Bert Swope
No matter where life takes you – from babyhood to work – having a slow cooker in your arsenal can make healthy cooking at home much simpler and less stressful.
Soups and stews are some of the most beloved slow cooker meals. They’re perfect for cold fall and winter days or on Sunday afternoons when you’re in need of a hearty meal.
Pot roast
Pot roast is one of the most beloved slow cooker meals, featuring tender beef stew that’s packed with flavor. Often served alongside vegetables and an irresistible gravy sauce, pot roast will surely please everyone’s palate!
To get the most out of this recipe, select a cut of beef with just enough fat and connective tissue to break down during slow cooking. We suggest using a beef chuck roast that has good marbling throughout.
Browning the meat before placing it into a slow cooker is optional but can help retain its flavor and improve texture.
If you decide to sear your roast, pat it dry and season with salt and pepper before browning in a skillet over medium-high heat. Be sure to flip the roast over after about 3 minutes for an even sear on both sides.
Add the browned roast to a slow cooker and combine it with all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5-6.
Test for doneness with a long, thin skewer or fork to determine if the meat is fully cooked. If not, continue cooking until it falls apart when tested.
Corned beef and cabbage
Try this easy slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe for a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s an iconic Irish dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any Sunday supper!
Add a corned beef seasoning packet to your slow cooker to prepare this dish. It contains coriander, peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard, and dill seeds for flavor.
Top the corned beef with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges before placing it into a slow cooker for several hours to cook until tender without becoming mushy.
You could substitute water or beer (I recommend Guinness!) instead the chicken broth. This is an excellent way to add flavor and a hint of alcohol to your dish, though keep in mind that most of the alcohol will cook off during preparation.
This delicious and filling crock pot corned beef meal will surely please everyone at the table! Serve with soda bread, homemade biscuits, and a side salad for extra flavor.
Chicken dishes
For an effortless slow cooker meal, chicken dishes are the perfect option. Not only are they simple to make with minimal prep required, but the flavors are hearty and satisfying too!
Cooking chicken can be done in a variety of ways, from roasting to grilling or frying. Roasting is the most popular method, but you may also consider other methods like poaching or sous vide cooking for added flavor and convenience.
Another popular method is rotisserie cooking, which involves placing the chicken into a slow cooker and letting it do all of the work for you. This can be an efficient choice for busy weeknights; however, select the right poultry cut to prevent dryness or rubbery meat.
Before adding the chicken to a slow cooker, season with salt and pepper. For additional flavor, use fresh herbs or even a splash of lemon juice during preparation.
Your slow cooker can also be the perfect tool to make delicious, healthy, filling, and soul-warming soups. This creamy potato soup requires only minimal ingredients for preparation, then top it off with your favorite vegetables or sour cream for a nourishing dinner any night of the week!
Vegetarian entrees
Crockpot recipes are ideal for meatless meals, and with the right tools at your disposal, you can quickly whip up a tasty dinner in no time. These budget-friendly recipes won’t break your budget, making them great meal prep choices for busy families on the go.
The best part? They’re easy to make – many can even be prepared in the microwave or stovetop! If you’re searching for some of the best vegetarian slow cooker recipes, look no further! Our top picks include delicious main dishes, sides, and desserts sure to please everyone in the family. We’ve collected all our top picks – from sexiest to delectable and healthy – so that your next meal prep session is a hit!
Crockpot meals are legendary for their ease of preparation and nutrition. Although some people think that meatless meals must mean the kitchen is in disarray, with the right recipe, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition when creating your nutritious entree.
Desserts
Typically, your slow cooker should only be used for making delicious savory dishes, but you can also create delectable desserts in it too. Think caramel pudding, chocolate cake, and even peach cobbler!
For an effortless dessert that requires minimal effort, here are some great recipes:
This classic cinnamon roll casserole is a fall must-have for breakfast or dessert. Made with delicious canned pumpkin and topped off with creamy cream cheese icing for an irresistibly rich finish!
This quick and simple fudge only requires three ingredients, so you can have it ready in no time! Just remember to set it out the night before so that it has time to cool and harden.
Our creamy, sticky date pudding recipe can easily be cooked in the slow cooker for convenience. Try our lemony coconut pudding for a lighter and healthier take on this popular treat.
Self-saucing pudding is an irresistibly tasty way to end a meal, especially when made in the slow cooker. This dessert is packed with flavor and will quickly become one of your family’s favorites!
Irish stew
Traditional Irish stew is a hearty meal packed with succulent meat and vegetables – and it’s even easy to make in your slow cooker!
Making a delicious stew requires using quality ingredients and simmering the dish slowly. This will allow the flavors to combine and the meat to become tender.
Cooking times for various meats will differ, so be sure to adjust according to the recipe. You could also substitute chicken or pork for beef for a different taste.
Irish stew often includes root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef. These veggies give the stew extra flavor as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
When making this stew, it’s essential to brown the meat before placing it into a slow cooker. Doing so creates an irresistible crust on the outside, adding flavor depth to your dish.
Spaghetti bolognese
Spaghetti bolognese is an Italian dish that features spaghetti noodles tossed in a sauce made with tomatoes, minced beef, garlic, wine, herbs and spices. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that can be ready in less than 40 minutes!
Traditionally, this recipe calls for thin pappardelle pasta; however, it also works well with thicker varieties like tagliatelle or fettuccine. A timeless Italian dish, it has become increasingly popular around the globe.
The meat is simmered low and slow in this slow cooker version until it becomes tender and incredibly flavorful. The end result? A delicious pasta sauce that would make any Italian mama proud!
This slow cooker meal is one of the quickest and easiest to make, making it a go-to favorite in your family’s dinner rotation. With only 40 minutes preparation time, this dish is ideal for those looking for something quick but comforting at the same time.
This recipe is adapted from an Italian classic and cooked slowly over several hours to develop its flavor. The meat should be browned before adding all other ingredients, then simmered together until thoroughly heated.