17 Slow Cooker Favorites That Keep Me Cooking Less And Enjoying The Holidays More
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Holiday chaos hits fast, so I rely on slow cooker favorites that let me cook less and enjoy the season more. They handle the long simmering, flavor-building work for me while I wrap gifts, clean up, or try to keep things calm in the house. With easy prep and stress-free cooking, these recipes save my sanity and still deliver favorites everyone’s excited to eat.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow cooker taco soup comes through on chilly holiday nights when I need something hearty but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking. The chicken, meatballs, veggies, and spices all blend together into a warm bowl of comfort that tastes like I put in serious effort. I just top it with cheese and avocado and enjoy a filling meal that lets me stay warm and relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs let me enjoy the holidays instead of babysitting the oven, because once they’re in the slow cooker, I can actually relax or finish up all the other things pulling at me. The dry rub and sticky glaze turn into the most tender, fall-apart meat without me doing more than a few minutes of prep. By the time dinner shows up, I get a full, comforting meal that tastes like hours of work even though I barely lifted a finger.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Slow cooker butternut squash soup warms me up on cold nights and doesn’t pull me away from everything I still need to do during the holidays. The slow cooker turns the squash and spices into a creamy, cozy bowl that tastes like it simmered all day. I can serve it as a starter, a side, or a soothing main dish that feels effortless.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is one of my go-to slow cooker meals when I want something warm and hearty without standing at the stove. The beef turns tender, the mushrooms add depth, and the creamy sauce brings everything together while I’m off doing holiday things. By dinner, I have a classic comfort dish ready with almost zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip keeps my holiday hosting effortless since it handles itself while I’m busy with everything else. The creamy, cheesy mix turns warm and melty on its own, which makes it perfect for last-minute guests or low-key evenings at home. When I set it out, the whole spread instantly feels festive without me spending extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Slow cooker marry me chicken keeps my holiday evenings peaceful since I can toss everything in and let the slow cooker turn it into something incredible. The juicy chicken and creamy garlic-tomato sauce taste fancy without asking anything from me except pressing a button. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special yet gives me more time to enjoy the season.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Barbacoa Tacos
Barbacoa tacos make holiday meals fun without demanding much work from me since the slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting. The beef cooks down into tender, flavorful goodness that’s perfect for piling into warm tortillas. It’s a low-effort, high-payoff dinner that brings big energy to Taco Tuesday or any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Barbacoa Tacos
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Slow cooker cheesy ranch chicken helps me serve a rich, cozy dinner on days when the holiday rush has wiped me out. The sauce gets extra creamy as it cooks, and the chicken soaks up all the flavor without me checking on it. By dinnertime, I have something warm, cheesy, and comforting that my family loves, all with almost no work from me.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Italian Beef
Italian beef saves me during the holidays because it slow cooks into something rich and cozy while I’m free to handle everything else. The roast, peppers, and seasoning mix melt together into tender shreds that work for sandwiches, bowls, or whatever I need through the week. I just add pickled veggies when serving and enjoy a flavorful meal that needs almost no attention from me.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken is one of my easiest slow cooker wins because it makes a flavorful meal while freeing up my whole day. The chicken gets tender and tangy from the salsa, and it works for dinners, lunches, or whatever I need through the week when holiday chaos hits. I love that it’s simple, hands-off, and always a hit with my family.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera-style broccoli cheddar soup becomes even easier when my slow cooker takes over and lets me focus on all the holiday chaos. The broccoli, broth, cheddar, and aromatics blend into a creamy bowl that feels extra comforting on cold nights. It always hits the spot without asking more from me than a few minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Rump Roast
Rump roast is my effortless way to put a comforting dinner on the table without hovering over the stove all day. The herbs and slow cooking turn it into melt-in-your-mouth beef that feels special enough for a celebration. When I serve it over roasted veggies, the whole plate tastes like something I worked hard on, even though my slow cooker did the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow cooker mashed potatoes keep me sane on busy holiday days because they cook quietly in the corner while I enjoy the festivities. The garlic and butter turn the potatoes fluffy and flavorful without me juggling pots on the stove. When it is time to serve, all I do is mash and enjoy a side dish that feels homemade without the usual stress.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash makes holiday evenings easier because the slow cooker turns the chicken and paprika sauce into something warm and inviting while I stay hands-off. The creamy sauce and tender meat pair perfectly with noodles or rice for a comforting dinner. It is a dish that brings big flavor without pulling me away from everything else going on.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Beef shank becomes fall-apart tender in my slow cooker, giving me a hearty dinner that feels comforting and rich. The herbs slowly infuse the meat and create deep flavor while I’m free to focus on other holiday tasks. Once I spoon it over cauliflower mash, I get a cozy meal that tastes like I spent hours on it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast gives me old-fashioned, holiday-style comfort without tying me to the stove. The beef gets incredibly tender while the veggies soak up all the rich gravy, creating a full meal that handles itself. It’s perfect for days when I want classic flavors but need the slow cooker to save my time and sanity.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Crockpot shepherd’s pie lets me meal prep for the week without giving up any holiday downtime. The mix of ground beef, veggies, and a smooth cauliflower mash topping cooks into a filling dish that reheats beautifully. I just scoop it out whenever I need a quick, warm, protein-packed meal that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
