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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Hearty Slow Cooker Meals That Will Save You Time and Energy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 3, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy days, allowing you to prepare hearty meals with minimal effort. These 21 recipes are perfect for filling your home with comforting aromas while you go about your day. From stews to casseroles, these meals will keep you satisfied and save you time in the kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken is an easy meal that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that captures the flavors of pizza. While pepperoni is a great topping, feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This is a family-friendly dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

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    Slow Cooker Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    This Slow Cooker Goulash is a filling and simple meal that anyone can enjoy. It features tender pieces of beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires very little prep time and delivers great taste without extra effort later on. Just set it up in the morning, and it will be ready when you are. This Hungarian Beef Stew is a great choice for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker mayo chicken is packed with flavor and is super easy to prepare. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great option for busy nights when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Everyone in the family will enjoy this dish, including the kids. You'll love how simple it is to create a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a fantastic way to use up cheaper cuts of beef. Each piece turns out tender and juicy, and the flavorful au jus is perfect for dipping with some crusty bread. This slow cooker meal is simple to prepare, needing just a few minutes of your time. It's a great option for busy nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something nice for a special dinner. It features tender chicken that’s seasoned just right, all cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. You can easily serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s a great option when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that everyone in the family will appreciate. It features ground beef, carrots, peas, and some other simple ingredients, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is easy to prepare and cooks itself while you go about your day. It’s a satisfying option for busy evenings when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You’ll likely find this recipe becoming a regular favorite.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms

    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Bites with mushrooms are a hearty and flavorful meal, featuring tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich broth. This dish combines simple ingredients like beef broth, butter, onion, garlic, and beef, making it easy to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

    Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Dinner can be simple with this honey mustard chicken made in a slow cooker. The combination of mustard, honey, and garlic creates a delicious flavor that everyone will love. You can prepare it with very little effort and clean-up is a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you just want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Hamburger potato casserole is a hearty meal that uses just five ingredients to create a satisfying dish packed with beef and onion flavors. It's easy to put together and cooks in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This meal is great when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love. It's a simple solution for those evenings when you're too tired to cook.

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    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This filling soup is packed with soft beef, fresh vegetables, and barley in a tasty broth. You don’t need to do any cooking beforehand; just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer on low throughout the day. When you come home, you’ll find a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re too tired to spend much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without any fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs feature tender pork that falls right off the bone, all smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce made with peaches. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or when you have friends over. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can relax while the flavors come together. It’s a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for when you want something tasty with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This gnocchi soup is a cozy dish that takes inspiration from the well-loved Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden. It’s an easy recipe that you can throw together in a slow cooker, so you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those days when you just want something warm and filling without putting in a lot of effort. The flavors blend together beautifully as it cooks, creating a hearty meal. Enjoy this comforting soup on a chilly evening or whenever you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken is packed with great flavors. A whole chicken is seasoned with butter, beer, lemon, and garlic, creating a tasty dish. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It’s a simple and satisfying option for dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple dish features chicken covered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights. You can set it in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. It’s a great option when you’re feeling too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is easy to make with just a few ingredients and can cook all day in the slow cooker. It's creamy without using any cream, and it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Enjoy this light yet filling soup served in bread bowls, topped with your favorite taco fixings. It's perfect for those days when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This is a great option for a cozy meal.

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    Slow Cooker Dahl

    Slow Cooker Dahl.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Dahl is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal that you can prepare with minimal effort. It combines red lentils, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk, creating a delicious dish that practically cooks itself. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy texture and rich taste make it a satisfying option for dinner. Enjoy a warm bowl of this easy-to-make dahl any night of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Crockpot Corn Chowder is a creamy soup that brings the comfort of a restaurant dish right to your kitchen. It's easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is hearty and satisfying, ideal for when you want something warm and filling. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot 15 Bean Soup

    15 Bean Soup Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Busy day? 15 Bean Soup in a crock pot is a set-it-and-forget-it comfort food meal! This slow cooker ham and bean soup recipe is SO easy!

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon. This dish is creamy and cheesy, making it a hit for any gathering or family dinner. It’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a satisfying meal without the fuss!

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    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cooker potato soup is a fantastic dish that really shows off how useful a slow cooker can be. It’s creamy and comforting, and you don’t have to put in much effort to make it. This soup is ideal for days when life gets busy and you just want something warm and filling. You can set it up and let it do its thing while you focus on other tasks. It’s a great option for a cozy meal without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Carrot Ginger Soup

    Slow Cooker Carrot Ginger Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Carrot ginger soup is a delicious option for a cozy meal. The combination of sweet carrots and zesty ginger creates a comforting flavor that you'll enjoy. This simple and healthy recipe is creamy and dairy-free, making it a great choice for everyone. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken cacciatore.
      20 Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes for Stress-Free Cooking
    • Corn chowder.
      25 Slow Cooker Dinners You’ll Be Making All Summer Long
    • Ham and potato casserole.
      25 Layer and Bake Casseroles We’re Making All Summer Long
    • Cabbage roll in a bowl.
      29 Lazy Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Cook

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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