17 Slow Cooker Recipes That Let the Counter Do the Work

Some days need dinner to happen without supervision. These 17 slow cooker recipes lean on long simmers, forgiving cuts, and sauces that build themselves while life keeps moving. The counter stays busy so the kitchen does not have to. This list exists for mornings that know exactly how the evening is going to feel.

A bowl of vegetable soup with diced carrots, corn, green beans, potatoes, and tomatoes, topped with a slice of toasted bread and a spoon on the side. — Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup (8+ Vegetables). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy chicken noodle soup slow cooked until rich and comforting. — Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken and noodles melt into a creamy, steady broth. We set this early and forget about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

BBQ chicken cooked in a slow cooker until tender and piled onto soft rolls. — Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken cooks down in barbecue sauce until it shreds itself. The rolls barely cool before filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable barley soup slow cooked until hearty and warming. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Barley thickens the broth while vegetables soften all day. This one handles lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers

Italian stuffed peppers slow cooked until the filling is tender and rich. — Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Peppers soften around savory filling without any oven juggling. It smells like someone stayed home to cook.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers

Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork slow cooked until it shreds easily for sandwiches or tacos. — Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pork shoulder falls apart into rich, saucy strands. We stretch this across sandwiches, bowls, and tacos.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow cooker bolognese simmered into a thick, hearty meat sauce. — Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Meat sauce simmers low until it turns silky and deep. Dinner feels ready before the sun sets.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow cooked beef shanks simmered until the meat slips off the bone. — Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Beef shanks turn spoon-tender after a long cook. The broth tastes like it took effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings slow cooked with soft dumplings on top. — Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Stetted.

Soft dumplings float through tender chicken stew. It lands quiet and filling at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Slow cooked turkey taco filling with tender seasoned turkey. — Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Turkey shreds into seasoned meat that waits patiently for tortillas. We leave toppings out and let everyone build.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils

Beef stew with lentils slow cooked until thick, hearty, and aromatic. — Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Beef and lentils cook into a thick, steady stew. The pot carries the whole night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup slow cooked with short ribs and vegetables. — Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Barley soaks up broth while beef turns soft. This is the bowl that handles rough evenings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti slow cooked with pasta and creamy sauce. — Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken melts into creamy pasta sauce without stirring. Dinner scoops straight from the crock.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Boneless turkey breast slow cooked until juicy with simple seasoning. — Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Turkey cooks sliceable and juicy with no oven needed. We use leftovers for days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chuck roast softens into rich gravy on its own. The counter does all the thinking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

Cranberry pork loin slow cooked in a sweet, tangy sauce. — Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Pork cooks under sweet-tart cranberry sauce all afternoon. It feels like a holiday without planning.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Ribs

Ribs cooked slow until tender and coated in glossy sauce. — Slow Cooker Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Ribs turn tender before ever seeing the grill. The bones slide clean every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ribs

Copycat Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana made slow cooker style with kale, sausage, and creamy broth. — Copycat Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sausage and potatoes simmer into creamy soup that fills the kitchen. We keep bowls ready when this finishes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana