After a long day spent handling everyone else’s chaos, nobody wants to come home and wrestle with pots and pans. These 23 slow cooker recipes work behind the scenes, taking care of dinner while you’re busy rescuing deadlines and refereeing homework. They’re designed to free up your time so you don’t have to worry about meals simmering on the back burner while life happens.

A serving of Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples on a white platter. — Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

A rectangular plate of Chicken Tikka Masala with herbs on top. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When a night calls for bold flavor, Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala comes through with tender chicken simmered in spices and tomato sauce. There’s no need to rush, since the slow cooker takes care of every detail, ensuring even cooking. This meal pairs smoothly with rice or flatbread for easy clean-up. It’s an excellent way to bring a classic favorite to the table with hardly any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Dinner feels effortless thanks to Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs and their comforting mix of beef, rice, and tangy tomato. This hands-off approach means anyone can enjoy homemade meatballs with minimal prep or monitoring. As they slow cook, the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful. Serve them with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

⭐

I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

✅ Spaghetti Casserole
✅ Sloppy Joe Casserole
✅ Sausage-Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
✅ Tuna Noodle Casserole.
✅ and so many more!

$7.99 for a limited time!

This is a digital product. You'll receive an instant download link after purchase.

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table. — Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think of coming home to Slow Cooker Carnitas Board, where tender pulled pork is ready for assembling tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls. The slow cooker ensures even cooking and rich flavor throughout the pork. Add toppings such as onions, cilantro, and lime for a customizable spread that suits everyone’s preferences. Cleanup is simple since everything cooks in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

On busy days, Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili makes dinnertime easier with its blend of beans, ground beef, and chili spices. Letting it cook while you handle life’s demands means you return to a well-developed, hearty stew. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Leftovers store easily, making future meals just as simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Sliced Herb-Crusted Pork Roast on a rectangular white plate with a floral napkin in the background. — Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A reliable choice, Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast infuses pork with aromatic herbs and a gentle garlic undertone. It’s easy to prepare, needing only basic ingredients and little attention while it cooks. This roast holds its juiciness, making each bite fulfilling without extra work. Pair it with roasted potatoes or steamed green beans for a well-rounded plate.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Make family-style dinners stress-free by relying on Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, where layers of beef, beans, and cornbread mingle in the slow cooker. The preparation is straightforward and cleanup is minimal thanks to one-pot cooking. Each serving combines hearty ingredients for a simple dinner solution. This casserole is perfect for larger households or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

A bowl of white rice and green chili verde garnished with cilantro, radish slices, jalapeño, and a lime wedge, set on a white surface with a colorful cloth in the background. — Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

With Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde, achieve rich, peppery flavors and tender pork without hovering over the stove. The slow cooking melds ingredients together, making for a comforting and convenient dinner. Dress it up with fresh toppings, or serve over rice for an easy main course. It’s a great way to add variety to the weeknight lineup.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Ribs and Sauerkraut

For those seeking something different, Ribs and Sauerkraut offers a mix of juicy ribs and tangy sauerkraut all cooked slowly for deep flavor. The prep is uncomplicated, so you can focus on other priorities while dinner takes care of itself. These ribs work well with simple sides like boiled potatoes. The combination suits those looking for nostalgic favorites.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Honey-Garlic Meatballs in a thick red sauce are being stirred with a wooden spoon in a white ceramic pot. — Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Put your slow cooker to work with Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs, which combine sweet and tasty flavors in an easy meatball recipe. Minimal effort is required, and the results are perfect for both weeknight meals and potlucks. The sauce thickens as it cooks, coating each meatball thoroughly. Serve with rice or noodles to balance the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of slow cooker rump roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a sprig of rosemary on a white dish. — Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

You get convenience and reliable results with Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast, featuring a straightforward method that does not sacrifice on flavor. The low, slow cook time turns this cut of beef into something effortlessly tender. Pair it with root vegetables or a salad for a balanced dinner. This roast is perfect for busy days when you want a hands-off approach.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

German Pork Loin

Unlock comfort foods with German Pork Loin in your slow cooker, soaking up subtle flavors from onions, garlic, and spices. The slow cooking ensures every slice is juicy and doesn’t require much prep time. This dish feeds a crowd and works well for meal prepping ahead. Serve with buttered noodles or braised cabbage for a simple finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with shredded chicken in creamy gravy, garnished with chopped parsley. — Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Home cooks love Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy for its straightforward combination of chicken, ranch seasoning, and creamy gravy, all made with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender and the gravy thickens beautifully. Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for an easy dinner solution. This recipe is budget-friendly and kid-approved.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

An easy dinner solution, Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops feature juicy cuts smothered in a mixture of tomatoes and onions. The slow cook helps tenderize the pork and blend flavors without needing frequent attention. It’s a great choice for those who want comfort food with little mess. Serve over rice or with egg noodles for a classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Balance hearty ingredients with ease when you go for Slow-Cooker Taco Soup, a crowd-pleasing blend of beef, beans, and flavorful broth. Throw everything into your slow cooker, and you’ll find dinner ready when you are. Garnish with shredded cheese or chopped onions for added convenience. It’s a great way to serve filling bowls without spending extra hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Getting dinner done is simple when you make Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken, starring chicken cooked with ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini. Throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let time work its magic. This recipe produces a juicy, tangy meal that is ready to serve when you return home. Spoon it onto toasted buns or scoop it over mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls. — Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic flavors shine in Authentic Hungarian Goulash, which uses beef, onions, paprika, and tomatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. The method allows each ingredient to blend and develop a smooth, rich sauce. Simple sides like noodles or dumplings work well here. With very little hands-on time required, this goulash fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Short on time, but craving a homemade meal? 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken keeps things simple with chicken, salsa, and just a couple more staples. This dish cooks itself and offers reliable results every time, making it ideal for families or roommates. Pair with tortillas or lettuce wraps for a quick, fuss-free main course.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges. — Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dinner is handled easily with Birria de Res, a slow-cooked beef stew seasoned with earthy spices and chilies. The process creates a broth that is best enjoyed with warm tortillas or rice. The ingredients need only a little prepping beforehand. Once ready, this meal offers plenty of servings for gatherings or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Mississippi Meatballs

A close-up of a meatball on a fork, with more meatballs in the background. — Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Save time and effort with Mississippi Meatballs, which cook together ground beef, ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini in one simple step. The meatballs keep their shape and soak up flavor as they cook. They’re easy to serve over mashed potatoes or pasta, making busy nights less hectic. This recipe is equally popular among kids and adults for its straightforward preparation.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Slow cooker sausage and peppers garnished with grated cheese and chopped parsley. — Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Old-school favorites like Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers are always a hit with their blend of sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let them meld for hours for the best results. Serve this classic pairing on a roll or over rice for a hassle-free dinner. The budget-friendly ingredients make it a regular choice for busy households.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Al Pastor Carnitas

For those who crave tender pork without hours of effort, Al Pastor Carnitas lets the slow cooker do all the work. The marinade features pineapple and spices, giving a burst of flavor to each bite. Once cooked, pork easily shreds for tacos, bowls, or salads. This dish appeals to anyone wanting something new but still simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it. — Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a filling dinner with Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, which slowly braises beef with onions, spices, and hearty vegetables. The prep is simple, and the cooking time allows flavors to blend fully. This roast works well alongside potatoes or crusty bread for an uncomplicated meal. It’s a dependable choice for times when you’re short on time but want a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Pot Roast with Bacon

Rich flavor comes together in Pot Roast with Bacon, where the beef roast cooks with crispy bacon and vegetables in your slow cooker. The result is a meal with depth, suited for families or entertaining a few friends. Pair with mashed potatoes or steamed carrots for a balanced plate. The slow cooker method means hands-off cooking and reliable tenderness each time.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon