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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Best Slow Cooker Meals for When You Just Can't Even

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 22, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy days when you just can't deal with complicated meals. With minimal prep, you can throw in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in hearty and satisfying dishes. Here are 23 easy slow cooker meals that will keep you fed and happy without the stress.

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow cookers are perfect for making a tasty meatloaf without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can prepare a hearty meal that cooks itself while you relax. This easy meatloaf recipe is great for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking. It’s a comforting dish that fits well into any family dinner. Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

    Crockpot Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This meal is all about comfort and ease. You can have it ready in just 5 minutes of prep time, which is perfect for those days when you’re feeling worn out. It’s a hearty dish that warms you up and satisfies your hunger. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. This is a great option for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Slow cooker whole chicken is a simple way to enjoy a delicious roast chicken any night of the week. Just pop it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. This dish brings all the comforting flavors of a Sunday dinner without much effort. It's perfect for busy evenings when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal with minimal work.

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    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Add Salt and Serve.

    Cube steak turns out really tender and tasty with minimal effort. By combining cube steak with cream of mushroom soup, Lipton onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and water, you can easily prepare a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you just don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without much work. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do its job.

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    Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone

    Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Minestrone is anything but dull. It’s packed with flavor, featuring a nice kick, creamy cheese, and a rich blend of herbs and pesto. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s an easy option that requires minimal effort, making it great for busy days. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup any time you need a warm and filling dinner.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

    Slow Cooker French Onion Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cooker French onion soup brings together rich, caramelized flavors with an easy cooking method. The first time I had this soup at a cozy bistro, I was captivated by the sweet onions, hearty broth, and the delicious layer of melted cheese on top. It's a comforting dish that warms you up and fills you up. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want something simple and satisfying. This is a great meal for when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili.
    Photo Credit: Neil's Healthy Meals.

    This healthy chili is packed with Quorn mince, beans, and plenty of vegetables. It's simple to prepare and perfect for those evenings when you just want something easy. Even meat lovers will enjoy this dish, as it’s hearty and satisfying. You can set it up in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. This is a great option for a cozy dinner without much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Cowboy baked beans are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. With just a large can of baked beans, some lean ground beef, a sweet yellow onion, and a handful of common seasonings, you can create a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors that come together effortlessly.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

    Chicken and Gravy Recipe (Crockpot).
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    This Chicken and Gravy dish is a simple slow cooker meal that takes the stress out of dinner time. As it cooks, it creates a delicious gravy using cream of mushroom soup. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have tender chicken in a flavorful sauce that goes great over rice, potatoes, or even in a sandwich. It’s an easy recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for those nights when you just want to relax.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Stew

    Slow cooker beef stew on a pot.
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    This stew is a perfect comfort meal that you can prepare and let cook on its own. It features tender beef combined with potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered together in a thick and hearty broth. It's a great option for busy days 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. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal without much effort.

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    Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwiches

    Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Jackfruit cooked in barbecue sauce, water, oil, and spices creates delicious sandwiches that everyone will enjoy. These sandwiches offer all the flavors of traditional pulled pork while being a healthier vegan option. The slow cooking process allows the jackfruit to absorb all the tasty seasonings, making each bite satisfying. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner that everyone will love.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    A simple dinner option is perfect for busy weeknights. This slow cooker Mexican casserole is packed with all the flavors you love, making it a satisfying meal. It’s a healthier choice compared to takeout and won’t break the bank. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Alpine Chicken

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

    This dish features tender chicken combined with Swiss cheese, stuffing mix, and crunchy almonds. It’s a simple meal that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Using stove-top stuffing adds a nice twist and makes it even more flavorful. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. This creamy chicken meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This Vegetarian Cajun 15 Bean Soup is perfect for dinner, packed with a variety of hearty beans that will fill you up. It’s a simple dish that doesn’t require much effort, making it great for those evenings when you just want something warm and comforting. The Cajun spices add a nice kick, giving the soup a flavorful twist. You can let it simmer in the slow cooker while you relax or take care of other things. This meal is satisfying and delicious, proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty soup.

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    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Hawaiian Pineapple chicken is a delicious dish that’s super easy to make. With just a little bit of prep time, you can let your slow cooker or instant pot handle the rest. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The flavors come together beautifully, making it a family favorite. Enjoy a tasty dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring together the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a fun, easy-to-eat slider form. You’ll enjoy tender, juicy chicken topped with crisp lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing. All of this is served on soft brioche buns that make each bite delicious. This is a great meal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone.

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    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This creamy chicken corn chowder is perfect for a cozy meal when you want something comforting. It features tender chicken, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables that come together beautifully. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is great for those evenings when you’re too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm bowl of chowder without the fuss.

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    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    This simple recipe is a hit with families and only requires 15 minutes of prep time. It’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. You can prepare it in advance and let the slow cooker do the work for you. This dish is great for busy evenings when you just want to relax. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Chicken breasts are simmered with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey until they're tender and easy to shred. The flavorful sauce adds a nice touch to the dish. This is a simple meal that you can prepare in the slow cooker without much effort. Serve it over rice for a filling dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want something delicious with minimal work.

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    White Chicken Chili

    White Chicken Chili .
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This white chicken chili is a warm and filling dish that everyone loves. It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and packed with flavor. The creamy texture makes it a satisfying meal that you can enjoy any time. Preparing it is a breeze, so you won’t spend much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for those nights when you just want something comforting without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This is the best Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe yet! It’s extremely tender, juicy, and huge on flavor. Perfect for any busy weeknight, yet delicious enough for company.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This creamy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that your family will enjoy. It features tender chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with delicious Tuscan flavors. It's a simple meal that feels special without requiring a lot of effort. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is a great option for those evenings when you're too tired to spend much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe adds a flavorful twist to chicken thighs with a special homemade seasoning. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The blend of spices gives the chicken a nice kick, making it a fun meal for the whole family. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. Enjoy a tasty dinner with minimal effort.

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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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