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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: 17 Hearty Slow Cooker Meals for the Whole Family

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 4, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy families, allowing you to prepare hearty meals with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can create comforting dishes that everyone will enjoy. From stews to casseroles, these recipes are perfect for filling up the table and warming the heart.

    Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

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

    Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a simple dinner option that features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a flavorful orange barbecue sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed white rice or some green vegetables, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

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

    This Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken is an easy and tasty meal that everyone will love. With just a few simple pizza ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. While pepperoni is a great topping, feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: One Pot Only.

    This creamy chicken and corn soup is both hearty and satisfying, making it a comforting meal for any time of the year. With the option to use fresh or frozen corn, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    This dish features tender chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice. It's versatile enough to use in quesadillas, sandwiches, or even on its own. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    Preparing this braised beef short ribs dish is quick and easy, taking just 20 minutes to get everything ready for the slow cooker. Once it's in, you can forget about it while it cooks, resulting in juicy, tender meat that falls right off the bone. This is a great option for a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice

    Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a simple one-pot meal that's perfect for busy families. The chicken turns out tender, the rice is fluffy, and the crunchy broccoli adds a nice touch. This dish is great for a cozy dinner without any fuss.

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    Crock Pot Baked Ziti

    Crock Pot Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This slow cooker baked ziti is an easy dinner option that combines pasta, sauce, and cheese for a comforting meal. 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 tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple dish that combines chicken and chili flavors in a convenient way. With healthy ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a simple and delicious dinner option. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You'll enjoy the creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a family favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    Creamy chicken and rice soup is super easy to prepare. It includes carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, chicken, rice, and a mix of spices, all brought together with a touch of cream. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening, especially when served alongside grilled cheese or some crusty bread.

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    Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne combines the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with tender chicken for a filling meal. It's a simple dinner option that the whole family will enjoy, making it a great choice for busy days. Just set it up in the morning, and you'll have a warm, satisfying dish waiting for you when you get home.

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    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

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

    This dish combines the comfort of tater tot casserole with the classic flavors of shepherd’s pie, creating a simple one-pot meal. With frozen vegetables mixed in, it’s filling and satisfying. Topped with melted shredded cheddar, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

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

    An easy dinner option for busy nights is this Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken. This dish puts a fun spin on regular chicken, making it a hit with the whole family. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    This chicken is so tender, covered in creamy sauce, and full of peanut-y goodness . . . AND it's super easy with its five-ingredient sauce. Prep for this flavorful crockpot chicken with peanut butter and salsa is so quick—just mix the five sauce ingredients, pour over chicken, and cook in the slow cooker.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

    Chicken piccata.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata features a delicious blend of lemon, chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard, creating a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. With just a few simple steps to prepare and a few hours in the slow cooker, this meal will be ready to serve at dinner time.

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    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner option for busy weeknights. You’ll have tender chicken and baby potatoes cooked in a light, lemony sauce, all thanks to your slow cooker. The addition of briny kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese adds great flavor without needing much work.

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    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf

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

    Dry onion soup mix adds a great flavor to classic meatloaf, making it a tasty option for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare, so you won’t have to stress about what to make for the family. It's a straightforward meal that everyone will love.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Bacon potato casserole.
      22 Casseroles That Cook Themselves While You Relax
    • Air fryer salmon.
      21 Quick and Easy Summer Dinners for Busy Nights
    • Goat cheese mac and cheese.
      21 Southern Potluck Dishes Everyone Will Be Talking About
    • Thai coconut skewers.
      23 Grilling Recipes That Will Make Your Summer Sizzle

    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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