15 Slow Cooker Recipes for Tired People Who Want Dinner to Run Itself

Long day, empty fridge, and zero patience for babysitting dinner? When time is tight, letting low heat do the work keeps prep simple and stress low. We lean on slow cookers to turn basic cuts tender and build bold flavor without hovering over the stove. Expect a tight mix of hands-off methods, weeknight-friendly timing, and juicy results that hold up.

A ladle of beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and parsley in a rich brown sauce. — Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Turkey tacos slow cooked tender with seasoning. — Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat builds juicy turkey with bold, well-set seasoning. We toast the spices first for deeper flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils, Turnips and Carrots

Beef stew with lentils, turnips, and carrots slow-cooked to tenderness in a rustic bowl. — Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils, Turnips and Carrots. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow simmering turns beef tender while lentils stay thick and filling. Let the lid stay closed to keep steady moisture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils, Turnips and Carrots

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Hearty slow-cooked beef and barley soup filled with tender short rib pieces in a deep bowl. — Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle heat breaks short ribs into juicy, fall-apart pieces. We skim surface fat early for cleaner flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup with Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Long, even heat pulls beef into tender strands with rich depth. Sear the roast first to lock in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Three BBQ chicken sliders stacked on a white plate, with a red checked cloth and a green glass nearby. — Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooking melts turkey into juicy shreds with sticky, tangy glaze. We stir once near the end for even coating.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Steady heat keeps chicken juicy as sauce turns glossy and bold. Shred while hot for cleaner pulls.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

BBQ chicken sliders cooked in the slow cooker piled onto soft buns with sauce dripping. — Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat coaxes beef shanks into tender pull with savory depth. We nestle meat halfway into liquid for even braising.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew

Lamb stew simmered slow until vegetables and lamb break down into a hearty rich broth. — Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow simmering softens lamb into tender bites with rich broth. Brown the lamb first for deeper flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Juicy slow cooker turkey breast sliced on a platter with herbs and pan juices pooling underneath. — Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even heat keeps turkey juicy with a lightly golden edge. Rest before slicing to hold moisture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Plate of creamy chicken casserole topped with sliced almonds and green onions, served with crackers. — Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooking keeps chicken tender under a crisp, golden topping. We add crackers late to keep them crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Shredded beef slow cooked until tender with juices pooling beneath the pulled strands on a platter. — Slow Cooker Shredded Beef. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat breaks beef into juicy strands with bold, savory flavor. Shred against the grain for cleaner texture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy soup with vegetables and herbs in a white bowl, next to a spoon and a striped towel. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Gentle simmering keeps chicken juicy in creamy, savory broth. We add gnocchi near the end to prevent mush.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A black bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a thick sauce, topped with a fresh basil leaf. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light-colored surface. — Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooking turns chicken tender in rich, savory sauce. Stir once mid-cook to keep the sauce smooth.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

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

Low heat builds tender turkey with thick, savory body. Toast spices first to boost depth.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Long simmering melts beef into tender bites with deep, savory notes. Let it cool slightly to thicken the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon