17 Fool Proof Set-And-Forget Recipes You Can’t Mess Up Even If You Try
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Dinner doesn’t get easier than set-and-forget recipes that practically cook themselves. Whether you’re juggling a million things or just want a stress-free meal, these foolproof dishes guarantee big flavor with minimal effort. Toss in the ingredients, walk away, and return to a perfectly cooked meal, no fuss, no mistakes, just great food every time.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup

If you want an easy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker taco soup is the way to go. Juicy meat, tender cabbage, and warm spices blend together for a rich, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor. Just toss everything in, let the slow cooker do the work, and come back to a foolproof meal you can’t mess up, even if you try.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Nothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of this slow cooker ranch chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, just throw the ingredients in and let your slow cooker handle the rest. With melty cheese and tender chicken in every bite, this set-and-forget recipe is a guaranteed winner for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet requires almost no effort to make. Set it, forget it, and come back to a warm, gooey dip that’ll have everyone asking how you made it so perfect.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This slow cooker beef stew is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender chunks of beef, soft veggies, and a rich, savory broth come together for an easy meal that basically cooks itself. Just set it in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a hearty, delicious dish you can’t mess up.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Turn any chilly evening into something special with this slow cooker mulled wine. A mix of red wine, citrus, and warm spices simmers into a festive drink that’s effortlessly impressive. The best part? It’s completely hands-off, just dump everything in, walk away, and let the slow cooker work its trick.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
This salsa chicken is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Just two ingredients, chicken and salsa, turn into the most tender, flavorful dish with zero effort. It’s foolproof, packed with flavor, and can be used for tacos, bowls, or salads all week long.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This slow cooker beef and broccoli lets you enjoy takeout-style flavor without the hassle. Juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a garlicky soy-based sauce make this meal taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. But in reality? You just set it and forgot it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Homemade applesauce has never been easier. Toss your favorite apples in the slow cooker with cinnamon and a little sugar, and let it slowly transform into a sweet, cozy treat. No stirring, no stress, just rich, comforting flavor you’ll want to eat straight from the jar.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor. Just toss in a few simple ingredients, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a rich, velvety soup that’s better than anything you’d get at a restaurant. The hardest part? Waiting for it to be done.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes without all the work? Yes, please. These slow cooker mashed potatoes are ultra-creamy, buttery, and so easy, they practically make themselves. Just dump everything in, let them cook, and mash them up when you’re ready, no stovetop juggling required.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This slow cooker beef stroganoff is a guaranteed dinner success. Tender beef, mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce come together for a classic meal that’s impossible to mess up. It’s comfort food at its best, with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Pot roast is one of those classic comfort foods that always hits the spot, and this slow cooker version makes it easier than ever. With fork-tender beef, soft veggies, and a rich, savory gravy, it’s the ultimate set-and-forget meal. One bite, and you’ll see why this foolproof recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash is a Hungarian comfort food that’s full of warm, rich flavors. Slow-simmered chicken in a creamy paprika sauce makes for a delicious dish that’s perfect over noodles or rice. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a foolproof meal that tastes like a labor of love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
This slow cooker offal stew is a hearty, old-fashioned meal that is packed with flavor. Slow-cooked beef heart and kidney become melt-in-your-mouth tender in a rich broth full of warming spices. If you’ve never tried offal before, this foolproof recipe is the perfect place to start.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
This slow-cooked beef shank is fall-apart tender and infused with deep, rich flavors. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, let it work its wonder, and come back to a comforting, hearty meal. Serve over cauliflower mash for an easy, no-fail dinner that feels fancy but is totally effortless.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This crockpot shepherd’s pie is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. With savory ground beef, a medley of veggies, and a creamy cauliflower mash on top, it’s a comforting, all-in-one dinner that couldn’t be easier. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a warm, homey meal that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup
When you’re craving a cozy, homemade soup but don’t want to babysit the stove, this slow cooker chicken zoodle soup is the answer. Packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a light, flavorful broth, it’s the perfect easy dinner. Just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest, no effort required.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup