8 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes For Busy Nights

Pull out your Crockpot for these flavor-packed slow cooker recipes! These set-it-and-forget-it meals are perfect for busy weeknights, family meal prep, or even hectic holiday gatherings.

Out of all my kitchen hacks, using the Crockpot is hands-down one of my favorites. It’s the easiest way to make insanely tender Mexican meats for taco night (hello, carnitas and birria!) or cozy, all-in-one meals like pot roast when I’m craving a feel-good dinner. But that’s just the beginning. These recipes are major time savers and perfect for meal prep and gatherings. Whether I’m stocking up on high-protein meals for the week or cooking for a crowd, this list never disappoints!

1

Carnitas

Carnitas was love at first bite for me, and this slow cooker version is no exception. Pork shoulder transforms into tender, juicy meat with loads of flavor. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most versatile additions to your weekly meal prep.

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2

Birria

This beloved dish from Jalisco, Mexico has taken the U.S. by storm, and for good reason! My slow cooker birria delivers a hearty, flavor-packed beef stew that also makes the most irresistibly cheesy birria tacos.

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3

Barbacoa

If beef is your protein of choice, you’ll fall head over heels for this slow cooker barbacoa. Simply season the beef, add a few flavorful juices, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The result is meat that falls apart with a fork.

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4

Pot Roast

Nothing says comfort food like a classic pot roast. This version features tender chuck roast slow-cooked with hearty veggies like carrots, celery, and potatoes. It’s a complete meal in one pot!

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5

Pulled Pork

A true meal prep and summer cookout favorite! This pulled pork is seasoned with just the right blend of spices and is endlessly versatile. Serve it with your favorite sides, tuck it into tacos, or pile it high on a sandwich. The options are endless.

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6

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (Rotisserie)

This slow cooker rotisserie chicken might just be the easiest (and tastiest) way to get dinner on the table during busy weeknights. I love enjoying it as-is with those perfectly cooked chunky vegetables, or shredding it for salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, and more.

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7

Salsa Verde Chicken

The secret to this salsa verde chicken is my zesty homemade salsa verde. The chicken cooks until perfectly tender, then gets shredded into the most flavorful, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.

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8

Kalua Pork

Inspired by the traditional Hawaiian dish, this kalua pork is smoky, slightly salty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve this rice and sauteed cabbage for a modern day Hawaiian twist!

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Choosing The Best Slow Cooker

With so many options out there, picking the right slow cooker can feel overwhelming. And there’s nothing worse than ending up with one that’s confusing to use (or that breaks right away). Trust me, I’ve been there. After some research and testing, here are my top tips to make sure you get the best cooking experience:

• Skip non-stick inserts. Since food cooks for hours (or even overnight), I avoid non-stick coated inserts.
• Look for a programmable timer. Not essential, but definitely a nice-to-have, especially with my favorite 6 Quart Crockpot. A built-in timer makes multitasking and overnight cooking so much easier, and most models automatically switch to “warm” once the time is up. Plus, I most often cook “low and slow.”
• Check the cooking temps. A good slow cooker should reach about 190°F to 200°F on low and 250°F to 300°F on high (though liquids max out at 212°F). What matters most is the timing. It should take about 7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high to hit peak temp.
• Test it yourself. Not sure if your slow cooker is accurate? Fill it with water, set it on low/high for 2 hours, and check with an instant-read thermometer. I returned a previous slow cooker when it failed to reach the optimal temperature, so it is always best to double-check!

Recipe roundup originally published October 2021, but updated to include new recipes and information for your benefit!