23 Slow Cooker Recipes To Save Your Sanity Around The Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but between shopping, wrapping, and trying not to lose your mind, dinner is the last thing you want to worry about. Enter the slow cooker, the true MVP of holiday survival. It doesn’t talk back, doesn’t ask a million questions, and works quietly in the background, cranking out meals that’ll make you look like you have your life together.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Balsamic pulled pork in the slow cooker is sweet, juicy, and versatile. Serve it over polenta or toss it into sandwiches for a low-hassle holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Short rib ragu takes the slow cooker spotlight with its rich flavor. Serve it over sweet potatoes or pasta for an effortless comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Loaded with lamb, mushrooms, kale, and white beans, this lamb stew is hearty and satisfying. Perfect for slow-cooked, holiday-friendly comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Steak Chili

Slow cooker steak chili checks all the boxes for a holiday lifesaver. With rich flavors that build as it simmers and melt-in-your-mouth steak bites, it’s hearty enough to keep everyone happy. Pile on some cheese and onions for the perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Steak Chili

Angel Chicken Pasta

Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Creamy chicken, white wine, and herbs come together for a dinner that’s great for a no-stress holiday meal. Serve it over angel hair pasta and call it a win.
Get the Recipe: Angel Chicken Pasta

Balsamic Beef

Turn chuck roast into a tender, juicy dinner with almost no effort. This balsamic beef slow cooks to perfection, making it a go-to for busy days when you still want something special.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Beef

Crock Pot Lasagna

All the flavor of lasagna without the drama. Slow-cooked layers of sausage, cheese, and rich tomato sauce make this a great dish to keep your holiday schedule under control.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Lasagna

Meaty Cabbage Soup

This hearty cabbage soup is packed with protein and veggies, making it a one-pot crowd-pleaser that’s great for holiday prep. Toss it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Cabbage Soup

Beef Stew

This slow cooker beef stew keeps things simple while delivering big flavors. Tender beef, hearty veggies, and a stout-based gravy come together perfectly for the ultimate comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Boneless Beef Ribs

Fresh cranberries and pomegranate sauce make these boneless beef ribs holiday-ready. Cook them low and slow for tender, flavorful bites that pair perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Beef Ribs

Lamb Chinese Stew

Slow-cooked lamb with spices and a savory sauce—this one’s a total crowd-pleaser. Browning the lamb first adds depth, but the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chinese Stew

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers shredded chicken coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly option that keeps things simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta is perfect for the slow cooker. Creamy, flavorful, and filling, it’s a holiday dinner without the stress. Let the crockpot handle the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is an easy crowd-pleaser. Packed with classic flavors, it’s perfect for holiday dinners when you need something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy butternut squash soup gets a slow cooker upgrade. Toss everything in, and let the coconut milk and spices create a cozy, no-hassle meal. Great for busy holiday nights.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken & Pasta Casserole

This slow cooker chicken and pasta casserole is a family favorite. With tender noodles and a mix of tomatoes, corn, and seasoning, it’s the perfect hands-off dinner for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Pasta Casserole

Tortilla Soup

Toss the ingredients into the crockpot, and let this tortilla soup do its thing. It’s packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is an easy, flavorful fall recipe. It’s simple to prep, feeds a crowd, and makes your house smell amazing while it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Stew

Chicken stew in the crockpot is a no-brainer. Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s an easy dinner with less than 20 minutes of prep. Perfect for holiday chaos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Chicken Tacos

Crockpot chicken tacos are a great way to let the slow cooker handle dinner. Shredded chicken tacos are an easy win for busy nights during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tacos

Minestrone Soup

Packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and tender pasta, this minestrone soup is slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, low-maintenance meal perfect for holiday planning days.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

No Bean Chili

Bold spices and hearty ground beef make this no-bean chili a crowd favorite. Slow cook it for a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: No Bean Chili

Thai Beef Stew

This Thai beef stew is as simple as dumping everything in the slow cooker. Skip the searing and let the bold flavors shine after hours of slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Thai Beef Stew