10 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Make in Your Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can make meal prep a breeze. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can create delicious and healthy meals that will be ready when you are. In this article, we’ll share 10 easy and delicious recipes to make in your slow cooker, as well as some kitchen gadgets to use with it.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings 

This classic comfort food is easy to make in the slow cooker. Simply combine chicken breasts, vegetables, and broth in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add dumplings made from biscuit dough and let them cook for an additional 30 minutes. To make cleanup even easier, use a slow cooker liner.

To make a delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until well combined. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the frozen peas (if desired).
7. Roll out your biscuit dough and cut it into small pieces.
8. Drop the pieces of biscuit dough into the slow cooker.
9. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
10. Taste the chicken and dumplings and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
11. Serve the slow cooker chicken and dumplings hot, and enjoy!

This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, and the result is a hearty and delicious meal. The tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew 

Slow cooker beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender beef and flavorful vegetables with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker and season it with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the beef and vegetables are coated with the liquid.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Once the cooking time is up, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve the slow cooker beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting slow cooker beef stew on a chilly day. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chili 

This classic comfort food is easy to make in the slow cooker. Combine ground beef, beans, vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream for a delicious meal. To chop the vegetables quickly and easily, use a food processor.

Slow cooker chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty and flavorful chili with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Place the cooked meat in the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve the slow cooker chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and warming slow cooker chili on a chilly day. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender. Serve it with some cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Pot Roast 

This classic comfort food is easy to make in the slow cooker. Combine beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. To sear the meat before slow cooking, use a browning tool.

Slow cooker pot roast is a classic comfort food that is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the roast on all sides until browned. This step adds extra flavor to the roast.
3. Place the sliced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
5. Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Carefully place the seared beef chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Once the cooking time is up, remove the beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
9. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
10. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetables and juices.
11. Taste the pot roast and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
12. Serve the slow cooker pot roast hot, spooning the tender beef and vegetables onto plates or bowls.

This slow cooker pot roast is the epitome of comfort food. The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow, and the combination of vegetables and savory broth creates a delicious sauce. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of year. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos 

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine chicken, salsa, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with tortillas and your favorite taco toppings for a delicious meal. To keep the tacos upright and prevent them from falling over, use a taco holder.

Here is a delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
6. Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Serve the shredded chicken in the warmed tortillas and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
8. Enjoy the flavorful and juicy slow cooker chicken tacos!

These slow cooker chicken tacos are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The tender and juicy chicken, combined with your favorite toppings, will create a delicious and satisfying taco experience. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 

This easy recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue. Combine pork, barbecue sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a delicious meal. To easily shred the pork, use meat shredding claws.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or any time you’re craving tender and juicy pork. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the pork to cook low and slow until it falls apart with just a fork. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Hamburger buns or rolls, for serving
• Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder or pork butt on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the pork, making sure it is evenly coated.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
6. Once the cooking time is up, remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large plate.
7. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any excess fat or bone.
8. Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and mix it with the juices and onions.
9. Let the shredded pork sit in the slow cooker for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
10. Serve the slow cooker pulled pork on hamburger buns or rolls, topped with coleslaw if desired.

This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, with the perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors from the barbecue sauce. Serve it on buns with some tangy coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich, or use it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or even pizza. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy this mouthwatering dish at your next gathering or whenever you’re craving some delicious pulled pork.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli 

This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Combine beef, broccoli, soy sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal. To make the perfect rice to serve with the beef and broccoli, use a rice cooker.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be easily prepared in your slow cooker. The tender beef and crisp broccoli are coated in a delicious savory sauce, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy dinner. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Set aside.
2. Place the beef slices in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.
6. Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir to coat them in the sauce.
7. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
8. Serve the slow cooker beef and broccoli over cooked rice.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
10. Enjoy this flavorful and wholesome slow cooker beef and broccoli!

This delightful dish brings together the rich flavors of beef and the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all in a mouthwatering sauce that will leave you wanting more. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, so you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table with minimal effort. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup 

This vegetarian recipe is packed with protein and flavor. Combine lentils, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. To serve the soup easily, use a soup ladle.

Lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to develop and the lentils to become tender. Here’s how to make slow cooker lentil soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils (any variety)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
2. Place the rinsed lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
4. Add the dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
7. Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
9. Serve the slow cooker lentil soup hot and enjoy!

This slow cooker lentil soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber. It’s a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal, but you can also add cooked chicken or sausage if you prefer. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious lentil soup!

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

 This kid-friendly recipe is easy and delicious. Combine macaroni, cheese, milk, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 2-3 hours. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. To shred the cheese and stir the mac and cheese, use a cheese grater and a silicone spatula.

Here is a recipe for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Once the macaroni is cooked, give it a final stir to ensure all the ingredients are well-mixed.
6. Serve the slow cooker mac and cheese hot, straight from the slow cooker.

This creamy and cheesy slow cooker mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. It requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp 

This dessert recipe is perfect for fall. Combine apples, oats, brown sugar, and seasonings in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 2-3 hours. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat. To prepare the apples quickly and easily, use an apple peeler/corer/slicer.

Slow cooker apple crisp is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for fall. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and crunchy oat topping makes for a delightful treat. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
4. Spread half of the oat mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add the apple mixture on top of the oat mixture, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples, covering them completely.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Once the apple crisp is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

This slow cooker apple crisp is a delightful dessert that will fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon and apples. The soft and tender apples paired with the crispy and buttery oat topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this comforting treat on a chilly fall day or any time you’re craving a sweet and fruity dessert.

Using these kitchen gadgets with your slow cooker can make meal prep even easier and more efficient. Try out these 10 easy and delicious recipes and see how these kitchen gadgets can simplify your cooking process.

In addition to the recipes and gadgets mentioned above, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when using a slow cooker. First, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully, as cooking times and ingredient amounts can vary. Second, avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking, as this can cause the temperature to drop and increase the cooking time. Finally, be sure to clean your slow cooker thoroughly after each use to prevent any bacteria buildup.

Overall, the slow cooker is a great tool for busy families and anyone looking to simplify their meal prep. With these 10 easy and delicious recipes and some handy kitchen gadgets, you can create healthy and satisfying meals with minimal effort. Give them a try and see how your slow cooker can transform your cooking routine!