13 slow cooker meals that make the end of the day easier

ByHeidi Bruaw

Some days call for meals that practically take care of themselves, and that’s where the slow cooker shines. These recipes simmer low and slow while you go about your day, filling the kitchen with cozy, home-cooked aromas by dinnertime. Inside this collection, you’ll find comforting, reliable dishes that make evenings feel calmer and a whole lot more delicious.

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with slices of cooked meat, sautéed onions, and herbs, served with Brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

A stuffed chicken breast topped with herbs is served on mashed potatoes with a side of steamed broccoli on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker lemonade chicken comes out tender and juicy with a bright pop of sweet-tart citrus in every bite. It’s quick to prep with simple ingredients, then the slow cooker does the rest. It’s the kind of easy dinner that makes the end of the day feel a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemonade Chicken

Slow Cooker Maid Rites

A sloppy joe sandwich with pickles on a sesame bun served with crinkle-cut French fries on a plate.
Slow Cooker Maid Rites. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving a little diner nostalgia at home? These slow cooker Maid-Rites simmer into juicy, perfectly seasoned crumbles that pile high on soft buns with mustard and pickles. It’s the kind of easy, comforting recipe you’ll be glad you saved for later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Maid Rites

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Plate with sliced roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, set on a wooden table with a blue cloth and a glass of iced tea in the background.
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker bacon-wrapped pork loin comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender every time. The sweet and smoky flavors strike just the right balance as it cooks low and slow. Brown sugar and bacon blend together into a rich, irresistible finish that makes every slice worth it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with black pepper and a cilantro leaf, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. Another identical bowl is partially visible in the background.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup turns out smooth, velvety, and packed with comforting flavor. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker with hardly any prep. A few hours later, you’ve got a warm bowl ready to ladle up and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

Tray of shredded pork tacos with diced onions and lime wedges, accompanied by a bowl of dipping sauce.
Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos bring the perfect sweet, smoky, and savory combo, with a splash of Coca-Cola for extra flavor. The pork cooks low and slow in enchilada sauce, green chiles, and brown sugar until tender and juicy. Pile it into warm tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

Slow Cooker Meatball Stew

A white bowl filled with a vegetable and meatball stew, garnished with peas and parsley, sits on a red checkered cloth next to fresh parsley, bread, and a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This slow cooker meatball stew simmers low and slow until the meatballs are perfectly tender and the vegetables are cooked just right. Everything mingles in a rich, savory broth that tastes like comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that makes the end of the day feel a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatball Stew

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Two bowls of chili topped with avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. Sliced lime and cheese bowl in the background on a marble surface.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is the perfect cozy meal, with juicy chicken, flavorful meatballs, and loads of spices that simmer all day. Throw in some cabbage and top it off with creamy avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort bowl. Just set it and forget it!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of pot roast with sliced beef, baby potatoes, carrots, and onions, garnished with rosemary, sits on a table next to a green towel and a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow Cooker Rump Roast is one of those dependable dinners that never lets you down. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks low and slow. Meanwhile, the vegetables soak up all that rich, savory broth and come out just as flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with slices of cooked meat, sautéed onions, and herbs, served with Brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These slow cooker apple butter pork chops come out incredibly tender with that cozy sweet-savory flavor in every bite. As they simmer, the apple butter melts down into a thick, glossy sauce that wraps the pork in rich goodness. It’s the kind of easy dinner that makes the end of the day feel a whole lot simpler.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

A bowl of creamy potato corn chowder topped with bacon and cheese, served with sliced bread on a red and white checkered cloth.
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder keeps things easy and hands-off from start to finish. Tender chicken, baby potatoes, and sweet corn simmer together until rich and creamy, then get finished with melty cheese and crispy bacon. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll be very glad you saved for later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Two sloppy joe sandwiches topped with sliced jalapeños and bacon are served on a tray, placed on a striped napkin over a wooden board.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Smoky, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy, these Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes pack bacon, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce into every saucy spoonful. The slow cooker handles the work while the beef cooks down until rich and tender. Pile it high on toasted buns and serve warm.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup keeps things simple and approachable, even if you’re new to cooking. Just chop what you need, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it do the work. Let it simmer low and slow all day, or switch to high when you want dinner ready faster.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Classic Yankee pot roast cooked slowly with vegetables.
Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast is packed with rich, cozy flavor and couldn’t be simpler to put together. It simmers low and slow until the beef turns perfectly tender and the savory juices soak into every bite. It’s the kind of hearty meal that makes family dinners feel extra comforting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast