21 Slow Cooker Meals That Make Dinner Easy

When it comes to meals that practically make themselves, slow cooker recipes are the answer. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these dishes simmer away while you go about your day. From hearty soups to tender meats and cheesy casseroles, these recipes offer something for every craving. Here’s a list of slow cooker meals that bring ease and comfort to your table.

Copycat Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe

Bowl of chicken soup with avocado and cilantro on top, spoon in bowl, tortilla chips and avocado beside, placed on a striped cloth. — Copycat Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

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This version brings bold Tex-Mex flavor to your kitchen with tender chicken and just the right amount of spice. Black beans, corn, and tomatoes round out the hearty base. It’s finished with a hint of lime and cilantro. Serve it with tortilla strips for a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup – Slow Cooker Recipe

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 meat turns melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s great served over mashed potatoes or rice. This dish builds deep flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

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 .

Tender chunks of chicken mix with cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy broth. Spinach and herbs add freshness. Everything cooks together into a rich, filling dish. It’s both hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

Chicken, wild rice, carrots, and celery slowly simmer in a seasoned broth. The rice adds a chewy texture that holds up well. It’s mild, creamy, and ideal for cold days. A touch of cream at the end pulls it all together.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

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 a robust marinara sauce until they’re fork-tender. Serve it over pasta or on a toasted roll. The sauce soaks into everything, making it even more flavorful. It’s a simple meal with classic appeal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup

A white bowl of vegetable soup with pasta rings, carrots, zucchini, and greens, placed on a table with a spoon and carrot in the background. — Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Packed with vegetables, beans, and tender chicken, this soup is a meal in itself. A tomato-based broth ties it all together. The pasta cooks to just the right texture. It’s cozy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Minestrone Soup

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 is cooked in a peanut sauce with ginger, garlic, and a hint of lime. It turns tender and picks up bold flavor. Serve it over rice or with noodles. It’s packed with depth and just a touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bowl of creamy chicken soup with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, a lime slice, and cheese on top. Lime, tortilla chips, a spoon, and a slow cooker in the background. — Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Cream cheese adds richness to this slightly spicy soup. Chicken, corn, and black beans give it substance. Serve it with crushed tortilla chips and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s smooth and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

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 .

These meatballs are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with Dr. Pepper. They turn sticky and flavorful as they cook. Serve them over rice or as sliders. They’re easy and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes cook until soft, then get mashed with butter and garlic. Cream and herbs make them silky and full of flavor. No boiling or draining needed. Just mash and serve.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Ham slowly absorbs a sticky glaze made with brown sugar and spices. The meat stays juicy and tender. It’s great for holidays or simple dinners. Leftovers are just as good.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Slow Cooker Goulash

Ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce blend into this classic dish. Bell peppers and onions add sweetness. The noodles cook in the sauce for extra flavor. It’s a simple, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Goulash

Slow Cooker Hamburger Cheese Dip

Ground beef cooks with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Melted cheese turns the mixture into a creamy, dippable treat. Serve it with chips, crackers, or bread cubes. It’s warm, rich, and great for gatherings or game day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hamburger Cheese Dip

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 simmers with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. The meat becomes so tender it nearly falls apart. The vegetables soak up all the rich juices. It’s a complete meal with minimal hands‑on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lazy Pot Roast

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 .

Pasta cooks right in the slow cooker with plenty of cheese. The sauce turns smooth and velvety as it melts around every noodle. A hint of mustard powder lifts the flavor. It’s a comforting classic with minimal effort.
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 cooks with tomatoes, olives, and herbs like oregano and basil. A splash of lemon and olive oil adds brightness. The meat becomes tender while the sauce deepens in flavor. Serve over rice or with warm pita.
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 .

This chili has all the rich flavor without any beans. Ground beef or chunks of meat simmer with tomatoes and spices. The long cook melds the ingredients into a hearty base. Add toppings like cheese or onions for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

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 cooks until it can be shredded with a fork. A tangy barbecue sauce soaks into every strand. Serve the meat piled high on small buns. Quick coleslaw on top adds crunch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders

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 .

Chunks of sausage combine with potatoes and peppers. Cheese melts through the dish as it cooks. The potatoes absorb the savory juices from the sausage. It’s a simple, filling meal in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Cubed sweet potatoes cook until tender in a cinnamon‑spiced broth. A brown sugar and pecan topping adds crunch and sweetness. Everything melds together as it slow cooks. It’s a cozy side that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet 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 .

Pasta, seasoned beef, taco spices, and cheese all cook together. The result blends classic mac and cheese with Tex‑Mex flair. Top with crushed tortilla chips for texture. A dollop of sour cream ties it together.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Mac and Cheese