Taste of Home
We bet you never thought twice about your trusty slow cooker, but it turns out, there are plenty of differences between slow cooker brands (beyond just size and color). Some offer expanded cook options outside basic low and high settings, while others advertise themselves as being travel-friendly with special clips to keep that lid on tight—who among us hasn’t tipped over a slow-cooked dish on the way to a potluck?
Considering all these features and how much we rely on this appliance, our Test Kitchen had to find the best slow cooker out there.
How We Found the Best Slow Cooker Options
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For this test, our team of culinary pros and editors researched the top slow cookers on the market.
Over the course of several months and many many slow cooker recipes, our team got a good feel for how each gadget performed. On top of those recipes, our team created a series of tests to put the slow cookers head to head.
To find out which brand was best, our staff recorded how each gadget handled these essential tasks:
- Slow-cooking dishes in our Test Kitchen: We test dozens and dozens of recipes every month. How did the slow cookers do prepping our readers’ recipe submissions? (Share your best recipes with us!) How did the appliance perform cooking some of our most popular recipes, including beef au jus, lemon-dill chicken and a pineapple-upside down dump cake?
- Controls, settings and features: Were the controls and settings easy to understand and use? Were the extra features useful? This is essential if you’re just learning how to use a slow cooker.
- Ease of cleaning: How easy is the cleanup? Are any of the components dishwasher-safe?
- Price: Is the product affordable? Is it well priced for how well it performed?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Slow Cookers
After weeks of testing, a few slow cookers rose to the top during product testing. Find out which fits your slow cooking style.
Best Splurge: Calphalon Digital Saute Slow Cooker
Via williams-sonoma.com
Serious slow-cooker fans, feast your eyes on this stunning Calphalon Digital Saute 5-Quart Slow Cooker. This new release from cookware magnate Calphalon is sleek and eye-catching in dark stainless steel.
But this countertop appliance is so much more than a flashy exterior. Our Test Kitchen raved about the Calphalon slow cooker’s performance. The ceramic-coated insert is non-stick, meaning cleanup is a breeze. What really stood out to our pros, though, was how this crock could go from oven or stovetop to the slow cooker. That means no dirtying extra pans to sear the outside of a pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches. You can get all the flavor from that quick sear without extra dishes—a big win!
The digital display and controls were also a standout feature for our Test Kitchen. Unlike many traditional slow cookers, this Calphalon model lets you choose exactly how long you want to cook in hours and minutes (not the two-hour increments of many basic models)
So while this model is a bit spendier than the rest, our Test Kitchen found it to be worth every penny for the extra features, ease of cleaning and sleek appearance. This is definitely one to put on your wish list.
- Capacity: 5.3 quarts
- Features: Oven- and range-safe insert, nonstick ceramic coating, LED display
- Price: $130
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Best Budget Option: Crockpot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Via amazon.com
Want a reliable, top-performing slow cooker for less? Reach for the biggest name in slow cookers and add the Crockpot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker to your cart.
This generously sized Crockpot is plenty big to fit a whole chicken inside or a very large cut of beef for your next slow-cooked pot roast. If seven quarts is a bit too large for your small crew, this model also comes in three- and four-quart options as well as an extra-large eight-quart size. You can rely on this brand to cook your roasts and other slow-cooker dinners to perfection.
As far as the controls go, it doesn’t get much easier to use than this Crock-Pot. Just turn the dial to low, high or warm and let the slow cooker do the work. No, this option doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like timers or digital displays, but for $40 you get a countertop appliance that performs well each time you heat it up.
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Features: Low, high and keep warm settings
- Price: $40
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Easiest to Clean: Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Via amazon.com
For fuss-free meals, there’s nothing better than your slow cooker. And the only thing that can make these meals more enjoyable is a simple cleanup. With the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
This brand is unique because both the lid and insert are dishwasher safe. That means no more struggling to wash that heavy crock in the sink! Our Test Kitchen loved this easy clean feature—especially after cooking up gooey recipes like this top-rated chocolate lava cake.
Outside of the cleanup, our Test Kitchen also liked this slow cooker’s large crock—perfect for family-sized meals—and sleek touchpad. Another bonus was that when the timer is up, this slow cooker automatically switches to the warm setting so your supper is ready when you are.
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Features: Dishwasher-safe insert and lid
- Price: $65
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Best for On-the-Go: Black & Decker 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Via amazon.com
If you tend to take your slow-cooked dishes to get-togethers, you’ll want to invest in a slow cooker designed for easy transport like the Black & Decker 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker.
This slow cooker comes fitted with special clips that keep the lid secure while you tote your slow cooker from kitchen to kitchen. Besides this trip-ready functionality, our Test Kitchen found the controls to be simple to use and the slow-cooked dishes prepped inside to be hot and tender—in other words: perfect!
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Features: Travel-safe clips, dishwasher-safe insert
- Price: $84
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Best for Casseroles: Crockpot 3.5-Quart Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
Via target.com
Some of our Test Kitchen’s favorite slow cooker meals come in the form of a casserole. Your go-to slow cooker will do in a pinch, but if you’re serious about slow cooker lasagna, green bean casserole and baked French toast, investing in a casserole-ready cooker is wise. For these dishes, the Test Kitchen recommends the Crockpot Casserole Crock Slow Cooker.
Besides being the perfect size and shape for all these go-to dishes, our Test Kitchen loves how you can bake the oven-safe insert and then place it in the base to keep it warm. This one also comes with clips to keep the lid in place if you’re on the move.
- Capacity: 3.5 quarts
- Features: Snap-tight lid for transport, oven-safe removable insert
- Price: $50
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How to Take Care of Your Slow Cooker
You may love your slow cooker (who doesn’t?), but are you taking care of it the right way? A little dish soap works wonders, and guess what: With our cleaning method, you won’t even have to remove the insert if you don’t want to!
Need a little extra help? Be sure to check out our complete slow cooker cleaning and care guide.
What to Make in Your Slow Cooker
We know you’re a slow cooker pro at this point, but who doesn’t love a few new recipes? These recipes take advantage of our favorite slow cooker’s A+ low-and-slow cooking and all-in-one crock. They’re the perfect dishes to prepare and let heat on a long, lazy weekend.
No matter which slow cooker brand you buy, our Test Kitchen can guarantee these recipes will be delicious. Don’t know where to start? We recommend these tasty carnitas.
Spicy Taco MeatMy husband and I love Tex-Mex food with all the fixings. Cooking the meat in the slow cooker makes prepping the toppings a breeze. We love to make this for parties, keeping the filling warm in the slow cooker and serving the various toppings in bowls so the guests can build their own! —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Spinach Bean SoupThis navy bean soup is heartwarming comfort food at its best. It's my signature soup that I make for my family and friends. The bright red and green of the peppers and spinach give it a suitably seasonal look. —Barbara Shay, Pasadena, California
Grampa's German-Style Pot RoastGrampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes his mother gave him. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in a slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Weekday Chicken CacciatoreChicken cooked “cacciatore” means a dish prepared “hunter-style” with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and seasonings. We add a touch of white wine to make ours northern Italian-style. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Peanut SoupThis seemingly exotic dish is simple, vegan, healthy and hearty. The peanut butter blends beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and Thai seasonings. You can also serve this soup without pureeing it first. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Slow-Cooker Beef BarbacoaI love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. It’s an amazing alternative to ground beef tacos or even pulled pork carnitas. It’s also versatile. You can have a soft taco bar and let people make their own—or offer mouthwatering Mexican pizzas or rice bowls. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Slaw-Topped Beef SlidersWhen I was working full time, I relied on these delicious, fast-to-fix beef sliders for simple meals. To speed prep time and avoid extra cleanup, I used bagged coleslaw mix and bottled slaw dressing. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Apple Betty with Almond CreamI love making this apple betty for friends during the peak of apple season. I plan a quick soup and bread meal, so we can get right to the dessert! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Quinoa ChiliThis recipe turned my husband into a quinoa lover. I made it the day he got good news on a new job, and we'll always remember how excited we were as we ate this beautiful meal. —Claire Gallam, Alexandria, Virginia
Shredded Chicken TostadasThese flavorful tostadas are super easy and family-friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you'll have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas
Slow-Roasted Chicken with VegetablesEven a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Slow-Cooker Turkey Sloppy JoesThe combination of chili sauce and ground turkey in these sloppy joes creates a delicious flavor. The avocado adds a special touch to the sandwiches. —Nichole Jones, Idaho Falls, Idaho
BBQ Bacon Pulled Chicken SandwichesThis simple recipe tastes amazing. We prefer putting mayo on the bun and adding cheddar or Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Several of us put ranch dressing on our sandwiches, too. —Jennifer Darling, Ventura, California
Slow-Cooker Salsa RoastThis is so easy and fast to put together on your way out the door in the morning—and so good when you come home! Try it with rice or on soft tacos, or pile it on hamburger buns. —LaVonne Peden, Olympia, Washington
Teriyaki Pork RoastWith three kids and a husband who works full time and attends school, it's fair to say we have a busy household. I'm always looking for no-fuss recipes, so I was thrilled to find this one. The juicy teriyaki seasoned pork roast has become a family favorite. —Roxanne Hulsey, Gainsville, Georgia
Mama's CarnitasMy husband loves to cook Mexican dishes, while I'm more of an Italian-style cook. The joke in our house is that I should leave all the Mexican cooking to him. However, this dish of mine turned out so amazing that my husband fell in love! It's all in the meat. If you can get an all-natural pork shoulder, it really makes a difference. —Chelsea Wickman, Painesville, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Orange ChickenThis is a family-friendly recipe that even the kids will like. It's easy to prepare and flavorful enough to share with dinner guests. — Sherry Kozlowski, Morgantown, West Virginia
Hamburger DipThis is hands-down the easiest dip to make, and I never have leftovers. We have used venison in place of hamburger, as well as half hamburger and half spicy sausage. Everyone enjoys this wonderful dip! —Mary Kidder, Nappanee, Indiana
Gourmet Barbecue Beef SandwichesThese beef sandwiches were a tradition in my family on winter vacations after a long day of snow skiing, but they're a hit anytime we make them. Serving the savory barbecue beef on croissants with melty provolone cheese makes the sandwiches a little more special. —Katie Anderson, Vancouver, Washington
"Everything" StuffingMy family goes crazy for this stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Autumn Pumpkin ChiliWe have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce WrapsWe love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It's equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona
Meaty Slow-Cooked JambalayaThis recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Breakfast BurritosPrep these tasty, hearty burritos the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning or let them cook while you are away on a weekend afternoon for an easy supper. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Italian Pot RoastI make this regularly, as it's a favorite of my husband's. I'm always asked for the recipe. You'll love how this Italian pot roast seems to melt-in-your-mouth. —Debbie Daly, Buckingham, Illinois
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game-Day DipYou can easily whip up this creamy, spicy, salty dip. For parties, I love dips in the slow cooker—just turn it to low once the dip is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Shredded Lamb SlidersI made about 1,500 of these easy, tasty sliders for the Great American Beer Fest. Everyone—right down to the last customer—thought the bites were delish. —Craig Kuczek, Aurora, Colorado
Green Chile PosoleThis recipe combines parts of my nanny’s recipe and my mother’s. I learned both of them when I was very young. An optional sprinkling of queso fresco over the top is an absolute delight in my opinion. —Jaime Love, Las Vegas, Nevada
Bonnie's ChiliThis chili is incredibly easy to make, and has a surprising depth of flavor for something that comes together in no time before the slow cooker takes over the work. I can make this for people who like it hot or mild just by changing the salsa. You can make it really spicy if you add hot peppers and hot salsa. —Bonnie Altig, North Pole, Alaska
Slow-Cooker Strawberry Pudding CakeI had these ingredients in my pantry and thought I'd experiment. The flavors are just like strawberry cheesecake—only in a warm, comforting cake version. It's a whole lot easier than making cheesecake, too! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Sassy Pot RoastI love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Luau Pork Lettuce WrapsI first made this recipe when our family took a trip to a beach house in Florida. On my night to cook, I did a luau theme and used this recipe as the appetizer. These are still a favorite today! —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Pork and Green Chile StewThis easily adaptable stew is ready in four hours if cooked on high in a slow cooker, or in less than eight hours if you cook it low and slow. —Paul Sedillo, Plainfield, Illinois
Chorizo and Chickpea SoupChorizo sausage adds its own spice to the broth of this soup, creating delicious flavor with no need for more seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house smells divine! —Jaclyn McKewan, Lancaster, New York
Tender Beef over NoodlesI dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes terrific with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon
Carolina-Style Pork BarbecueI am originally from North Carolina and this recipe is a favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ’cue is the best barbecue he’s ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada
Loaded Broccoli-Cheese Potato ChowderFor anyone who loves baked potatoes or broccoli cheese soup, this is the best of both worlds. If you have bacon lovers, offer crumbled cooked bacon as a topping. Then everyone is happy, carnivore or not! —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Brown Rice and VegetablesThis filling rice dish, full of big chunks of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, is a standout combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pork Chops & Acorn SquashMy husband and I are crazy for the squash we grow in our garden. For a sweet and tangy dish, we slow-cook it with pork chops and orange juice. —Mary Johnson, Coloma, Wisconsin
Easy Slow-Cooked Swiss SteakI let my slow cooker simmer up this fuss-free and flavorful Swiss steak. Perfect for busy spring days…the longer it cooks, the better it tastes! —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
Midnight Caribbean Pork SandwichesThese easy sandwiches have nice depth of flavor—savory, sweet, piquant, subtle and sublime. They’re worth the wait. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington
Best Curried Pumpkin SoupI whipped this up for my family on Thanksgiving, and everyone was crazy about it! Even my brother, who is one of the pickiest eaters I know, asked for seconds of this curry pumpkin soup. —Kimberly Knepper, Euless, Texas
Creamy Onion Pork ChopsWine adds delectable flavor to the chops, and the meat falls from the bone. This easy dish just might initiate every family member into the cook something good for dinner club! —Kristina Wyatt, Catawba, Virginia
Easy Portuguese-Style Bean SoupOne day I was looking at Portuguese recipes and decided to put together a bean soup that embraced the bright and spicy flavors of Portugal. My family liked it so much, it became a classic in our household. To save time and work, the sausage, vegetables and herbs can all be prepped in minutes with a food processor. —Steven Vance, Woodland, Washington
Ranch Chicken SlidersWhen my grandson was younger, we always joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois
Chunky Chicken CacciatoreThis
healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
Slow-Cooker Salsa ChickenThis is a go-to recipe when I know I'll be having a busy day. My family loves salsa, so I came up with this recipe for something to throw into a slow cooker and simmer on low. We love it served over rice or noodles, and then top it with tortilla chips and sour cream. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama
Spicy Peruvian Potato SoupThis robust Peruvian soup (known there as locro de papa) has the comfort of potatoes and the warming spiciness of chiles. Light enough for a simple lunch, it’s also satisfying served as a dinner meal.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tropical BBQ ChickenHere is my favorite slow-cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Slow-Cooked Peach Pork Chops“I played around with many variations of this recipe until I came up with one that was just right,” Bonnie Morrow writes from Spencerport, New York. “The warm peaches make an excellent side dish for the pork.”
Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine NutsThis super easy side dish is a wonderful picnic or potluck recipe. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato StewThis stew tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavors of coconut milk, sweet potato and coriander nicely complement the chicken. A garnish of cilantro and toasted coconut adds a bit of sophistication. —Nicole Filizetti, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Simmered Turkey EnchiladasI discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
Beefy MinestroneI know lots of minestrone recipes don't contain meat, but my husband thinks a meal is only a meal if it contains some sort of meat. Consequently, this is the perfect meal. It strikes that balance of flavorful, healthful, and soul-satisfying. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Maple Pork RibsA luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Pulled BBQ PorkDuring years of vacationing on the North Carolina coast, I became hooked on their pork barbecue. The version I developed is a favorite at potluck dinners. —Joseph Sarnoski, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Bacon Breakfast CasseroleThis easy breakfast dish allows me to make a comforting family favorite that doesn't take a lot of prep. It's also great for big brunch gatherings. —Paula Lawson, Springfield, Ohio
Fiery Sweet Chicken ThighsThis dish combines my love of spicy Thai food with a sweet, almost barbecue-like sauce. You can't beat the slow-cooker convenience! —Eve Gray, Marietta, Georgia
Cranberry Turkey Sloppy JoesWant a seasonal spin on classic sloppy joes? This combination of turkey and cranberries is a hit with everyone! The flavor has a touch of sweet and a touch of salt—just right for any cold-weather get-together. A slow cooker easily keeps the mixture warm on a buffet. —Christine Grimm, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Sausage and ApplesThis recipe belongs to my friend Patty, who made me a wonderful cookbook of her dishes. This is one of her most popular. I often double it for parties. —Tammy Zywicki, Elmira, New York
Barbecue Pork Cobb SaladMy lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Chorizo ChiliI modified a bean soup recipe and came up with this wonderful chili. I make it mild, since that's how my family likes it, then I just add Tabasco sauce to spice up my bowl. Feel free to make it vegetarian by using soy chorizo and vegetable broth. —Jenne Delkus, Des Peres, Missouri
Italian Meatballs and SausagesHere’s a wonderful nibble for a tailgate or any family function. The snack is so easy to prepare and also very tasty. I’ve doubled and even tripled the recipe for large groups. No matter how much I make, I always come home with an empty slow cooker. —Jan Kasinger, Graham, Washington
Chicken Curry for TwoI love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and I actually have cookbooks and recipes from all over the world. When I find a recipe that's well-received, I make a copy and put it in a protective sleeve in a loose-leaf binder. I now have quite a few huge binders!
Warm Cider Cranberry PunchI first made this at an instructional cooking camp. My kids loved it so much that, for a time, they insisted we make it every day. Serve it hot in the winter or with the ice during the summer. —Carol Gehringer, Raleigh, North Carolina
Fall Vegetable Sloppy JoesI make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Rosemary Pot RoastCome home to a comforting, ready-to-eat entree with this slow-cooker favorite sized just right for two. It’s so easy, and it fills the house with a wonderful aroma. —Marcia Schroeder, River Edge, New Jersey
Pork, Bean & Rice BurritosThe combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California. Don't forget to check out our collection of the best
slow-cooker tailgate recipes.
Slow-Cooker Meatball StewThis recipe was a lifesaver when I worked full time and needed a dinner that we all would enjoy when we got home. It is perfect to let your young ones help prepare. They can chop, peel, mix and pour. It doesn’t matter if the veggies are all different sizes—your children will still devour this fun and tasty stew. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Apricot-Orange Salsa ChickenSweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this five-ingredient entree. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa. Served over rice, it's a dinner we've enjoyed time and again. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Beef Taco ChiliThis is one of my husband's absolute favorite dishes. It was voted best chili at our county's autumn harvest festival. If you like less broth, use just 1-3/4 cups water and 1-1/2 tsp. bouillon. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington
Apple Butter Pork with White BeansThis enticing dish is an entire dinner with meat, vegetables and beans, wonderful to come home to after I've run the kids around to activities all afternoon. The apple butter with the pork is yummy and perfect for fall! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Slow-Cooked Spicy Portuguese CacoilaYou're probably used to pulled pork coated with barbecue sauce and made into sandwiches. Portuguese pulled pork is a spicy dish often served at our large family functions. Each cook generally adds his or her own touches that reflect their taste and Portuguese heritage. A mixture of beef roast and pork can be used. —Michele Merlino, Exeter, Rhode Island
Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork ChopsI love the tender texture of pork chops made in the slow cooker! The flavor of this sauce is similar to barbecue but with a little extra kick. The crispy onions on top add a delectable crunch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Spice Trade Beans & BulgurA rich blend of spices adds flavor to tender, nutritious bulgur and garbanzo beans in this tangy dish that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Spicy Stuffed Banana PeppersBanana peppers can be very tricky: Sometimes they are hot and sometimes they are not. If you want to be on the safe side, I recommend using Bianca peppers instead, which are a more sweet type of pepper. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Easy Slow-Cooker Tamale DinnerHere is a quick and easy dinner, which is very satisfying. No need to fool with corn husks here! My parents and friends often request this for dinner. —Laurel Lawshae, Round Rock, Texas
Slow-Cooker Bourbon Pork ChopsMy dad created a baked version of this recipe years ago. Delicious as it was, when I updated his recipe, I decided to try it in the slow cooker for even more moist and tender results. Bingo! Juicy, tasty and no fuss. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Steak Strips with DumplingsTake in a parade on the Fourth or spend a day by the lake and come home to this slow-cooked specialty all ready to eat! The recipe’s from John Smalldridge of Princeton, Idaho.
Slow-Cooker Jambalaya RisottoI love risotto, but I don't always love the time and stirring it takes to get the creamy goodness. I found a slow-cooker risotto recipe and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to adapt a jambalaya recipe for this dish. —Angela Westra, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Peppered Meat LoafI came up with this easy dinner one day while experimenting in the kitchen. Everyone who tries it, loves it! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Asparagus Tuna Noodle CasseroleI updated a traditional tuna casserole using fresh asparagus and asparagus soup. This is so different and so delicious. Use frozen asparagus when fresh is not in season. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Slammin' LambThis meat is easy, flavorful and best when marinated overnight. You can even mix it up and freeze it until you want to throw it in the cooker! Make sure you have lots of pita bread on hand to soak up the juices. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Overnight Peach OatmealHearty oatmeal combined with bright, sweet peaches make this slow-cooker recipe a perfect breakfast or brunch. This is an excellent make-ahead meal for busy mornings. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Chicken StroganoffThis recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
