Fall might make you want to get out your slow cooker and start cooking, but these easy crockpot dinner ideas are ones you’ll come back to any time of year! They’re full of flavor, light, and family-friendly.
Slow cookers are the ultimate weeknight lifesaver, just add your ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen while you go about your day! Whether you’re craving hearty chilis, tender shredded meats, or cozy one-pot meals packed with protein and fiber, these slow cooker recipes bring comfort and convenience without sacrificing flavor. I get asked for new slow cooker recipes all the time, and I have so many delicious ones in the works! In the meantime, these are my most popular Crock Pot dinner ideas—but if you’re looking for even more inspiration, you can browse my entire slow cooker recipe collection. Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or those days when you want dinner to cook itself!
Why You’ll Love These Satisfying Crockpot Dinner Ideas
Some of my most popular recipes are crockpot dinners. And truth be told, those are some of my favorite recipes too! I love being able to get dinner started early in the day and have it ready to go in the evening, when things are busier and I don’t always have time to cook.
Here’s what makes these crockpot dinner ideas a standout.
Easy to make. Most crockpot dinners are easier than their stovetop and oven counterparts; many are recipes where you put everything in the crockpot and walk away, while others just require a quick sauté or sear before you get started.
Ready when you are. I love that I can set-it-and-forget it with these slow cooker dinner recipes.
Great for meal prep. Most of these recipes stand up well to the fridge and freezer, so they’re great for making when you have time and keeping on hand for when you don’t.
If you love these easy crockpot dinner ideas, you’ll also love these air fryer recipes and sheet pan dinners. They’ll all make your mealtimes so much easier! And check out my slow cooker recipes for breakfast and appetizer recipes in the crockpot.
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili is an easy slow cooker dump recipe using freezer and pantry staples! This has been one of my most popular recipes since 2008!
Pulled pork is another recipe that you can use in so many ways! Pile it onto buns for sandwiches, stuff it into sweet potatoes, or add it to pizzas and nachos.
Soups are great for slow cooking and this split pea soup is one of my favorites. Rich, creamy, and a little bit smoky, it’s a satisfying meal on its own.
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Slow Cooker Birria Tacos are everything. Slow-cooked beef melts into crispy tortillas, ready to dip into rich, smoky consommé.
Chinese takeout is heavy in oil, sugar, salt, and calories, but make it at home and it’s much lighter. And this version of sesame honey chicken is made in the slow cooker so it’s even easier.
This turkey breast recipe gives you a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year! Make the gravy too and then all you need are some mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort food dinner.
With caramelized onion, tender and juicy beef, melted cheese, and au jus for dipping, this homemade version of French dip sandwiches is better than anything you’ll buy at a restaurant!
Turkey meatballs replace the usual beef in this slow cooker stroganoff recipe. And if you need dinner on the table sooner, you can use your Instant Pot or make it on the stovetop!