Set It and Forget It: Best Slow Cooker Meals

When life gets busy (and let’s be real, it always does), the slow cooker becomes your best friend in the kitchen. Whether you’re juggling work, school pickups, or just trying to get dinner on the table, there’s something great about tossing a few ingredients into a pot and knowing a warm meal will be ready later.

This post is all about slow cooker meals that actually work for real life. No complicated steps. No endless prep. Just straightforward recipes that make dinner feel less overwhelming.

Here are three of our go-to slow cooker meals, plus a few tips to make them your own.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili – Get the full recipe

This recipe comes together quickly and makes dinner feel a lot easier. It uses just six simple ingredients, and everything goes straight into the slow cooker—no extra cooking required.

Why we love it:

• It’s filling and packed with protein
• Works well for leftovers or freezing
• Easy to add toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips

What you need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Canned tomatoes
• Kidney, pinto, or black beans
• Salsa
• Taco Seasoning

You can swap the chicken for ground turkey or skip the meat altogether and add an extra can of beans. It’s one of those flexible slow cooker meals that you can throw together with pantry staples.

2. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry – Get the full recipe

This one is perfect for Meatless Monday, or any night you want something warm and flavorful without too much effort. The coconut milk makes it creamy, and the slow cooker gives the veggies time to soak up the spices. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or with a piece of naan on the side.

Why we love it:

• Plant-based and high in fiber
• A good way to use up vegetables you already have
• Even better the next day

Tip: Don’t overthink the vegetables. Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, carrots—they all work. Just cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This is one of those slow cooker meals you can adjust based on what’s in your fridge.

3. Mexican-Inspired Shredded Beef – Get the full recipe

This one has a lot of flavor and not much hands-on time. The beef turns out really tender and can be used in a bunch of ways—tacos, burrito bowls, sliders, or over a salad.

Why we love it:

• Uses just a few ingredients
• Makes enough for several meals
• Freezer-friendly

Serving idea: Try a DIY taco night. Set out toppings like avocado, lime, cilantro, or shredded cheese, and let everyone build their own. These kinds of slow cooker meals are great for feeding a group without extra work.

Simple Tips for Better Slow Cooker Meals

Want to get even more out of your slow cooker? These small tweaks can make a big difference:

1. Prep Ahead. Chop your ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. That way, you’re not starting from scratch in the morning.

2. Double the Recipe. If your slow cooker is big enough, make a double batch. Freeze the extra for easy lunches or backup dinners.

3. Use Liners for Easy Cleanup. Slow cooker liners can save time on dishes. Less cleanup might make you more likely to use your slow cooker regularly.

4. Change Up the Base. Most slow cooker meals work well over rice, quinoa, baked potatoes, or even in a tortilla. Mixing it up keeps things from feeling repetitive.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Slow Cooker Meals

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Having a few go-to slow cooker meals can take a lot of pressure off, especially during busy weeks. These meals are simple, affordable, and easy to adjust based on what you’ve got on hand.

Plus, they’re reliable. You throw it all in, go about your day, and come home to something that’s ready to eat. No last-minute scramble, no standing over the stove.

Looking for More Meal Ideas? 

If you like meals that are low-stress and realistic, you’ll love the What’s For Dinner Club. Inside, we share flexible recipes and no-recipe ideas to help you feed your family without the daily mental load.