20 Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves

Ready to make dinner time a breeze? Let’s talk about the magic of slow cookers! These little kitchen wonders can turn simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals with minimal effort.

Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma of a home-cooked dinner that’s been simmering all day, just waiting for you to dig in.

Whether you’re a busy bee or just love the idea of letting your kitchen gadget do the hard work, slow cooker dinners are here to save the day.

So, grab your slow cooker, sit back, and let’s dive into some easy and delicious recipes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!

1. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe is a classic for a reason. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve the chicken with the sauce from the slow cooker.

Serve With: Steamed rice or quinoa, and a side of sautéed green beans or broccoli.

Drink With: A refreshing iced green tea or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of this luscious Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a big warm hug in the form of food.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Stir in the tortellini and heavy cream, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until tortellini is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Serve With: Crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Drink With: A glass of Chianti or a creamy hot chocolate.

3. Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

This recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Beef chuck roast is slow-cooked with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and other spices until it’s shreddable and flavorful.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Cut the beef into large chunks and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add garlic, vinegar, lime juice, beef broth, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine and add the bay leaves.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the beef with two forks and mix with the sauce.

Serve With: Warm tortillas, cilantro lime rice, and your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cheese.

Drink With: A cold cerveza or a margarita.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth come together to create a dish that warms your soul and fills your tummy with happiness.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks.
5. Cut biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the slow cooker.
6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

Serve With: A side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad.

Drink With: A glass of chilled lemonade or a light, fruity white wine like Pinot Grigio.

5. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This hearty stew is packed with beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas. It’s slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Place beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.
4. If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in flour mixed with a bit of water about 30 minutes before serving.

Serve With: Warm crusty bread or biscuits.

Drink With: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a dark ale.

6. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This chili is full of flavor and protein, even without the meat. Kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices are simmered together for a hearty and delicious meal.

Recipe

7. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

This chicken recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sauce made with honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, and spices.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except cilantro in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Stir in cilantro just before serving, if desired.

Serve With: Tortilla chips or cornbread.

Drink With: A cold beer or a glass of red wine like Merlot.

8. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

This classic Italian soup is made with tiny meatballs, pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful tomato broth. It’s the perfect comfort food.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe)
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into small meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
3. Add chicken broth, pasta, spinach, carrots, onion, and garlic.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Serve With: Garlic breadsticks or a Caesar salad.

Drink With: A glass of Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon.

9. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip is perfect for game day or any other gathering. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a spicy buffalo sauce and then shredded. It’s served with your favorite dipping vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dip is hot and bubbly.
4. Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.

Serve With: Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Drink With: A cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.

10. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This classic comfort food is easy to make in the slow cooker. Beef chuck roast is slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and gravy for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic around the roast.
3. Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.
6. Slice the beef and serve with the vegetables and sauce from the slow cooker.

Serve With: A side of buttered rolls or a fresh garden salad.

Drink With: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a dark beer.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These tacos are easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in taco seasoning and then shredded. Serve on your favorite tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
3. Add salsa, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
6. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken before serving.

Serve With: Warm tortillas, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and your favorite taco toppings.

Drink With: A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita.

12. Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Tortellini

This dish is full of flavor and creaminess. Tortellini, sausage, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream cheese are simmered together for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the tortellini.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until tortellini is tender.
5. Stir in fresh basil before serving, if desired.

Serve With: A side of garlic bread and a mixed green salad.

Drink With: A glass of Chardonnay or a sparkling water with lemon.

13. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These sandwiches are easy to make in the slow cooker and perfect for a crowd. Beef chuck roast is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth and then served on French bread with horseradish sauce.

Recipes

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hoagie rolls

Instructions:

1. Place beef roast in the slow cooker.
2. Add onion soup mix, beef broth, soy sauce, water, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender.
4. Shred the beef and serve on hoagie rolls with the au jus from the slow cooker for dipping.

Serve With: A side of coleslaw or potato chips.

Drink With: A dark beer or a glass of red wine like Merlot.

14. Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

This chicken recipe is full of sweet and savory flavor. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar sauce. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce.

Serve With: Steamed rice and a side of steamed vegetables.

Drink With: A tropical smoothie or a glass of iced tea.

15. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

This curry is full of flavor and protein. Chicken, vegetables, and curry paste are simmered together in coconut milk for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Serve With: Basmati rice and naan bread.

Drink With: A cold lager or a refreshing mango lassi.

16. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This classic Chinese takeout dish is easy to make in the slow cooker. Beef and broccoli are simmered in a savory sauce until everything is tender and delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Place beef in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until beef is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli to the slow cooker.
6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with a bit of water.

Serve With: Steamed rice or noodles.

Drink With: A cup of green tea or a light beer.

17. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Pasta

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Pasta is a dreamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy tomato sauce clings to the pasta, creating a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 12 oz pasta (like penne or rotini)

Instructions:

1. Place crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, and basil in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions.
4. Stir cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Serve With: A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Drink With: A glass of Chianti or a sparkling water with lime.

18. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

This dessert is perfect for a fall night. Apples, cinnamon, and a crumble topping are slow-cooked together for a warm and delicious treat.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Place apples in the slow cooker.
2. Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and sprinkle over apples.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until apples are tender and topping is golden.

Serve With: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Drink With: A cup of hot apple cider or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato.

19. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cakes

These lava cakes are easy to make and perfect for a special occasion. Chocolate cake batter is baked in the slow cooker until the centers are molten.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
2. Stir in powdered sugar.
3. Add eggs and egg yolks, mixing well.
4. Stir in flour and salt until combined.
5. Grease ramekins and pour in the batter.
6. Place ramekins in the slow cooker and add enough water to come halfway up the sides.
7. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until the edges are set but the center is still gooey.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Drink With: A glass of cold milk or a rich port wine.

20. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte

This latte is perfect for a chilly morning. Coffee, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices are simmered together in the slow cooker for a warm and delicious drink.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups strong brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, coffee, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Serve With: A slice of pumpkin bread or a cinnamon roll.

Drink With: Enjoy on its own or pair with your favorite fall dessert.

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