14 Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes That Do the Work for You

Slow cooker dinners are the best kind of shortcut because you toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a meal that smells amazing. This list is packed with easy, delicious recipes that turn simple ingredients into something the whole table wants. If you want less cooking stress and more reliable weeknight wins, start here.

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Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey and Greens

Black eyed peas feel right on New Year’s Day, especially when they simmer all afternoon. Smoked turkey adds deep flavor, while greens soften into the broth and make the bowl feel complete. It is hearty without being heavy, and it reheats well for leftovers.

You will need 1 pound dried black eyed peas, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 smoked turkey leg or 2 smoked turkey wings, 6 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 half teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups chopped collard greens.

Prep time is about 15 minutes, then rinse the peas and add everything except the greens to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the peas are tender, then stir in the greens for the last 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and add a splash of hot sauce or a spoon of vinegar if you like a brighter finish.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs come out glossy and sticky, which makes them perfect for a party plate. The sauce tastes sweet at first, then the garlic and soy bring it back into balance. Serve them with toothpicks, or pile them over rice for a fuller meal.

You will need 2 pounds frozen meatballs, 1 cup honey, 2 thirds cup low sodium soy sauce, 6 garlic cloves minced, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.

Prep time is 10 minutes, then whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and vinegar in the slow cooker and add the meatballs. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2 and a half hours, stirring once or twice. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cook 10 more minutes until thick, and serve warm.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork is a crowd food because it can feed a lot of people with one big roast. The meat turns fork tender and soaks up its own juices while it cooks. Add slaw on top and it feels like a real party sandwich.

You will need 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 12 slider buns.

Prep time is 15 minutes, then rub the pork with the seasonings and place it in the slow cooker with broth, vinegar, and half the BBQ sauce. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until it shreds easily. Shred the pork, stir in the rest of the BBQ sauce, and spoon onto buns.

Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

Chili tastes better when it has time to simmer, and a slow cooker does that without attention. The beef gets tender, the beans hold their shape, and the spices mellow into the tomato base. It is great with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.

You will need 2 pounds ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 bell peppers chopped, 2 cans diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces each, 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces, 2 cans beans drained and rinsed 15 ounces each, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 half teaspoon black pepper.

Prep time is about 20 minutes, then brown the beef in a skillet with the oil, drain, and add it to the slow cooker with everything else. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once if you can. Taste at the end and add a little more salt or chili powder if needed.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip stays creamy and warm for hours, so it is made for game day and New Year’s snacking. The buffalo sauce gives it heat, while ranch and cheese keep it rich. Scoop it with chips, celery, or toasted bread.

You will need 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup buffalo wing sauce, 8 ounces cream cheese cubed, 1 cup ranch dressing, 2 cups shredded cheddar, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.

Prep time is 10 minutes, then add chicken and buffalo sauce to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2 and a half hours until the chicken shreds. Shred the chicken right in the pot, then stir in cream cheese, ranch, and the shredded cheeses until melted. Keep on WARM and stir once in a while so it stays smooth.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chicken tinga has a smoky tomato sauce that clings to the shredded meat. It smells amazing while it cooks, and the leftovers make quick lunches. Pile it into tortillas and add avocado, onion, and lime.

You will need 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces, 1 onion sliced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo chopped, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 12 small tortillas.

Prep time is 15 minutes, then add everything except tortillas to the slow cooker and stir. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken pulls apart easily. Shred the chicken, stir it back into the sauce, and serve in warm tortillas.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Carrots and Potatoes

Pot roast feels like a fresh start meal because it is comforting and filling. The beef softens slowly, and the vegetables soak up the broth as they cook. It is the kind of dinner that makes everyone hover near the kitchen.

You will need a 3 to 4 pound chuck roast, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion sliced, 4 carrots cut into chunks, 1 and a half pounds baby potatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 garlic cloves minced, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

Prep time is 20 minutes, then season the roast and sear it in a hot skillet with oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker, place the roast on top, and pour in broth mixed with Worcestershire, tomato paste, garlic, and thyme. Cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until tender.

Slow Cooker Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple

Ham is a classic holiday main, and it fits New Year’s Day too. The brown sugar melts into a sweet glaze while pineapple keeps it juicy. It is almost no effort, and it leaves you with great sandwich leftovers.

You will need 1 fully cooked spiral ham 7 to 9 pounds, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 can pineapple rings 20 ounces drained.

Prep time is 10 minutes, then place the ham in the slow cooker, add pineapple rings on top, and pour in pineapple juice mixed with brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, basting with the juices once or twice if you can. Slice and serve with some of the warm glaze spooned over the top.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

This soup feels special because tortellini makes it taste like a restaurant bowl. The broth turns silky once the cream goes in, and the spinach wilts in seconds. It is cozy, quick to serve, and perfect for a cold day.

You will need 1 pound Italian sausage, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 half teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cups fresh spinach, and 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini.

Prep time is 20 minutes, then brown the sausage in a skillet with oil and add it to the slow cooker with onion, garlic, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Stir in the cream and tortellini, cook 20 to 30 minutes until tender, then stir in spinach right before serving.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow cooker mac and cheese comes out creamy and rich without babysitting a pot. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it is a true one pot side. It is great next to ham, pulled pork, or a simple salad.

You will need 16 ounces elbow macaroni, 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 can evaporated milk 12 ounces, 1 and a half cups whole milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 half teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon mustard powder.

Prep time is 10 minutes, then grease the slow cooker and add uncooked macaroni, cheeses, evaporated milk, whole milk, butter, and seasonings. Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 2 to 2 and a half hours, stirring every 30 minutes so the pasta cooks evenly. Stop once the noodles are tender and the sauce is thick, then keep on WARM for serving.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is creamy, mildly spicy, and full of beans and corn. It feels lighter than beef chili, yet it still sticks to your ribs. Top each bowl with cheese and crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

You will need 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 onion chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 cans white beans drained and rinsed 15 ounces each, 1 can corn drained 15 ounces, 1 can diced green chiles 4 ounces, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 half teaspoon black pepper, and 4 ounces cream cheese.

Prep time is 15 minutes, then add everything except cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, then shred the chicken in the pot. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth, then serve hot.

Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew

This stew tastes deep and cozy, with beef that turns tender after a long simmer. Red wine adds richness, while carrots and potatoes make it a full bowl meal. It is perfect when you want dinner to be waiting for you.

You will need 2 and a half pounds beef stew meat, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion chopped, 3 carrots sliced, 3 celery stalks sliced, 1 and a half pounds potatoes cubed, 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup dry red wine, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf.

Prep time is about 25 minutes, then toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper and brown it in a skillet with oil for a few minutes. Add beef and the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until thick and tender, then remove the bay leaf before serving.

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole With Hash Browns and Cheddar

This breakfast casserole is great for New Year’s morning because it feeds a group without much fuss. Hash browns make it hearty, and eggs set into soft slices that are easy to serve. It pairs well with fruit, coffee, and a lazy start to the day.

You will need 1 bag frozen shredded hash browns 30 ounces, 12 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 half teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 pound breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled, and 1 cup diced bell pepper.

Prep time is 20 minutes, then grease the slow cooker and spread in the hash browns, sausage, peppers, and cheddar. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings in a bowl, then pour over the top and press lightly so everything is covered. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the center is set, then let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate for a Crowd

Hot chocolate in the slow cooker stays warm and smooth, which is perfect for grazing guests. Real chocolate and cocoa make it taste rich instead of watery. Set out marshmallows and whipped cream, and let everyone build their own mug.

You will need 8 cups whole milk, 4 cups half and half, 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces, 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 half cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 quarter teaspoon salt.

Prep time is 10 minutes, then whisk milk, half and half, condensed milk, cocoa, salt, and chocolate chips in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes until the chocolate melts and the drink looks silky. Stir in vanilla, switch to WARM, and serve with toppings.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.