23 Slow Cooker Meals That Work While You Do Anything Else

Slow cooker meals earn their place on the table by quietly doing the work while the rest of life keeps moving. These 23 recipes are built for days when dinner needs to happen without constant checking, stirring, or timing stress. Each one simmers low and slow, developing real flavor while you focus on work, errands, or anything else demanding your attention. When you come back hours later, dinner is ready and actually worth sitting down for.

A bowl of creamy potato corn chowder topped with bacon and cheese, next to a wooden spoon, bread slices, and a green plant on a red checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A black bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a thick sauce, topped with a fresh basil leaf. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light-colored surface. — Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, hands-off dinner with tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. It takes about 6 hours using chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and simple seasonings. The flavor is savory, slightly tangy, and comforting without being heavy. Leftovers stay creamy and reheat well for easy meals later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy soup with vegetables and herbs in a white bowl, next to a spoon and a striped towel. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy soup with soft gnocchi and tender chicken in a creamy broth. It cooks in about 6 hours using chicken, gnocchi, vegetables, cream, and herbs. The taste is mild, savory, and familiar. Reheated portions stay smooth and filling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Meatballs topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley in a slow cooker. — Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs is a slow-simmered dish with juicy meatballs in a deeply savory onion sauce. It takes around 6 hours using ground meat, onions, broth, and seasoning. The flavor is rich, beefy, and comforting. Leftovers soak up even more flavor overnight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

A plate of shredded chicken is garnished with herbs, black olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Two lemon wedges and pieces of flatbread accompany the dish. A fork is resting on the edge of the plate. — Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a simple dinner with tender chicken and bright Mediterranean flavors. It cooks in about 6 hours using chicken, lemon, garlic, oregano, and olives. The taste is savory, lightly tangy, and fresh. Leftovers stay juicy and work well in wraps or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Plate of glazed chicken with cranberries, green beans, and stuffing on a red and white checkered cloth. — Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken is a sweet-savory dish that slowly simmers into a balanced sauce. It takes about 6 hours using chicken, cranberries, and simple pantry ingredients. The flavor is lightly sweet with a tangy finish. Leftovers reheat easily without drying out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

Slow Cooker Carrot Soup

A black bowl filled with creamy orange soup, garnished with herbs, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. A textured brown cloth and a cup are in the background. — Slow Cooker Carrot Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Carrot Soup is a smooth, vegetable-forward soup that cooks gently over several hours. It takes around 6 hours using carrots, broth, and basic seasoning. The taste is lightly sweet, earthy, and comforting. Leftovers stay silky and reheat evenly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carrot Soup

Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

Shredded pork with cranberry sauce served over mashed potatoes, garnished with rosemary on a white plate. — Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin is a tender main dish with pork slowly cooked in a sweet-tart sauce. It cooks in about 7 hours using pork loin, cranberries, and seasonings. The flavor is savory with a subtle sweetness. Leftovers slice easily and stay moist.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans

A glass jar filled with candied pecans, with more pecans on a tray and scattered on a white surface nearby. — Slow Cooker Candied Pecans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are a hands-off snack or topping with a sweet, crunchy finish. They take about 3 hours using pecans, sugar, and spices. The flavor is sweet with warm spice notes. Leftovers stay crisp when stored properly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Candied Pecans

Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Plate of creamy chicken casserole topped with sliced almonds and green onions, served with crackers. — Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish made for busy days. It takes around 6 hours using chicken, cream-based ingredients, and seasoning. The flavor is rich, savory, and familiar. Leftovers reheat well without separating.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby. — Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is a simple dinner with tender chicken in tomato sauce. It cooks in about 6 hours using chicken, marinara sauce, and seasoning. The taste is savory, slightly tangy, and comforting. Leftovers pair easily with pasta or bread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

A dish filled with mashed sweet potatoes topped with chopped nuts, a pat of butter, and a sprig of thyme. The dish is placed on a wooden board, with a few thyme sprigs scattered around. — Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash is a soft, flavorful side that cooks while you step away. It takes about 5 hours using butternut squash and basic seasoning. The taste is mildly sweet and comforting. Leftovers reheat smoothly without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

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Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Three BBQ chicken sliders stacked on a white plate, with a red checked cloth and a green glass nearby. — Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders is a slow-simmered turkey dish with bold, sweet-savory flavor. It cooks in about 6 hours using turkey, cranberry sauce, and barbecue sauce. The taste is tangy, smoky, and satisfying. Leftovers work well for quick sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shredded chicken, topped with chopped parsley and black pepper. — Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy pasta-style dinner that cooks gently over time. It takes around 6 hours using chicken, pasta, cheese, and sauce. The flavor is savory and comforting. Leftovers stay creamy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth

Two white bowls filled with a dark broth garnished with sliced green onions. Wooden spoons are placed beside each bowl. Green onion stalks are scattered on a light tiled surface. — Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth is a deeply savory base that develops slowly with minimal effort. It cooks in about 8 hours using mushrooms, water, and aromatics. The taste is earthy and rich. Leftovers store well for soups and grains.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

A white bowl filled with a red kidney bean stew, including visible pieces of meat or vegetables, sits on a dark cloth napkin with a fork and spoon beside it. A small bunch of parsley is on the table nearby. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon is a classic side that simmers into thick, smoky beans. It takes about 7 hours using beans, bacon, and seasoning. The flavor is savory, slightly sweet, and hearty. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Plate of mashed potatoes topped with chicken, mushrooms, and creamy gravy, garnished with chopped herbs. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala is a rich chicken dish with a wine-forward sauce. It cooks in about 6 hours using chicken, mushrooms, Marsala wine, and seasoning. The taste is savory and slightly sweet. Leftovers reheat smoothly without drying out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

A spoonful of creamy chicken and stuffing casserole garnished with herbs. — Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie is a comforting stew-style meal with tender turkey and vegetables. It takes around 6 hours using turkey, vegetables, and broth. The flavor is savory and familiar. Leftovers stay thick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs

Braised meat with gravy, fresh cranberries, and herbs served over mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs is a deeply flavored dish with fall-apart tender beef. It cooks in about 8 hours using short ribs, cranberries, and seasoning. The taste is rich, savory, and slightly tangy. Leftovers become even more flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup is placed on a black plate, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprig of herb. A spoon rests inside the bowl. Small sprigs of thyme are scattered on the marble surface nearby. — Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup is a creamy soup that develops flavor slowly and evenly. It takes about 6 hours using kabocha squash, broth, and seasoning. The taste is mildly sweet and comforting. Leftovers reheat smoothly without separation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Osso Buco

A plate of cooked lamb chops sits on a bed of sliced, cooked carrots. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions. Utensils, a wooden spoon with spices, and a small bowl of more green onions are nearby on a burlap cloth surface. — Slow Cooker Osso Buco. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco is a slow-braised dish with tender meat and deep flavor. It cooks in about 8 hours using veal shanks, vegetables, and broth. The flavor is rich and savory. Leftovers stay tender and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Osso Buco

Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Curry

Shredded chicken in a tomato-based sauce served over white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. — Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Curry. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Curry is a flavorful way to reuse cooked turkey with minimal effort. It takes around 6 hours using turkey, spices, and sauce. The taste is warm, savory, and gently spiced. Leftovers reheat well and deepen in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Curry

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

A ladle of beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and parsley in a rich brown sauce. — Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon is a classic stew-style dish with tender beef and vegetables. It cooks in about 8 hours using beef, wine, mushrooms, and aromatics. The flavor is deep, savory, and comforting. Leftovers taste even richer the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy soup with chicken and sweet corn. It takes around 6 hours using chicken, corn, potatoes, and cream. The taste is savory with a touch of sweetness. Leftovers stay thick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder