19 Crockpot Recipes That Do the Hard Work While You Pretend You Did

Nothing feels more satisfying than dinner that cooked itself while you looked busy. These crockpot recipes bring bold flavor, steady comfort, and that slow build of richness that only long, hands-off cooking delivers. We rely on hearty ingredients and seasonings that stay strong from the first scoop to the last. By the time you serve it, the whole meal tastes like you put in hours you definitely did not.

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with shredded pot roast, brown gravy, and garnished with red cranberries and chopped herbs. — Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

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

Long, slow heat turns these beef shanks into tender meat that slips off the bone. The broth thickens naturally, giving every ladle a deep, beefy richness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

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

The breast stays moist while the slow cooker builds a clean, savory base around it. It slices evenly and keeps its juiciness without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

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

Cranberries melt down into a sweet-tart glaze that sinks into the pork as it cooks. The loin stays tender and cuts easily with a fork.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Turkey chili simmered slow with beans and spices. — Slow Cooker Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This chili leans on slow heat to soften the turkey and blend the spices fully. The beans turn creamy and carry the flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

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 thickens the broth while beef softens until spoon-tender. We love how the vegetables soak up all that savory steam.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Simple Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Chili

Smoked sausage chili slow cooked with beans and deep flavor. — Simple Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The sausage gives this chili instant depth while the slow cooker rounds out the heat. It stays hearty without turning heavy.
Get the Recipe: Simple Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Chili

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.

Lentils add body while the beef breaks down into soft, rich pieces. The broth tightens just enough to coat every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils

Slow Cooker Ribs

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

These ribs loosen slowly until the bones wiggle free with almost no pressure. The sauce clings thick after hours of steady heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ribs

Crock Pot Pork Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

A bowl of shredded pot roast with baby potatoes and carrots, garnished with parsley, on a woven placemat. — Crock Pot Pork Roast with Potatoes and Carrots. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

The pork roasts gently while the vegetables soak up all the juices. It’s the kind of set-it-and-walk-away meal that still feels fully cooked.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

The chuck roast melts down into soft, shreddable layers after hours of controlled heat. Every vegetable in the pot tastes richer from the drippings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

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

Slow simmering pulls the meat fibers apart and builds a thick, tomato-heavy sauce. The long cook gives the finish a smooth, rounded flavor.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow Cooker Loaded Veggie Beef Stew

Beef stew loaded with vegetables slow cooked until tender. — Slow Cooker Loaded Veggie Beef Stew. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The vegetables stay firm enough to hold shape while the beef softens completely. The broth thickens naturally with every passing hour.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Loaded Veggie Beef Stew

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 collapses into strands with almost no effort after hours of heat. We mix the juices back in to keep every bite juicy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast

Shredded pot roast with gravy and cranberries on mashed potatoes, with a fork on a white plate. — Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cranberries break down into a bright, tangy glaze over the roast. The beef stays fork-tender and soaks up the sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast

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.

The chicken pulls apart easily and drinks in the barbecue sauce as it cooks. It stacks cleanly on buns without losing its moisture.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Chicken wings slow cooked in sweet chili sauce falling off bone. — Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The wings soften first, then take on the sticky sweet-chili glaze as they finish. The sauce thickens into a glossy coating with real heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

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.

Slow cooking keeps the chicken tender while the broth grows richer and smoother. The noodles soak just enough to stay soft without falling apart.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

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

The turkey shreds evenly and holds seasoning well after hours in low heat. It’s the kind of filling that builds flavor without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

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.

The peppers soften around the meat and sauce until everything blends together. The slow heat keeps the filling juicy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers