18 game day slow cooker recipes for people who came for the snacks first

Game day food has a job to do, and nobody wants to spend the whole afternoon stuck in the kitchen. That’s where the slow cooker quietly saves the day while everyone argues over calls from the couch. These recipes keep the food warm and the portions generous.

Slow Cooker Brats

If you want a low-effort, big-flavor way to make bratwurst, this slow cooker version totally delivers. The brats simmer in a beer-and-mustard sauce with onions, perfect for piling into buns or serving with potatoes and sauerkraut. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Brats

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of frito pie. — Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Frito chili pie, also known as walking tacos, turns ground beef into a seriously hearty meal. Whether in the crock pot or on the stove, it’s an easy dinner that somehow feels extra fun. Get the recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker pulled bbq chicken on a bun. — Image Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a tender, delicious chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or to feed a crowd. Just add seasoned chicken thighs to the slow cooker with the barbecue sauce mixture, slow cook, then enjoy in a sandwich, slider, taco, salad, and more. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

These Mexican pork carnitas are slow cooked until tender, then broiled to get those perfectly crisp, caramelized edges. They’re easy to make and perfect for tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or anything that deserves a little guacamole on top. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This slow-cooker baked ziti is all made in the crockpot, so there’s no need to cook the pasta separately. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Weeknight Chuck Roast Chili

This slow cooker chuck roast chili is loaded with tender beef and smoky spices that get even better after stewing all day in the pot. It’s a hands-off, flavorful meal, and the whole family will love choosing toppings for their bowl. Get the recipe: Weeknight Chuck Roast Chili

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Slow cooker buffalo chicken chili brings the spicy kick of buffalo wings into a hearty, protein-rich chili. It’s a cozy, flavorful meal that works for game day, cold nights, or whenever the craving hits. Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Easy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

A mug of crockpot hot chocolate. — Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Easy crock pot hot chocolate that’s pure cozy vibes. This simple slow cooker recipe is made with milk, sugar, chocolate chips, and a few extra goodies. Get the recipe: Easy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

These crockpot Italian beef sandwiches feature slow-cooked beef shredded to perfection. Piled on a bun with melted provolone, caramelized onions, and pepperoncini, they’re the ultimate comfort sandwich. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

A plate of slow cooker bbq ribs. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

These slow cooker ribs come out tender, juicy, and flavorful every single time. They’re coated in a homemade dry rub, smothered in barbecue sauce, and cooked until the meat basically melts off the bone. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

This easy slow-cooker vegetarian chili is a dump-and-go crockpot meal you can set and forget! This healthy three-bean chili is vegan, gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of plant-based protein, veggies, and bold Southwest flavours. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Vegan Chili

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Slow cooker apple crisp is the easiest way to get your fall dessert fix. Tender spiced apples with a buttery oat topping all cook in one pot. Slow cooker desserts are minimal effort, maximum cozy vibes. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Coconut Lime White Bean Chicken Chili

This coconut lime white bean chicken chili is a fun, tropical twist on a classic favorite. Healthy, dairy-free, and easy to make in a slow cooker, this dish is bright, flavorful, and seriously tasty. Get the recipe: Coconut Lime White Bean Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone is loaded with fresh vegetables, ground beef, and pasta. This hearty, comforting soup is a meal in itself. Slice a loaf of crusty bread, pour a glass of wine, and dinner is served. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

A bowl of Slow Cooker Whole30 Chili. — Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

This slow cooker turkey chili is hearty, comforting, and filled with the sweetness of sweet potatoes and warm spices. It’s bean-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo, making it a cozy game day option that works for many diets. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Whole30 Chili

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

This slow cooker brisket comes out so tender that it basically melts in your mouth, topped with a rich homemade BBQ sauce. Totally hands-off, it’s the perfect dish to impress at gatherings or holiday celebrations. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is the cozy, no-stress dinner that makes you feel like you’ve put in more effort than you did. With fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and spices that simmer in the slow cooker until they taste like comfort in a bowl. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Smoky BBQ Wings

A plate of Slow Cooker BBQ Wings. — Image Credit: xoxoBella

With a wonderful sweet and smoky flavor profile, this slow cooker BBQ wings recipe with garlic and smoked paprika. This is a tasty appetizer or casual dinner. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Smoky BBQ Wings