20 Crockpot dinners that work even when the day absolutely did not

Some dinners require too many steps, too many pans, and far too much energy. These crockpot dinners keep the effort level reasonable while still feeling like real meals. A few will definitely become a part of your rotation.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot chicken and gravy delivers tender, fall-apart chicken in a rich, savory gravy with just 10 minutes of prep work. Transform everyday chicken thighs, cream of chicken soup, and gravy packets into pure comfort food magic. Get the recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Tender Crockpot Beef Tips (with Gravy)

Crockpot beef tips are the ultimate easy, slow cooker comfort: juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich, silky brown gravy. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. Get the recipe: Tender Crockpot Beef Tips (with Gravy)

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

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 Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This slow cooker Greek lemon chicken soup is cozy and flavorful. Let it cook low and slow while you go about your day, then enjoy a comforting bowl perfect for weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or feeding the whole family. Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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

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

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 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 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

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 Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Slow cooker beef short ribs cook themselves into fall-apart perfection in a tangy-sweet, smoky sauce. The chili sauce, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar do all the heavy lifting. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Copycat PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These copycat PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps bring all the takeout-style flavor. Savory ground chicken and Asian-inspired sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce make them perfect for a light lunch or a fun, hands-on appetizer. Get the recipe: Copycat PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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 Pineapple Chicken

A plate of pineapple slow cooker chicken breasts. — Image Credit: Glenda Embree

Pineapple chicken with fresh, bright flavors in a delicious mix of savory and sweet, with an acidic tang and a mild spicy kick. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, and this gluten-free recipe is slow-cooker-simple. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken