52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

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52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (1)

ByMolly Jasinski

<i>Taste of Home</i>'s Editorial Process

Updated: Jan. 05, 2022

    Who says the best slow cooker recipes have to be ordinary? Your Crockpot can turn out gorgeous meals for any dinner party or fancy supper.

    1/52

    Stuffed Chicken Rolls

    Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida

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    2/52

    Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt

    If you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

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    3/52

    Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken

    The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

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    4/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Sirloin

    My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve slow-cooker sirloin with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota

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    5/52

    Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

    Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

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    6/52

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

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    7/52

    Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

    My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

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    8/52

    Taste of Home

    Fabulous Fajitas

    I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

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    9/52

    BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri

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    10/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Mole

    If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

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    11/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna

    My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes any slow-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at night. We bring more pesto and marinara to the table for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

    12/52

    Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

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    13/52

    Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

    Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree all ages will like. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

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    14/52

    Taste of Home

    Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake

    I clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia

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    15/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

    Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

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    16/52

    17/52

    Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake

    Cheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI

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    18/52

    19/52

    Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    20/52

    Glazed Spiced Carrots

    Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    21/52

    Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta

    This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

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    22/52

    Taste of Home

    Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

    Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

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    23/52

    Taste of Home

    Italian Chicken Chardonnay

    One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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    24/52

    25/52

    Spring-Thyme Chicken Stew

    During a long winter (and spring), my husband and I were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This chicken was the perfect thing. It fills the house with the smell of home when Mom would make chicken soup, with a little something extra. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

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    26/52

    Garden Chicken Cacciatore

    Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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    27/52

    Seafood Cheese Dip

    This cheesy recipe has an ideal combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York

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    28/52

    Taste of Home

    Thai Coconut Beef

    My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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    29/52

    Taste of Home

    Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

    When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

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    30/52

    Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake

    Here in Wisconsin, winter weather is extreme. A hot dessert is just the thing to warm us up. This slow-cooked chocolate cake gets its crunch from a sprinkling of peanuts. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin

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    31/52

    Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken

    You wouldn't believe this golden brown chicken was made in the slow cooker. Packed with flavor, the meat is moist, the carrots are tender, and the juices are perfect for gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    32/52

    33/52

    Taste of Home

    Pumpkin Pie Pudding

    My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota

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    34/52

    Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

    This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

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    35/52

    When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    36/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

    Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    37/52

    Moroccan Vegetable Chicken Tagine

    Take a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African slow-cooked stew named after the pot it’s cooked in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    38/52

    Taste of Home

    Burgundy Pears

    These warm spiced pears elevate slow cooking to a new level of elegance, yet they're incredibly easy to make. Your friends won't believe this fancy-looking dessert came from a slow cooker. —Elizabeth Hanes, Peralta, New Mexico

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    39/52

    Parmesan Pork Roast

    Great sweet, savory flavor comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio

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    40/52

    It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this creamy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

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    41/52

    Taste of Home

    This filling Tex-Mex egg casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia

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    42/52

    Taste of Home

    Hot Spiced Lemon Drink

    I received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an excellent cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sweet-tangy flavor of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah

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    43/52

    44/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

    When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland

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    45/52

    Slow-Cooked Green Beans

    I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

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    46/52

    Mexican Fondue

    A handful of items and a few moments of prep work are all you'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take advantage of canned goods and other convenience items, but the slow cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

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    47/52

    Taste of Home

    Shrimp Chowder

    I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

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    48/52

    Viennese Coffee

    This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    49/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler

    I adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona

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    50/52

    Beef Stew Provencal

    When I was young, my favorite food to order in a restaurant was beef stew. My mother and I decided to create our own and experimented with different ingredients until we came up with this recipe. Everyone liked this slow cooker version so much that now it's a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada

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    51/52

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff

    Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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    52/52

    Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

    There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

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    Originally Published: September 26, 2018

    52 of Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the number one crockpot? ›

    Best Overall: All-Clad Gourmet Slow Cooker with All-in-One Browning, 7-Quart. This is so much more than a slow cooker. The All-Clad Gourmet Slow Cooker can saute, brown meat, simmer stews and cook rice!

    What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

    10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
    1. Raw Meat.
    2. Seafood.
    3. Pasta.
    4. Rice.
    5. Delicate Vegetables.
    6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
    7. Dairy.
    8. Wine and Other Liquor.
    Jan 19, 2024

    How do I get the best results from a slow cooker? ›

    Avoid overcrowding: For the best results, fill a slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full. Go ahead and cook big roasts and whole chickens; just make sure you use a large crock and that the lid fits snugly on top. Trim fat: For silky sauces and gravies, take a minute or two and cut the excess fat from the meat.

    What's the difference between a Crockpot and a slow cooker? ›

    The pot of the slow cooker usually sits on a base that houses the heating element on the bottom, while Crockpots have their pots inside of a container (or crock) and get heating from all sides. Therefore, slow cookers heat up slower than crockpots, with the heat level higher on the bottom of the pot.

    Can I put raw meat in slow cooker? ›

    Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned. However, browning meat and caramelising the beef is a great way to add depth of flavour and improve the visual appearance of the final dish.

    Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

    Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

    Can I just put beef in the slow cooker raw? ›

    Yes! that is one of the best way to cook meats! Put in some raw beef brisket, leave it in for the 6+ hours, and once it is ready…it is so tender! Slow cookers are so great as you can just throw everything in and no need to worry about it.

    What is the best meat to slow cook? ›

    What Are the Best Meats for Slow Cooking?
    1. Pork Shoulder. Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork. ...
    2. Beef Chuck Roast. Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast. ...
    3. Lamb Shanks. Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks. ...
    4. Beef Short Ribs. Short Ribs Braised with Mushrooms and Tomatoes.
    Sep 9, 2020

    Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

    The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

    Why do you put a tea towel under slow cooker lid? ›

    Soak up the condensation

    Taste user Jenny says she puts a tea towel under her crockpot lid to catch water and stop it thinning too much. This technique is also a favourite with taste's food editor Miranda.

    Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

    Slow cooker recipes have (obviously) long cook times, and it's the meat—not the carrots—that benefit from it. By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.

    Is it better to start crockpot on high or low? ›

    If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low.

    What is the most popular size crockpot? ›

    The 6- or 7-quart models are among the most popular, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best choice for everyone. (By the way, here's our favorite slow cooker brand.) Find yourself among the descriptions below to learn which slow cooker we'd recommend for you.

    Who made the original slow cooker? ›

    Patented by prolific inventor Irving Naxon, the Beanery was originally intended for a Jewish stew of meat and beans called cholent, which is slowly cooked on Fridays in preparation for the Sabbath. The bean cooker that eventually became the Crock-Pot was first patented by prolific inventor Irving Naxon in 1940.

    What are the numbers on slow cooker? ›

    There are five numbered heat settings on the heating base, 1 to 5. Heat setting # 1 should only be used to warm dinner rolls, muffins, etc. Heat setting # 2 should only be used to keep warm cooked foods for serving, whereas Heat Settings #3, #4 and #5 are to be used for actual cooking of foods.

    What are the levels on a crockpot? ›

    The characters represent the following features: O: Off, I - Low, II - High. Pot: Keep warm. The highest dial is II; however, both features (low and high) stabilize at the same temperature of 209°F; it is just a matter of how long it takes to reach the simmer point.

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