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.

Slow cooker recipe featuring barbacoa tacos.

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!

Carnitas on a plate next to tortillas.

1

Carnitas

5 from 131 votes
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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A white bowl of birria.

2

Birria

4.91 from 50 votes
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

4.94 from 165 votes
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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Slow cooker pot roast recipe.

4

Pot Roast

5 from 76 votes
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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Slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

5

Pulled Pork

4.94 from 242 votes
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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Slow cooker rotisserie chicken on a plate with vegetables.

6

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (Rotisserie)

4.91 from 31 votes
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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Salsa verde chicken in a slow cooker.

7

Salsa Verde Chicken

5 from 65 votes
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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Crockpot Kalua pork in a bowl.

8

Kalua Pork

5 from 11 votes
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!

If you try any of these slow cooker recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.

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

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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13 Comments

  2. I’m thinking of doubling all the recipes as I make them and putting them in freezer bags (not cooked yet) for our college kids. Have you made them from frozen? I’m thinking they could just add them frozen in the morning before class on 6 or 8 hours or maybe thaw the night before? Any tricks or tips?5 stars

    Reply

    1. Hi Sara – Such a great idea to meal prep these slow cooker recipes for your kids! Yes, I reheat them from frozen all of the time. I recommend moving a frozen a portion to the fridge and letting it thaw overnight. Then, it’s super easy to reheat in the microwave. Hope that helps!

      Reply

    1. Glad this list was helpful, Phil! You can also find the full in-depth instructions for each recipe if you click their links.

      Reply

  4. a couple days ago I saw a recipe for chicken, I think it was citrus chicken.
    Chicken with both orange and lemon slices but I can’t find it when I look up
    chicken recipes, where can I find it.
    Thank you
    Barbara

    Reply

  6. I mad these beautiful Mexican slow cooker tacos and they were absolutely amazing. I used pork instead of beef as it is not allowed according to our religion and it turned out so good. My kids love it as well. Make sure to try it out ya’ll.5 stars

    Reply

  8. So many delicious slow cooker ideas here! I’ve made this barbacoa recipe at least 5 or 6 times, and it always turns out perfectly.5 stars

    Reply