20 Slow Cooker Dinners You Can Set and Forget

These slow cooker meals are built for easy prep and all-day flavor, with dishes ranging from saucy meats to comforting casseroles. Toss in your ingredients, set it, and walk away while rich, savory smells fill the kitchen. With hearty proteins, melted cheese, and tender veggies, each recipe brings something satisfying to the table. These are great for feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers for the week.

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

A white bowl filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a wooden table with a soft drink can and a glass in the background. — Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

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Frozen or homemade meatballs simmer in a blend of barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper. The soda adds sweetness and depth. These make a fun party snack or quick dinner with mashed potatoes. They hold up well for reheating too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Teriyaki beef served on top of a bed of white rice. — Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Thin slices of beef simmer in a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce. The meat turns tender while soaking up all the flavor. Serve over rice or noodles to catch the sauce. It’s great for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A square white bowl filled with shredded chicken in tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, next to a silver spoon and a striped napkin. — Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Chicken breasts or thighs cook low and slow in a rich tomato sauce. The result is fork-tender chicken that shreds easily. Serve it over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich. Simple ingredients make it a go-to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

A white plate with creamy tortellini, shredded chicken, spinach, and diced tomatoes. A fork and a small bowl of grated cheese are on the side. — Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Cheese-stuffed tortellini and shredded chicken come together in a creamy sauce. The pasta cooks right in the slow cooker for minimal cleanup. Add spinach or peas for a little extra color. It’s filling, warm, and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

A plate of cheesy beef and potato casserole garnished with herbs, served with a fork. A potato, greenery, and a slow cooker are visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Layers of thin-sliced potatoes, ground beef, and cheese slow cook into a hearty casserole. The top browns slightly while the bottom gets soft and creamy. It’s a one-pot comfort dish. Serve with a green veggie or salad.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

A plate with shredded beef over white rice, accompanied by sautéed broccoli and carrots. Garlic and onions are visible in the background. — Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Beef steaks are cooked slowly with caramelized onions and a savory broth. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the onions melt into the sauce. Spoon it over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. It’s cozy and classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

A bowl of rice topped with curry chicken, red peppers, green beans, and peanuts, garnished with lime wedges, next to a fork. A basket with vegetables and a bowl of peanuts beside it. — Slow Cooker Chicken Satay. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Chicken thighs cook in a peanut sauce with ginger, garlic, and a little spice. The sauce thickens as it simmers, clinging to the meat. Serve with rice or lettuce wraps. A bold and easy dish that doesn’t need a grill.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with a fork, set on a marble surface next to a black and white checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Elbow pasta cooks right in the creamy cheese sauce without boiling first. The cheese melts into every bite for a rich texture. It’s easy to adjust the creaminess or add extras like bacon. Serve as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

A plate of couscous salad with spinach, red bell peppers, chicken, olives, and feta cheese. A fork and a cherry tomato are on the table. — Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Chicken thighs cook with olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The result is tangy and flavorful with a light broth. Serve with rice, couscous, or warm bread. A bright and simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeño, and a dollop of sour cream, placed on a black and white checkered cloth next to a spoon and halved avocado. — Slow Cooker No Bean Chili. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Ground beef and spices simmer in a thick, tomato-based sauce with no beans in sight. It’s rich, meaty, and perfect for topping with cheese or sour cream. Great for those who like their chili on the hearty side. Serve with cornbread or chips.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole

A white plate with a casserole dish, including ground meat, potatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with a parsley sprig. — Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Sliced potatoes and sausage links layer with a cheesy sauce and cook down into a filling dish. The flavors blend together with every hour. Add green onions or peppers if you like extra bite. It’s easy to portion and store.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

A plate of cheesy pasta with ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and a dollop of sour cream. — Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta combine in a cheesy, spiced mix. The noodles absorb all the flavor as they cook. A twist on classic mac and cheese that works for dinner or game day. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Taco Potato Casserole

Plate of taco casserole with black beans, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, and lime wedges, garnished with shredded cheese and cilantro. Fork and napkin nearby. — Slow Cooker Taco Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Layers of hash browns or diced potatoes mix with taco meat and cheese. The result is melty and bold with just the right texture. It’s an easy way to stretch a pound of beef. Serve with salsa or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Lazy Pot Roast

A plate with sliced beef, carrots, potatoes, and parsley garnish, placed beside a fork and knife on a white table setting. — Slow Cooker Lazy Pot Roast. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This pot roast needs just a few ingredients and a long cook. The meat gets tender enough to fall apart with a fork. Add carrots and potatoes for a complete meal. No searing or browning needed up front.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lazy Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

Three pulled pork sliders on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Pork shoulder simmers all day in BBQ sauce until it shreds easily. Pile it high on slider buns with pickles or slaw. It’s great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers. The flavor deepens the longer it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow Cooker Apple Pork Loin

A pork loin cooks with apple slices, onions, and a touch of cinnamon. The apples break down into a sweet sauce. It’s savory with a hint of fruitiness. Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Goulash

Ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce cook into a saucy, satisfying one-pot meal. The noodles soak up the flavor as they soften. It’s a throwback dish that still hits the spot. Add cheese on top if you like.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Goulash

Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are filled with rice, beef, and seasonings, then slow cooked until tender. The filling stays moist while the peppers soften without falling apart. Top with cheese or salsa before serving. A colorful, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker White Lasagna

Layers of noodles, chicken, spinach, and white sauce cook into a creamy bake. The top sets nicely while the inside stays soft and cheesy. No need to pre-boil the noodles. It’s a lighter twist on a comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Lasagna

Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

Beef slow cooks in a spiced broth until tender enough to shred. The meat is tucked into tortillas and crisped on a skillet with melted cheese. Dip the tacos into the rich cooking broth. Deep, layered flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria Tacos