Life gets busy and that’s where the slow cooker comes in!
With just a little prep in the morning (or even the night before), you can come home to a hot, comforting meal that’s ready to serve.
These 19 slow cooker dinners are not only easy and delicious, but they also use budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have.

Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a good cozy dinner without the fuss!

Why We Love Slow Cooker Meals

• Hands-off Cooking: Dump ingredients in, walk away.
• Budget-Friendly: Use cheaper cuts of meat and pantry staples.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Double the batch and freeze leftovers.
• Hearty and Comforting: Perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends.

19 Easy Slow Cooker Dinners

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions:
Place chicken in slow cooker, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and pour salsa over.
Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours. Shred and serve in tortillas.

2. Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
Cook on low 8 hours. Stir before serving.

3. Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cans kidney beans
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp chili powder

Instructions:
Brown beef, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients.
Cook on low 6–8 hours.

4. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:
Whisk sauce ingredients. Pour over chicken in slow cooker.
Cook on low 6–7 hours.

5. Crockpot Italian Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen meatballs
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:
Add meatballs, sauce, and seasoning to slow cooker.
Cook on low 4–5 hours.

6. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour

Instructions:
Cook beef, onion, and broth on low 8 hours.
Stir in sour cream and flour before serving.

7. Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups rice
• 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions:
Layer chicken, soups, rice, and broth.
Cook on low 6–7 hours.

9. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients.
Cook on low 6–8 hours.

9. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions:
Add everything to slow cooker.
Cook on low 4–5 hours.

10. Slow Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 box lasagna noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella

Instructions:
Brown beef. Layer noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese in slow cooker.
Cook on low 5–6 hours.

11. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:
Add all to slow cooker.
Cook on low 6–7 hours.

12. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Pasta (for serving)

Instructions:
Cook chicken with Alfredo sauce and broth on low 6 hours.
Serve over cooked pasta.

13. Crockpot Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 5 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:
Cook potatoes, onion, and broth on low 6 hours.
Blend part of the soup if desired for creaminess. Stir in cream.

14. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:
Add all to slow cooker.
Cook on low 6–7 hours.

15. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can tomato sauce

Instructions:
Mix beef, rice, and half the sauce. Stuff peppers.
Place in slow cooker, top with remaining sauce. Cook on low 6 hours.

16. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:
Place all in slow cooker.
Cook on low 6–7 hours.

17. Crockpot Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 6 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Layer tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese.
Cook on low 5 hours.

18. Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen meatballs
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce

Instructions:
Combine in slow cooker.
Cook on low 4 hours.

19. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 cans white beans
• 1 can green chilies
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:
Add everything to slow cooker.
Cook on low 6 hours. Shred chicken before serving.

Final Slow Cooker Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overfill: Fill your slow cooker only ½ to ¾ full for even cooking.
• Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and prep meat the night before to save morning time.
• Layering Matters: Put harder veggies (like carrots) at the bottom since they cook slower.