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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Effortless Slow Cooker Dinners That Cook While You Relax

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 7, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cooker dinners are the perfect solution for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to relax while your dinner cooks. Here are 22 easy slow cooker recipes that will fill your home with delicious aromas and leave you with a satisfying meal at the end of the day.

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite that’s super easy to make. It requires no chopping or complicated prep, so you can just throw everything in the pot. The result is a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking much. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Mushroom Soup

    Slow Cooker Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Slow-Cooker Mushroom Soup is a comforting dish filled with rich mushrooms, garlic, and a mix of herbs. It’s perfect for those evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The soup pairs nicely with crispy garlic butter toasts, which are great for soaking up all the delicious flavors. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also offers a cozy feel that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great option for busy nights when you need something hearty and tasty.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

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

    BBQ chicken wings are simple to make in the slow cooker with just a handful of ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can relax while the wings cook. Everyone will love these flavorful wings, making them a hit at any occasion. Enjoy a delicious appetizer without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortillas soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This chicken tortilla soup is a hit with the whole family. It's packed with flavor and is good for you, too. Plus, you can easily freeze any leftovers for later. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's perfect for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking.

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    Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

    A bowl of Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Eat Your Beets.

    This dish combines the hearty flavors of chili and macaroni, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It's a comforting meal that requires minimal effort, perfect for when you're feeling worn out. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you relax. The result is a warm and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    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 nights 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 delicious meal without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.

    Chicken becomes really tender while it simmers in a flavorful enchilada sauce in the slow cooker. You can easily throw in some corn tortillas, cheese, and olives to create a delicious casserole. This dish is perfect for busy nights 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. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce. It’s a simple dish that pairs perfectly with warm tortillas. This meal is great for when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi

    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi.
    Photo Credit: Delightful Plate.

    Pulled pork banh mi is a delicious sandwich that combines a Vietnamese baguette with tender pulled pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and a zesty sriracha mayo. Using a slow cooker to prepare the pulled pork makes this meal super simple and convenient. The flavors come together beautifully, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole features tater tots, a southwestern twist, and plenty of cheese. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying. The combination of flavors makes it a hit with everyone at the table. You can throw it together without much effort, and it will fill you up nicely. It's a great option for those evenings when you just want to relax.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

    Slow Cooker French Onion Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is a warm and cozy meal that you can whip up in your slow cooker. It has a rich onion broth that really hits the spot, especially when you add some crunchy croutons and gooey cheese on top. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do all the work for you. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup any night of the week.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Slow Cooker)

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Slow Cooker).
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    This slow cooker chicken bacon ranch casserole is a simple and tasty option for dinner. With just six ingredients, you can whip up a creamy dish packed with the flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It's perfect for busy nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Each serving has only 4.3g of net carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake. Enjoy a satisfying meal without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple meal. It's a comforting dish with layers of flavor that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights 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. This is a satisfying dinner that will warm you up.

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    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Manila Spoon.

    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings together a mix of spices and a touch of citrus. It’s a straightforward recipe that you can prepare in your crockpot with minimal effort. This meal is perfect for busy nights 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 comforting and satisfying dinner without the fuss.

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    Crock Pot Carne Guisada

    Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew).
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Beef stew is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe brings out rich flavors and tender beef that will satisfy everyone at the table. It’s an easy dish to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something warm and filling.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Chicken Enchilada Soup is a cozy dish that’s simple to make in a slow cooker. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for chilly days. Just throw everything in the pot and let it do the work for you. This soup is a great choice when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious meal anytime you need a comforting dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie {with Biscuits}.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    A hearty meal that feels like a warm hug is easy to prepare with this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are combined with creamy soups, creating a rich filling. Topped with fluffy biscuits, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow cooker lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This Slow Cooker Lasagna is packed with cheesy goodness and flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, from simmering the meat sauce to baking the lasagna, without the hassle of boiling noodles separately.

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    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas are a great option for a quick and satisfying meal any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the fajita sauce. Once everything is ready, just wrap it in a warm tortilla for a tasty bite. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal effort!

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    Juicy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

    Juicy Slow Cooker Corned Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    Making a classic corned beef and cabbage dinner is simple with a slow cooker. The long cooking time allows the meat to become really tender and flavorful. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you relax. This dish is perfect for when you want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese

    Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese is a simple and satisfying dinner option that anyone can make. The combination of cream cheese and salsa creates a rich and creamy sauce that ties all the flavors together. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s also quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Carnitas

    Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)..
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of tender, slow-cooked shredded pork with crispy, golden edges. Making it in a slow cooker is simple; just toss in the ingredients and let it cook slowly until the meat is ready. After cooking, shred the pork and give it a quick broil to get those nice crispy bits. This dish is great for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and plenty of other meals. It's a fantastic option for when you want something delicious 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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