Ree Drummond’s Top 23 Favorite Slow Cooker Dinners

If the thought of dinner cooking itself sounds dreamy, you are in the right place. Slow cookers turn busy days into cozy nights, filling the kitchen with comforting aromas while you handle everything else. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s down home favorites, these recipes bring hearty flavors, simple steps, and big weeknight wins. Grab your slow cooker and let dinner do the work while you soak up more time with the people you love.

1. Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

Nothing beats a fork tender pot roast after a long day. You get buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, and onions that melt into a rich, savory gravy. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you get on with your evening.

Brown the beef for deeper flavor, then layer vegetables underneath to soak up juices. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, garlic, and thyme for that classic Sunday supper taste. Let it bubble low and slow until everything relaxes.

Serve with crusty bread to catch the gravy. Leftovers reheat beautifully. It is comforting, unfussy, and always crowd pleasing.

2. Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

This is weeknight magic when you want pure comfort. Tender shredded chicken swims in a creamy sauce that clings to buttery egg noodles. It feels like a hug, but requires almost no effort.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and onion powder, then slow cook in broth with celery and carrots. Stir in cream and a touch of butter at the end for silkiness. Toss with cooked egg noodles right before serving so everything stays perfect.

It is cozy without being heavy. Add peas or herbs if you want brightness. Seconds are practically guaranteed.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Low and slow turns pork shoulder into juicy shreds you can barely keep on the bun. You get smoky sweetness with a little tang, and a sauce that drips down your fingers. Messy is the goal here.

Rub the pork with brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and mustard powder. Slow cook with onions and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Shred, then fold in your favorite barbecue sauce until glossy and irresistible.

Serve on buttered buns with crunchy slaw for contrast. Pickles add snap. Leftovers freeze like a dream for future cravings.

4. Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Chili night solves everything from game day to cold Mondays. This version lands thick and meaty, with a gentle heat that keeps you coming back. It is deeply satisfying spoon after spoon.

Brown the beef, then layer in onions, peppers, tomatoes, beans, and chili spices. Let the slow cooker mingle flavors until the sauce becomes rich and concentrated. Adjust heat with chipotle or cayenne at the end.

Top with cheddar, sour cream, and scallions. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips. The leftovers develop even more character overnight.

5. Creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili brings a lighter, brighter take on comfort. Creamy broth hugs tender chicken and white beans, with green chiles adding gentle warmth. Each spoonful tastes fresh yet cozy.

Let chicken simmer with onions, garlic, and spices until it shreds effortlessly. Stir in cream cheese and a splash of cream for body. Lime juice and cilantro finish it with tangy lift.

Serve with tortilla chips for crunch. Add avocado for extra richness if you like. It is a crowd favorite that disappears fast.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup brings sunshine to a busy day. The broth tastes zesty and layered, thanks to tomatoes, chiles, and spices. Shredded chicken makes it hearty without feeling heavy.

Let everything simmer until the flavors fuse and the chicken pulls apart easily. Add corn and black beans for texture. Finish with lime juice to wake it right up.

Top with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, and a little cheese. It is playful, slurpable, and meal prep friendly. Every bowl feels like a mini fiesta.

7. Slow Cooker Tuscan Beef Ragu

This slow cooked ragu tastes like it simmered all day in a cozy trattoria. Beef becomes spoon tender and melts into a tomato wine sauce. The aroma alone makes everyone hungry.

Brown the meat first, then add onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of red wine. Let it go low and slow until silky. Finish with a knob of butter for gloss and depth.

Toss with pappardelle or polenta. Shower with parmesan and fresh basil. It is comfort with a little Italian romance.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Cozy Indian inspired flavors meet weeknight ease here. The sauce turns velvety with tomatoes, cream, and warm spices that bloom as they simmer. Chicken becomes tender and generously coated.

Toast garam masala, cumin, and paprika, then combine with tomato sauce, garlic, and ginger. Slow cook until the chicken shreds slightly while still juicy. Swirl in cream and a pat of butter to finish.

Serve with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan for scooping. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything. It is takeout level goodness without leaving home.

9. Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops

These pork chops practically spoon themselves onto your plate. The ranch infused cream sauce is herby, tangy, and comforting. It coats everything in silky goodness you will want over potatoes.

Layer chops with onions, garlic, and ranch seasoning. Add a splash of broth and cream soup, then let the slow cooker tenderize. Stir in sour cream at the end for extra richness.

Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Steam some green beans for color and crunch. It is a no fuss crowd pleaser every time.

10. Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Sandwiches

Sweet tangy balsamic turns beef into something you will crave. After hours on low, the roast shreds easily and drinks up the glaze. The result is messy, juicy, and completely satisfying.

Start with seared chuck roast, onions, garlic, and beef broth. Add balsamic, brown sugar, and herbs. Reduce the juices at the end for a sticky, concentrated finish.

Load onto toasty rolls with melty provolone. Add peppery arugula for contrast. These sandwiches disappear fast at gatherings or weeknight dinners alike.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are pure nostalgia in a bowl. The broth is creamy and savory, and the dumplings turn pillowy and tender. It feels like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

Slow cook chicken with aromatics until it shreds. Stir in cream, then drop in biscuit dough or homemade dumplings. Let them puff gently without lifting the lid too often.

Finish with black pepper and parsley. Ladle generously and watch smiles appear. Leftovers thicken slightly and taste even better the next day.

12. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sticky sweet meets garlicky savoriness in this simple favorite. Chicken thighs stay juicy and soak up a glossy glaze. Every bite hits that perfect sweet savory balance you want over rice.

Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger. Slow cook until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. A cornstarch slurry at the end makes it clingy and shiny.

Finish with sesame seeds and scallions. Add steamed broccoli for a complete dinner. It is easy, friendly, and totally weeknight proof.

13. Slow Cooker French Dip Au Jus

There is something thrilling about dunking a hot sandwich into savory jus. The slow cooker transforms beef into tender slices that bathe in rich broth. Every bite is drippy, beefy, and absolutely irresistible.

Sear the roast, then cook with onions, beef stock, garlic, and a splash of soy. Strain and skim for a clean, concentrated jus. Slice the beef thin and keep it warm in the juices.

Serve on toasted baguettes with provolone. Dip enthusiastically. This one never lasts long around the table.

14. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Classic stroganoff becomes even cozier when the slow cooker handles it. Beef turns tender, mushrooms go savory and meaty, and the sauce finishes silky. It is comfort food with elegant vibes.

Brown the beef and mushrooms for depth. Add broth, Dijon, and Worcestershire, then let it simmer away. Stir in sour cream at the end so it stays luscious and smooth.

Serve over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of parsley lifts the richness. Leftovers are fantastic for next day lunches.

15. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos

Taco night gets a low effort upgrade with salsa verde chicken. The meat shreds beautifully and carries bright, tangy flavors. You can build, pile, and customize to your heart’s content.

Place chicken with salsa verde, garlic, and cumin in the slow cooker. Let it cook until tender, then shred and toss with juices. Keep it warm while you heat tortillas.

Top with onions, cilantro, radishes, and lime. Add queso fresco or avocado if you want. It is weeknight fun that feeds a crowd effortlessly.

16. Slow Cooker Jambalaya Style Rice and Sausage

Big Cajun flavors without hovering over the stove. Smoky sausage, tender chicken, peppers, and tomatoes mingle with spiced rice. The slow cooker keeps it hands off and deeply flavorful.

Layer sausage, aromatics, and spices, then add broth and rice. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the seasoned juices. If you like heat, toss in extra cayenne.

Finish with green onions and parsley. Serve with hot sauce on the side. It is hearty, colorful, and perfect for hungry crowds.

17. Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken

Maple and Dijon create a sweet tangy glaze that tastes fancy but cooks itself. Chicken turns tender while the sauce concentrates into a shiny coat. The aroma will have everyone lingering near the kitchen.

Whisk maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over chicken in the slow cooker and let it gently bubble. Reduce the sauce at the end if you want it stickier.

Serve with roasted carrots and rice. A sprinkle of thyme adds herbal balance. It feels special with barely any effort.

18. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Tiny meatballs make every spoonful fun. The broth stays light and savory, with tender greens and small pasta floating throughout. It is comforting without weighing you down.

Roll quick meatballs and brown them for flavor. Add to the slow cooker with broth, aromatics, and carrots. Finish with spinach and pasta so they cook just right.

Serve with parmesan and lemon zest. Crusty bread on the side is perfect. This soup makes excellent lunches for the week.

19. Slow Cooker Carnitas Bowls

Carnitas in the slow cooker deliver juicy pork that finishes crisp under the broiler. You get tender shreds with caramelized edges. Build bowls that are fresh, filling, and fully customizable.

Cook pork with orange, lime, garlic, and spices until it falls apart. Spread on a sheet pan, broil until the edges sizzle, then splash with cooking juices. The contrast is everything.

Layer over cilantro lime rice with beans and salsa. Add avocado, cotija, and extra lime. Leftovers become tacos, nachos, or breakfast hash beautifully.

20. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

All the enchilada flavors without rolling a single tortilla. Layers of saucy chicken, cheese, and corn tortillas turn melty and irresistible. It scoops like a dream for family style dinners.

Slow cook chicken with enchilada sauce and spices, then shred. Layer with tortillas and cheese in the cooker or a dish. Let everything meld until bubbly and cohesive.

Top with sour cream, scallions, and cilantro. Add jalapeños if you like heat. It is a guaranteed clean plate situation.

21. Slow Cooker Lentil and Sausage Stew

This stew is hearty, protein packed, and budget friendly. Lentils turn tender and soak up smoky sausage flavor. The broth becomes rich and tomatoey without feeling heavy.

Sauté sausage, onions, and garlic, then add to the slow cooker with lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Let it simmer until thick and cozy. Stir in kale at the end for color and nutrients.

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and parmesan. It keeps well for lunches. You will feel nourished and satisfied for hours.

22. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss. This casserole is cozy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Peppers soften into the saucy rice and beef mixture beautifully.

Brown the meat with onions and spices. Add to the slow cooker with tomatoes, broth, peppers, and rice. Let it cook until the rice is tender and everything smells amazing.

Top with cheese right before serving so it melts. Sprinkle parsley for freshness. It is weeknight gold with minimal dishes.

23. Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Bright lemon and dill make this soup feel restorative. The broth gets silky and comforting, with tender chicken and orzo lending body. It tastes clean, zippy, and soothing all at once.

Cook chicken with onions, celery, and broth. Stir in orzo toward the end so it stays tender. Finish with lemon juice, zest, and a whisked egg mixture for creaminess.

Add dill and pepper to balance the citrus. Serve with warm pita. Leftovers are perfect for easy lunches and quick dinners.