Pop these meals in your slow cooker before you leave for church so you don't have as much work to do when you get home. That means more time for fellowship!
38 After-Church Slow Cooker Recipes
1/38
Pennsylvania Pot Roast
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming one-dish meal is adapted from a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. I start the pot roast cooking before I leave for church, adding the vegetables when I get home. Then I just sit back and relax until it’s done. —Donna Wilkinson, Monrovia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
2/38
Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops
Total Time
3 hours 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa
Nutrition Facts:
1 chop with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without noodles): 376 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
3/38
Sausage and Kraut Buns
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 468 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
4/38
Potato Chowder
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bacon): 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
5/38
Slow-Cooker Pizza
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 780 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 192mg cholesterol, 1262mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
6/38
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 393 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
7/38
Contest-Winning Pizza Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This robust soup is a family favorite, and it's a big hit with my canasta group as well. I top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and cheese, but you can have fun incorporating other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage.
—Jackie Brossard
Kitchener, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 303 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
8/38
Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew
Total Time
7 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 531 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 33g protein.
9/38
Slow-Cooker Cubano Sandwiches
Total Time
6 hours 45 min
Servings
8 Servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came about because I didn't have pepperoncini for my usual Italian pork recipe so I used pickles instead. It reminded me so much of a Cuban sandwich that I added the ham and Swiss cheese to complete the dish. Instead of adding cheese to the slow cooker, you can also build the sandwiches and top with sliced cheese. Place under the broiler to melt. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1941mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 48g protein.
10/38
Tender Salsa Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice : 259 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
11/38
Stout & Honey Beef Roast
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a heartwarming meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh, so good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 361 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
12/38
Sweet Orange Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice or noodles): 379 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
13/38
French Onion Soup with Meatballs
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 403 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1760mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
14/38
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to sprinkle chicken stew with toasted almonds or cashews and serve with hot couscous. Flavored with cinnamon and a touch of sweetness from the apricots, this pretty dish will stand apart from the rest at potlucks, too! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 279 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit.
15/38
Tarragon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest. I cook it at least once a week and usually serve it with homemade mashed potatoes and sautéed fresh green beans. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons sauce: 370 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
16/38
Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
6 enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and bake. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 551 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1388mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
17/38
Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender pork adds extra heartiness to this slow-cooked chili. You can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops for the pork called for in the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 395 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 39g protein.
18/38
Spicy Kielbasa Soup
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Red pepper flakes bring a little zip to this hearty soup that's full of good-for-you ingredients. Should you have any left over, this soup is fantastic reheated, after flavors have had time to blend. I like to serve steaming bowls with rye bread. —Carol Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 192 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1210mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein.
19/38
Roast Beef and Gravy
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 267 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
20/38
Flavorful White Chili
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a tasty twist on conventional chili, try this low-fat version. It's packed with plenty of beans, tender grilled chicken and a zippy blend of spices.
—Wilda Bensenhaver of Deland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1224mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 16g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch.
21/38
Rump Roast Recipe
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy a good pot roast, but was tired of the same old thing. So, I began experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this slow-cooker pot roast with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 368 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
22/38
Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing potluck favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 383 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
23/38
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 317 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
24/38
Peppery Chicken with Potatoes
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We like this recipe because while we go to church on Sundays the chicken cooks and is ready for us when we get home.—Lori Draves, Highland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup potato mixture : 616 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 1346mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 61g protein.
25/38
PB&J Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe for one of my daughters who loves peanut butter and pork! The result has become a favorite—kids and grown-ups alike often request it for dinner. —Jill Cox, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 862 calories, 49g fat (15g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 51g protein.
26/38
Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this soup, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
27/38
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup vegetables: 329 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
28/38
Cajun-Style Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often makes this zippy roast when expecting dinner guests. It gives me time to visit with them, and even my friend who's a chef enjoys this dish. —Ginger Menzies, Oak Creek, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 328 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
29/38
Squash & Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 384 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 37g protein.
30/38
Shredded Steak Sandwiches
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 347 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 1100mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
31/38
Cube Steak
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 245 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
32/38
Hamburger Stew
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
33/38
Slow-Cooked Chicken a la King
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
34/38
Beef and Beans
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have family and friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 185 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
35/38
Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
36/38
Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 232 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
37/38
Shredded French Dip
Total Time
6 hours 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 399 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1104mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
38/38
Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a busy teacher, I think it's so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I'm not the only one who thinks so: These slow-cooker flank steak fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 361 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat.