12 Retro Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Never Get Tired Of

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from lifting the lid off a slow cooker and being hit with the smell of something that’s been bubbling away all day. This collection is all about old-school slow cooker faves—think tender Pot Roast, saucy Pork Chops and Gravy, and gooey Pumpkin Dump Cake. These recipes are cozy and stick-to-your-ribs satisfying, with all the nostalgia and none of the fuss.

01 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

“There’s no stovetop work; you just layer everything in the slow cooker, turn it on, and walk away. The end result, though, tastes like it’s straight out of a nonna’s kitchen.” —Deborah Koenig, Recipe Developer

02 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Pork

“If there’s one thing my dad taught me in our little Louisiana kitchen, it’s that good flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. I have vivid memories of seeing him toss a variety of meats, veggies, and beans into the slow cooker on hot summer days before heading off to work. The house would fill up with the smells of Creole and Cajun spices as we all waited to enjoy dinner together.” —Jessica Furniss, Recipe Developer

03 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

“The soup is so hearty and flavorful, and the beef gets so tender over the long hours of cooking. Let it cook all day and it just gets better. You can brown the meat and onions a day or two ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to make the soup.” —Lisa Lin, Recipe Developer

04 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatloaf

“The meatloaf will also stay hot enough to serve for an hour or two after it has finished cooking if left covered in the slow cooker (either off or on the warming setting) making this an extremely convenient dish that will suit your schedule.” —Jamie Anulewicz, Recipe Developer

05 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding

“Serve this Banana Bread Pudding with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts on top of this warm dessert, and each indulgent spoonful is pure bliss.” —Jessica Gavin, Recipe Developer

06 of 12

Get Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

“After hours of simmering, the combination of dry mustard, garlic powder, and tender pork meld into a fork-tender main dish, and it reheats beautifully. No matter if you are just coming in from a long winter hike, a hunting excursion, or just a long day at the office, this warm, satisfying meal can be ready and waiting to offer some coziness.” —Stephanie Burt, Recipe Developer

07 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

“This one-pot wonder is an adaptation of the Irish dish of bacon and cabbage. I was intrigued to find out that Irish Americans mimicked their new Jewish neighbors and used the cheaper salted (corned) beef in place of their traditional piece of bacon. As a result, another contribution to the American melting pot was created.” —Marta Rivera, Recipe Developer

08 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

“For a low-and-slow cook like this, the cut of beef matters. Chuck, from the well-exercised shoulder, is packed with collagen that melts into gelatin as it cooks, creating a luscious sauce, while fat marbling ensures the meat stays moist.” —Anne Wolf, Recipe Developer

09 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Pulled Pork

“While you could use this pulled pork in all sorts of ways (steamed buns, tacos, sandwiches, etc.), I personally enjoyed mounding it on a bun slathered with chile-mayo and topped with sweet-n-sour pickled red onions.”—Garrett McCord, Recipe Developer

10 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

“I dream about this Beef Stroganoff while I’m away from home. I simply prep the ingredients and get them into the slow cooker prior to making my mad dash out of the house. When I walk in the front door hours later, I’m greeted with its hearty, welcoming aroma.” —Marta Rivera, Recipe Developer

11 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Dump Cake

“This crock pot cake only requires four ingredients. First, pumpkin pie mix, which is already sweetened and spiced, is added to the slow cooker. Then, you combine melted butter, a box of cake mix, and cinnamon to create a crumbly mixture that gets sprinkled on top.” —Jessica Furniss, Recipe Developer

12 of 12

Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

“Knowing dinner is basically done before I even go to work makes me feel like a superhero. No matter what the day brings, I know we’ll walk into a house smelling of roast long simmered in herbs, wine, and garlic. Now, that’s not a bad way to end a workday.” —Summer Miller, Recipe Developer

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