20+ Slow Cooker Dinners (Set It and Forget It)

There is nothing better than walking through the door after a long day to the smell of dinner already cooked. These 20 slow cooker dinners are the definition of set it and forget it: a little morning prep, a full day of hands-off cooking, and a hot homemade meal waiting for you at night. From hearty beef stew to crispy carnitas tacos, every recipe below is made for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and anyone who wants real comfort food without standing over a stove.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8 hrs on low | Total: 8 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 potatoes, chopped into chunks
• 3 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste, plus salt, pepper, and thyme

Instructions

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them quickly in a hot skillet.
2. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.
4. Stir, adjust seasoning, and serve hot in deep bowls.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs on low | Total: 6 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 cups chicken broth, plus taco seasoning
• Tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro for topping

Instructions

1. Place chicken, beans, tomatoes, corn, broth, and taco seasoning in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
4. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro.

3. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 4 hrs on low | Total: 4 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, and garlic together and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 15 more minutes to thicken the sauce.
4. Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 hrs on low | Total: 8 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika, plus garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Brioche buns and coleslaw for serving

Instructions

1. Rub the pork shoulder all over with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the slow cooker with the broth, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Shred the pork with two forks, discarding any large fat pieces, and stir in BBQ sauce.
4. Pile onto brioche buns and top with coleslaw.

5. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs on low | Total: 6 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 bell peppers, diced, plus chili powder and cumin
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Combine beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers, chili powder, and cumin in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring once halfway if you are around.
3. Taste and adjust salt and spice.
4. Serve in bowls with a swirl of sour cream.

6. Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8 hrs on low | Total: 8 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chuck roast
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 parsnips, cut into chunks
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, quartered, plus rosemary, salt, and pepper

Instructions

1. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper and sear it on all sides in a hot pan.
2. Layer the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onion in the slow cooker, then set the roast on top.
3. Pour in the broth, add rosemary, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Slice or shred the roast and arrange with the vegetables on a platter.

7. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 hrs on low | Total: 5 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 4 cups chicken broth, plus cumin and oregano
• 1/2 cup cream cheese for a creamy finish

Instructions

1. Add chicken, beans, green chiles, corn, broth, cumin, and oregano to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, stir in the cream cheese until melted, and return the chicken to the pot.
4. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 hrs on high | Total: 4 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• Cooked basmati rice and cilantro for serving

Instructions

1. Whisk the curry paste into the coconut milk, then add with chicken, onion, and ginger to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
3. Stir well and let the sauce settle for a few minutes.
4. Spoon over basmati rice and top with cilantro.

9. Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs on low | Total: 7 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp chili powder, plus cumin and garlic powder
• Shredded cheddar and sliced green onions for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
3. Stir and adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Serve topped with cheddar and green onions.

10. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 hrs on low | Total: 5 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 2 lemons, one juiced and one sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Fresh rosemary and thyme, plus salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Arrange the potatoes in the slow cooker and lay the chicken thighs on top.
2. Whisk lemon juice, garlic, broth, and herbs together and pour over everything.
3. Top with lemon slices, cover, and cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Serve the chicken and potatoes with the pan juices spooned over.

11. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 4 hrs on high | Total: 4 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Brioche buns and pickle slices for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour over the BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, and vinegar.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks and toss it in the sauce.
4. Pile onto brioche buns and add pickles for crunch.

12. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 hrs on low | Total: 6 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth, plus Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup small pasta, added at the end

Instructions

1. Add everything except the pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve with grated parmesan and crusty bread.

13. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 3 hrs on high | Total: 3 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey, plus cooked rice and sesame seeds for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker with teriyaki sauce, honey, and garlic.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
3. Add the broccoli for the last 30 minutes so it stays bright and tender-crisp.
4. Slice or shred the chicken and serve over rice with sesame seeds.

14. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs on low | Total: 6 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, diced, plus Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef, then add it to the slow cooker with peppers, tomatoes, broth, onion, and seasoning.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Stir in the cooked rice during the last 20 minutes.
4. Ladle into bowls and serve with shredded cheese if you like.

15. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8 hrs on low | Total: 8 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tsp cumin, plus oregano, salt, and pepper
• 1 orange, juiced
• Warm tortillas, diced onion, cilantro, and lime for serving

Instructions

1. Season the pork with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and place in the slow cooker with onion, garlic, and orange juice.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until shreddable.
3. Shred the pork, then crisp it under a hot broiler for 5 minutes.
4. Serve in warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

16. Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 hrs on low | Total: 7 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream, plus thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions

1. Add chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, broth, and thyme to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir the cream in at the end.
4. Season to taste and serve warm.

17. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs in Marinara

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 hrs on low | Total: 5 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper, and roll into meatballs.
2. Spread a little marinara in the slow cooker, add the meatballs, and cover with the rest of the sauce.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cover 10 more minutes to melt, and garnish with basil.

18. Slow Cooker Lentil Vegetable Soup

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs on low | Total: 6 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth, plus cumin
• 2 cups fresh spinach, stirred in at the end

Instructions

1. Add lentils, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth, and cumin to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

19. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs on high | Total: 4 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can (19 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas, quartered
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• Sour cream and cilantro for serving

Instructions

1. Layer tortillas, chicken, beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese in the slow cooker, repeating until used up.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
3. Let it rest 10 minutes so the layers set.
4. Serve slices with sour cream and cilantro.

20. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 4 hrs on high | Total: 4 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Italian sausage links
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, plus Italian seasoning
• Hoagie rolls for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage links quickly in a skillet for extra flavor.
2. Add sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning to the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
4. Serve piled into toasted hoagie rolls.

The Bottom Line

A slow cooker turns a busy day into a head start on dinner. With 20 recipes covering soups, chilis, sandwiches, and full meat-and-potatoes meals, you have a whole month of weeknights handled with almost no evening effort. Prep in the morning, come home to comfort food, and enjoy a table full of flavor with barely any cleanup. Save this list for your next grocery run and let the slow cooker do the work.