The 15 Slow Cooker Recipes I Can Start and Forget About Until It’s Time to Eat
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Some days, the last thing I want is to hover over the stove or deal with a pile of dishes. These slow cooker recipes are my go-to when I need dinner to handle itself while I tackle everything else on my plate. I just throw in a few ingredients, walk away, and come back to a hot, comforting meal that’s ready when I am.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken
This cheesy ranch chicken is everything I need when I want dinner to handle itself and still come out tasting amazing. I just throw it all in the slow cooker, walk away, and by the end of the day, it’s bubbling with creamy, cheesy ranch flavor and fall-apart chicken. It’s a low-effort, big-payoff meal I keep on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Beef Barbacoa
Beef barbacoa is one of those slow cooker recipes I always come back to because it basically does all the work and delivers huge flavor. The beef turns perfectly tender and juicy while soaking up bold spices, so by the time dinner rolls around, I’ve got a meal that feels like I fussed when I absolutely didn’t. It’s ideal for tacos, bowls, or whatever I’ve got energy for.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken is my go-to when I need something that handles itself and still tastes like a win. I literally just dump chicken and salsa in the slow cooker and let it do its thing until the chicken is perfectly juicy and shreds like a dream. It’s beyond easy and so flexible for bowls, wraps, or a quick salad topper.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Rump Roast
This rump roast is one of my favorite slow cooker moves when I want dinner to make itself and still feels impressive. I season it, set it, and forget it until it comes out tender, flavorful, and totally delicious without me hovering over a hot stove. It’s hearty, hands-off, and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
When I need a shareable dish that takes care of itself, I turn to this slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip every single time. I mix everything together, flip on the slow cooker, and come back hours later to a bubbling bowl of cheesy, creamy goodness. It’s always a hit and lets me enjoy the day without worrying about kitchen duty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Italian Beef
Italian beef in the slow cooker is one of those dinners I know I can count on when I want to throw something in and walk away. It slow cooks until the roast is fork-tender and loaded with savory peppery flavor that’s amazing in sandwiches or bowls. It feels like a restaurant meal, but I barely lift a finger.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef
Beef Stew
I lean on this beef stew when I want the kind of warm, filling dinner that makes itself while I tackle everything else. It’s just a quick toss of beef, veggies, and broth into the slow cooker, and by evening, I’ve got a rich, comforting stew that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s reliable, low-effort, and always gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Mashed Potatoes
These slow cooker mashed potatoes save me every time I want creamy, fluffy potatoes without juggling pots on the stove. I peel them, toss them in, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting until I’m ready to mash and serve straight from the pot. They’re hands-off, no-fuss, and totally stress-free for holidays or weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli in the slow cooker is how I satisfy those takeout cravings without hovering in the kitchen. I start it in the morning, let the beef cook down into tender, saucy perfection, and throw in the broccoli near the end for that fresh crunch. It’s a meal that runs itself and makes me feel like I’ve got dinner figured out.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Taco Soup
Taco soup is the definition of a dinner that handles itself and still delivers bold, delicious flavor. I dump everything, meat, veggies, seasoning, into the slow cooker and forget about it until it’s time to serve. It’s cozy, hearty, and perfect with avocado and cheese on top for a meal that feels way fancier than the effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff in the slow cooker is my favorite way to get cozy comfort food without standing over a hot stove. I toss in beef, mushrooms, and a few pantry staples, and let it simmer into a creamy, flavorful sauce while I go about my day. By dinnertime, it’s rich, hearty, and feels like I actually tried, even though I barely did.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Chicken Paprikash
Slow cooker chicken paprikash is the ultimate flavor-packed dinner that takes care of itself while I handle everything else. The chicken turns fall-apart tender in a creamy paprika sauce that’s full of warmth and depth. I love serving it over noodles or rice for a hands-off meal that delivers serious comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Baby Back Ribs
These slow-cooker baby back ribs are what I make when I want something impressive but don’t want to babysit dinner. I coat the ribs in a simple dry rub, add a sticky glaze, and let the slow cooker work its magic until the meat is falling off the bone. It’s barely any prep and totally worth it every single time.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This crockpot shepherd’s pie is how I keep dinner easy and delicious, especially when I want something that handles itself. I layer seasoned ground beef, veggies, and a smooth cauliflower mash in the slow cooker and let it do all the cooking while I check off the rest of my to-do list. It’s hearty, comforting, and makes amazing leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
When I want something filling and rich without hovering in the kitchen, this slow-cooked beef shank always delivers. The meat turns unbelievably tender as it simmers low and slow with herbs and aromatics, soaking up every bit of flavor. I usually serve it over cauliflower mash for a no-fuss meal that feels like a total treat.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
