57 Slow Cooker Dinners Every Full-Time Mom (or Dad!) Needs to Know

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Country-Style Barbecue Ribs

These ribs get a good sear under the broiler, then go into the slow cooker to become fall-apart tender. Enjoy them with great sides or shredded on a bun. Either way, they're the most amazing ribs you'll ever have. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

Use up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida

Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos

I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma

Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches have been the go-to meal for my son's basketball team. Turkey is a wonderful change from ground beef and really absorbs all the flavors. I have also used this for a Friday the 13th celebration at work, calling it 13-ingredient sloppy joes. —Karen Hildebrand, LaBelle, Florida

Filipino Adobo Aromatic Chicken

This saucy chicken packs a wallop of flavors—salty, sweet, sour, slightly spicy and even a little umami. It can be made on the stove, too. Any way you make it, I think it tastes even better the next day served over warm rice. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas

Slow-Cooker Pad Thai

I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in summer. This slow-cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

Country Captain Chicken

Country captain chicken is both sweet and savory, making it a unique but delicious dish. The recipe is also highly customizable, so you can have a slightly different dinner each time you make it.

Slow-Cooked Pork with Root Vegetables

This is truly a one-pot recipe—there's no need to brown the roast, as the rub gives it rich color. As it cooks, the house fills with the amazing aroma of apples and pork. It's a perfect dinner for a chilly autumn day. Use the cooking liquid as a sauce when you're ready to serve. And if there's any pork left over, it makes delicious pulled pork sandwiches. —Jackie Sharp, Suffolk, Virginia

Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken

A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops

I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa

Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho

Tandoori Chicken Panini

The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled to make Indian-inspired panini. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia

Slow-Cooker Pork Medallions

These slow-cooker pork medallions are a simple, low-prep meal for busy days. Start them before you take the kids for their after-school activities, or yourself for errands, and dinner will be done when you get home.

Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf

Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

This simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

Meatballs in Honey Buffalo Sauce

My family loves the sweet and spicy combination and declared this recipe an instant favorite just for that reason. The meatballs start sweet but finish with a little heat! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Potluck Bacon Mac & Cheese

This wholesome mac & cheese is slow-cooker easy. Make it during the week or take it to your next potluck!—Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma

Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Beer-Braised Pulled Ham

To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Alfredo Chicken & Biscuits

For a cute potpie presentation, dish this creamy chicken up in ramekins and top each with a biscuit. I sometimes serve it over hot linguine, too. —Jennifer Jordan of Hubbard, Ohio

Taco Pasta

This cheesy taco pasta recipe combines elbow macaroni, ground turkey, cheddar cheese and taco-seasoned tomato sauce with salsa. We make it in the slow cooker for ease, but you can easily turn it into a one-pot skillet meal.

Upside-Down Frito Pie

Using ground turkey is a smart way to lighten this hearty family pleaser! —Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Mexican Bubble Pizza

This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

Barbecue Pork Tacos with Apple Slaw

We celebrate taco Tuesdays, so I keep things interesting by switching up the varieties. These pork tacos are super simple to make. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Slow Cooker Curry Chicken

My husband travels for business and discovered that he likes Indian cuisine. Chicken curry with apricots has all the delicious flavors we love to enjoy. —Katie Schultz, Temple, Georgia

Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous

Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois

Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Why not use your leftovers to create a delicious chicken cornbread casserole? The crispy topping and creamy center will make for a comforting and nostalgic dinner.

Slow-Cooker Curry Pork

I’m a stay-at-home mom, and the slow cooker helps me create dishes like this pork with a curry and cumin rub. I also add a splash of coconut milk. —Beverly Peychal, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Salmon

I love this slow-cooker salmon recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops

Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas

Some 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

Meat Lover's Pizza Hot Dish

I make this hearty casserole for the men who help us out during harvesttime. Every year they say it’s the best—hands down. Throw in any pizza toppings your family likes—Canadian bacon, black olives and green peppers are some of our picks. —Brook Bothun, Canby, Minnesota

Swedish Meatballs Alfredo

I'm a big fan of this potluck-perfect dish. It takes much less time than many other slow-cooker recipes. Plus, it's easy. I'm all for the easy! —Carole Bess White, Portland, Oregon

Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce

I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe, where so many of my customers asked for it. I adapted the recipe for my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too. —Robert Cox, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas

Sausage and Kraut Buns

This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make these juicy and tender slow-cooker pork chops.

Slow-Cooked Enchilada Dinner

This layered southwestern meal just can't be beat. It gets its spicy flavor from green chiles, chili powder and cumin. Using a slow cooker liner inside of the cooker makes it easier to lift and remove the meal so it can be cut into individual wedges. —Judy Ragsdale, Queen City, Texas

Hawaiian Pork Roast with Pineapple

This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. It’s wonderful with rice or potatoes and any vegetable. It also reheats well for lunch the next day. —Ruth Chiarenza La Vale, Maryland

Greek Garlic Chicken

Lively flavors of the Greek Isles come through in this mouthwatering chicken entree. I created this dish so my husband and I could have a nice dinner after a busy day out and about. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington

Saucy Chinese Pork Chops

These delicious pork chops are so saucy and tender. I got the recipe years ago and it's been a family favorite ever since. —Sharon Crider, Junction City, Kansas.

Fabulous Fajitas

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

Meatball Tortellini

I 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

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

These baked beans with ground beef are perfect for get-togethers, because you can mix everything up a day early and toss it in the slow cooker a few hours before your guests arrive.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

This Crockpot mac and cheese recipe is the perfect no-fuss recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks and holiday gatherings. It contains a few secret ingredients to make an effortless cheese sauce that's incredibly rich and creamy.

Slow-Cooked Cherry Pork Chops

I mixed and matched several recipes to come up with this one. I'm always happy to adapt recipes for my slow cooker. It's so easy to prepare a meal that way. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Slow-Cooker Pizza

Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri

Shrimp Marinara

Cozy up to this simple shrimp marinara that comes together in a snap in your slow cooker.

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine

Convenient canned soup and process American cheese hurry along the assembly of this creamy sauce loaded with delicious chunks of chicken. —Melissa Cowser, Greenville, Texas

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Get all of your favorite sweet and sour stir-fry flavors with this hands-off slow cooker approach to sweet and sour chicken.

Apple Chicken

Looking for a way to use up your apple-picking bounty and a tasty new way to cook chicken? This apple chicken slow-cooker recipe is for you.