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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for When You're Too Tired to Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 29, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're feeling worn out and just can't face the kitchen, a slow cooker can be your best friend. These 22 easy recipes let you throw in some ingredients and let the magic happen while you relax. From hearty stews to comforting casseroles, these meals are perfect for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss.

    Carnitas

    Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork).
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Skip the restaurant and enjoy homemade pulled pork instead. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for dinner. You can set it up in the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you relax. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that feels like a treat, all from the comfort of your home.

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    Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Naptime.

    Crockpot Mexican chicken is a simple dish that cooks in the slow cooker with black beans, corn, and salsa. The chicken becomes tender and easy to shred, making it perfect for a quick meal. You can serve it over rice, in burrito bowls, or in tacos. This is a great option for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms offers a fresh take on cooking mushrooms in a crockpot. You simply add sliced mushrooms, heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and some tasty seasonings into the pot. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a side dish that everyone will love and complements many meals. Enjoy the rich flavors without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Lamb

    Slow Cooker Lamb.
    Photo Credit: Veena Azmanov.

    Using a slow cooker to prepare lamb is a fantastic option, especially since you can simply toss everything in and let it cook. The result is tender, juicy meat that falls apart easily after just a few hours. It comes with a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or bread. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade BBQ chicken wings are easy to prepare in the slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a casual snack at home. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend nicely, resulting in tender and tasty wings. You can set it up and let it cook while you relax or take care of other things. Enjoy these wings as a fun appetizer or a satisfying meal.

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    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Quicker Kitchen.

    Slow cooker chicken fajitas are a simple way to prepare a big batch of this Tex Mex favorite. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, dinner can be ready with very little effort. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Enjoy a delicious meal without the stress of cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are a simple and delicious meal option. This dish combines the flavors of homemade lasagna with jumbo pasta shells instead of traditional noodles. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and let it cook while you relax. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting and hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic French onion soup with tender chicken. It’s a simple meal that cooks all in one pot, making cleanup easy. With the rich taste of onions and a hint of thyme, this dish is satisfying and hearty. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a fantastic dish that’s super easy to prepare. The beef turns out really tender and full of flavor, making it a hit at the dinner table. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking. This meal is also impressive enough to serve to guests, so it works for any occasion. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole is slow-cooked to bring out all the great Tex-Mex flavors of a classic Mexican pizza. With just five simple ingredients, it’s amazing how well they blend together to create a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those evenings 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 for you. Enjoy a hearty dish that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is packed with a mix of flavors that everyone loves, including smoky, sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. It’s a simple dish that you can set up and let cook while you relax. Serve it on a bun with some crunchy apple slaw for a delicious sandwich. This is a great meal for busy days when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts

    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts.
    Photo Credit: Simply Happy Foodie.

    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts is a tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy lemon sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It's a simple recipe that you can set up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This creamy chicken is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It's an easy option for those nights when you just want something comforting and delicious.

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    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Steak adds a rich flavor to meals, and these steak bites take it up a notch. Seasoned with taco spices, they bring a nice kick to the table. Paired with a creamy queso sauce, they create a satisfying combination. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these bites as a fun appetizer or a hearty snack.

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    Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit; The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious dish that everyone in the family will love. This meal combines some favorite ingredients into a single pot, making it easy to prepare. It’s a comforting option that’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. With plenty to go around, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. This is a great choice for a cozy family dinner.

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    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken tikka masala served over white rice.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This dish is great for busy weekdays when you need something simple and tasty. Just throw everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It brings a bit of Indian flavor to your table without much effort. You can come home to a warm meal that’s ready to eat. It’s a convenient option for those nights when you’re too tired to cook.

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    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Nashville Hot Chicken meets a shredded chicken sandwich in this delicious dish. It's packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying meal. This is a great option when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Camp Stew

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It features tender chicken, a variety of tasty vegetables, and a touch of smokiness that adds depth to the dish. This hearty stew is perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and filling. Just set it up in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. It's a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

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    Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

    Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: Peters Food Adventures.

    Apricot Chicken in the slow cooker is a great choice for dinner this summer. It’s simple to prepare with fresh apricots and uses everyday ingredients you can easily find. The Sweet Thai Chili Sauce adds a nice flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you just don’t feel like cooking much. Your family will appreciate this tasty summer meal.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan and Pasta combines tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and filling pasta in one pot. This dish is topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making it a satisfying meal. It's a simple and comforting option that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal effort. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes

    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes.
    Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

    Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is the ultimate easy comfort food. Making this delicious cheesy potato side dish in your slow cooker is incredibly easy – just dump, set, and forget it!

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    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup is a great choice for a cozy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and soft gnocchi, it comes together in a creamy broth that’s full of flavor. You can whip this up in just 30 minutes using ingredients you probably already have at home. This soup is perfect for a comforting dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying. It's a simple dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Buffalo chicken chili is a hearty dish that combines ground chicken with a flavorful broth and a mix of spices. It's a comforting meal that brings a bit of heat and a lot of satisfaction. Perfect for chilly evenings, this chili is easy to prepare and can be left to cook while you relax. Everyone in the family will appreciate the rich flavors and the warmth it brings. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    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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