60 5-Star Recipes You Can Toss in the Slow Cooker

From the Recipe Creator: Can meatballs be lucky? My guys think so, and they want them for game time. My beef, sausage and cheese recipe has a big fan following. —Jill Hill, Dixon, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Chicken thighs are a nice change of pace in this easy chili. I also use a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro for flavor and to keep the dish interesting. —Phyllis Beatty, Chandler, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I often take this monkey bread to church potlucks—children and adults love it! Use the rum extract for a robust flavor. —Lisa Leaper, Worthington, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don't last long once people know I've made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Chili sauce, apricots and Moroccan seasoning create an incredible sauce for slow-cooked chicken thighs. Traditional Moroccan apricot chicken typically includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it's fun to pair it with something a little different from potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: What could be tastier on a brisk day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this version of a dessert classic. It's my go-to choice for any family get-together. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York

From the Recipe Creator: These rich and creamy potatoes are simple to prepare. This saucy side dish always gets rave reviews wherever I take it. —Gloria Schroeder, Ottawa Lake, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: If you are looking for a different way to use kielbasa, the sweet and mildly spicy flavor of these sandwiches is a nice change of pace. —Judy Dames, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens up this chili. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this beef carnitas recipe while trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I keep the rub in a plastic bag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: When we’re missing the grill when its cold out, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They’re so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: It’s wonderful to come home to this pork bean soup dinner simmering away in a slow cooker. This soup uses dried beans and is simple to throw together in the morning before work. When you get home, just add a few more ingredients and in about half an hour dinner will be ready! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: We love to eat turkey, and on warmer days, here’s how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: These flavorful tostadas are super easy and family friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load up the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Not only does this classic recipe make a phenomenal side dish, you can also serve it with sliced French bread for a warm and easy appetizer. Try it in the summer with your garden-fresh vegetables. —Jolene Walters, North Miami, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy shredded chicken dishes, pita sandwiches and Moroccan seasonings. The addition of the carrot salad laced pomegranate seeds and with dates lends an extra punch and crunch. Mini flour tortillas can be substituted for pitas. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It's easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning ... and wonderful to come home to the aroma of a hot dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I traveled to Cuba a few years back and had some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations of it, and when I returned home, I began to experiment. I went through roughly five trials before coming to this recipe. —Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Shrimp and grits are a house favorite—if only we could agree on a recipe. I stirred things up with cheddar and Cajun seasoning to find a winner. —Charlotte Price, Raleigh, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This simple slow-cooked dessert comes together in a jiffy. If you'd like, you can substitute apple or cherry pie filling for the blueberry. —Nelda Cronbaugh, Belle Plaine, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: This Asian-inspired one-pot chicken dinner is healthy and tasty. You can serve it hot, cold or at room temperature. —Doris Kwon, Newport Coast, California

From the Recipe Creator: I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Banana peppers can be very tricky: Sometimes they are hot and sometimes they are not. If you want to be on the safe side, I recommend using Bianca peppers instead, which are a more sweet type of pepper. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This is a super easy side dish. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! —Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: A restaurant here advertised Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears cooked up a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: I love making this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy. This is a fill-you-up recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My family loves traditional tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is popular on both sides of the border. It came from a friend in Alaska, then traveled with me to old Mexico, where I lived for 5 years, and is now a favorite in my Arkansas community. It’s easy to keep the beans warm and serve from a slow cooker. —Barbara Short, Mena, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Every year my husband and I take our two daughters to an orchard to pick apples so we can make this luscious applesauce for family and neighbors. —Jennifer Purcell, Vermilion, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California

From the Recipe Creator: A co-worker's mom used to make this feijoada recipe for him, and it was his favorite. So I made him my own version. Instead of sausage you can use ham hocks, or substitute lean white meat for the red meat if you prefer. —Christiane Counts, Webster, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Here's an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It's super simple to make since there's no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it's a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil's Lake, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your guests! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: My town is known as "the yam capital of the United States." This is a simple recipe that goes well with baked ham or roasted turkey. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

From the Recipe Creator: This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Try this comforting stew that's easy to put together, but it tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliot, Houston, Texas