19 Surprising Ways To Use a Slow Cooker You Haven’t Seen Yet

Photo of author

| Updated:

19 Surprising Ways To Use a Slow Cooker You Haven’t Seen Yet

You probably rely on your slow cooker for classic dishes like stews and soups. But what if I told you there’s a whole world of surprising recipes you haven’t explored yet? I’m sharing unexpected ways to use your slow cooker that will simplify your cooking.

Slow cookers are not just for hearty winter meals; they’re incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can be used year-round to create a wide range of dishes. The possibilities are endless. By exploring new and innovative recipes, you can unlock the full potential of your slow cooker and discover flavors you never knew were possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker aficionado or new to the world of slow cooking, there’s something for everyone in this collection of surprising recipes. With minimal effort required and the convenience of hands-off cooking, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So dust off your slow cooker, grab your ingredients, and get ready to start cooking easier.

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Discover a surprising way to use your slow cooker with this recipe for Crock Pot Chili for Two. Perfectly portioned for smaller households, this chili offers a convenient and delicious solution for cozy weeknight dinners. With minimal effort, you can enjoy hearty, flavorful chili without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and return to a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Change up your slow cooking with this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic party favorite, offering a creamy, spicy dip that’s perfect for game nights or gatherings. Using the slow cooker ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that will impress your guests. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for effortless entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Experience a new way to cook pork chops with this Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe. By using the slow cooker, you can achieve tender, juicy pork chops with minimal hands-on time. It’s a convenient and stress-free way to prepare a satisfying dinner for your family. With simple ingredients and a set-it-and-forget-it approach, these pork chops are sure to become a weeknight staple in your home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Dig into a bowl of comforting Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, a surprising yet delightful creation from your slow cooker. Packed with nutritious veggies and flavorful broth, this soup is both hearty and healthy. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering the ingredients to perfection while you go about your day. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this soup is a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Transform the way you make mac and cheese with this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe. Forget the stovetop hassle; simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? Creamy, indulgent mac and cheese that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or craving a comforting meal, this dish offers a surprising yet delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Rice

Get the versatility of your slow cooker with this recipe for Slow Cooker Rice. Perfectly cooked rice is just a few simple steps away, thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or incorporating it into a main course, this rice is sure to impress. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Close-up of a spoon scooping up Hawaiian chicken with pineapple and green onions, served over rice.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Explore a new culinary adventure with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, a surprising yet delightful creation from your slow cooker. This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken for a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please. With minimal prep and hands-on time, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with tropical flavors. Whether it’s served over rice or alongside your favorite sides, this dish offers a taste of paradise in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Discover the magic of slow cooking with this recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Loin. Tender, succulent pork loin is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and fuss-free. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this recipe offers a surprising yet convenient way to enjoy a classic favorite. With minimal effort required, you can savor delicious pork loin that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Spice up taco night with Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos, a surprising twist on a beloved classic. Using the slow cooker to cook the chicken ensures that it’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly tender. With minimal prep work involved, you can enjoy delicious tacos with all your favorite toppings in no time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a hassle-free dinner, these tacos are a tasty and satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Pouring savory sauce over a bowl of rice topped with beef and bell peppers.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Change up your weeknight dinners with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, a surprising yet delightful dish that’s sure to impress. Tender strips of beef are slow-cooked with bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Whether served over rice or noodles, this pepper steak is a satisfying and easy-to-make option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Warm up with a bowl of comforting Crock Pot Cabbage Soup, a surprising yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for chilly days. This hearty soup is packed with tender cabbage, flavorful broth, and savory vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Using the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a soup that’s bursting with flavor. With minimal hands-on time required, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that’s ready to warm you up from the inside out. Let your slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a delicious meal with ease.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Try a surprising twist on classic comfort food with Ribs and Sauerkraut cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The slow-cooking process infuses the ribs with incredible flavor and tenderness while the sauerkraut adds a delightful tanginess. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Let your slow cooker do the work, and savor the mouthwatering combination of savory ribs and tangy sauerkraut.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Pork chop topped with onion gravy on a white plate.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Chang up your dinners with Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops, a surprising yet delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork chops become incredibly tender and flavorful, while the smothered sauce adds richness and depth of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Let your slow cooker do all the work, and enjoy the convenience of a home-cooked dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Experience a new take on chili with Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili, a surprising yet delightful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty chili that’s packed with savory goodness. Whether served over spaghetti or hot dogs, this Cincinnati-style chili is sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal prep and hands-on time, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole cooked in your slow cooker. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese with a layer of golden cornbread for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Using the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. Let your slow cooker do the work, and dig into a meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Treat yourself to a creamy and delicious meal with Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken, a surprising yet delightful dish made in your slow cooker. The creamy sauce infuses the chicken with rich flavor and keeps it incredibly moist and tender. Whether served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal prep work required, you can enjoy a comforting meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant without the hassle. Let your slow cooker do the work, and indulge in a meal that’s both easy and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, a surprising yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a flavor-packed sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. With minimal hands-on time required, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with mouthwatering flavors. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish is a comforting and satisfying option for any meal. Let your slow cooker do the work, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Change up your pasta night with Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu, a surprising yet delightful dish that’s sure to impress. The slow-cooked short ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful, creating a rich and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pasta in the comfort of your own home. Let your slow cooker work its magic, and savor the delicious flavors of this comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie in ceramic bowl on matching plate with wooden spoon and oregano garnish.
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash, a surprising yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering the savory meat and vegetables to perfection while you go about your day. With a creamy cauliflower mash topping, this dish is low-carb and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this shepherd’s pie is a satisfying and wholesome option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.