30 Slow-Cooker Recipes That Aren't Soup Or Stew Gallery

Whoever said that cooking had to be a time consuming, hands-on task never had a slow-cooker! With a Crock-Pot, slow-cooker, or Dutch oven, or Instant Pot cooking is made easy. With slow-cooking, you don't need much prep time and there's no need to watch the food while it cooks — and it helps us squeeze a homemade meal into our busy lives.

You can run errands, work, sleep, shower, or do whatever your heart desires, all while your house fills with the smell of the delicious meal in the works. And we do mean delicious — some of the best food is cooked with love low and slow. With a slow-cooker, you can capture those rich layers of flavor without needing to babysit your pots and pans.

And despite what you may have been told, slow-cookers are not just for soups and stews! You can make appetizers, meals, and desserts with this handy kitchen appliance. Plus, it works for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To keep you inspired, read on for the 30 best slow-cooker recipes that are not soup or stew.

Who doesn't love apple butter? Sure, it takes a long time to make in general, but with our slow-cooker apple butter recipe, you won't have to stand around watching it. Pop the ingredients in, let it be, and voila!

For the Apple Butter recipe, click here.

Wake up with our slow-cooker apple-spice oatmeal! You don't need to settle for watery, bland, instant oatmeal when you can indulge in sweet, creamy, slow-cooked oatmeal. Turn it on before bed, and by the time you're ready to start the day, your nutritious oatmeal will be finished and ready for you to eat.

For the Apple-Spice Oatmeal recipe, click here.

Good morning! This delicious bacon and cheese quiche is just what you need to have the energy to get through the day. This is a breakfast made easy that is most enjoyable!

For the Bacon and Cheese Quiche recipe, click here.

Time-consuming ribs are no longer a challenge! These braised short ribs are full of savory flavor that will leave everyone at your dinner table happy and full.

For the Braised Short Rib recipe, click here.

Buffalo chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Now with this Buffalo chicken dip, your snack or appetizer just got more exciting! Serve with crudité, tortilla chips, or crackers.

For the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe, click here.

Tacos are not just for Tuesdays! Spice up your eating cycle with these carnitas tacos. Garnish the tender pulled pork tacos with a fresh slaw, pico de gallo, and shredded queso fresco for the perfect taco dinner.

For the Carnitas Tacos recipe, click here.

Trust us, everyone will go nuts for your Nutella coconut pudding cake. The crunch of the coconut combined with the richness of the Nutella — what's not to love?

For the Coconut Nutella Pudding Cake recipe, click here.

Add some fruitiness to your life with this cranberry-orange cake that has the perfect citrus blend you desire! This spoonable slow-cooker cake is a hassle-free yet decadent cake perfect for serving with homemade vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

For the Cranberry-Orange Cake recipe, click here.

These are perfect for entertaining your guests! Whip up some meatballs and sauce, and before your party or event, throw them in the Crock-Pot and soon they will be cooked to perfection.

For the Cranberry Citrus Meatballs recipe, click here.

Pot roast has never been so delicious and easy! Indulge in this classic dish without slaving away in the kitchen. Even better: You can make multiple meals out of it with the leftovers!

For the Easy Slow-Cooker Fire Pot Roast recipe, click here.

There is nothing more satisfying than a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich. This shredded beef French dip is savory and succulent after stewing in the slow-cooker all day! — Lauren Gordon

For the Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe, click here.

Cheesy, delicious, and totally worth the wait, this slow-cooker meal will have you "mmm-ing" after each bite. Add in bits of bacon or any of your other favorite breakfast meats and your simple side will be transformed into a hearty main dish. — Lauren Gordon

For the Hash Brown Casserole recipe, click here.

Who says you can't make desserts in a slow-cooker? Serve this cake as an after-dinner decadence with fresh whipped cream, berries, or ice cream. The rich chocolate cake is always a hit.

For the Lava Cake recipe, click here.

Adults and kids will love these mini cheeseburger pies that are perfect for backyard barbecues or family-style potlucks! They are the perfect proportion and are full of the all-American flavor we all love!

For the Mini Cheeseburger Pies recipe, click here.

No one will be able to resist these delicious squares that are nutty, chewy and totally crave able.

For the Pecan Squares recipe, click here.

Nothing like delicious, tender, pulled pork for dinner! You don't have to slave away in the kitchen making it either, thanks to this slow-cooker pork shoulder recipe that you will love!

For the Pork Shoulder recipe, click here.

Whether it's for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a pulled beef sandwich. Now a meal doesn't have to be bland just because you're on the go or don't have time to make it while you're busy at home. The juices and flavors really come out strong with this pulled beef sandwich slow-cooker recipe.

For the Pulled Beef Sandwich recipe, click here.

This surprising slow-cooker dessert is simply delicious.

For the Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée recipe, click here.

This rich and creamy pumpkin swirl cheesecake recipe will leave your mouth watering.

For the Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake recipe, click here.

You can roast a whole chicken in your slow-cooker. Now the family can enjoy a home-cooked meal without having to be home while it's being made. (We know you're always running around in your daily life with a million things on your to-do list.) An added bonus: There are sure to be leftovers!

For the Roast Chicken recipe, click here.

Serve this hearty slow-cooker dish with your favorite starch.

For the Sweet-With-Heat Beef Short Ribs recipe, click here.

Here's a great recipe for any get-together. It makes a taco party the easiest thing in the world to host!

For the Screamin' Good Carnitas recipe, click here.

Whether you're throwing a party, having everyone over for dinner, or hosting family for the holidays, have these sausage and meatball bites prepared to wow your guests. They are the perfect party appetizer!

For the Sausage and Meatballs Bites recipe, click here.

This easy slow-cooker recipe is irresistible!

For the Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini recipe, click here.

Steak is not just for the grill in the summer. Whatever season it is, this sausage-stuffed flank steak is a winner!

For the Sausage-Stuffed Flank Steak recipe, click here.

A classic Irish dish, to be enjoyed wherever you are in the world! Traditionally it is made with lamb, but ground beef works just as well alongside the whipped potatoes. This hearty meal is sure to make you feel complete!

For the Shepherd's Pie recipe, click here.

Nachos can be made with meats other than beef, which is why you should try our shredded chicken nachos!

For the Shredded Chicken Nachos recipe, click here.

Spinach and artichoke dip is a must-have at any party or gathering. Whip this up for your guests and they will love you forever!

For the Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe, click here.

This monkey bread is made with canned biscuit dough and covered with rich, luxurious caramel sauce. This is one decadent treat you won't be able to resist.

For the Turtle Monkey Bread recipe, click here.

If you love sliders, you'll want to try these teriyaki chicken sliders. They have a tender texture, plus an added topping of mac salad. You've never had mini-sandwiches like these before, and these are good enough to give all the others a run for their money. These are definitely one of the best slow-cooker chicken recipes.

For the Teriyaki Chicken and Mac Salad Sliders recipe, click here.

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