• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    28 Crockpot Dinners That Let You Relax While Dinner’s Cooking

    Published: Sep 5, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Long days deserve easy wins in the kitchen, and that’s where crockpot dinners that let you relax while dinner is cooking really shine. Instead of juggling pots and pans, you can let the slow cooker do its magic while you focus on unwinding. From hearty stews to comfort-food classics, these dishes make dinner feel effortless and delicious. It’s the kind of cooking that gives you more time to enjoy the evening instead of rushing around.

    Cozy Crockpot Coq Au Vin

    A serving of coq au vin
    Cozy Crockpot Coq Au Vin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This French-inspired chicken stew cooks low and slow, giving you tender meat and rich flavor without any extra effort—perfect for a relaxing evening.
    Get the Recipe: Cozy Crockpot Coq Au Vin

    Set-and-Forget Crockpot Mac and Cheese

    A close-up of creamy scrambled eggs topped with melted cheddar cheese, served in a black skillet next to a spoon on a gray cloth—comfort food perfect for pairing with cozy slow cooker dinners.
    Set-and-Forget Crockpot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    Skip the stove—this creamy mac and cheese comes together right in the slow cooker while you sit back and relax.
    Get the Recipe: Set-and-Forget Crockpot Mac and Cheese

    Crockpot Baby Back Ribs Made Easy

    Barbecue ribs with a bowl of sacue.
    Crockpot Baby Back Ribs Made Easy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These tender ribs cook while you go about your day, ready to serve fall-off-the-bone deliciousness at dinnertime.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Baby Back Ribs Made Easy

    Slow Cooker Carnitas with Crispy Finish

    Crispy pork carnitas in a skillet with a spatula.
    Slow Cooker Carnitas with Crispy Finish. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Let your slow cooker handle the hard work—these juicy carnitas get crisped up at the end for the perfect taco night treat.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas with Crispy Finish

    Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili

    A person holds a blue bowl of creamy chicken chili, a favorite among slow cooker recipes, topped with shredded cheese, corn, and herbs and garnished with a lime wedge. A spoon rests in the bowl, with fresh cilantro in the background.
    Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This creamy chicken chili simmers away in the crockpot so you can come home to a warm, hearty dinner with zero stress.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Chicken Chili

    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

    Two beef tacos on a platter.
    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Just 15 minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest, giving you tender beef carnitas ready for tacos or bowls.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

    Slow Cooker Cola-Glazed Ribs

    A plate of grilled barbecue ribs with a tantalizing glaze is displayed on a white dish. A black fork is positioned near the ribs, and a partial view of a bowl containing watermelon slices is visible in the background. The surface is light-colored.
    Slow Cooker Cola-Glazed Ribs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Marinated overnight and cooked slowly, these ribs come out tender, flavorful, and glazed to perfection with cola sweetness.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cola-Glazed Ribs

    Relaxing Crockpot Taco Soup

    Three bowls of crockpot taco soup.
    Relaxing Crockpot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmer together in this fuss-free taco soup that practically makes itself.
    Get the Recipe: Relaxing Crockpot Taco Soup

    Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Gravy

    Pork chops on a plate covered with ranch gravy.
    Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These pork chops cook to perfection in a creamy ranch gravy, all while you put your feet up and unwind.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops with Gravy

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Comfort in a bowl—this chicken noodle soup simmers away in the crockpot, giving you tender chicken and rich broth with no effort.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    Classic Crockpot Pot Roast

    Classic Crockpot Pot Roast. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This hearty pot roast with carrots and potatoes cooks slowly all day, giving you a complete, comforting dinner with ease.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Crockpot Pot Roast

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes cook together for hours, giving you a savory-sweet dinner that’s ready when you are.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

    Crockpot Chicken Chili

    A bowl of chili made in a slow cooker topped with cheese and sour cream
    Crockpot Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With peppers, beans, and tender chicken, this chili is a flavorful crockpot meal you can count on for busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy

    Mushroom soup and rice with a slow cooker pork chop on a plate.
    Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These pork chops cook low and slow in a rich mushroom gravy, leaving you with tender meat and a cozy dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy

    Easy 3-Ingredient Crockpot Ham

    Easy 3-Ingredient Crockpot Ham. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    With just three ingredients, this sweet and savory ham practically cooks itself while you relax or prep your sides.
    Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Crockpot Ham

    BBQ Chicken Wings That Practically Cook Themselves in the Crockpot

    BBQ Chicken Wings That Practically Cook Themselves in the Crockpot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    These crockpot chicken wings cook until tender and juicy while you do nothing but wait. A quick sauce and crisp finish make them perfect for game day or family night.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Wings That Practically Cook Themselves in the Crockpot

    Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Made Simple

    Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Made Simple. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Crockpot chicken and stuffing comes together with just a few ingredients, then simmers into a creamy, comforting meal. It’s the kind of dinner that practically makes itself while you go about your day.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Made Simple

    A Creamy Chicken Corn Soup That Waits for You in the Crockpot

    A Creamy Chicken Corn Soup That Waits for You in the Crockpot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This crockpot chicken corn soup cooks gently until it’s ready to serve, with no extra effort required. It’s warm, hearty, and just right for a cool evening.
    Get the Recipe: A Creamy Chicken Corn Soup That Waits for You in the Crockpot

    Turkey Kielbasa and Pineapple That Simmer All Day in the Crockpot

    Turkey Kielbasa and Pineapple That Simmer All Day in the Crockpot. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    Turkey kielbasa with pineapple in BBQ sauce is one of those crockpot dinners that’s all flavor without the work. It’s just as good for a weeknight meal as it is for a party spread.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Kielbasa and Pineapple That Simmer All Day in the Crockpot

    Pork Tenderloin with Onions Made Easy in the Crockpot

    Pork Tenderloin with Onions Made Easy in the Crockpot. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

    Pork tenderloin and onions slowly cook into a savory, fork-tender dinner without you lifting a finger. It’s an easy choice when you want homemade comfort but not the effort.
    Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Onions Made Easy in the Crockpot

    Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops in the Crockpot

    Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops in the Crockpot. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    These crockpot sriracha honey garlic pork chops are sweet, sticky, and full of flavor. You get all the bold taste while the slow cooker handles the work.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Honey Garlic Pork Chops in the Crockpot

    Crockpot Italian Beef That Turns Into Tender Sandwiches

    Crockpot Italian Beef That Turns Into Tender Sandwiches. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Italian beef in the crockpot turns into tender shreds that are perfect for sandwiches. With only a few ingredients, it cooks on its own until you’re ready to eat.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Italian Beef That Turns Into Tender Sandwiches

    Lemonade Chicken That Slow Cooks While You Relax

    Lemonade Chicken That Slow Cooks While You Relax. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Crockpot lemonade chicken simmers in a tangy-sweet sauce while you relax. It’s ready when you walk in the door, with no extra cooking required.
    Get the Recipe: Lemonade Chicken That Slow Cooks While You Relax

    Crockpot Pot Roast with Red Wine That Feels Effortless

    Crockpot Pot Roast with Red Wine That Feels Effortless. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Crockpot pot roast with red wine is the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. In reality, the slow cooker does everything while you do something else.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pot Roast with Red Wine That Feels Effortless

    Corned Beef Dinner That Practically Makes Itself in the Crockpot

    Corned Beef Dinner That Practically Makes Itself in the Crockpot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This corned beef dinner needs little more than meat, veggies, and spices tossed into the crockpot. Hours later, you’ve got a hearty meal with no effort.
    Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Dinner That Practically Makes Itself in the Crockpot

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken That Simmered in the Crockpot

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken That Simmered in the Crockpot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Lemon garlic chicken cooks down into a creamy sauce while you step away from the kitchen. By the time it’s done, it’s perfect to spoon over pasta for an easy family dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken That Simmered in the Crockpot

    Salsa Chicken That Practically Cooks Itself in the Crockpot

    Salsa Chicken That Practically Cooks Itself in the Crockpot. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

    Salsa chicken is one of the easiest crockpot dinners you can make—just add chicken, salsa, and seasoning. A few hours later, the meat is tender and packed with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken That Practically Cooks Itself in the Crockpot

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti That’s Ready When You Are

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti That’s Ready When You Are. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

    Crockpot chicken spaghetti with Rotel turns creamy, cheesy, and ready to serve without babysitting the stove. It’s a low-effort dinner that works for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
    Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti That’s Ready When You Are

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « How Grandma Made Friends Everywhere: 31 Potluck Recipes Still Passed Around Today
    The 31 Finger Foods and Appetizers That Disappear Fastest at My Parties »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Cookout Side Dishes

    • Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
      Loaded Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A scoop of summer squash casserole.
      Creamy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
    • A serving bowl with a dressed peach and pasta salad.
      Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Peaches
    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required