Home Gear Appliances Slow Cooker
Sue StetzelUpdated: Jan. 31, 2022
From sea to shining sea; these are the best slow cooker recipes submitted to us by Taste of Home fans in every state.
1/51
Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock
From New York to California, Alaska to Florida—these recipes have been rated best-of-the-best. What’s more, each saucy, slow-cooked bite has been submitted by a real home cook like you. Here are the very best slow cooker recipes from around the country!
Psst… Find out which sandwich your state loves best.
2/51
Alabama: Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry Compote
We love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Go to Recipe
3/51
Alaska: Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Go to Recipe
4/51
Arizona: Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce
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
Go to Recipe
5/51
Arkansas: Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches
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
Go to Recipe
6/51
California: Korean Pulled Pork Tacos
I created this unique pulled pork recipe so we could 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
Go to Recipe
7/51
Colorado: Slow Cooker Barbacoa
My husband adores this slow-cooker barbacoa simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one 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
Go to Recipe
8/51
Connecticut: Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Salt-Skin Potatoes
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
Go to Recipe
9/51
Delaware: Italian-Style Turkey with Polenta
10/51
Florida: Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
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
Go to Recipe
11/51
Georgia: Peachy Baby Back Ribs
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
Go to Recipe
12/51
Hawaii: Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork
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
Go to Recipe
13/51
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
Go to Recipe
14/51
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
Go to Recipe
15/51
Indiana: Slow Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna
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
Go to Recipe
16/51
Iowa: Italian Cabbage Soup
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
Go to Recipe
17/51
Kansas: Broccoli-Cauliflower Chicken Casserole
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 substitute 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
Go to Recipe
18/51
Kentucky: Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
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
Go to Recipe
19/51
Louisiana: Shrimp Chowder
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
Go to Recipe
20/51
Maine: Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta
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
Go to Recipe
21/51
Maryland: Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Dump everything in a slow cooker and then watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party-time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Go to Recipe
22/51
Massachusetts: Fiesta-Twisted Brunswick Stew
Traditionally made with game meat, this updated Brunswick stew, using spicy sausage, is a modern mom’s best friend. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
23/51
Michigan: Spiced Apple Oatmeal
These easy apple-y oats let your family have a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Go to Recipe
24/51
Minnesota: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
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
Go to Recipe
25/51
Mississippi: Lora's Red Beans & Rice
26/51
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
Go to Recipe
27/51
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
Go to Recipe
28/51
Nebraska: BBQ Country-Style Ribs
Quick to prep for the slow cooker, this dinner is terrific with a salad and a fresh side. My family practically cheers whenever I make it! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska
Go to Recipe
29/51
Nevada: Chicken Fajita Chowder
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
Go to Recipe
30/51
New Hampshire: Meatballs in Honey Buffalo Sauce
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
Go to Recipe
31/51
New Jersey: Mediterranean Pot Roast Dinner
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
Go to Recipe
32/51
New Mexico: White Bean Chicken Chili
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
Go to Recipe
33/51
New York: Za'atar Chicken
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
Go to Recipe
34/51
North Carolina: Slow Cooker Mac 'n' Cheese
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Go to Recipe
35/51
North Dakota: Slow Cooker Beef Tips
As a busy mom, I love my slow-cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I make this slow-cooker beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Go to Recipe
36/51
Ohio: Big Batch Cheeseburger Soup
When my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for cheeseburger soup, I changed it a little to make it my own. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a cold winter evening. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Go to Recipe
37/51
Oklahoma: Spice-Braised Pot Roast
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
Go to Recipe
38/51
Oregon: Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Go to Recipe
39/51
Pennsylvania: Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
40/51
Rhode Island: Cuban-Style Pork Sandwiches
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
Go to Recipe
41/51
South Carolina: Crazy Delicious Baby Back Ribs
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
Go to Recipe
42/51
South Dakota: Navy Bean Vegetable Soup
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
Go to Recipe
43/51
Tennessee: Slow Cooker Pork Chops
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
Go to Recipe
44/51
Texas: Pulled Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
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
Go to Recipe
45/51
Utah: Flavorful Pot Roast
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
Go to Recipe
46/51
Vermont: Slow Cooked BBQ Pork Ribs
Check your pantry; you probably have everything needed to turn these ribs into a sweet, tangy, fork-tender treat. —Annette Thompson, Woodbury, Vermont
Go to Recipe
47/51
Virginia: Slow Cooker Peach Crumble
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
Go to Recipe
48/51
Washington: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Go to Recipe
49/51
West Virginia: Smothered Round Steak
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
Go to Recipe
50/51
Wisconsin: Dilly Beef Sandwiches
My younger sister shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich and is a proven crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
51/51
Wyoming: Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
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
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: March 18, 2019
Sue Stetzel
Sue has been working with Taste of Home since 2011. When she isn’t writing, she’s answering your burning cooking questions and working with our team of Community Cooks. She spends her free time cooking, crafting, and volunteering for various organizations in her home town.