cooker Spanish Stew from Sweet Peas and Saffron
Whip out a bit of saffron and smoked paprika to infuse this Crockpot meal with instant Spanish vibes. Stuffed with chicken and potatoes, there's no doubt that it will leave you feeling satisfied.
Get the recipe here.
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