Make tonight's dinner the easiest ever with these slow cooker recipes assembled in 15 minutes or less. With speedy how-to's for slow cooker pork chops, pot roast, chicken wings and so much more, you're guaranteed an amazing dinner even on the busiest days.
38 Slow Cooker Recipes Prepped in 15 Minutes or Less
Updated on May 07, 2024
1/38
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup vegetables: 329 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
2/38
Tex-Mex Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow cooker meals, like this shredded beef sandwich, are my favorite kind. After I get a few ingredients into the slow cooker, I can do my own thing. Plus, I have a hearty, satisfying meal when I come home! —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 573 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 955mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 47g protein.
3/38
Round Steak Italiano
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make this wonderful dish, and I’ve always enjoyed it. The
gravy is especially dense and flavorful.—Deanne Stephens, McMinnville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/38
Swedish Meatballs Alfredo
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 766 calories, 67g fat (38g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
5/38
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/38
Barbecued Pork Chop Supper
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 575 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1846mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
7/38
Italian Turkey Sandwiches
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I hope you enjoy these tasty turkey sandwiches as much as our family does. The recipe makes plenty, so it’s great for potlucks. Plus, the leftovers are just as good. —Carol Riley, Ossian, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 374 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 49g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 2 starch.
8/38
Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this homey dish to company and not just because it’s easy and economical. I’d be lost without my slow cooker!—Shelley McKinney, New Castle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 142 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
9/38
Cube Steak
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 245 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
10/38
Shredded French Dip
Total Time
6 hours 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 399 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1104mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
11/38
Flavorful Pot Roast
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top.
—Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 142 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 496mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
12/38
Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you’ll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
13/38
Creamy Italian Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 473 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 1556mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
14/38
Beef and Sausage Chili
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1158mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
15/38
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
16/38
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup vegetable mixture: 292 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/38
Cranberry Pork Chops
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and two kids rave over these moist chops. Use the mild sweet-and-sour sauce to make a gravy that can be served over mashed potatoes or rice. Then add a salad and you have a very satisfying meal that didn't keep you in the kitchen for hours. —Robin Czachor, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
18/38
Spice-Braised Pot Roast
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and let the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 276 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
19/38
Barbecued Beef Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, slow-cooked beef ribs with a tangy sauce are a cinch to make. They’re great for picnics and parties. —Erin Glass, White Hall, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 359 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 860mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein.
20/38
Bandito Chili Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon. Next, try these slow-cooker tailgate recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 450 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
21/38
Country Ribs Dinner
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1 cup vegetables and 1/4 cup gravy: 528 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 43g protein.
22/38
Sweet & Sour Pork Wraps
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (16 wraps)
From the Recipe Creator:
We always make these wraps at our family's annual party, and they're a true favorite. The cabbage and cilantro give them tempting texture and flavor. —Andrew DeVito, Hartford, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 523 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
23/38
Chile Verde Pork
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without grits and sour cream): 349 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 872mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
24/38
Chicken in Coconut Peanut Sauce
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My youngest son has been out of the country for several years teaching English. When he returned to the United States, I made this home-cooked meal for him that combined Asian and American cuisine. He loved it! —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 1 cup sauce: 559 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
25/38
Sausage and Peppers Sandwich
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here's how to do it the easy way: Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let the oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
26/38
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and
you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition
of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 699 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1995mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein.
27/38
Mexican Bubble Pizza
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without toppings): 643 calories, 35g fat (15g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1870mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
28/38
Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
6 enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and bake. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 551 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1388mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
29/38
Pork Chops & Acorn Squash
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2/3 cup squash: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
30/38
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
31/38
Teriyaki Pork Roast
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 247 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
32/38
Beef and Beans
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have family and friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 185 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/38
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
34/38
Easy Chow Mein
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this easy Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without noodles): 361 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
35/38
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
36/38
Texas-Style Beef Brisket
Total Time
6 hours 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend had success with this recipe, so I tried it. When my husband told me how much he loved it, I knew I’d be making it often.—Vivian Warner, Elkhart, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 381 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 47g protein.
37/38
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 531 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
38/38
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
