Slow cookers aren’t just about convenience. They’re magic when it comes to coaxing rich flavors out of simple ingredients. And if you’re looking to add a little extra fuel to your weeknight meals, these high-protein recipes have you covered. From cheesy Cowboy Casserole melt-in-your-mouth roast beef and even a vegetarian-friendly eggplant Parmesan, each dish is proof that protein-packed comfort food can be both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
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Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
Jason Donnelly / Food Stylist: Holly Dressman / Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
“My mom used to make cowboy casserole just like this, but with carrots and in the oven. I made this for my family and they loved it, and it was so easy to make in the slow cooker! Thank you for a wonderful recipe!” —Diana Moutsopoulos
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Peyton Beckwith
“My family really liked this recipe. It was so simple and easy but yet so tasty! I loved the chicken gravy flavor. My son loved it and wanted seconds which is amazing because he’s picky sometimes. I’m making this again and we will have it with some veggies and rice this time. Great easy dish!” —AquaBagel3250
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Tammy Lynn
“Delicious! I started with 2 frozen chicken breasts and then shredded them with a fork about halfway through. I added one can of Great Northern beans (drained) and two chopped carrots. Topped with shredded cheddar. Even the husband loves it.” —Jennifer Bizzaro Lumsden
Awesome Roast Beef
humblepieliving
“I have been making this recipe for years now and it is still my favorite roast recipe. I love the simplicity of the flavors. I don’t add anything to it either, I make it as is and my whole family gobbles it up.” —Mosey
Asian Style Country Ribs
fabeveryday
“This is a super slow cooker recipe for country ribs that is tasty, versatile, and EASY! Serve with sushi rice and your favorite stir-fry vegetables.” —Aliskill
Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas
“The slow cooker method really works great for a shredded chicken recipe and adds great flavor. Adding a side of homemade corn or mango salsa and it is brought up to another level. Very easy and delicious!” —Sara Moran
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
D B Mattoon
“This was the most delicious, easy, perfect recipe! I added a pinch of cayenne pepper so it would taste a little more tasty, served it on top of Rice-a-Roni low-sodium chicken rice. My husband and I loved it! I will definitely make it again!” —21luvsmusic83
Apple and Brown Sugar Corned Beef
Molly
“This recipe will be my go-to recipe for corned beef. Used it with small briskets…flat cut and point cut. Both were super delicious and tender. The cut that chunks vs the cut that slices seemed to be more flavorful. Added some celery pieces. Cooked 9 hours in my slow cooker, removed to platter, and covered in foil for 15 minutes before serving.” —kismit
Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham
“Perfect potato soup. So flavorful! I used the southern hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers. Also added polish kabalska cut up into soup.”—Cathy McGee
Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan
Allrecipes Magazine
“I made this exactly as called for… it turned out perfect and was delicious! My son added a sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan to his and he loved it. Served it with fresh artisan bread and cucumber dill salad. I may try skipping the frying next time (as other reviewers did) and see how much difference it makes.” —ClassyPear2963
Bean and Sausage Soup
“Excellent recipe. I did substitute canned beans, and omitted the carrot. My husband could not get enough of this soup. Lovely!” —jadine
Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast
“This is a really great recipe. Even my son, a super picky eater, loved it and asked me to make it again! It is also very easy! The only change I made was adding half chicken broth / half white wine. Really delicious and the house smelt so good!!!” —Alex Brown
Slow Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pot Roast
“The meat turns out soooo tender and flavorful! Adding this to my “company” recipes as well as just for my husband and I.” —NetworkingNancy
Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
“This was a hit for my hubby and picky teen. I used chicken thighs and chicken breast. The only deviation is I marinated the chicken the day before w/ Italian dressing. And i did not use the fresh parsley bc I didn’t have any. I was really surprised how good this tasted! It’s definitely added to our rotation.” —RosyClove2868
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
“This is my kind of recipe- super simple- not trying to be something other than a good home cooked meal! My husband loved it – I’m adding it to the rotation.” —TackyPrune8227
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
“I am a huge fan of crockpot meals. This was so fast to prep in the morning. The roast was so tender and enjoyed by everyone in the family. My only suggestion would be to ensure you get a boneless roast; it will make cutting / shredding much easier.” —Loran
Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops
Allrecipes / Christina Bailey
“Couldn’t find Canned French Onion soup so I defrosted 1 TRADER JOE’S French Onion Soup, made a Cup of Beef Better than Bouillon broth & added a quarter sliced onion. AROMA was amazing. Served w/ buttered noodles & a salad. Yum!!” —mighty aphrodite
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Ramona Cruz-Peters
