When it comes to easy, hands-off cooking, the slow cooker is a powerhouse, especially for beef dishes. These recipes bring bold flavor and tender results without standing over the stove. From classics like pot roast and beef stew to Mexican-inspired favorites and cozy casseroles, this list has something for every craving and schedule.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Three glazed meatballs with toothpicks are served on a white plate with a colorful design.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These saucy meatballs simmer all day in a tangy barbecue glaze. They’re great for gatherings or as a hearty dinner over rice or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Slow cooker fajitas

Wrap with steak fajitas, avocados and lime in it and limes and more ingredients around the wrap.
Slow cooker fajitas. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Strips of beef, onions, and peppers cook low and slow with spices until everything is juicy and flavorful. Just pile it into tortillas and serve.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker fajitas

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pot roast leans on bold seasonings and vinegary tang for its signature flavor. The meat comes out rich and juicy with a hint of spice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A person holds a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff garnished with parsley.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef simmers in a creamy mushroom sauce and is finished with sour cream for a silky texture. Spoon it over egg noodles for a rich, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew in a white pot served with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and broth cook into a thick, hearty stew. It’s warm, filling, and ideal for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Ground beef and pasta cook in a tomato-based sauce until tender, then are finished with a layer of melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feeds a family with ease.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

Mexican casserole with ground beef and cheese.
Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Layers of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas cook together into a cheesy, scoopable dish. It’s full of spice and easy to dish out straight from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Three beef tacos topped with chopped onions and cilantro served on a white plate with lime halves on the side.
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This spiced beef pulls apart easily and works great in tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls. It’s versatile and full of bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Slow cooker beef and broccoli

White bowl with beef and broccoli and rice with someone holding chopsticks over it.
Slow cooker beef and broccoli. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Tender slices of beef soak in a savory sauce with broccoli added near the end for a takeout-style favorite that’s made at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker beef and broccoli

Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Classic Yankee pot roast cooked slowly with vegetables.
Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This version of pot roast uses a classic New England mix of beef, carrots, and potatoes. The long simmer delivers fork-tender meat and a rich broth.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast

Slow Cooker German Goulash

Traditional German goulash made in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker German Goulash. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Chunks of beef are slow-cooked with paprika, onions, and rich broth for a dish that’s both savory and comforting. Serve it over noodles or potatoes for a satisfying finish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Goulash

Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Shredded beef garnished with lime slices and cilantro, served on a dark blue plate. Radishes are visible in the background on a wooden surface.
Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

This simple beef dish focuses on spices and slow-cooked flavor without the carbs. It’s perfect for bowls, lettuce wraps, or low-key meals.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A spiced beef chili with hints of cinnamon and cocoa, this dish is served over spaghetti and topped with cheese. A regional favorite done the easy way.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

A bowl of rice with meat and peppers in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slices of beef cook with bell peppers and a savory sauce for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This beef is slow-cooked with smoky chiles, garlic, and spices until it’s fall-apart tender. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Salisbury Steak In The Slow Cooker (Gluten Free)

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them.
Salisbury Steak In The Slow Cooker (Gluten Free). Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Beef patties simmer in a rich onion gravy until tender and flavorful. It’s classic comfort food made even easier with slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak In The Slow Cooker (Gluten Free)

Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables

Slow-cooked sirloin tip roast with a variety of vegetables.
Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sirloin tip roast cooks with carrots and potatoes in a simple broth until everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender. A no-fuss, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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