Our 10 Most Popular Slow Cooker Recipes of 2020

updated Dec 22, 2020

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Mapo tofu in slow cooker with wooden spoon on side. — Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman | Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

A slow cooker is the gift that keeps on giving. Hands-off cooking has a very special place in our hearts, and there’s no better kitchen gadget for the task than a slow cooker. They’re not just good for soups and stews, either — there are so many slow cooker possibilities. Whether you’re craving saucy short ribs, a rich, plant-based Bolognese, or even cheesy potatoes, there are plenty of ways to use a slow cooker for versatile, delicious dinners that don’t require you standing over the stove all evening. Of all the slow cooker recipes we shared this year, these were your 10 favorites.

1 / 10

Slow Cooker Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

After steadily simmering all day long, these short ribs are as tender and flavorful as can be. And they're even better on the second day.

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2 / 10

The Best Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

This certainly isn’t your grandmother’s pot roast, but it’s much, much easier — and it just may become your new favorite.

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3 / 10

Crock-Pot Cheesy Potatoes

Frozen diced potatoes are the secret to ooey-gooey cheesy slow cooker potatoes.

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4 / 10

Slow Cooker Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese

In this "meaty" vegetarian alternative to classic Bolognese, baby bella mushrooms and protein-packed green lentils stand in for ground beef.

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5 / 10

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This hearty root vegetable soup is incredibly versatile — and perfect for meal preppers.

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6 / 10

Slow Cooker Hominy Squash Casserole

This casserole is proof that vegetables and comfort food can go hand in hand.

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7 / 10

Slow Cooker Chickpeas with Vegetables (Pahari Dal)

This flavor-packed Indian dish is filled with chickpeas, cauliflower, daikon, and potatoes.

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8 / 10

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Mapo Tofu

Typically made with ground pork, this plant-based version swaps in shiitake mushrooms for a lighter dinner option with just as much umami flavor.

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9 / 10

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers in Marinara Sauce

Ready for a flavor-bursting, nutrient-dense dish that takes mere minutes to prep with basic pantry ingredients? This is the one.

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10 / 10

Slow Cooker German-Inspired Short Ribs

The real highlight of this dish is the sauce, which is made with a combo of tomatoes, zingy sauerkraut, and applesauce.

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