65 5-Star Recipes You Can Toss in the Slow Cooker (2024)

Home Gear Appliances Slow Cooker

Updated: Jan. 12, 2024

Let's get slow cookin'! Here are the best slow-cooker recipes you need to try—from morning to night.

1/61

Cheesy Meatballs

Can meatballs be lucky? My guys think so, and they want them for game time. My beef, sausage and cheese recipe has a big fan following. —Jill Hill, Dixon, Illinois

Here’s a look at our mostpopular slow-cooker recipesfrom 2023.

2/61

Southwest Chicken Chili

Chicken thighs are a nice change of pace in this easy chili. I also use a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro for flavor and to keep the dish interesting. —Phyllis Beatty, Chandler, Arizona

3/61

Onion Meat Loaf

My husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois

4/61

Slow-Cooker Monkey Bread

I often take this slow-cooker monkey bread to church potlucks—children and adults alike love it! The rum extract is optional. —Lisa Leaper, Worthington, Ohio

5/61

Ranch Mushrooms

I got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don't last long once people know I've made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, Minnesota

6/61

Moroccan Apricot Chicken

Chili sauce, apricots and Moroccan seasoning create an incredible sauce for slow-cooked chicken thighs. Traditional Moroccan apricot chicken typically includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

7/61

Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta

I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it's fun to pair it with something a little different from potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

8/61

Chili Macaroni and Cheese

What could be tastier on a brisk day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

9/61

Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster

The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this version of a dessert classic. It's my go-to choice for any family get-together. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

10/61

Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches have been the go-to meal for my son's basketball team. Turkey is a wonderful change from ground beef and really absorbs all the flavors. I have also used this for a Friday the 13th celebration at work, calling it 13-ingredient sloppy joes. —Karen Hildebrand, LaBelle, Florida

11/61

Simple Saucy Potatoes

These rich and creamy potatoes are simple to prepare. This saucy side dish always gets rave reviews wherever I take it. —Gloria Schroeder, Ottawa Lake, Michigan

12/61

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry

I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington

13/61

Beef Brisket in Beer

One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

14/61

Hawaiian Kielbasa Sandwiches

If you are looking for a different way to use kielbasa, the sweet and mildly spicy flavor of these sandwiches is a nice change.—Judy Dames, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

15/61

Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey

This sweet potato chili is packed with flavor. Ground turkey lightens it, and sweet potato puree sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamin A. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

16/61

Slow-Cooker Chai Tea

A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

17/61

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Carnitas

I came up with this beef carnitas recipe while trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I keep the rub in a plastic bag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida

18/61

Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip

I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio

19/61

Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs

When we’re missing the grill when its cold out, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They’re so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan

20/61

Hearty Pork Bean Soup

It's wonderful to come home to this pork bean soup dinner simmering away in a slow cooker, especially on a busy weeknight. This soup uses dried beans and is simple to throw together in the morning before work. When you get home, just add a few more ingredients, and in half an hour dinner is ready! Do not put the tomatoes in for the first 8 hours of cooking, or the beans will not become soft. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

21/61

Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes

A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon

22/61

Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry Compote

We love to eat turkey, and on warmer days, here’s how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama

23/61

Shredded Chicken Tostadas

These flavorful tostadas are super easy and family-friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you'll have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas

24/61

Turkey Chili

I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

25/61

Spiced Acorn Squash

Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York

26/61

Slow-Cooked Ratatouille

I get my son to eat eggplant by cooking this classic French veggie dish low and slow. A side of rice and some garlic cheese bread also help. —Diane Goedde, Red Lodge, Montana

27/61

Moroccan Chicken Tagine Pockets

I enjoy shredded chicken dishes, pita sandwiches and Moroccan seasonings. The addition of the carrot salad laced pomegranate seeds and with dates lends an extra punch and crunch. Mini flour tortillas can be substituted for pitas. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

28/61

Slow-Cooked Manhattan Clam Chowder

I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It's easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning...and wonderful to come home to the aroma of dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan

29/61

Slow-Cooker Baked Apples

Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky

30/61

Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions

I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida

31/61

Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja

I traveled to Cuba a few years back and experienced some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations, and when I returned home, I began to experiment making ropa vieja in the slow cooker. I went through roughly 5 trials before coming to this recipe. —Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan

32/61

Shrimp and grits are a house favorite—if only we could agree on a recipe. I stirred things up with cheddar and Cajun seasoning to find a winner. —Charlotte Price, Raleigh, North Carolina

33/61

Blueberry Cobbler

This simple slow-cooked dessert comes together in a jiffy. If you'd like, you can substitute apple or cherry pie filling for the blueberry. —Nelda Cronbaugh, Belle Plaine, Iowa

34/61

Ginger Chicken and Quinoa Stew

This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. —Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California

35/61

Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

36/61

Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers

Banana peppers can be very tricky: Sometimes they are hot and sometimes they are not. If you want to be on the safe side, I recommend using Bianca peppers instead, which are a more sweet type of pepper. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

37/61

Rosemary Beets

For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

38/61

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I got the idea for these Buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who'd made a similar version for a family get-together. It's a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of Buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

39/61

Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts

This is a super easy side dish. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

40/61

Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast

One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! —Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida

41/61

Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn

A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

42/61

Slow-Cooker Pork Pozole

I love making this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy. This is a fill-you-up recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina

43/61

Slow-Cooked Italian Meatballs

What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

44/61

Old-Fashioned Tapioca

My family loves traditional tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland

45/61

Sweet N Sour Beans

This recipe is popular on both sides of the border. It came from a friend in Alaska, then traveled with me to old Mexico, where I lived for 5 years, and is now a favorite in my Arkansas community. It’s easy to keep the beans warm and serve from a slow cooker. —Barbara Short, Mena, Arkansas

46/61

Moist Cranberry Pork Roast

I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia

47/61

Double-Duty Heavenly Applesauce

Every year my husband and I take our two daughters to an orchard to pick apples so we can make this luscious applesauce for family and neighbors. —Jennifer Purcell, Vermilion, Ohio

48/61

Cinnamon Blueberry French Toast

I like to prep this in the evening, let it chill, then turn on the slow cooker. When we wake up in the morning. it’s done. It's low on effort and high on taste. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

49/61

French Lentil and Carrot Soup

It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

50/61

Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip

We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California

51/61

Brazilian Feijoada

A co-worker's mom used to make this feijoada recipe for him and it was his favorite. So I made him my own version. Instead of sausage you can use ham hocks, or substitute lean white meat for the red meat if you prefer. —Christiane Counts, Webster, Texas

52/61

Apple Comfort

Years ago, we were without electricity for nine days during an ice storm, but I was able run the slow cooker from our generator. The situation called for a treat, and this has been a favorite ever since. —Awynne Thurstenson, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

53/61

Mulled Merlot

This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your guests! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

54/61

California Tamale Pie

When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

55/61

Hearty Black Bean Soup

Cumin and chili powder give spark to this thick and hearty soup. If you have leftover meat—smoked sausage, browned ground beef or roast—toss it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. —Amy Chop, Oak Grove, Louisiana

56/61

My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

57/61

Lasagna Soup in the Slow Cooker

Every fall and winter, our staff has a soup rotation. I have modified this recipe so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. My colleagues love it! —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa

58/61

Candied Sweet Potatoes

I updated this traditional southern staple so that it can be cooked in a slow cooker. It’s hard to go wrong with candied sweet potatoes. —Deirdre Dee Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

59/61

Artichoke Spread with Garlic Bread

I've tried several different artichoke dip recipes, but this one is the absolute best! I serve it at nearly every family gathering and there are never any leftovers. This is probably my most-requested recipe. —Heidi Iacovetto, Phippsburg, Colorado

60/61

Italian Spaghetti Squash

This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin

61/61

Slow-Cooked Pork Stew

Try this comforting stew that's easy to put together, but it tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliot, Houston, Texas

Originally Published: December 23, 2021