Taste of Home
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
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Vegetarian Red Bean ChiliFor a vegetarian red bean chili that meat lovers would like, this recipe is healthy and tastes great. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, then the chili simmers in the slow cooker leaving me free to do something else. I top bowls with shredded cheddar cheese.—Connie Barnett, Athens, Georgia
Check these mouthwatering
crock pot appetizers which is super easy to make and perfect for a party or a Sunday afternoon get togethers.
Buffalo Chicken ChiliThis Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Slow Cooker Ranch ChickenThis is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It's wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah
Here's a look at our most
popular slow-cooker recipes from 2023.
Onion Meat LoafMy husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetable SoupConvenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to make. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It's wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Beef and BarleyI like to serve this to company. I'm not sure where the recipe originated for this country-style dish, but I have had it for years and rely on it when I'm hosting a meal for a group. —Linda Ronk, Melbourne, Florida
Slow-Cooked Stuffed PeppersMy favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Salisbury SteakThese flavorful "steaks" fit into everybody's budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. - Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West Virginia
For all of your slow-cooker groceries, here's what experts recommend about
grocery shopping on a budget.
Soy-Garlic ChickenBecause I’m a full-time mom and help my husband on our ranch, I’m always looking for simple yet hearty meals for the slow cooker. My family really likes this one. —Colleen Faber, Buffalo, Montana
Slow-Cooker Sweet Sour MeatballsFor a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
California Tamale PieWhen I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Polish Kraut with ApplesThe combination of apples, sauerkraut and smoked sausage gives this hearty dinner an old-world flavor. I enjoy this, and it's so easy to make. —Caren Markee, Cary, Illinois
Cabbage Barley SoupMy neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Mushroom Pork TenderloinThis juicy pork tenderloin in a savory gravy is the best you'll ever taste. Prepared with canned soups, it couldn't be easier. —Donna Hughes, Rochester, New Hampshire
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
Sweet Orange ChickenThis orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Buffalo Pulled ChickenThis slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to's. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Zippy Bean StewThis bean stew is a staple for my co-workers and me once the weather turns cool. Although this is a low-fat dish, it definitely doesn't taste like it! —Debbie Matthews, Bluefield, West Virginia
Sweet Potato Lentil StewI fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas
Pumpkin-Lentil SoupI was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Stuffed ShellsThere's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
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
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
Meatball TortelliniI combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ ChickenI live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma
fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Potato & Ham SoupIn our house, this recipe is a win-win. It's easy for me to whip up and easy for my family to devour...the crusty bread for dipping doesn't hurt, either. —Linda Haglund, Buffalo, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & PeasSome amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Citrus-Herb Pork RoastThe genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tangy Pulled Pork SandwichesThe slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Chuck RoastMy husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Conga Lime PorkDinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken ChiliMy friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Mexican Chicken ChiliCorn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Italian Beef SandwichesMy mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these Italian beef sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
Chili Coney DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Chicken ThighsHere’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla SoupDon't be shy about loading up the spices and shredded chicken into your slow cooker. Chicken tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. Your family will thank you for this one! — Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Zesty Beef StewPreparation couldn't be simpler for this hearty no-fuss stew! I created this dish when I didn't have some of my usual ingredients for vegetable beef soup. My husband says it's the best I ever made! —Margaret Turza, South Bend, Indiana
These are the best
cheap dinner ideas that you'll want to try out.
Country Rib SandwichesPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Bacon-Beef Barley SoupHere’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Sweet-and-Sour Beef StewThis chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Shredded Beef au JusMy mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota