52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

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52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (1)

ByMolly Jasinski

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Jan. 05, 2022

    Who says the best slow cooker recipes have to be ordinary? Your Crockpot can turn out gorgeous meals for any dinner party or fancy supper.

    1/52

    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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    2/52

    Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt

    If you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

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    3/52

    Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken

    The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

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    4/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Sirloin

    My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve slow-cooker sirloin with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota

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    5/52

    Slow-Cooker Pork Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    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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    6/52

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

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    7/52

    Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

    My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

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    8/52

    Taste of Home

    Fabulous Fajitas

    I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

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    9/52

    BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri

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    10/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Mole

    If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

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    11/52

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    Slow-Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna

    My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes any slow-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at night. We bring more pesto and marinara to the table for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

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    12/52

    Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

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    13/52

    Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast Recipe photo by Taste of Home

    Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

    Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree all ages will like. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

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    14/52

    Taste of Home

    Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

    I clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia

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    15/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

    Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

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    16/52

    17/52

    Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake

    Cheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI

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    18/52

    19/52

    Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    20/52

    Glazed Spiced Carrots

    Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    21/52

    Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta

    This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

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    22/52

    Taste of Home

    Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

    Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

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    23/52

    Taste of Home

    Italian Chicken Chardonnay

    One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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    24/52

    25/52

    Spring-Thyme Chicken Stew

    During a long winter (and spring), my husband and I were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This chicken was the perfect thing. It fills the house with the smell of home when Mom would make chicken soup, with a little something extra. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

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    26/52

    Garden Chicken Cacciatore

    Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

    27/52

    Seafood Cheese Dip

    This cheesy recipe has an ideal combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York

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    28/52

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    Thai Coconut Beef

    My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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    29/52

    Taste of Home

    Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

    When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

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    30/52

    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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    31/52

    Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken

    You wouldn't believe this golden brown chicken was made in the slow cooker. Packed with flavor, the meat is moist, the carrots are tender, and the juices are perfect for gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    32/52

    33/52

    Taste of Home

    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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    34/52

    Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

    This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

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    35/52

    When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    36/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

    Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    37/52

    Moroccan Vegetable Chicken Tagine

    Take a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African slow-cooked stew named after the pot it’s cooked in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    38/52

    Taste of Home

    Burgundy Pears

    These warm spiced pears elevate slow cooking to a new level of elegance, yet they're incredibly easy to make. Your friends won't believe this fancy-looking dessert came from a slow cooker. —Elizabeth Hanes, Peralta, New Mexico

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    39/52

    Parmesan Pork Roast

    Great sweet, savory flavor comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio

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    40/52

    It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this creamy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

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    41/52

    Taste of Home

    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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    42/52

    Taste of Home

    Hot Spiced Lemon Drink

    I received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an excellent cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sweet-tangy flavor of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah

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    43/52

    44/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

    When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland

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    45/52

    Slow-Cooked Green Beans

    I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

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    46/52

    Mexican Fondue

    A handful of items and a few moments of prep work are all you'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take advantage of canned goods and other convenience items, but the slow cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

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    47/52

    Taste of Home

    Shrimp Chowder

    I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

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    48/52

    Viennese Coffee

    This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    49/52

    Taste of Home

    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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    50/52

    Beef Stew Provencal

    When I was young, my favorite food to order in a restaurant was beef stew. My mother and I decided to create our own and experimented with different ingredients until we came up with this recipe. Everyone liked this slow cooker version so much that now it's a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada

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    51/52

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff

    Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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    52/52

    Pumpkin Spice 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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    Originally Published: September 26, 2018

    52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

    10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
    1. Raw Meat.
    2. Seafood.
    3. Pasta.
    4. Rice.
    5. Delicate Vegetables.
    6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
    7. Dairy.
    8. Wine and Other Liquor.
    Jan 19, 2024

    Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

    The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

    What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker? ›

    Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

    Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot? ›

    It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

    What's the difference between slow cooker and crockpot? ›

    A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

    Which is better a crockpot or a slow cooker? ›

    If you're planning to cook your meals mostly when you're not home or overnight, then sticking to a Crockpot might be a better choice, since the heat distribution is more even and there is no need to stir at all.

    Can you put raw meat straight into a slow cooker? ›

    Gravy beef and chuck steak are great slow cooker options, as they are tough and rich in tissues that make for deliciously tender meat. Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned.

    Why is my beef so tough in the slow cooker? ›

    “Beef may be tough in the slow cooker if you haven't added enough liquid, or haven't cooked it for long enough,” Kristen Carli, M.S., R.D., owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, tells SELF. “For cuts of meat, the fattier cuts are often the ones that get juicy and tender.

    What is the secret to slow cooking meat? ›

    secondary cuts of meat work the best. This is because they're generally from the 'harder working' parts of the animal, so the meat tends to be tougher. They benefit from being cooked for longer and at lower temperatures than leaner meat, as the connective tissue breaks down to give that deep flavour and rich texture.

    Why do they call it crack chicken? ›

    Lansing, Michigan is home for the Crack Chicken. A great seasoning for all your favorite foods. Started in 2003, customers tried our famous chicken and came back for more. Their addiction to this delicious taste made them call it Crack Chicken, and that's how the name started, and cracked the food industry world.

    Can you put raw chicken in a crockpot? ›

    Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

    How long should you cook chicken in a crockpot? ›

    Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

    Can you just throw everything into a slow cooker? ›

    One of the main attractions for many people is the ease of a slow cooker, so when you're looking for recipes, avoid those that suggest a lot of pre-preparation. For many dishes, particularly soups and stews, you really can just throw all the ingredients in.

    Is it safe to put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

    Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and safety guidelines. Start clean. Start with clean hands, utensils surfaces and a clean cooker.

    Can you put raw hamburger in a slow cooker? ›

    Absolutely, which is why you should always adjust times and amounts as needed. Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.

    Can you throw raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

    If you're throwing raw meat straight into your slow cooker, know that there are better ways. Kornblum tells SELF that while, yes, you technically can slow-cook with raw meat, you won't get your best results this way.

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