10 Must-Try Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Families

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and full of comfort—this chicken Alfredo pasta tastes like a restaurant dish but cooks effortlessly while you go about your day. It’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner that pairs perfectly with garlic bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until chicken is tender.
  3. Shred chicken, add Alfredo sauce and cream, then stir in uncooked pasta.
  4. Cook for 25–30 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in Parmesan before serving.

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

A classic comfort dish made easy in the slow cooker. Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce served over noodles brings warmth to the table every time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Egg noodles, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Place beef, onion, mushrooms, broth, and Worcestershire in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4 hours until beef is tender.
  3. Whisk flour with 2 tbsp broth and stir in.
  4. Add sour cream and mix until creamy.
  5. Serve over egg noodles.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet, sticky, and savory—this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The honey-garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully, making the chicken irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
  2. Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger, then pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3 hours.
  4. Remove chicken, whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
  5. Return chicken, coat well, and serve over rice.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup

A hearty twist on classic lasagna without the layering hassle. This soup is rich, cheesy, and perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef with onion and garlic; drain and add to slow cooker.
  2. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and seasoning.
  3. Cook on LOW 6 hours.
  4. Add noodles and cook 30 minutes until tender.
  5. Top bowls with ricotta and mozzarella.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Juicy, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—this BBQ pulled pork is ideal for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season pork with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place onion and pork in slow cooker, pour vinegar and BBQ sauce over top.
  3. Cook on LOW 8–10 hours.
  4. Shred pork with two forks and stir into juices.
  5. Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce.

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This creamy Tuscan chicken feels gourmet but is so simple. Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Add chicken, cream, broth, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW 5–6 hours.
  3. Stir in spinach and Parmesan until wilted and creamy.
  4. Serve over pasta or rice.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A lighter, creamy chili that’s perfect for game nights and cozy dinners. Packed with beans, corn, and tender chicken, it’s a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 2 cans white beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can green chilies (4 oz)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, beans, corn, chilies, broth, and spices in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3 hours.
  3. Shred chicken and stir in sour cream and cheese.
  4. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

A sweet and savory favorite inspired by Japanese flavors. The teriyaki sauce soaks into the chicken and rice, making every bite delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
  2. Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger; pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on LOW 6 hours.
  4. Shred chicken, stir in rice and broccoli, cook 15 minutes.
  5. Serve warm.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables

This Sunday classic never fails—tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmering all day create the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs chuck roast
  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 4 potatoes, quartered
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp thyme
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season roast with salt, pepper, and garlic.
  2. Place veggies and meat in slow cooker.
  3. Pour broth over and sprinkle with thyme.
  4. Cook on LOW 8–9 hours.
  5. Slice beef and serve with vegetables.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This cheesy, spicy dip is a game-day essential. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and always disappears first at parties.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, cream cheese, ranch, and Buffalo sauce in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW 2–3 hours until melted and bubbly.
  3. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  4. Serve warm with chips or celery sticks.

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