20 Satisfying Slow Cooker Recipes

By , SparkRecipes.com
Slow cookers are the busy home chef’s secret weapon when it comes to streamlining meal prep. When life feels like a nonstop race against the clock, simply toss a few ingredients into this versatile countertop appliance on your way out the door. You'll be grateful dinner is already done when you come home to a simmering, savory, ready-to-eat meal.
 
One of the best parts of slow cooking is that it can turn tough, lean cuts of meat into juicy, tender, flavorful meals, locking in lots of moisture without adding fat.
 
Slow cookers are also models of versatility. From appetizers to entrees, Indian to Italian, vegan to Paleo, nearly any type of cuisine can be prepared to perfection with a minimal amount of effort on your part.
 
The next time you find yourself in need of a recipe refresh after you’ve exhausted your core favorites, check this list of flavorful and nutritious slow cooker ideas.
 
Slow Cooker Tequila Chicken: A light, bright recipe with lots of fresh lime flavor and just the right balance of spices.


Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table

Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew: Homemade meatballs simmer in a rich Italian sauce for a hearty meal that’s sure to be an instant family favorite.


Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Slow Cooker Northern Bean and Spinach Soup: Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty and flavorful soup is very satisfying.



Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki: Serve this flavorful meat over whole-grain rice, cauliflower rice, on top of a salad or wrapped in tortillas for a wholesome, family-friendly meal.


Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken: Loaded with tomatoes, artichokes and olives, this colorful and tasty dish goes great with rice or couscous.


Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork Tacos: Tender, flavorful shredded pork with salsa verde is great for tacos, rice bowls and nachos.


Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: It tastes better than anything you can get at a restaurant.



Spicy Mexican Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken: The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with tender shredded chicken and hearty black beans.


Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: Loaded with peppers, beans, tender chunks of chicken and plenty of delicious spices, this dish will warm you up on a cold day.


Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table

Healthy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Granola: Full of big, crunchy clusters, it’s way tastier (and healthier) than store-bought.
 
 
Image courtesy of Amy's Healthy Baking

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: This slow cooker recipe requires no pre-cooking and yields a sweet, caramelized glaze and tender chicken.
 
 

Bourbon Street Chicken: This New Orleans-style chicken is made with shredded dark meat cooked in a light, sweet sauce.
 
 

Healthy Slow Cooker Gumbo: Brimming with chicken, sausage and shrimp, it’s a nourishing, cozy and satisfying way to end the day.
 

Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Slow Cooker Asian Chicken: Nine ingredients and 15 minutes of prep is all it takes to make this tender, fall-apart-in-your-mouth chicken.
 

Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Roast: This succulent, tender pulled pork swimming in a tangy BBQ sauce really hits the spot.
 
 

Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes: This childhood classic has been made healthier and more convenient.
 

Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Slow Cooker Lemony Garlic Chicken Breast: Tasty and nutritious, this slow cooker recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
 


Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken: A simple, easy-prep weeknight dinner that has big flavor.
 

Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table

Slow Cooker Healthy Potato Soup: Let this soup come together in the slow cooker all day, add evaporated milk and enjoy!
 
 

Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken: It doesn’t get much easier, healthier or more delicious than this.
 

 
What are your favorite meals to prepare in the slow cooker? Share them in the comments!