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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: 18 Slow Cooker Meals for the Ultimate Lazy Day

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 30, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cookers are a lifesaver for those days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can set your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you relax. Here are 18 easy and satisfying slow cooker meals that are perfect for a lazy day.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken brings together all the flavors of pizza in a simple meal. With pepperoni and your choice of toppings, it’s a dish that the whole family can enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights 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 the work for you. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza flavors without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together Italian dressing, brown sugar, and chicken breasts in the slow cooker for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you relax. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner. This is a great option for when you're too tired to cook.

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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 Chicken Alfredo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Fit As a Mama Bear.

    This creamy chicken dish is perfect for a family dinner. It's simple to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Everyone will enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture. It's a meal that brings everyone together without taking up too much of your time.

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    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This chili cooks slowly in a flavorful mix of tomatoes and spices. With ground beef and crispy bacon, it brings a hearty touch to your meal. You can add your favorite toppings to make it even better. It's perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is a great choice for a cozy dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies is a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. It combines tender chicken with a mix of flavorful vegetables, all cooked together in a slow cooker. This meal is perfect for busy days when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you take care of other tasks. It’s a simple way to have a satisfying dinner ready when you need it.

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    Slow Cooker 15 Bean Minestrone Soup

    Slow Cooker 15 Bean Minestrone Soup {Vegetarian}.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker 15 Bean Minestrone Soup is a delicious dish packed with a rich broth, fresh vegetables, cooked pasta, and a hearty blend of dried beans. This soup is easy to prepare; just throw everything in the slow cooker, cover it up, and let it cook. It's a great option for busy nights when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup any day of the week.

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    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta

    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting meal that brings together juicy chicken, zesty spices, and a rich, creamy sauce. It's a simple dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors elevates a classic pasta dish into something special. It's an easy way to satisfy your hunger and keep everyone happy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

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

    Making chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker is super simple. You just throw in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onion, and some Italian spices to create a rich sauce. 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 hearty meal without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef is a simple dinner option that requires very little effort. This dish results in tender beef coated in delicious barbecue sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great choice for busy nights when you don't feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal fuss.

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    Black Eyed Pea Soup

    A bowl of black eyed pea soup.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Black Eyed Pea Soup is a simple and filling dish that’s both affordable and healthy. Using dried black eyed peas, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrition. It cooks quickly in either an instant pot or a slow cooker, saving you time in the kitchen. This is a great option for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying. Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without spending hours preparing it.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with vegetables is always a comforting meal. This recipe features a chuck roast that you can prep in just five minutes. Once it’s in the slow cooker, the meat becomes so tender that it practically falls apart. It’s a simple dish that doesn’t need much work at all. Perfect for when you want a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Get this hearty Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup simmering in your slow cooker and you'll come home to a wholesome and comforting weeknight dinner. It's loaded with chunks of tender beef, vegetables, and wholesome barley.

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    Slow Cooker Lamb Curry

    Slow Cooker Lamb Curry.
    Photo Credit: Veena Azmanov.

    This Indian lamb curry is easy to prepare by just tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do its thing. The lamb cooks slowly with flavorful curry powder and creamy coconut milk, resulting in tender meat. It's a comforting dish that fills the kitchen with a lovely aroma. Perfect for days when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb is a simple and delicious dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. The lamb shoulder is seasoned and cooked slowly, making it incredibly tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for tacos, sliders, burgers, salads, and BBQs. It takes very little effort to prepare, but the flavor is outstanding. It's a great option for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup is a great option when you want something warm and filling. It requires very little prep time, so you can just throw everything in and let it cook. The slow cooking process helps all the flavors blend together beautifully. This soup is perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the fuss.

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    Chicken & Dumplings

    Chicken and dumplings.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    This is a really simple take on a classic comfort food that cooks all day in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. This recipe is all about convenience and flavor, making it a great choice for busy days. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to have a delicious dinner waiting for you.

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    Beef Stew

    Beef Stew Recipe.
    Photo Credit: Sugar Spun Run.

    This beef stew is packed with great flavors and is super easy to make. You can prepare it in either the oven or a slow cooker, giving you flexibility based on your day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you just want something warm and comforting. Enjoy a delicious bowl of stew that practically cooks itself!

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Tuscan chicken bake.
      20 Easy Sunday Dinner Ideas for Busy Families
    • Chicken cacciatore.
      23 Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Busy Summer Days
    • Zucchini casserole.
      20 Delicious Summer Casseroles You Can Make Ahead
    • Homemade chili hot dog sauce.
      14 Ground Beef Recipes That Were Made for Summer

    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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