The Best Slow-Cooker Recipes of 2025

Our editors sifted through our highest-rated dishes to handpick the best slow-cooker recipes of 2025. From melt-in-your-mouth roasts to cozy stews, these recipes strike the perfect balance of minimal prep and set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

1/50

Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken

Total Time:7 hours 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This 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
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 267 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
2/50

Marry Me Pot Roast

Total Time:7 hours 40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: How do I love thee? With a plateful of this succulent roast! Creamy Marry Me pot roast is braised in a slow cooker with flavorful ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 686 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 1140mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 48g protein.
3/50

Jambalaya

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 50 min
Servings:11
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
4/50

Pumpkin Chili

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:10 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5/50

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken with 1/3 cup sauce: 342 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 958mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
6/50

Potluck Mac and Cheese

Total Time:2 hours 25 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
7/50

Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast

Total Time:5 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My 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
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked beef with 1/3 cup gravy: 365 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
8/50

Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast

Total Time:4 hours 5 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 211 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
9/50

Roast Beef and Gravy

Total Time:8 hours 15 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 267 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
10/50

Cube Steak

Total Time:8 hours 45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
11/50

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

Total Time:5 hours 40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
12/50

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

Total Time:6 hours 45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
13/50

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Total Time:30 min
Servings:about 5 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. My friends look forward to enjoying these meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are no leftovers! The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any party. —Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 74 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
14/50

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Total Time:4 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
15/50

Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole

Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 329 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
16/50

Slow-Cooker Tamale Pie

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 393 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
17/50

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These filling and flavorful vegetarian stuffed peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 261 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
18/50

Potato Chowder

Total Time:8 hours 15 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without bacon): 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
19/50

Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken

Total Time:5 hours 35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
20/50

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Total Time:7 hours 25 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
21/50

Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Total Time:4 hours 55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 2 sliders: 424 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
22/50

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Total Time:8 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 414 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1191mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
23/50

Refried Bean Dip

Contest Winner
Total Time:2 hours 10 min
Servings:4-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 55 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/50

Crock-Pot Lava Cake

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 215 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
25/50

Slow-Cooker Barbacoa

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 513 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
26/50

Cowboy Beans

Total Time:4 hours 30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 340 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.
27/50

Slow-Cooker Southwest Chicken

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 320 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 19g protein.
28/50

Slow Cooker Cheesy Corn

Total Time:3 hours 5 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 265 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
29/50

Crockpot Pasta e Fagioli

Total Time:8 hours
Servings:8 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 258 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
30/50

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Total Time:8 hours 15 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow-cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 266 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
31/50

Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

Total Time:5 hours 50 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts: About 3 meatballs with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1116mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
32/50

Green Chicken Chili

Contest Winner
Total Time:5 hours 25 min
Servings:10 (3-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
33/50

Cioppino

Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Servings:8 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
34/50

Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Total Time:6 hours 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 229 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
35/50

Carolina Pulled Pork

Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 30 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 453 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
36/50

Reuben Dip

Total Time:2 hours 5 min
Servings:32 (about 4 cups)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoon: 58 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
37/50

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 210 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
38/50

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Contest Winner
Total Time:8 hours 45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked chicken with about 1/2 cup sauce: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
39/50

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Total Time:8 hours 15 min
Servings:10 (about 2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: What a treat to come home from work and have this savory soup ready to eat. It's a nice traditional beef soup with old-fashioned goodness. We pair it with crusty rolls topped with melted mozzarella cheese. — Heather Thurmeier, Pense, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 143 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
40/50

Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork

Total Time:6 hours 30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
41/50

Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Total Time:4 hours 25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. It’s also good cut in half and served on smaller buns as sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 480 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1684mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 50g protein.
42/50

French Dip Sandwich

Total Time:7 hours 30 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them au jus, with the cooking juices in individual bowls for dipping. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 399 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
43/50

Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

Total Time:6 hours 10 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I combine and refrigerate the ingredients for this easy chowder the night before. In the morning, I start the slow cooker before I leave for work. When I come home, a hot tasty meal awaits. — Mary Hogue, Rochester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 196 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
44/50

Beef and Sausage Chili

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
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.
45/50

Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 25 min
Servings:8 (3-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1102mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
46/50

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time:5 hours 50 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
47/50

Chili Verde

Total Time:5 hours 10 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without rice and sour cream): 287 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
48/50

Slow-Cooker Pork Medallions

Total Time:1 hour 50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I find simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Everyday, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
49/50

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Contest Winner
Total Time:3 hours 20 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without rice): 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1070mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 13g fiber), 24g protein.
50/50

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this hearty meal on cold winter nights. The tender apples, kraut and smoked sausage give it a heartwarming old-world flavor. I like making it because the prep time is very short. —Caren Markee, Cary, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 546 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1630mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.