The Best Slow Cooker Recipes

When you don't have the energy to labor over a hot stove or oven, you can rely on your slow cooker for a great meal. Thanks to this trusty kitchen gadget, all you have to do is prep your ingredients before tossing them in the crock, where you "set it and forget it" until it's time to eat. Not to mention, your slow cooker is marvelously versatile. From soups and stews to tacos, lasagna and cobbler, there's no doubt you'll find inspiration in our 101 best slow cooker recipes.

Of all the best game day foods, Buffalo chicken dip rises to the top. This version takes just 15 minutes to make in your slow cooker. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and blue cheese dressing to your palate.

For the Buffalo Bleu Cheese Dip recipe, click here.

Buffalo wings are a classic snack, but if you're looking to sweeten things up, these handhelds are made with honey and garlic — and they take very little effort to prep.

For the Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe, click here.

Dip is a sports fan's best friend, and this one uses smoky pulled pork with cheese, vinegar, brown sugar and dill pickles. It's sweet and tangy and requires just seven ingredients.

For the Carolina Pulled Pork Dip recipe, click here.

Making bread is all the rage these days, but did you know that you can bake it in your slow cooker? Free up your oven for other dishes with this recipe for potato rolls.

For the Whole Wheat and Spelt Idaho Potato Rolls recipe, click here.

This two-ingredient recipe for chile con queso takes just five minutes to prepare and 15 minutes in the slow cooker, making it one of the easiest dishes to make of all time.

For the Chile Con Queso recipe, click here.

Spice up your next party spread with these Cajun Buffalo meatballs. You can also serve them over pasta or rice for an easy dinner.

For the Cajun Buffalo Meatballs recipe, click here.

Some of the best sandwiches come in small packages. This recipe gives you the same great taste of regular sloppy Joes divided among teensy slider buns.

For the Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe, click here.

Sliders are a dependable option when it comes to entertaining — even if you're just entertaining yourself. These feature root beer-marinated chicken and BBQ sauce.

For the Mini BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe, click here.

The most comforting chili recipes are loaded with hearty ingredients, and this dip channels that by being jam-packed with kidney beans, meat and spices. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite chips.

For the Chili Cheese Burger Dip recipe, click here.

If you need to make something in a pinch or just don't have the energy to go all-out, these cocktail links come together in less than 20 minutes, and you only need four ingredients.

For the Easy Barbecue Beer Cocktail Links recipe, click here.

It's not that hard to make chili on the stove, but why do manual labor when all it takes is 10 minutes of prep time before letting the slow cooker do the rest of the work? And if you're in the mood for more beans and beef, consider more of the best-ever chili recipes.

For the Chili recipe, click here.

Smoked ham hock, Parmesan cheese, potatoes, black-eyed peas and more come together in this savory and super satisfying soup.

For the Ham, Black-Eyed Pea and Idaho Potato Soup recipe, click here.

This slow-cooker goulash has all the meat and potatoes your body needs to warm up from the inside out.

For the Goulash recipe, click here.

Looking for an immune-boosting soup mobbed with sweet potatoes, lentils, kale and more? This dish is your golden ticket.

For the Sweet Potato Kale Soup recipe, click here.

This nourishing chili gets protein from chicken and beans and is tied together with tomatoes, chiles and corn.

For the Chicken and Bean Chili recipe, click here.

Let this one-pot stew slow cook for tender, succulent chicken with potatoes, carrots and onion.

For the Country Chicken Stew recipe, click here.

This Puerto Rican chicken stew is best served over steamed rice or with twice-fried plantain slices.

For the Chicken Stew With Carrots and Potatoes recipe, click here.

You need only eight ingredients to put this take on chili together, and you likely have some of them in your fridge or pantry.

For the Chili Beef 'n Pasta recipe, click here.

Move over chicken noodle soup. Turkey noodle soup is taking over, especially in the days following Thanksgiving. This recipe makes great use of turkey day leftovers.

For the Turkey Noodle Soup recipe, click here.

If you have leftover ham from dinner the night prior, give it a new purpose in this creamy ham and potato soup.

For the Ham and Potato Soup recipe, click here.

Herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme round out this flavorful slow-cooker chicken noodle soup with tomatoes, carrots and onions.

For the Super Spice Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe, click here.

On nights when you're feeling lackadaisical, make this six-ingredient potato and corn soup, which takes only five minutes to prep.

For the Creamy Potato and Corn Soup recipe, click here.

You've likely had enchiladas at your favorite Mexican restaurant. This rendition of the delicious dish takes all the familiar flavors and dumps them into a colorful soup.

For the Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe, click here.

This beef stew gets a fruity twist with tender apples and apple juice cooking in matrimony with sweet potatoes and all-star spices.

For the Spiced Beef and Apple Stew recipe, click here.

This spicy Mexican pork stew is perfect for chilly fall or winter nights when you need an extra kick to heat you from the inside.

For the Spicy Mexican Pork Stew recipe, click here.

This home-style chicken and vegetable stew is seasoned with rosemary and seasoned salt.

For the Rosemary Chicken and Vegetable Stew recipe, click here.

The star of this hearty soup is potato, with appearances from onion, bell pepper, zucchini and cheese for an extra dose of comfort.

For the Farmer's Market Idaho Potato Stew recipe, click here.

This soup is the embodiment of warmth. With lentils and lots of veggies, it'll have you and your family happily full in no time.

For the Red Lentil Soup recipe, click here.

There's nothing wrong with tomato soup from a can, but with onions, carrots, brown sugar and basil, this version really brings the flavor — plus, it gets topped with mini ravioli. Pair it with one of these fun new twists on grilled cheese.

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup recipe, click here.

Ready to spice things up? This Mexican chicken soup contains diced chiles, cumin, chili powder and red pepper flakes, with optional jalapenos to top.

For the Mexican Chicken Soup recipe, click here.

Spicy peppers and smoky meats complement each other in this pork and short rib stew, featuring tortilla chips on top for added crunch.

For the Grilled Green Chile Pork and Short Rib Stew recipe, click here.

Pour yourself a glass of hard cider, then dump the rest into the stew pot as a marinade for pork shoulder or lamb — your choice.

For the Cider-Braised Stew With Red Pepper and White Beans recipe, click here.

If you're looking to make your favorite Mexican recipes at home, this brunch-y pork and chorizo hominy stew, also known as posole, will satisfy your craving.

For the Pork and Chorizo Hominy Stew With Poached Eggs recipe, click here.

This version of a classic Irish stew pairs Guinness beer with tender beef and root vegetables. Eat this with a pint of (what else?) Guinness.

For the Beef and Guinness Stew recipe, click here.

Beef broth, sweet onions, French bread and cheese ... what more could you ask for in a soup?

For the French Onion Soup recipe, click here.

These mashed potatoes are slow-simmered in stock and bay leaves. If that isn't enough flavor for you, this next-level potato recipe is then whipped with butter, milk and garlic.

For the Mashed Potatoes recipe, click here.

These rich and decadent scalloped potatoes pull all the stops with Gruyere, Parmesan, butter and chicken broth.

For the Scalloped Potatoes recipe, click here.

Cheese lovers unite: This crustless broccoli cheese quiche is a thing of dreams, and one of the absolute best ways to cook eggs.

For the Crustless Broccoli Cheese Quiche recipe, click here.

Did you know that you can cook uncooked pasta in a slow cooker? This super cheesy mac and cheese recipe makes 10 servings — enough to feed an army or portion leftovers for the week.

For the Queso Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

This Southwest-inspired, low-maintenance casserole includes eggs, cheese, potatoes and taco seasoning, and pairs best with salsa, avocado, sour cream or all three.

For the Breakfast Mexican Egg Casserole recipe, click here.

Put some pizazz on your plate with these cinnamon-sugar-glazed carrots. Serve with chicken or pork as your entree.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe, click here.

This Italian marinara sauce ties together with perfectly cooked pasta, but also works as a delicious dip for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.

For the Marinara Sauce recipe, click here.

Who said plant-based eating has to be boring? Get this vegan potato and bean mole on the table for your next Mexican-inspired meal.

For the Vegan Idaho Potato and Bean Mole recipe, click here.

Mango salsa is so overrated, and it works double-time with avocado to bring big flavors to these potato-based soft-shell tacos.

For the Potato Tacos With Avocado Mango Salsa recipe, click here.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or a full-blown carnivore looking to get something on the menu for Meatless Monday, this veggie lasagna easily ranks among the best-ever pasta recipes.

For the Fresh Veggie Lasagna recipe, click here.

Why go to Chipotle when you can make your own Mexican-inspired meal at home? This quinoa bowl features filling ingredients like black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers and corn.

For the Mexican Quinoa Bowl recipe, click here.

Let this beef chuck slowly cook all day in tandem with aromatics like carrots and onions for a tender and savory dinner.

For the Pot Roast recipe, click here.

This one-pot slow-braised short ribs recipe is easy enough for a beginner but tastes incredibly impressive.

For the Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe, click here.

Don't worry, there are no porcupines in these meatballs. They do use beef, rice and crushed crackers though.

For the Porcupine Meatballs in a Tangy Sauce recipe, click here.

Cheesy cornbread, chiles, tomatoes, beef and beans get together in this slow cooker tamale pie.

For the Tamale Pie recipe, click here.

Did we mention that this beef brisket has only two ingredients? Oh, we did? It doesn't get much easier than that, folks.

For the Two-Ingredient Beef Brisket recipe, click here.

These Thai-inspired short ribs get sweetness from orange and carrot, earthiness from onion and lemongrass, heat from chile garlic paste and floral notes from grains of paradise.

For the Thai-Inspired Braised Short Ribs recipe, click here.

With all the meat, cheese and pasta a hungry stomach could ever wish for, this double-decker cheeseburger casserole is right up there with the best-ever burger recipes.

For the Double-Decker Cheeseburger Casserole recipe, click here.

This corned beef dish has sweet and savory notes and can be made spicy with the addition of cayenne pepper.

For the Brown Sugar-Glazed Corned Beef recipe, click here.

This recipe calls for beef chuck roast, but it's delicious with a boneless pork shoulder roast too.

For the Beef Pot Roast With Fennel Sausage and Spinach recipe, click here.

Beef daube Provencal is a step up from chili, but it's just as easy to make. Serve this over egg noodles or cooked pasta.

For the Beef Daube Provencal recipe, click here.

You drink coffee in the morning? That's cute. This pot roast recipe gives you the beloved flavor in a beef pot roast.

For the Coffee Pot Roast recipe, click here.

This Mexican-inspired shredded beef is a grand replacement for bacon, sausage or ham at breakfast. It can also be used in tacos, enchiladas or chimichangas.

For the Tex-Mex Shredded Beef recipe, click here.

Who needs takeout when you know how to create your favorite Chinese-American dishes at home? Beef and broccoli are a match made in your slow cooker.

For the Beef and Broccoli recipe, click here.

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this tender chicken matched with olives, chickpeas, onion and peppers.

For the Chicken With Olives and Peppers recipe, click here.

These tender chicken breast strips, slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, are fabulous over couscous or rice and are one of the easiest slow-cooker chicken recipes around.

For the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe, click here.

Five minutes of prep is all it takes to get this dish cooking. The end result? Juicy balsamic chicken with peppers and onions ready to serve over rice.

For the Balsamic Chicken With Peppers and Onions recipe, click here.

This shredded salsa verde chicken works wonderfully as a base for many different dishes, like tacos, burritos, grain bowls or chili.

For the Chicken Salsa Verde recipe, click here.

Red curry paste, brown sugar and coconut milk are the base of rich, sweet flavors in this recipe for red curry chicken.

For the Red Curry Chicken recipe, click here.

This recipe comes in handy for people who are busy with work or school all day. Take 10 minutes out of your morning to throw everything in your slow cooker, and you'll have a meal ready for you when you get home.

For the Chicken With Garlic and White Wine recipe, click here.

Next time you're in the mood for a red sauce Italian meal, this cacciatore-style chicken comes together in your slow cooker. Serve over pasta.

For the Italian Chicken and Mushrooms recipe, click here.

Paprika, thyme and crushed red pepper come alive in this chicken and sausage slow cooker meal with flavors inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisine.

For the Cajun Chicken With Sausage recipe, click here.

Golden curry powder, a combination of 15 ground spices, gives warmth to this chicken-based dish. If you find you're crazy for this curry, odds are you'll love more of the best-ever Indian recipes.

For the Chicken Rice Curry recipe, click here.

Country chicken, carrots and potatoes coexist with creamy gravy in this one-pot meal. All you need now are biscuits.

For the Creamy Country Chicken With Vegetables recipe, click here.

You don't need to go to your favorite Italian restaurant when you can recreate the same saucy flavors from home with this easy chicken recipe.

For the Chicken in Italian Tomato Sauce recipe, click here.

Rival your favorite takeout place with this homemade Thai peanut bowl, complete with tender shredded chicken roasting in big flavors all day.

For the Thai Peanut Chicken Quinoa Bowls recipe, click here.

Slow-cooked pork ripped to shreds and sloshed with barbecue sauce — if that doesn't sound like an award-winning taco combination, we don't know what will.

For the BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos recipe, click here.

Sweet, crispy and tangy pork is perfect for sandwiches or piled on top of a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes.

For the Balsamic Pork recipe, click here.

Pork ribs and potatoes go hand-in-hand with herbs de Provence, red pepper flakes and garlic in this simple, savory one-pot dish.

For the Pork Ribs and Idaho Potatoes recipe, click here.

Pour a five-ingredient sweet and sticky glaze over a bone-in ham and let the slow cooker go to work. The result? Perfectly cooked ham.

For the Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham recipe, click here.

This jalapeno bacon quiche is smoky, cheesy and a little hot — fitting for a brunch among moderately spicy food lovers.

For the Jalapeno Bacon Crustless Quiche recipe, click here.

This recipe gives you fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder and a sweet sauerkraut laced with green apple and onion. In fact, this is one of the best recipes for the holiday season.

For the Pork and Sauerkraut recipe, click here.

Baked beans are a signature side dish for grilling season, and this version is especially satisfying thanks to plenty of bacon.

For the Baked Beans With Bacon recipe, click here.

This pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection. When it's done, pull the meat apart and add it to bibb lettuce and wrap with rice, kimchi and spicy sauce.

For the Pork Shoulder recipe, click here.

Pork and pineapple come together in this tender slow-cooked sandwich — a solid option for your next game day or, really, any day.

For the Pork and Pineapple Sandwich recipe, click here.

Root beer isn't just for drinking. Like other sodas, it complements meat too. This recipe doubles down in the pork marinade and the BBQ sauce.

For the Root Beer Pulled Pork recipe, click here.

This recipe takes the reliable ramen noodle soup you knew and loved in college and adds pork, vegetables, soy sauce and ginger, creating a perfect soup for fall.

For the Ramen Noodle Soup recipe, click here.

This recipe calls for pork ribs and napa cabbage slow-cooked in robust hoisin sauce and garlic. Serve with rice.

For the Hoisin and Garlic Country Ribs With Napa Cabbage recipe, click here.

This slow-cooker recipe feeds a crowd, but if a potluck or tailgate isn't in the stars, the pork freezes well and is easily reheated via microwave or stovetop.

For the Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe, click here.

Being responsible for making the turkey can be stressful, but this slow-cooker turkey breast is ready in just over three hours. That's a pretty sweet deal.

For the Turkey Breast recipe, click here.

It's recommended that you eat this oxtail dish over egg noodles, and if you have leftovers, shave the meat off the bone, toss with cooked penne, braising liquid and Parmesan.

For the Red Wine Braised Oxtails With Butternut Squash and Pearl Onions recipe, click here.

This slow-cooker apple cinnamon French toast serves 12 people and takes just one hour and 35 minutes to make — a quick and easy option for a make-ahead breakfast.

For the Breakfast Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe, click here.

All it takes is two ingredients — and optional crushed Oreos, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels or coconut flakes — to make these chocolate-covered strawberries on Valentine's Day and beyond.

For the Easiest Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe, click here.

This French toast casserole features bread cubes in a custard base with bananas and peanut butter syrup.

For the Banana French Toast Casserole recipe, click here.

This recipe for monkey bread uses just five ingredients to make a soft, sweet, sticky pastry perfect for breakfast or dessert.

For the Monkey Bread recipe, click here.

This dish is basically a deconstructed apple pie. Cook apples and caramel in your slow cooker and scoop it into your mouth with crust dippers made from pie dough.

For the Caramel Apple Pie Dip recipe, click here.

This no-bake cake features one of the most popular candies of all time — Reese's Peanut Butter Cups — and actual peanut butter. One bite of this will have you in chocolatey PB heaven.

For the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake recipe, click here.

You don't have to rely on Starbucks for pumpkin spice lattes anymore. Make them at home year-round with this recipe.

For the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe, click here.

This certainly is not your average carrot cake. Devoid of frosting — although you can certainly add some if you'd like — this version is lush with walnuts, raisins and lemon zest.

For the Lemony Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze recipe, click here.

Cranberry cocktail and apple cider team up in this non-alcoholic beverage recipe, which sees an appearance from cinnamon sticks too.

For the Crock-Pot Cranberry recipe, click here.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this white chocolate chip bread pudding, which takes only an hour and a half to bake in your slow cooker.

For the White Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding recipe, click here.

It takes just seven ingredients to make the easiest peach cobbler of your life. Show this off alongside other staple Southern dishes.

For the Peach Cobbler recipe, click here.

Apple cider, cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg and ginger get together to create a drinkable version of the fruity fall-favorite pie.

For the Apple Pie Cider recipe, click here.

One of the best cherry desserts around, this cherry crisp is tart, sweet, crumbly, crisp, soft and fantastically fragrant.

For the Cherry Crisp recipe, click here.

Apple, it's not "goodbye," it's "see you later," because this pear cider deserves its time to shine.

For the Spiced Pear Cider recipe, click here.

This adults-only recipe for hot chocolate contains a whole bottle of red wine. Grab yourself some whipped cream and thank us later. This warm, comforting cocktail is one of the best drinks for the holiday season.

For the Red Wine Hot Chocolate recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal:

Slow Cooker Soups and Stews for Cooler Weather

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Breakfast Egg Dishes to Make Ahead

Easy Salad Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Leftover Chicken Recipes You'll Make Again and Again