15 Slow Cooker Recipes That Carry Dinner While You Rest

By the time the day finally slows down, dinner can feel heavier than it should. Slow cooker meals help carry the load by cooking steadily while the rest of life keeps moving around you. I’ve come to appreciate dinners that don’t ask for attention once they’re started. These 15 recipes are here for evenings when you need food handled and space to breathe.

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast cooks low and slow until the beef and vegetables turn tender. The gravy forms as everything simmers together, keeping prep simple. This recipe works well when you want dinner to feel settled and familiar. Let the roast rest briefly before slicing to keep it moist.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Dinner Pot Roast

Potato Corn Chowder – Easy Dinner Recipe

Potato Corn Chowder – Easy Dinner Recipe simmers slowly until the vegetables soften and the broth turns creamy. Potatoes and corn make this a steady dinner that works well for weeknights. The slow cooker keeps prep simple while the day stays busy. Stir before serving to keep everything evenly mixed.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder – Easy Dinner Recipe

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara cooks gently until the chicken turns tender in a thick tomato sauce. This is a helpful dinner when the slow cooker needs to do the work. I like serving it over pasta or with bread for an easy plate. Leave the lid closed so the sauce thickens properly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot

Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot simmers low and slow until the potatoes break down into a thick, creamy soup. Bacon, cheese, and chives add familiar flavors that work well for family dinners. This recipe is helpful when prep needs to stay easy and cleanup stays minimal. Stir once near the end to keep the texture smooth.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Soup in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Lentil and Carrot Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil and Carrot Soup cooks low and slow until the lentils soften and the vegetables break down. This is an easy dinner that holds well for leftovers. The slow cooker makes it practical for days filled with errands. Adjust seasoning at the end to keep the flavors balanced.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lentil and Carrot Soup

Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious!

Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious! cooks low and slow until the meat and beans soften and come together. This recipe works well for busy evenings or casual gatherings. I often let it cook all day so dinner feels ready without rushing. Let it sit briefly before serving so it thickens naturally.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili – Easy and Delicious!

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Turkey Breast is slow cooked until the meat stays juicy and slices cleanly. This is helpful when a full turkey feels like too much. It works well for smaller gatherings or quiet family dinners. Spoon the cooking juices over the meat before serving.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot is slow cooked until the chicken is tender and the broth turns creamy and smooth. Soft gnocchi and simple vegetables make this an easy homemade dinner that fills bowls quickly on busy nights. I like starting this earlier in the day so dinner feels handled without extra effort. Serve it with bread to keep the meal simple and steady.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Crock Pot

Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe

Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe uses slow cooking to soften the meat until it pulls cleanly from the bone. The two-step method keeps things manageable without constant checking. This works well for weekends or relaxed family dinners. Add sauce near the end to keep the ribs from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup simmers slowly until the squash blends into a smooth, creamy soup. This recipe keeps prep easy while the slow cooker handles the timing. It works well for make-ahead dinners during full weeks. Blend thoroughly at the end for the smoothest texture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

Crock Pot London Broil

Crock Pot London Broil cooks slowly until the beef turns tender alongside potatoes and carrots. This meal handles itself while the rest of the day stays full. The gravy forms naturally as everything cooks together. Slice the meat thin for easier serving.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot London Broil

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken slow cooks until the chicken stays juicy and the bacon softens. This recipe keeps dinner moving without extra steps. Prep stays simple, which helps on long days. Pair it with an easy side to keep cleanup light.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken

Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe

Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe is slow cooked until the beef turns tender and slices easily. This recipe helps take pressure off when dinner needs to feel steady and familiar. The long cooking time keeps the meat from drying out. Slice against the grain to make serving easier.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Brisket – Beth’s Brisket Recipe

Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot

Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot is slow cooked until the chicken stays juicy and easy to shred. The sauce cooks gently while the slow cooker does the work. This is a helpful dinner when you need something ready without watching the stove. Make extra so leftovers are ready for sandwiches or plates the next day.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken in Crock Pot

St. Louis Ribs Made in the Crock Pot

St. Louis Ribs Made in the Crock Pot cook slowly until the meat pulls easily from the bone. This method keeps dinner moving without standing over a grill. A little prep in the morning lets the slow cooker handle the rest of the day. Finish them under the broiler if you want a bit of texture before serving.
Get the Recipe: St. Louis Ribs Made in the Crock Pot