The Best Slow Cooker Recipes from Every State

This fun dip recipe uses ingredients I always have in the fridge, so it’s easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska. Check out more delicious burger recipes you should try ASAP.

My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it’s easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas. Here are some scrumptious BBQ recipes for easy grilling.

I created this surprising pulled pork recipe to replicate our favorite food truck tacos at home. They’re a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious any time of year. —Julie Orr, Fullerton, California. Here are some more easy Mexican-style apps anyone can whip up.

My husband adores this beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle, and cumin. He would eat it once a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado

I love short ribs, and they are best prepared low and slow in a flavorful sauce. I also love salt potatoes, so combined the two with an Italian twist. My family was wowed! —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut. Check out more of the best potato recipes from every state.

This recipe is very easy to prepare, and is made even easier when it simmers in a slow cooker. The turkey comes out tender and the veggies add a mix of color and heartiness. —Gilda Lester, Milsboro, Delaware. Plus, check out this lasagna recipe that’s being viewed by over 5,000 people a day.

As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida. Here’s how to fix the most common mistakes while cooking rice.

It’s easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I’ve fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia

The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen, and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii. Watch out for the biggest mistake you make when cooking pork.

This soup is great for stocking in the freezer and the curry gives it a warmer flavor, which goes so nicely with the salty ham. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

I threw some always-available condiments into my slow cooker with a pork roast to create this fantastic pulled pork. It has become a staple sandwich filler for large get-togethers. The flavor of the pork goes well with a cold glass of white wine. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois. Pulled pork is just one of the best slow-cooker meals, period.

Here’s my best version of my favorite food—lasagna! The recipe is a winner, so it’s worth the extra prep. You’ll have plenty of time to plan side dishes while the main dish is cooking. —Suzanne Smith, Bluffton, Indiana

After doing yardwork on a windy day, we love to come in for a light but hearty soup like this one. It’s brimming with cabbage, veggies and white beans. Pass the oven-warmed bread! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa.

A chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is one of our favorite comfort foods. I make my easy variation in the slow cooker. You can easily swap in whatever cheese you prefer. I sometimes use dairy-free cheese to create a more paleo-friendly dinner. The dish is also delicious sprinkled with a simple bread crumb topping. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas. For some more delicious casseroles, check out the best casserole recipe from every state.

I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky

I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine. You know you’re from the East Coast if you’ve tried all of these foods.

Dump everything in a slow cooker and watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Traditionally made with game meat, this updated Brunswick stew, using spicy sausage, is a modern mom’s best friend. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

These easy, apple-y oats give your family a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan. Check out some more easy breakfast recipes that are ready in ten minutes or less.

The meat literally falls off the bones of these wings! Spice lovers will get a kick out of the big sprinkling of red pepper flakes. —Sue Bayless, Prior Lake, Minnesota. Find out the secret technique for cooking the best-ever wings.

My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans, and savory veggies that simmer all day, it’s tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi

My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri.

White wine dresses up cream of chicken soup to make a lovely sauce for chicken, ham and Swiss cheese roll-ups. The tried-and-true recipe comes from my mother. —Carol McCollough, Missoula, Montana

Quick to prep for the slow cooker, this dish goes great with a salad and fresh side. My family practically cheers whenever I make this! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska

This south-of-the-border chowder is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, and it’s a winner at family dinners and potlucks alike. We like ours topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and chili cheese corn chips. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada. Check out these tasty soup recipes with secret ingredients.

My family loves the sweet and spicy combination and declared this recipe an instant favorite just for that reason. The meatballs start sweet but finish with a little heat! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

I first made this recipe one cold winter day. My family (adults, kids, and dogs) were having a blast sledding and playing in the snow all day, and when we came inside supper was ready! This pot roast is perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice or dinner rolls. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey. For some more comfort food, check out these healthy fall superfoods you should be making.

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

It’s hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that’s fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it’s gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York. Beware of these ways you didn’t realize you were cooking chicken wrong.

What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina. Here are some more yummy homemade mac & cheese recipes you should try.

As a busy mom, I love my slow cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook this beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

When my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for cheeseburger soup, I changed it a little to make it my own. You can use turkey meat instead of beef or add bell peppers or jalapenos for a little kick. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio. Find out some secret pantry ingredients that will make your recipes better.

Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and let the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma. Learn about 12 mistakes you’re making while cooking pasta.

This is not your mama’s green bean casserole, but she’ll still be raving about it! After trying many variations, I decided to give this old standby extra kick. The crunchy texture, cheesy goodness and bacon make it a hit. —Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon

We live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which has a rich heritage of German culture and dishes that include sauerkraut, potatoes, and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. The “mmm’s” start with the first whiff as the door opens after school or work. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania. Find out which foods you should actually never put in a slow cooker.

Loaded with tangy flavor, this is a lighter version of a favorite restaurant-style sandwich. If you don’t have a panini maker, tuck the sandwiches under the broiler until the bread is browned and the cheese melted. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.

My husband craves a good ribs recipe, so we cook them multiple ways. This low and slow method with a tangy sauce is the best we’ve found. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina

My family likes bean soup, so I came up with this hearty, hammed-up version. The leftovers freeze well for first-rate future meals. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee. For food shopping, head to the best supermarket in your state.

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

On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah. Beware of these mistakes you’re making with your slow cooker.

Check your pantry; you probably have everything needed to turn these ribs into a sweet, tangy, fork-tender treat. —Annette Thompson, Woodbury, Vermont

I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don’t always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia. Speaking of ice cream, find out where to find the best ice cream shop in your state.

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington. You know you’re from the West Coast if you’ve tried all of these foods.

Try less expensive round steak and gravy served over egg noodles for a hearty meal. Meaty and chock full of veggies, this slow-cooker creation will take the worry out of what’s-for-supper any weeknight. —Kathy Garret, Camden, West Virginia

My younger sister, Jean, shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich, and it has been proven to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin

My family asks for these saucy meatballs all year long. I like to make them with ground beef in the winter and ground turkey in the spring. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Next, find out the one food you have to try from every state.