Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 1 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty.Ā For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More Next
    • 2 The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More Next
    • 3 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party.Ā No forks or spoons required, justĀ easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.Ā  Read More Next
  • Course

    Course

    See all Course
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Drink and Cocktail Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Menus & Parties
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and EntrĆ©es
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See all Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See all Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See all Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See all Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See all Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Tailgating Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See all Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See all Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See all BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See all How To
    • 7 Ways With
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See all Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home
  2. Cooking Method
  3. Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  4. 26 Zero-Prep Slow Cooker Dinners

26 Zero-Prep Slow Cooker Dinners

Updated February 22, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

These quick and easy crockpot recipes make weeknight dinners a breeze. There's something about slow cooker recipes that call for cooking beforehand that's just... frustrating. Ideally, you want a recipe that lists the slow cooker in the very first step. So, we snagged our best hassle-free recipes for crockpot chicken, chili, and more to make the most of your slow cooker's capabilities.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower

Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic Recipe

White meat can dry out after a long haul in the slow cooker, so we opt for bone-in thighs to guarantee optimal flavor and succulence. Make prep easier with prepeeled garlic, and pretty-up the platter with lemon slices and thyme sprigs.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

This slow cooker pork carnitas recipe is a perfectly simple and inexpensive way to feed a crowd. Set out a stack of warm corn tortillas along, with a few simple toppings, and allow everyone to pile on the unbelievably rich and tender pork as they please.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder Recipe

Great for a game-day get-together, this hearty and creamy soup feeds a crowd with little hands-on time required.

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

Credit: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe

For a classic summery meal without a fuss, look no further than this slow cooker shrimp boil. With a simple ingredient list and a largely hands-off cooking method, this easy seafood boil is a perfect recipe to plan on for casual warm weather entertaining or even as a low-effort meal to make at the rental house during a beach vacation.

4 of 26

5 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Creamy Potato-and-Ham Hock Slow-Cooker Soup

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Creamy Potato-and-Ham Hock Slow-Cooker Soup Recipe

The potatoes absorb the rich, smoky flavor of the ham hocks in this one-pot soup. Serve with crusty bread, a salad, and hot sauce on the side for an easy meal both kids and adults will love.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

A simple spice rub goes a long way to make this simple dump dinner. Just grease the slow cooker, place the onions and roast in, and let it cook low and slow until it's tender and delicious.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Beef

Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Beef Recipe

Make this tangy meat sauce in the slow-cooker to top macaroni or other pasta. A quick and easy meal when you're craving some classic Italian flavors.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Recipe

Pop this sweet potato mixture into your slow cooker on a busy morning. It will be ready to serve as soon as everyone sits down to dinner. Serve aside a simple roast or rotisserie chicken for extra protein.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup

Credit: Christopher Testani; Styling: Alistair Turnbull

Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy white beans are the perfect match for a hearty leafy green like kale. Sausage adds a meaty bite, and a touch of Parmesan finishes it off beautifully.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Collard Greens

Credit: Victor Protasio

Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Collard Greens Recipe

This vegetarian collards recipe brings all the flavor without any meat. We call for fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar for the ultimate meat-free flavor.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti Recipe

Once the sauce simmers in the cooker, all that's left to do is cook a pound of pasta, and serve up this gorgeous, hearty sauce.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Vegetable-Lentil Soup

Credit: Kate Sears; Styling: Elizabeth Blake

Vegetable-Lentil Soup Recipe

After a hectic day at work, hearty bowlfuls of Vegetable-Lentil Soup await you in the slow cooker.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pulled-Pork Tacos

Credit: Kan Kanbayashi

Pulled-Pork Tacos Recipe

Tacos are always a great meal you can eat with your hands. In this recipe, your pork gets perfectly tender and shreddable in the slow cooker.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

While the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, briny capers, crushed red pepper, and garlic infuse the tomatoes for a robust marinara sauce.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Soulful Chicken Soup

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Victor Protazio

Soulful Chicken Soup Recipe

No dish is quite as soothing as a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. Slow cookers couldn't have made the road to comfort any easier: Simply toss in the ingredients, switch on, and then walk away. We love old-fashioned, wide egg noodles for this recipe. To make sure they aren't mushy and overcooked, don't leave them in the slow cooker any longer than 10 minutes.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Chicken Congee

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Slow Cooker Chicken Congee Recipe

The slow cooker does all the work in this comforting rice porridge, breaking down the rice with fragrant ginger and star anise and poaching the chicken until silky. A bit of chili oil is the vibrant kick this dish needs. You can also use Sriracha or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket Recipe

Slow cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as beef brisket, gives you a meltingly tender texture. For tacos, serve the saucy barbacoa in tortillas with green and red onion, cilantro leaves, jalapeƱo slices, and fresh lime wedges.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Credit: Victor Protasio

Slow-Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Recipe

When cooked low and slow, the tender ham hocks completely fall apart and infuse the collard greens with a savory, smoky flavor. Carefully remove the hocks before serving to make sure no bones remain.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Turkey

Credit: Victor Protasio

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Turkey Recipe

This super meaty meal is the perfect blend of split pea soup and a hearty turkey stew. Look for smoked turkey legs near the bacon at your grocery store (or use a ham hock).

19 of 26

20 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes and Carrots

Credit: Brian Kennedy; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

There's no better dinner than a showstopping feast of beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. To create the traditional flavor profile of corned beef and cabbage without the traditionally massive sodium spike, we simmer brisket in a strong aromatic spice blend at low and slow heat rather than starting with brined beef.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Credit: Oxmoor House

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili Recipe

This soup has a mild chile flavor. If you want more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and don't seed the jalapeƱos.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Smoked Turkey-Lentil Soup

Credit: Oxmoor House

Smoked Turkey-Lentil Soup Recipe

Throw smoked turkey, dried lentils, and a handful of other ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and you'll come home to a hearty and comforting meal.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup

Credit: Greg DuPree

Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup Recipe

Simple flavors and a rustic touch will make this soup an instant home-cooked favorite, especially on chilly, wintry days. Inexpensive dried lentils make up the bulk of the soup, helping fill in your fiber gaps and keep you full longer. Chickpeas are the secret ingredient to achieve supreme creaminess, which become delightfully smooth when blended, and sneak in an extra 3g fiber per serving.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

This slow-cooker pulled pork recipe makes budget-friendly homemade barbecue a breeze! 7 ingredients are all you need to get this dish cooking for dinnertime. For delicious barbecue sandwiches, add honey, barbecue sauce, mustard, and soy sauce to the slow cooker when the meat is done and cook for an additional hour on low. Serve on hamburger buns with a side of baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread for the ultimate Southern plate.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Easy Brunswick Stew

Credit: Oxmoor House

Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe

Okra, barbecued pork, lima beans, and chopped chicken make this stew a hearty, filling option for the slow-cooker.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Sriracha BBQ Sauce

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Sriracha BBQ Sauce Recipe

Rub pork with a sweet and spicy mixture, then let it cook down in a sweet and vinegary sauce.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
2 of 26 Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
3 of 26 Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Corn Slow-Cooker Chowder
4 of 26 Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
5 of 26 Creamy Potato-and-Ham Hock Slow-Cooker Soup
6 of 26 5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
7 of 26 Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Beef
8 of 26 Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
9 of 26 Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup
10 of 26 Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Collard Greens
11 of 26 Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti
12 of 26 Vegetable-Lentil Soup
13 of 26 Pulled-Pork Tacos
14 of 26 Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
15 of 26 Soulful Chicken Soup
16 of 26 Slow Cooker Chicken Congee
17 of 26 Slow Cooker Barbacoa Brisket
18 of 26 Slow-Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
19 of 26 Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Smoked Turkey
20 of 26 Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes and Carrots
21 of 26 Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili
22 of 26 Smoked Turkey-Lentil Soup
23 of 26 Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup
24 of 26 Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
25 of 26 Easy Brunswick Stew
26 of 26 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Sriracha BBQ Sauce

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Login

MyRecipes

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Advertising this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
MyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

View image

26 Zero-Prep Slow Cooker Dinners
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.