95 Brand-New Slow Cooker Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

Spicy Taco Meat

My 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 Soup

This 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 Roast

Grampa 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 Cacciatore

Chicken 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 Soup

This 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 Barbacoa

I 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 Sliders

When 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 Cream

I 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 Chili

This 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 Tostadas

These 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 Vegetables

Even 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 Joes

The 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 Sandwiches

This 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 Roast

This 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 Roast

With 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 Carnitas

My 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 Chicken

This 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 Dip

This 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 Sandwiches

These 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" Stuffing

My 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 Chili

We 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 Wraps

We 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 Jambalaya

This 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 Burritos

Prep 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 Roast

I 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 Dip

You 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 Sliders

I 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 Posole

This 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 Chili

This 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 Cake

I 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 Roast

I 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 Wraps

I 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 Stew

This 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 Soup

Chorizo 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 Noodles

I 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 Barbecue

I 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 Chowder

For 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 Vegetables

This 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 Squash

My 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 Steak

I 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 Sandwiches

These 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 Soup

I 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 Chops

Wine 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 Soup

One 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 Sliders

When 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 Cacciatore

This 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 Chicken

This 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 Soup

This 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 Chicken

Here 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 Nuts

This 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 Stew

This 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 Enchiladas

I 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 Minestrone

I 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 Ribs

A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

Pulled BBQ Pork

During 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 Casserole

This 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 Thighs

This 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 Joes

Want 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 Apples

This 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 Salad

My 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 Chili

I 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 Sausages

Here’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 Two

I 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 Punch

I 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 Joes

I 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 Roast

Come 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 Burritos

The 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 Stew

This 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 Chicken

Sweet 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 Chili

This 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 Beans

This 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 Cacoila

You'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 Chops

I 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 & Bulgur

A 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 Peppers

Banana 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 Dinner

Here 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 Chops

My 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 Dumplings

Take 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 Risotto

I 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 Loaf

I 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 Casserole

I 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' Lamb

This 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 Oatmeal

Hearty 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 Stroganoff

This 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