21 Slow Cooker Recipes for While You’re Out Living Life

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Life gets busy and I know how hard it can be to find time to cook a decent meal. That’s why slow cooker recipes have become my secret weapon for weeknight dinners. You can prep everything in the morning, set it and forget it while you go about your day. When you come home a delicious meal is waiting for you ready to enjoy with minimal cleanup. If you want to reclaim your evenings without sacrificing a great dinner, these slow cooker recipes are just what you need.

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is filled with chunks of potatoes, spicy sausage, kale, Parmesan, and bacon.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini

A bowl of creamy pasta with mushrooms and chunks of chicken, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The pasta looks rich and flavorful, served on a green ceramic plate.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting dish that practically makes itself. With tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, this slow cooker meal is perfect for a busy day when you don’t have time to stand over the stove. The set-it-and-forget-it approach makes it one of the top slow cooker recipes for hectic schedules, giving you plenty of time to focus on other things while it cooks to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

A white baking dish with chicken drumsticks layered inside and honey mustard sauce on top.
Photo credit: fANNEtastic food

Chicken drumsticks are easy to make in the crockpot! Chicken legs are slow cooked in a simple honey mustard sauce for a flavorful, easy dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or dinner parties alike.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

A bowl of creamy shredded chicken garnished with chopped parsley. In the background, there are stacked plates and small bowls containing salt and pepper with wooden spoons. A striped cloth napkin is placed beside the bowl.
Image Credit: Little Chef Within

For a quick and comforting meal, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is your answer. Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory gravy make this dish a favorite for those nights when you need something cozy but don’t have much time. As one of the best slow cooker meals for busy days, it comes together with minimal prep, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is comfort food with juicy beef and flavorful teriyaki sauce mixed with sweet bell peppers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a bowl filled with a sweet potato casserole topped with mini marshmallows, pecans, and a wooden spoon. The casserole has a golden-brown appearance, and another bowl with the same dish is partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a great choice for holidays or any time you crave a touch of sweetness with your meal. The tender sweet potatoes, crunchy pecan topping, and warm spices make it a satisfying side that practically cooks itself. It’s ideal for busy days when you need a slow cooker recipe that delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Tender beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

Plate of spaghetti topped with sauce, chicken pieces, pepperoni slices, and garnished with fresh parsley. A green salad is beside it on a wooden table with gold utensils and a blue-striped cloth napkin.
Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

If you love pizza flavors but need a healthier option, Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken has you covered. The dish combines seasoned chicken breasts with your favorite pizza toppings, all slow-cooked to juicy perfection. It’s one of the easiest slow cooker meals for busy days because it requires minimal prep and keeps the flavors of pizza without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This super easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is simple, comforting food at its best. And the leftovers are even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

A close-up of a savory beef stew with onions and garnished with fresh basil leaves. The dish is rich with a dark brown sauce, showing chunks of tender beef and aromatic spices, including a visible bay leaf.
Image Credit: Cinnamon & Kale

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions brings tender, fall-apart steak paired with sweet, caramelized onions in a rich broth. This meal is perfect for a busy day since you can prepare it in the morning and let the slow cooker handle the rest. As one of the best slow cooker recipes for busy schedules, it gives you a flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup is a meal-prepping dream! It’s incredibly easy to throw together in your slow cooker and delivers a delicious and satisfying soup that’s perfect for dinner or leftovers for lunch. The hearty flavors and melt-in-your-mouth brisket make it a versatile option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Soup

Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham

Close-up of a glazed ham with slices, topped with cooked apple pieces in a black slow cooker. The ham is caramelized and surrounded by a rich sauce.
Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham is a wonderful option for special occasions or regular weeknight dinners. The apple and clove flavors infuse the ham as it cooks, resulting in a delicious and effortless meal. It’s ideal for those looking for a busy-day slow cooker recipe that still impresses.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham

Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Simply toss chicken with honey, soy sauce, and other delicious ingredients, then let your slow cooker do the work. Tender, flavorful chicken awaits you with minimal effort! perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A wooden plate with a serving of cheesy casserole topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, and black olives. It's accompanied by a portion of rice, a fresh salad, and a lime wedge. A fork rests on the plate.
Image Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Craving Mexican food but short on time? Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect solution. This dish takes all the flavors of enchiladas and simplifies the process by using your slow cooker. As one of the top slow cooker recipes for busy days, it lets you enjoy a flavorful, homemade dinner without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Save some cash and chill at home with this delicious Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe. You’re gonna adore every creamy bite!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Chicken & Pasta Casserole

A bowl of creamy pasta with corn, tomatoes, and sprinkled red pepper flakes and herbs. The dish appears rich and flavorful, topped with grated cheese for extra taste.
Image Credit: Box Mix Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken & Pasta Casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce for a complete meal in one pot. This dish is a lifesaver when you need a slow cooker recipe for hectic days since you can toss everything in the pot and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a simple, hearty dinner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken & Pasta Casserole

Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe

Scrumptious Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Slow cooker brisket is the best way to get super tender beef. This crockpot brisket recipe is just a few ingredients, then let it slow cook to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe

Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Extra Tender

A white bowl filled with a hearty beef stew, featuring chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich broth. A shiny metal ladle rests in the bowl, next to a red napkin on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Extra Tender is a classic comfort dish that turns out perfectly every time. With minimal prep, the slow cooker transforms a simple roast and vegetables into a rich, flavorful meal. It’s one of the best slow cooker recipes for busy days, offering a delicious, no-fuss dinner you can rely on.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Extra Tender

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Crockpot Recipe)

Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Crockpot Recipe) in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast makes tender, fall apart beef. This chuck roast is simple to make in the crockpot topped flavorful gravy!
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Crockpot Recipe)

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Two shredded chicken sandwiches on a plate, topped with green onions and bits of bacon, next to a slow cooker. A striped cloth and salt shaker are visible on the table.
Image Credit: Little Chef Within

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and no fuss, it’s a go-to slow cooker meal for busy days when you want something indulgent but don’t have the time to cook. Serve it over rice or on buns for a filling meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew

Scrumptious Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is packed with tasty ingredients, like sausage, beef, potatoes, carrots, and plenty more to keep you warm!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *