Sometimes life is a marathon, and dinner feels like a sprint, but having these 23 set-and-forget slow cooker meals changes the game. Instead of juggling pots and pans after a long day, let these reliable recipes take care of the kitchen legwork. The slow cooker isn’t just great for busy weekdays; it’s perfect for those weekends spent at soccer matches or running errands.

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

With Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops, busy days never mean skipping out on a warm meal waiting after work or errands. Thick pork chops cook with tomatoes, onions, and a hint of herbs for a blend that welcomes you home. This dish makes use of simple pantry staples and transforms them into a hearty centerpiece. After a few effortless steps in the morning, come home to a classic that rewards hands-off preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Bringing Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde into your kitchen means tender pork in a flavorful green sauce is ready whenever you walk in. Only a few ingredients come together to create something special, especially with tomatillos and green chiles slow-simmering all day. Let your slow cooker handle most of the work while you head out and handle your day. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s easy to enjoy without fussing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

When you think about keeping everyone fed with minimal effort, Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers is an excellent choice. Sausages cook alongside bell peppers and onions, absorbing every bit of flavor from the robust tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends, as it stretches easily for a crowd. Enjoy comfort and transparency in every bite with no need for constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Busy schedules are no match for Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken, which practically cooks itself. Chicken breasts fall apart effortlessly after hours with ranch seasoning and pepperoncini for a unique flavor. Set it up in the morning and return to a main dish capable of filling sandwiches, tacos, or pairing well with roasted vegetables and potatoes. This recipe’s popularity simply comes from how easy it makes dinner when life is packed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Beef Barbacoa

Mexican-inspired meals like Beef Barbacoa are within reach on any busy day thanks to your slow cooker. Chunks of beef braise all day with chipotle, garlic, and warm spices for an authentic meal that’s ready when you need it. Use the tender results in bowls, tacos, or sandwiches for a reliable way to feed a group. It’s the perfect solution if you crave something bold and don’t want to be tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A traditional favorite, Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, lets you enjoy classic European comfort while out and about. Chuck roast simmers gently in a mixture of beer, onions, and spices, breaking down slowly for tender results. Vegetables cook alongside the meat, absorbing rich flavors for a balanced plate. This all-in-one meal ensures dinner is ready and tastes like home, even after a packed day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Mississippi Meatballs

Whether you’re feeding a family or needing a dish to bring everyone together, Mississippi Meatballs offers convenience and flavor. Frozen meatballs simmer with ranch seasoning, au jus, and a touch of tangy pepperoncini for a tangy twist. Leave everything in the slow cooker in the morning and return to a protein-packed main without any mess or monitoring. This recipe quickly becomes a go-to for nights when you need a full plate after hours away.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Al Pastor Carnitas

For easy meal prep that fits even the busiest schedules, Al Pastor Carnitas delivers. Pork shoulder cooks all day in a marinade of pineapple juice, chiles, and spices, resulting in meat that shreds easily for tacos or sandwiches. The flavors build slowly, rewarding your patience while you focus on living your day. Make taco night a breeze and keep everyone fed, no matter what the day brings.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Homestyle comfort meets set-it-and-forget-it with Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples. Lean pork tenderloin cooks low and slow with sweet potatoes, apples, and a touch of warm spice, creating a balanced one-pot meal. The natural sweetness and steam from the produce keep everything juicy and full of flavor. Serving a full meal is simple when time is short, and energy is needed for everything else.
Get the Recipe: Retro Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

With plenty to keep everyone happy at the table, Slow-Cooker Taco Soup works wonders for weeknights or casual group dinners. Ground beef or turkey joins beans, tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning in the slow cooker for a hearty bowlful later on. Each spoonful is filling and flexible, perfect as it is or with your favorite toppings. This soup is ideal if you enjoy set-and-forget simplicity with a payoff that satisfies a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Pot Roast with Bacon

Transform hectic days into something better with Pot Roast with Bacon, which starts with a classic cut of beef that simmers alongside smoky bacon. Vegetables cook in the same pot, soaking up every bit of delicious goodness released during the slow roast. The result is a main dish full of comforting flavors and easy enough to serve as an impressive meal when time is limited. Set it up in the morning and gather everyone around the table with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

If you want a reliable recipe that cooks itself while you’re busy, Authentic Hungarian Goulash is just right. Stew beef, paprika, potatoes, and carrots blend together slowly, resulting in a fulfilling and nutritious meal that’s easy to enjoy. This recipe uses traditional seasonings for unmistakable old-world taste, all from the convenience of your slow cooker. Enjoy a filling bowl that’s both practical and impressive without hours of work.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

With Slow Cooker Carnitas Board, everyone can help themselves to a spread of easy-shredded pork, tortillas, and fresh fixings. Pork shoulder cooks low and slow with citrus and spices, creating fork-tender meat. Set out a variety of add-ons like salsa, guacamole, and slaw for self-serve convenience, ideal for busy evenings or hosting guests. This board lets you stay out and about, knowing a shared meal will be ready to enjoy when you return.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Bringing people together, coming home, or after a long day is easy with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. It combines ground beef, beans, salsa, and corn, then covers it all with a soft cornbread topping that cooks right in the slow cooker. This hearty all-in-one dish is fulfilling enough for big appetites and easy to portion out for lunch leftovers. Set up your slow cooker, head out, and enjoy a warm meal with minimal cleanup later.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Effortlessly make a family favorite by letting Ribs and Sauerkraut cook low and slow throughout the day. Pork ribs gently simmer with tangy sauerkraut, onions, and a hint of spice for robust taste and tender meat. Just a few minutes of prep leaves you free for the rest of the day while the flavors meld together. Serve hot for a comforting main course after hours spent handling everything else life brings.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

Efficient and filling, Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili is packed with ground meat, beans, chiles, tomatoes, and a dash of spice for hearty meals that practically make themselves. It’s easy to set up in advance and let the flavors meld while you focus on your plans elsewhere. Serve with rice, cornbread, or chips for an effortless crowd-pleaser. There’s no need to stress over dinner when this chili does the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Mealtime solutions like Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs keep everyone happy, combining beef meatballs with rice and tomatoes that cook together in one pot. These meatballs are tender and full of comforting flavors that feel nostalgic for many families. With the slow cooker, there’s little hands-on time, so you can tackle your to-do list knowing dinner is handled. This plate is a clever way to stretch your protein while providing a classic dish everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Birria de Res

Meat braises to tender perfection with Birria de Res, allowing you to step away from the kitchen and return to something special. Beef simmers in a flavorful broth of dried chiles, spices, and a touch of vinegar, resulting in juicy meat ready for tacos, stews, or even as a main dish. Great for feeding groups, this recipe keeps everyone full without stress or fuss. Every serving gives you the tradition of a slow-cooked favorite without missing out on life’s moments.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Dinner comes together easily when using Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy, especially if time is short. Chicken breasts cook with ranch seasoning and condensed soup to create a thick and comforting gravy. The flavors work well with mashed potatoes or rice, so serving a complete meal is a breeze. Enjoy the convenience of a warm plate and let your slow cooker handle all the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Effortlessly enjoy a classic dish with Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, a recipe that brings together chicken, spices, tomatoes, and cream in a one-pot format. This meal offers the taste of your favorite restaurant-style entree without constant attention at the stove. Serve with rice or naan for a meal that comes together with ease, even on your busiest days. The slow cooker ensures every bite is tender and full of balanced spices.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

For a hands-off meal that’s big on traditional comfort, Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast fits perfectly. Pork roast simmers under a layer of fresh herbs and seasonings, resulting in juicy meat that slices easily. Root vegetables cook right alongside for a complete main course with minimal cleanup afterward. Everyone gets to enjoy a relaxing dinner, thanks to how simple this recipe makes feeding a crowd or family.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

German Pork Loin

Turn your attention to everything else you need to accomplish with German Pork Loin, working away for hours. This dish uses simple ingredients like pork, onions, broth, and a touch of mustard for a main course with robust flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can use your time for other activities. Enjoy a mainstay recipe that brings home-cooked satisfaction without stress.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Nothing is simpler than preparing Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast for a day when you need a filling meal to be ready upon arrival. The roast cooks with carrots, potatoes, onions, and a touch of herbs, making a full plate hassle-free. Forget hovering over the stove as the slow cooker brings everything together in one easy step. This recipe ensures everyone gets fed even when your schedule is overflowing.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast