Between work, taking care of kids, and making sure our families are happy and healthy, mealtimes can often seem like an afterthought. However, this is where slow cookers come in.  They’re convenient and easy, even (and especially) when we’re working from home. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you can transform pantry and refrigerator staples into deliciousness. Check out these 12 easy slow cooker recipes that are sure to be winners!

Try These Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

1. SLOW COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

There’s nothing like a pot of homemade soup after a busy day, and this recipe includes all your wholesome faves, livened up with just the right amount of herbs and spices. The bonus of using the slow cooker is that you can enjoy the simmering aroma the minute you walk through the door.

2. SLOW COOKER PORK CARNITAS STREET TACOS  

Time and two ingredients transform pork shoulder and our Street Taco Pork Carnitas Seasoning Mix into a flavorful meal worthy of seconds (and thirds!). Serve with warmed tortillas, avocado, cotija cheese, and cilantro, and you have a meal reminiscent of Mexico’s most famous street food!

3. SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE & SAUERKRAUT

This Bavarian-style slow cooker dish combines pork kielbasa with tangy sauerkraut, chopped sweet apple, and thinly sliced onion for a satisfying German-inspired meal. And while sauerkraut might sound old school, fermented foods are having a moment, thanks to their gut-friendly probiotic qualities. This dish is ideal for chilly evenings when you’re craving something warming and substantial.

4. SLOW COOKER CHILI

You might think of making chili as an all-day affair, and while this one certainly delivers that slow-simmered flavor, it requires very little actual prep or active time and has just five ingredients. The convenience of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix adds instant flavor complexity without having to measure multiple spices. Undrained diced tomatoes contribute both moisture and texture, while kidney beans deliver satisfying plant-based protein and fiber.

5. SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

This slow cooker jambalaya brings the soulful flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Unlike traditional methods that require constant attention, this version lets your slow cooker do the work to yield classic Southern cooking. While this dish honors the spirit of traditional jambalaya, the slow cooker method transforms it into an accessible weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day on a back-burner in a French Quarter kitchen. 

6. SLOW COOKER SCALLOPED POTATOES

Looking for a creamy, comforting side dish to chicken or beef? With a few basic ingredients, this scalloped potato recipe can be done just in time for dinner.

7. SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW

This timeless beef stew is a hearty dish that features fork-tender beef mingled with nourishing veggies, including carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery, all transformed by a package of  McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix (and a little time in the slow cooker).

8. SLOW COOKER BREAKFAST TOT CASSEROLE

We know that slow cookers are great for lunch and dinner, but consider breakfast as well. Cheesy tater tots are combined with eggs and sausage for a meal that’s easy to prep.

9. SAVORY SLOW-COOKED POT ROAST

Grab a boneless chuck roast or rump roast, carrots, potatoes, celery, onions and a McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix from the grocery store and let it gently simmer in the slow cooker for this Savory Slow Cooked Pot Roast recipe.

10. SLOW COOKER BAKED BEANS WITH BACON

While the warmer weather inspires us to get the grills going, slow cookers are a great tool for summer meals and sides. Consider these slow cooker baked beans with bacon for your next summer barbecue.

11. SLOW COOKER BBQ PULLED PORK

We’re betting this slow cooker recipe will be in heavy rotation soon. Mix pork shoulder, cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and  McCormick® Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix, then set it and forget it. All flavor, no fuss--and tasty leftovers to boot.

12. SLOW COOKER CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE CAKE

No meal is complete without dessert--and this decadent, chocolate cake fits the bill! Made with a base of chocolate cake mix and topped with a pecan pie-like topping, it’s an instant hit.  

Nothing beats the slow cooker for delivering comforting, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether you're simmering a hearty chili or slow-braising tender pulled pork, slow cooker recipes make mealtime stress-free and delicious. Find all of our slow cooker recipes here.