20 Super Easy Slow Cooker Dinners

Slow cookers take the stress out of dinner, turning simple ingredients into rich, flavorful meals with barely any hands-on time. These recipes cover everything from hearty pastas and comforting roasts to globally inspired dishes like carnitas and teriyaki beef. Whether you need something cozy for weeknights or easy for entertaining, this list has you covered. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a ready-to-serve meal.

Slow Cooker Apple Pork Loin

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This dish pairs tender pork with sweet apple slices and a warm, spiced sauce. As it cooks, the flavors meld into a savory-sweet blend. The pork stays juicy and slices easily. Great with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Pork Loin

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 .

Thinly sliced potatoes layer with beef and cheese in this hearty casserole-style meal. The slow cooker turns everything soft and rich. Creamy, cheesy layers make each scoop satisfying. It’s comfort food that feeds a crowd.
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 .

Steak simmers low and slow with caramelized onions and a savory broth. The result is fork-tender meat and rich, deep flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. This one is all about classic, cozy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

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 simmer in marinara sauce until tender and ready to shred or serve whole. The sauce thickens and becomes rich as it cooks. Serve with pasta or stuff into hoagie rolls with melted cheese. A super simple Italian-style dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

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

These meatballs simmer in a sweet, tangy sauce made with soda and barbecue sauce. The Dr. Pepper adds depth and caramel notes. They’re sticky, savory, and ideal for game day or parties. Serve over rice or with toothpicks for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Goulash

This version of the classic features ground beef, pasta, and tomatoes with plenty of seasoning. Everything cooks in one pot for an easy, filling meal. The pasta soaks up the sauce for bold flavor. A family favorite that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Goulash

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 .

Beef roast cooks all day with carrots, potatoes, and onion in a simple broth. The meat becomes fall-apart tender and flavorful. It’s minimal prep with big payoff. Just ladle into bowls and serve.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lazy Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Lemon Turkey Breast

This turkey breast is infused with lemon and herbs as it slow cooks. The meat stays moist and slices beautifully. It’s a light, flavorful option for holidays or easy meals. Pair with stuffing or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Turkey Breast

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 simmer with olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a Mediterranean twist. The flavors are bold and bright. Serve with couscous, rice, or warm pita. Great for adding variety to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are filled with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese, then slow cooked until tender. The filling stays flavorful and hearty. Top with salsa or sour cream for extra flavor. An easy, all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers

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 slow cooks until it’s easy to shred and toss with barbecue sauce. Pile onto buns with slaw or pickles. The meat is juicy and full of smoky flavor. Ideal for parties or easy weeknight sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

These meatballs simmer in a creamy, rich gravy until tender. Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes for a classic pairing. The sauce thickens as it cooks and coats everything beautifully. A cozy, satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

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, pasta, taco seasoning, and cheese cook together for a mash-up of two favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker makes it extra easy. Great for kids and quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese

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 .

Beef simmers in a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce until it’s fork-tender. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables. The sauce thickens and coats each piece. It’s an easy way to bring takeout flavor home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Slow Cooker White Lasagna

Layers of noodles, chicken, cheese, and creamy sauce cook to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s rich and comforting with less effort than traditional lasagna. The noodles stay tender without getting soggy. A great make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker White Lasagna

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Carnitas tacos on a blue plate. — Slow Cooker Carnitas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Pork cooks low and slow with citrus, garlic, and spices until it’s ready to shred. Crisp it up under the broiler for extra texture. Use in tacos, burritos, or bowls. Packed with flavor and incredibly versatile.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Chicken chunks are coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce with cashews added for crunch. It’s an easy homemade version of a takeout favorite. Serve over rice for a full meal. The sauce thickens as it cooks, coating every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish combines seasoned beef, cheesy tortellini, and peppers for a hearty, cheesy pasta meal. It’s all done in one pot with minimal prep. The flavors mimic a Philly cheesesteak with a twist. Great for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken

Chicken cooks with a creamy, cheesy sauce that melts into every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and pairs well with rice or noodles. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender. Add veggies for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Penne pasta bakes in a creamy, cheesy sauce with optional sausage or ground beef. The noodles absorb the flavor and stay tender. It’s like baked pasta without the oven. Serve with garlic bread for a comfort-food dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne