This post shows you 27 Delicious Food Recipes you can make in a slow cooker.
There’s something magical about comfort food. It’s that warm, cozy feeling you get with every bite—like a hug in a bowl. And what could make comfort food even better? How about letting your slow cooker do all the work while you kick back and relax?
You may be dreaming of hearty soups, tender meats, or cheesy casseroles, your slow cooker is the unsung hero that turns simple ingredients into soul-soothing meals.
Imagine coming home to the smell of slow-cooked goodness after a long day, with no fuss and minimal prep—just pure, effortless comfort.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 27 delicious slow cooker comfort food recipes that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfy every craving. From creamy mac and cheese to slow-braised pot roast, these dishes are perfect for those days when you just need to take it easy and let your slow cooker work its magic.
27 comfort food recipes you can make in a slow cooker
1. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and the slow cooker version makes it even easier. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and a bit of cream to your slow cooker.
Let it cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure everything melts together smoothly. The slow cooker creates an ultra-creamy texture, with minimal effort.
For extra flavor, you can mix in garlic powder, paprika, or crumbled bacon before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Pot roast is a quintessential comfort meal, and the slow cooker ensures that your beef chuck roast turns out incredibly tender. Start by searing the roast on all sides for added flavor, then place it in the slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.
Let it cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender. The slow cooking process infuses the vegetables and meat with savory goodness, creating a hearty meal perfect for a cozy night.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken
This comforting classic is a breeze to make in the slow cooker. Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker, along with chicken broth and herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
Let everything simmer for 6-8 hours on low, then shred the chicken and add egg noodles during the last 30 minutes. The result is a warm, soothing chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for cold days or when someone’s feeling under the weather.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Beef stew is all about tender meat and hearty vegetables, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Add chunks of beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas to the slow cooker, along with beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves.
Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
5. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is ideal for the slow cooker, as it needs low, slow heat to become tender enough to shred easily. Rub a pork shoulder with a mixture of spices like paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and brown sugar, then place it in the slow cooker with a bit of apple cider vinegar and broth.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then shred the pork and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This Southern comfort classic is made even easier with the help of a slow cooker. Start by placing chicken breasts, diced carrots, celery, and onions in the slow cooker with chicken broth and seasonings.
Let it cook on low for 6 hours, then shred the chicken and add biscuit dough (cut into pieces) on top. Continue cooking until the dough turns into fluffy dumplings. The result is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
7. Slow Cooker Chili
Chili is the perfect comfort food, and making it in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Combine ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili powder in the slow cooker.
Let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low. The long cooking time ensures a deep, rich flavor. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for a satisfying, hearty meal.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is a rich, creamy dish that’s packed with flavor, and the slow cooker makes it easier than ever. Combine chicken thighs, a mixture of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, and a tomato-based sauce in the slow cooker.
Let it cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to create a luxurious, flavorful sauce. Serve with basmati rice or naan for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
9. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy, velvety tomato basil soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich. Add fresh tomatoes (or canned), onions, garlic, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker, and let it simmer for 6 hours on low.
Just before serving, blend the soup until smooth and stir in heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. The result is a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for dipping or sipping on a chilly day.
10. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort dish, and the slow cooker version is easy and delicious. Add sliced beef, mushrooms, onions, beef broth, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Let it cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender, then stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard for that signature stroganoff flavor. Serve over egg noodles for a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
11. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Slow cooker chicken Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and simple to make. Add chicken breasts, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker.
Let it cook for 4-6 hours on low, then shred the chicken and stir the sauce until smooth. Serve the chicken Alfredo over fettuccine or your favorite pasta. This indulgent, comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
12. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Layer the cooked beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, cover with mashed potatoes, and cook on low for a few hours.
You can even add cheese on top for an extra indulgent twist. The slow cooker version of shepherd’s pie allows you to enjoy this hearty dish with minimal effort.
13. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Slow cooker lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese in the slow cooker.
Let it cook for 4-5 hours on low until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The slow cooker version of lasagna eliminates the need to pre-cook the noodles, making it a time-saving way to enjoy this classic comfort dish.
14. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Slow cooker BBQ ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful. Rub baby back ribs with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then place them in the slow cooker with BBQ sauce.
Let them cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. You can finish them under the broiler for a few minutes to get a caramelized glaze. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a true comfort meal.
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie filling is made simple in the slow cooker. Add chicken breasts, carrots, celery, peas, and a creamy sauce made from chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
Let it cook on low for 6 hours, then serve the mixture with flaky biscuits or puff pastry on top for that classic pot pie feel. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
16. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a hearty pasta dish that’s easy to adapt for the slow cooker. Layer cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese in the slow cooker.
Let it cook on low for 3-4 hours until everything is bubbly and melted. The slow cooker method saves time and dishes, making it a convenient way to enjoy this comforting pasta dish.
17. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon is a rich, French-inspired stew made with tender beef, red wine, mushrooms, onions, and carrots. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop over time, creating a deeply savory dish.
Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting and elegant meal.
18. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and healthy comfort food. Fill bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, and seasonings, then place them in the slow cooker with a tomato sauce.
Let them cook on low for 6-8 hours until the peppers are tender. The slow cooker ensures the filling is perfectly cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully.
19. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
French onion soup is made even easier in the slow cooker, where the onions can caramelize slowly and develop deep flavor. Add beef broth and let the soup simmer for 8 hours on low.
Top the soup with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese for a rich and comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Make chicken enchiladas easily in the slow cooker. Cook chicken breasts in enchilada sauce until tender, then shred the chicken and roll it into tortillas with cheese.
Place the rolled enchiladas back in the slow cooker with more sauce and cheese on top. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until everything is bubbly and delicious.
21. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
This creamy corn chowder is loaded with sweet corn, potatoes, and bacon. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and comforting soup.
Stir in cream before serving for extra richness, and top with fresh herbs or crumbled bacon.
22. Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a spicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for the slow cooker. Combine sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, and a blend of Cajun spices in the slow cooker.
Let it simmer for hours until the rice is tender and the flavors have blended together. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that brings a taste of New Orleans to your table.
23. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Skip the frying and make a healthier version of chicken Parmesan in the slow cooker. Cook chicken breasts in marinara sauce, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Let the slow cooker finish cooking the chicken until tender and the cheese is melted. Serve with pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
24. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is a lighter, creamy alternative to traditional chili. Combine chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices in the slow cooker and let it simmer until the chicken is tender.
Stir in a bit of cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. This chili is perfect for a cozy, hearty meal without being too heavy.
25. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Cook Italian sausage with bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce in the slow cooker for a flavorful, comforting dish. Serve the sausage and peppers on rolls for sandwiches or over pasta for a hearty dinner.
The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and makes the sausages incredibly tender.
26. Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Make classic meatloaf in the slow cooker for a juicy, tender version of this comfort food favorite. Combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then form it into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours until fully cooked. Top with ketchup or BBQ sauce during the last hour for added flavor.
27. Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This cheesy, creamy casserole combines rice, broccoli, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 3-4 hours until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted.
It’s a simple and satisfying side dish or vegetarian main course.
This post showed you 27 Delicious Food Recipes that you can make in a Slow Cooker.
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