Joy is found in life’s simplest pleasures, like lifting the lid of your steaming slow cooker and being greeted by a warm, savory meal that smells as incredible as it looks. This is especially true after a long, hectic day when all you want to do is slip off your shoes, cozy up, and dig into something delicious.

At King’s Hawaiian, we believe making meals should feel joyous — not exhausting or overwhelming — and slow cooking is one of the best ways to bring happiness back into the kitchen. After all, it’s a no-fuss solution that lets you toss your ingredients in, set it, and go about your day.

Are you ready to embrace this simple way of making meals the whole family will love? We’ve gathered our favorite easy slow cooker recipes for you to try. These slow cooker meals keep it simple, with everyday ingredients and easy steps — just toss it all in and let the magic happen!

1. Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan

Need a scrumptious stuffing recipe for your next family get-together? You'll love this rich and succulent version made with tart cranberries and nutty pecans. It also features earthy notes of fresh sage and the savory richness of Italian sausage, making it a fantastic pairing for homestyle favorites like roast turkey or grilled chicken breast.

2. Mini BBQ Chicken Sliders

Whether you need a sumptuous and snackable meal to eat while watching the game or a sure-to-impress potluck dish, few crockpot dinner recipes are more crowd-pleasing than our mini BBQ chicken sliders. Shredded chicken is slathered in a BBQ sauce and root beer (yes, the soda!) mixture, then placed on a pillow-soft bun and topped with creamy coleslaw. Lay them out, and they'll be gone before you know it!

3. Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Sliders

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food combo: succulent shredded pork piled high with creamy mac and cheese, all sandwiched between a soft, buttery bun. Every bite is rich and satisfying, making this sandwich a true delight. And the best part? The delicious pork practically cooks itself in your slow cooker, so you can enjoy a stress-free day while looking forward to this easy slow cooker meal!

4. Slow Cooked Pulled Pork With Garlic Aioli and Sriracha Mayo Slaw

If you thought slow cooker dinner recipes fell short in the flavor department, this pulled pork sandwich recipe will convince you otherwise. It features a zesty aioli that combines spicy sriracha, smooth mayo, and a splash of citrusy lemon juice, creating a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. And let’s not forget the tender, smoky pulled pork seasoned to perfection with cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Just wait until you take that first bite! It’s a taste sensation you won’t forget.

5. Pineapple Char Siu Pulled Pork Sliders

These Asian-inspired sandwiches are not just a meal — they’re an adventure of flavor! Tender pulled pork is infused with sweet pineapple juice, rich sesame oil, and savory soy sauce, all piled high on a soft, fluffy bun. We top ours with chopped red cabbage and green onions for added texture, but feel free to experiment! Either way, you’ll end up with a meal that keeps calling your name, tempting you to take just one more bite.

6. Hawaiian BBQ Pork Sliders

The best Hawaiian BBQ pork sliders bring all the sunny island vibes right to your plate, and ours is no exception. You get tender, slow-cooked pork soaked in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, with just a hint of pineapple for that tropical brightness. Oh, and don’t forget — it’s made with our signature spice rub, a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar, coriander, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and just a hint of cinnamon. It creates a caramelized bark on the pork that’s absolutely irresistible!

7. Smoked Bacon BBQ Sauce Slow Cooked Tri-Tip Sliders

Calling all beef lovers! If you’re looking for the best crockpot recipes to satisfy your cravings, you’ll absolutely fall for these little tri-tip sandwiches. They’re super simple to make — you just need 3-4 pounds of tri-tip and our tangy, sizzling smoked bacon BBQ sauce. From there, just grab two forks, pull that tender meat apart, drench it in sauce, and pile it onto a bun for a meal that’s no fuss and all flavor!

8. BBQ Brisket Sliders

Brisket’s the real MVP of the BBQ world. It’s big, it’s juicy, and when it pulls apart into those tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces, you know you’re in for a treat. We take it up a notch with our roasted coffee BBQ sauce, adding a rich, bold flavor to these sliders that’d make any grillmaster proud. They’re perfect for summer backyard cookouts or Friday night football gatherings. But let’s be real — who needs a special occasion to dive into some amazing BBQ?

9. Barbeque Meatball Sub

Meatballs are a must on those chilly nights when you want something cozy, filling, and downright delicious. We make ours from scratch with lean ground beef and a touch of onion soup mix for that deep, savory flavor. Then, they get a generous drizzle of our smoky bacon BBQ sauce, adding a charred richness that’s ridiculously yummy. And here’s the kicker — they cook low and slow all day, so you get juicy, fall-apart meatballs with zero effort!

10. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders

Need kid-friendly crockpot meals? Easy! Just whip up a batch of our messy, fun-to-eat, flavor-packed sloppy joes! Your little ones will have a blast getting their hands dirty while enjoying every bite. And parents? They'll appreciate the delicious seasoning blend of garlic, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and chili powder that makes these joes oh-so-satisfying. It's a win-win for any family dinner!

11. Crockpot Meatball Sliders With Peach Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Sometimes, you want a crockpot recipe that will wow your loved ones and leave everyone guessing about the secret ingredient. These sliders are just what you’re looking for! Crafted with a flavorful blend of ground turkey and pork, they’re generously seasoned with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. But the real magic happens when they get drenched in a sticky, spicy peach molasses sauce that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to steal the show at your next potluck with this one.

12. Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Get ready for a burst of flavor with these buffalo chicken sliders on our soft Hawaiian rolls! Each bite brings the zesty heat of hot sauce, the creamy goodness of melted cheese, and a hint of tangy ranch. Perfect for parties or just a fun, tasty meal, these sliders make lunchtime or dinnertime an occasion to look forward to. And, you guessed it, you can combine the ingredients in a slow cooker or bake them in the oven — the choice is yours. Also, we make ours with blue cheese crumbles but if that’s not your thing, you can always leave them out!

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Meals

Crockpot recipes make easy work of mealtime, and with a few tips, you can take your slow-cooking skills to the next level. From flavor-boosting tricks to timing, we’ve got you covered!

• Use a slow cooker liner: Inspired by all our slow cooker recipes but concerned about clean-up? Liners are a lifesaver. They’re placed inside your slow cooker before you add your ingredients, so you can simply remove them and have a squeaky-clean crockpot — no scrubbing required!

• Layer the ingredients: Place denser ingredients like root vegetables on the bottom to ensure they cook thoroughly, and quicker-cooking items like fresh herbs or finely chopped ingredients on top.

• Brown the meat beforehand: Even the best slow cooker recipes can turn out lackluster if you skip searing your meat. The caramelization helps lock in savory goodness, while the rich color makes your dish look and taste great.

• Cut vegetables evenly: You always want everything to cook at the same rate to avoid any raw surprises or mushy bites. Consistent dicing means your veggies will absorb flavors more evenly too, creating a balanced, delicious taste throughout. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference!

• Keep the lid closed until ready: It’s tempting to peek inside your crockpot to see how appetizing it looks, or to stir the ingredients, but it's better not to. Each time you remove the lid heat escapes which can throw off your cooking times. When in doubt, set it and forget it!

Thanks to crockpot recipes, easy meals are only a few simple steps away! And you don’t have to follow the recipe exactly either. Don’t be afraid to try new combos, tweak cook times, and monitor how your unique crockpot transforms ingredients. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.

The Best Slow Cooker Recipes Start With King’s Hawaiian

For us, food is so much more than just a product. It’s a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories. We’re dedicated to sharing wholesome products and simple, delicious recipes because we believe life’s best moments happen around the table. Here’s to making the most of your meals!