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23 Set and Forget Slow Cooker Recipes That Deserve a Spot on Repeat

For anyone who races home and wonders what’s for dinner, a collection of 23 slow cooker recipes makes life a little less frantic. Whether you’re a fan of meal planning or just enjoy a break from last-minute kitchen stress, these recipes stick with you, requiring only a small commitment and some patience. They cook quietly in the background, like a reliable friend who doesn’t insist on small talk.

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.

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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

In many homes, Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a favorite for its heartiness and rich history. A slow cooker transforms basic ingredients like tender beef, paprika, and potatoes into a comforting meal with minimal effort. Preparing this dish allows flavors to meld together effortlessly while you focus on other activities. Each bowl offers a taste of tradition that can easily become a staple in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, there’s a unique twist brought by rice blended into classic meatballs, turning them into a more fulfilling meal. Tomato sauce adds moisture and depth and helps the flavors develop as everything cooks slowly. Families appreciate this hands-off recipe because it combines convenience with pleasing homemade results. You can count on this dish to feed a crowd and create warm memories at the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork lovers find Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops appealing for both taste and ease of preparation. These chops cook until perfectly tender, with tomatoes and onions creating a flavorful base that enhances the pork. You don’t have to fuss over the stove, since the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. This recipe simplifies dinner while still delivering a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Family gatherings are made easier with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole as a reliable and crowd-pleasing choice. Layers of ground beef, beans, and cornbread come together for a filling and simple main dish. As everything cooks in one pot, you’ll appreciate the easy cleanup and hands-off cooking time. This casserole is quickly appreciated for its combination of delicous flavors and straightforward preparation.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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.

Among classic combinations, Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers remains timeless and effortless to create. Slow cooking helps the sausage absorb flavors from sweet peppers and onions, ensuring every bite is full and balanced. Serving this dish can be as easy as placing it in sandwiches or alongside pasta, adapting to your family’s preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

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

For crowd-feeding, Slow Cooker Carnitas Board delivers tender pork that’s easily shredded and perfect for tacos or bowls. Literal set-and-forget cooking means you can prepare toppings and sides in your own time while the pork cooks. Customizing each serving brings flexibility and fun to meal presentations, whether at family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

A black bowl containing egg noodles topped with Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a pickled pepper.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Families find Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken convenient and memorable due to its simple process and bold flavor. Chicken cooks alongside ranch seasoning and peppers, creating a robust dish that pairs well with sides like rice or potatoes. This recipe requires little preparation and offers dependable results every time you use it. Many keep this meal in their rotation for how effortlessly it brings good eating to busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When making Ribs and Sauerkraut, home cooks enjoy the unique balance of juicy pork and tangy fermented cabbage. A slow cooker ensures ribs are cooked to tenderness while sauerkraut infuses its flavor throughout. This combination delivers a fulfilling main course with roots in European meal tradition.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

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.

Parents and busy professionals love Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy due to its minimal preparation and comforting flavors. The chicken simmers in ranch seasoning and gravy, all coming together as a creamy dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes. You won’t need extra time for cleanup since it all comes together in one pot. Many enjoy this recipe because of its ease and ability to feed even picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Two bowls of Slow-Cooker Taco Soup next to sliced lime.
Slow-Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Hearty and straightforward, Slow-Cooker Taco Soup incorporates beans, ground beef, and spices for a flavorful dinner that feels like a classic staple. The soup requires minimal attention, as all ingredients cook together while you attend to other tasks. Once finished, garnishing with cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado is easy and flexible depending on tastes. This dependable meal is great for feeding a group with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

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.

For those looking for global flavors, Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala brings Indian-inspired taste right to the dinner table. The creamy tomato-based sauce envelops tender chicken pieces, all developing slowly for depth and richness. You need only a few simple steps to prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Serving this dish with rice or naan helps create a fulfilling, accessible meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

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.

Classic roasts become exceptionally straightforward with Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast, which uses only a handful of ingredients. The beef cooks down to a fork-tender texture and absorbs flavors from the broth and spices. This recipe fits well into busy schedules since it requires almost no prep work and delivers consistent results. Enjoy this roast as a main dish or use leftovers for sandwiches and salads later on.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

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.

Those who enjoy aromatic dishes find Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast especially inviting. Seasonings like rosemary and thyme provide flavor while the slow cooking ensures tenderness in each slice. Preparation is quick, allowing you to focus on your day while the meat develops deep flavor over hours. Serve with roasted vegetables or potatoes for a balanced meal that’s effortless to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Pot Roast with Bacon

A plate of pot roast with bacon and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Pot Roast with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Meat lovers appreciate Pot Roast with Bacon for its bold flavors and combination of textures. Tender beef mingles with smoky bacon, creating a rich dish that only gets better as it cooks slowly. Preparation involves layering simple ingredients into the slow cooker and letting time do the rest. This recipe reliably produces fulfilling meals that feel special without added complexity.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

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.

Traditional flavors shine through in Slow Cooker German Pot Roast, with a blend of beef, root vegetables, and tangy sauce components. All ingredients are combined in the slow cooker, creating a rich and consistent flavor without the need for extra attention. This dish works well for gatherings or large families seeking comforting food with easy steps.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

Two black pots of Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili topped with shredded cheese.
Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Fans of spice turn to Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili for its straightforward combination of ground beef, beans, and chili seasonings. Cooking low and slow means flavors become well-developed and the texture is hearty. No complicated steps are involved, making it an approachable meal for cooks at any skill level. Many enjoy garnishing their chili bowls with simple toppings like cheese, onions, or cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creating meals with limited time is simple with 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken, needing only chicken, broth, and a few seasonings. As the chicken cooks gently, it becomes fork-tender, perfect for serving in multiple ways, such as wraps or rice bowls. You save time both preparing and cleaning up since only a few items are needed. This reliable recipe suits busy lifestyles and can be repeated without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mexican-inspired meals get a boost from Beef Barbacoa, which slow-cooks beef with chipotle, garlic, and cumin for depth. Once finished, the beef shreds easily and is perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Many rely on this recipe for party food or family dinners where flexible serving options are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

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.

For gatherings or potlucks, Mississippi Meatballs have become a staple for their easy preparation and bold taste. Ground beef is seasoned and combined with tangy sauce and peppers, then rolled into meatballs and simmered slowly. Preparation is minimal, and cleanup is a breeze as everything cooks in one pot. Servings are convenien,t and the flavor profile stands out in a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Creating authentic taco fillings is easier with Al Pastor Carnitas, thanks to the slow cooker’s hands-off approach. Pork is seasoned with spices and pineapple, then cooked until tender and perfect for shredding. You can prepare toppings or sides as the meat cooks, making mealtime both flexible and simple. This dish is well-suited for making large batches and sharing with family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

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.

Green chile peppers, tomatillos, and pork come together in Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde for a main dish with depth and gentle heat. The recipe is straightforward, needing only a few steps before letting everything cook unattended. Tender pork blends with a tangy green sauce, making it a favorite for serving with rice or tortillas. You can adjust spice levels to suit your group, making it flexible and quick to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

German Pork Loin

German Pork Loin on a platter with a gravy boat nearby.
German Pork Loin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Family meals are enriched with German Pork Loin, featuring pork cooked with apples, onions, and caraway for distinct flavor notes. The slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures the pork stays juicy and absorbs all the aromatics from its companions. You don’t need much equipment or prep work to get this recipe underway, freeing up your schedule. This dish pairs well with root vegetables or bread for a complete and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

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.

Mexican traditions are celebrated in Birria de Res, where beef is braised with chiles and spices for rich, flavorful meat. The slow cooker simplifies the lengthy process, making it accessible for weeknights or gatherings without constant monitoring. Once cooked, the meat works well in tacos or as a stew, making it versatile and practical. The unique taste and convenience keep this recipe on heavy rotation for many home cooks.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

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