The slow cooker is so convenient for busy weekdays...unless the recipe calls for 4 or 6 hours of cooking time. These recipes take a full 8 hours (or more!), meaning you can set the crock up in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked dinner.
45 Slow-Cooker Recipes That Actually Sync With Your Work Schedule
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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
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Spicy Meatless Chili
Before I retired, this recipe was a mainstay in our house. I could prepare the ingredients the night before, and then on the way out the door in the morning I could throw everything in the slow cooker. When I got home later, I prepped the toppings and supper was done. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
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Spiced Split Pea Soup
A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family-pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio
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Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew
This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
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Sausage Sauerkraut Soup
Sausage sauerkraut soup is the hands-off, flavorful slow cooker soup you didn't know you were missing. Serve it with a hunk of bread and a fresh green salad for a perfect meal.
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Steakhouse Soup
Enjoy a steak dinner in a bowl with this super simple, hearty steak soup. Because of the chili powder and cayenne pepper, it packs a little heat, but the recipe can easily be adjusted if you’re cooking for young ones. —Erica Schmidt, Kansas City, Kansas
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Carnitas
With just a few minutes of prep work, this slow-cooked pork carnitas recipe is easy to make. Use the tender pulled pork as a juicy burrito filling, or crisp it up in a skillet to make unforgettable tacos.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Mexican Pork
The first time I made this dish, it was a hit with everyone in my family, both young and old. Serve with black beans and white rice, or use as meat for tacos, enchiladas or tamales! —Amy Vazquez, Brandon, Mississippi
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French Onion Soup with Meatballs
I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona
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Manchester Stew
While in college, I studied abroad. At the time, I was a vegetarian and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States, I re-created my favorite restaurant dish and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, I feel as if I'm back in England! —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
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Slow-Cooked Manhattan Clam Chowder
I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It's easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning...and wonderful to come home to the aroma of dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan
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Steak Burrito
This slow-simmered beef steak burrito recipe is simple but insanely good. With just a few key ingredients, you'll be left with a tender, protein-packed burrito that can be left as is or customized to your heart's—and belly's—content.
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Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger Soup
At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
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All-Day Red Beans & Rice
My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this authentic dish often. I appreciate how uncomplicated it is. And its smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
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Vermicelli Beef Stew
I love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and also when we entertain friends and relatives. This stew is a little different from most because of the vermicelli.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Texas Beef Barbecue
A boneless beef roast simmers for hours in a slightly sweet sauce before it's shredded and tucked into rolls to make hearty sandwiches. This is a family favorite. —Jennifer Bauer, Lansing, Michigan
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Roast Beef and Gravy
This slow-cooker roast beef and gravy is unbelievably easy. On busy days, I put this main dish in the crock and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
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Sweet ‘n’ Sour Ribs
If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois
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Slow-Cooker Burgundy Beef
When my adult children are coming over for dinner, this is the request. All three of them, and their significant others, love this dish. Yum! — Urilla Cheverie, Alfred, Maine
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Green Chile Beef Burritos
Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado
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Sunday Pot Roast
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
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Dilly Beef Sandwiches
My younger sister shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich and is a proven crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin
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Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
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Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Slow-cooker corned beef is packed with cabbage and other hearty vegetables. It's easy to pull together for St. Patrick's Day, but you can enjoy it any time of year.
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Pork Burritos
As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
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Spicy French Dip
If I'm cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It's a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana
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Brisket Sandwich
Our brisket sandwich recipe features slow-cooked savory brisket and a sweet barbecue-style sauce.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This dump-and-go chicken cacciatore recipe is just the slow cooker meal you need for busy weeknights.
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Tender Salsa Beef
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
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Chicago-Style Beef Rolls
I have fond memories of eating these big, messy sandwiches at a neighbor's house when I was growing up. Freeze any extras and save for another meal! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Lentil and Pasta Stew
Warm up with a big bowl of this stick-to-your-ribs stew that’s chock-full of chopped smoked sausage, hearty veggies and tender lentils. It’s terrific with oven-fresh baked bread. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Machaca Beef Dip Sandwiches
The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas
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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
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