Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

When life gets busy, the last thing you want to worry about is spending hours in the kitchen. Thankfully, the slow cooker comes to the rescue with its ability to turn simple ingredients into delicious, comforting meals with minimal effort. Here are some easy slow cooker dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, allowing you to come home to a hot and ready meal.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Using a slow cooker makes it even easier to prepare, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Cooked egg noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. Place beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, sour cream, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Serve over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use beef broth with a splash of red wine.
• Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for the slow cooker. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of Indian cuisine with minimal prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, yogurt, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips:

• For a creamy finish, stir in a bit of heavy cream just before serving.
• Adjust spices to your taste for a milder or spicier dish.

3. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This hearty and satisfying Vegetarian Chili is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s packed with vegetables and legumes, making it both nutritious and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to mix well and cover.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with your choice of toppings and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips:

• Add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty touch.
• For extra heat, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork is a versatile dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with your favorite sides. The slow cooker makes it tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Top with onion and garlic.
2. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred pork with two forks and mix with sauce in the slow cooker.
5. Serve on buns with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Tips:

• For a smoky flavor, add a bit of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Serve with coleslaw or pickles for added crunch.

5. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food, and the slow cooker makes preparing them even easier. This recipe is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture and place in the slow cooker.
3. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of each pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until peppers are tender.
5. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
• Top with additional cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully over time.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups celery, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker and add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, green beans, peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred chicken before serving and stir to combine.

Tips:

• Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright finish.
• Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

7. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is tender and infused with a bright lemon flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, chicken broth, garlic, oregano, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour mixture over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of rice.
• For a thicker sauce, remove chicken once cooked, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.

8. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is a popular takeout dish that’s easy to make at home with a slow cooker. This recipe gives you tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Place beef in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger. Pour over beef.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add broccoli.
4. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a bowl, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

Tips:

• Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Adjust sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce.

9. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that’s loved by all ages. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a creamy and cheesy version with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, evaporated milk, milk, butter, eggs, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips:

• For a crispy top, transfer cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes.
• Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.

10. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or served with sides. The slow cooker makes it tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour mixture over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred chicken before serving.

Tips:

Use different BBQ sauces to vary the flavor.

Serve on buns for sandwiches or with a side of coleslaw.