This post may include affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here. Thanks for the support!
Take the hassle out of holiday cooking with these Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that are perfect for keeping things manageable and simple without sacrificing the flavor. From hearty dinners to snack-worthy appetizers, there is nothing that the trusty slow cooker cannot achieve.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, gratitude, and of course delicious food.
But it can be time-consuming and exhausting while preparing a feast for your loved ones when you’ve got your hands full with various dishes that need to be cooked and served at the right time.
To help you avoid getting overwhelmed, I’ve gathered these Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that can help you make that auspicious day memorable and share more time with the people you cherish the most.
The slow cooker is a total game-changer allowing you to slow-cook your way to stress-free holidays.
So bring out that marvelous kitchen appliance that gives a modern twist to the classic dishes saving you a ton of time and effort.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook crockpot Thanksgiving recipes?
That depends on the dish and the recipe. Most crockpot recipes take between 4-8 hours, depending on the ingredients and portion size. Side dishes like mashed potatoes may take around 3-4 hours, while a turkey breast may take 6-8 hours.
Can I prepare crockpot dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Many crockpot recipes can be prepped the night before. You can assemble ingredients in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and simply start cooking in the morning.
How do I prevent my crockpot recipes from becoming too watery?
Since the crockpot retains moisture, dishes may become more watery than expected. To avoid that use less water, or open up the lid of the cooker at regular intervals to evaporate the moisture.
How do I choose the perfect crockpot?
There are many factors to consider before buying a crockpot. You want to go for a slow cooker that is versatile, budget-friendly, and has enough capacity that fit your cooking style.
Personally, I use this crockpot for most of my cooking, which is perfect for serving large families like mine.
25 Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes
This repertoire of slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes covers everything from indulgent desserts and flavorful sides to wholesome mains and must-have turkey dishes, that are sure to become your family favorites!
Let’s dive in.
1. Beef Stew
Ready in: 2 hrs 40 mins
I’d like to start this archive of Thanksgiving crockpot meals with a banger.
And there’s nothing more suitable than this beef stew which gets me salivating just at the thought of it.
All you have to do is fill the pot with juicy beef and your favorite veggies and let them simmer in a red wine sauce to have a warm and wholesome dinner.
Recipe: saltandlavendar.com
2. Crockpot Pork Loin With Honey Garlic Sauce
Ready in: 8 hrs 5 mins
This pork loin recipe brings the magic of a slow cooker to the forefront as it requires only 5 minutes of preparation.
In order to make it, you just have to place the pork in the pot, pour the honey garlic sauce over it, cover the lid, and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting without any constant supervision from your side.
Pour an extra layer of cooked honey garlic sauce over the sliced pork for a rich and flavorful meal.
Recipe: thesuburbansoapbox.com
3. Perfect Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Ready in: 8 hrs 25 mins
If you are looking to make a dish that requires basic and pantry-friendly ingredients, then this pot roast is just perfect!
The chuck roast is the star of the dish here, while the garlic and onions bring freshness, and beef broth and Worchshire sauce introduce some complexity to the mix.
And don’t leave potatoes and carrots behind as they balance out the flavors, and give an amazing mouthfeel.
Recipe: cookingclassy.com
4. Italian Wedding Soup
Ready in: 1 hr 30 mins
High in protein? Check. Full of healthy greens? Check. Rich in nutrients? Double check!
I’m not gonna sugarcoat things. This meal is a labor of love and includes a lot of steps, but rest assured, you’ll have a decadent dinner that you won’t be able to stay away from long enough.
It is one of the crockpot ideas for Thanksgiving that you have to make it once and enjoy it for the rest of the week.
Recipe: thefoodcharlatan.com
5. Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Crisp
Ready in: 2 hrs 45 mins
Oh boy, do I love this slow cooker cranberry apple crisp with its sweet flavor profile and crunchy texture?
It is an ideal dessert to make at your Thanksgiving party as it requires few ingredients and comes together in an effortless way.
Say bye-bye to those pesky sweet cravings when you have this delicacy in your arsenal.
Recipe: ihearteating.com
6. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Ready in: 4 hrs 10 mins
These mashed potatoes are so easy to make and a must-have in every Thanksgiving feast!
Not only it is great for busy holidays, but also an excellent grub to indulge in during the football game.
Crockpot Thanksgiving recipes like this one give you a completely hands-off experience, are super creamy, and are exceptional for meal prep mania.
Recipe: amindfullmom.com
7. Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh
Ready in: 8 hrs 10 mins
Sprinkling a bit of Indian touch in these slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes brings you this lamb rogan josh which involves a lengthy list of ingredients and some patience.
It stands tall among some of the heavy Indian hitters like butter chicken, and paneer butter masala.
Submerge the tender lamb in glorious Indian spices and vegetable stock, cook it in the pot, and pair it with rice and naan bread to tantalize your taste buds in the best way possible.
Recipe: hungryhealthyhappy.com
8. Slow Cooker Poached Pears
Ready in: 3 hrs 15 mins
Doesn’t these poached pears look absolutely impeccable?
The slow cooker intensifies the pear’s flavors tenfold and makes them irresistibly juicy!
Plate them up with a nice big scoop of vanilla ice cream, some dry fruits for crunch, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an insane hit of sweet goodness.
Recipe: insimoneskitchen.com
9. Crockpot Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Ready in: 3 hrs 10 mins
This turkey wild rice soup is a wonderful way to breathe new life into leftover turkey.
A creamy appetizer to treat your guests in your Thanksgiving and fall gatherings.
Now that’s what I call it one of those Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that delivers on all fronts!
Recipe: fitslowcookerqueen.com
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
Ready in: 4 hrs 15 mins
I always whip up this dish during the fall nights when I’m craving something savory, spicy, and substantial.
The blend of colorful and aromatic Indian spices with rich coconut milk and protein-packed chicken is what keeps the takeout food at bay for me.
And the best part is that they are keto-friendly and can be made-ahead for busy weeknights.
Recipe: wholesomelicious.com
11. Crockpot Stuffing
Ready in: 3 hrs 35 mins
With just a few ingredients like bread, apples, cranberries, and pecans, you can have this moist and delicious stuffing.
Thanks to crockpot, this side dish can be made with minimal effort!
You don’t wanna miss out on this one.
Recipe: wellplated.com
12. Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
Ready in: 5 hrs 10 mins
Who doesn’t love roasted chicken?
And this slow-cooked version lends additional juiciness to the chicken, which is even heightened with the incorporation of lemon sauce.
If you’re running out of time, rather than making it the traditional way of Thanksgiving crockpot meals, you can use a pressure cooker- it comes out the same!
Recipe: recipetineats.com
13. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Ready in: 2 hrs 25 mins
Slow cooker green bean casserole is a convenient twist on the classic dish.
The crockpot ensures that the beans are cooked perfectly without becoming mushy, and the flavors of cream of mushroom beautifully meld together over time.
Stir in the fried onions for the iconic crunch.
Recipe: culinaryhill.com
14. Crockpot Mac And Cheese
Ready in: 3 hrs 30 mins
This might become one of my go-to crockpot Thanksgiving recipes as it is so straightforward to whip up.
The combination of pasta and cheese makes it so filling and the ultimate comfort food.
What a total crowd-pleaser, I tell ya!
Recipe: browneyedbaker.com
15. Crockpot Apple Caramel Dump Cake
Ready in: 2 hrs 4o mins
This apple dump cake satisfies your sweet tooth with apple pie filling, caramel squares, butter, cinnamon, and cake mix.
Simply ‘dump’ the ingredients in the crockpot and let it form itself into a warm, gooey, and fluffy cake.
One of the crockpot ideas for Thanksgiving you should definitely give it a go!
Recipe: thedeliciousspoon.com
16. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Ready in: 2 hrs 5 mins
This creamed corn is the epitome of a brilliant meal that is such a breeze to make.
All you need are 5 elements to bring this dish to fruition- corn, cream cheese, butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle a hint of honey to infuse some underlying taste of natural sweetness.
Recipe: gimmesomeoven.com
17. Crockpot Cornbread Dressing
Ready in: 2 hrs 5 mins
If you’re on the hunt for no-brainer Thanksgiving crockpot recipes, this cornbread dressing has your back!
To make this dressing, mix the dry ingredients together with wet ingredients, and settle them in the crockpot.
The cherry on the top is butter which lends richness and a delicacy to this treat.
Recipe: soulfullymade.com
18. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ready in: 3 hrs 50 mins
Jazz up your holiday dinner table with pumpkin cheesecake full of warm and comforting flavors.
You are gonna need a loaf pan to settle the batter in, and then place it in the crockpot for the entire cooking process.
The result is a creamy, smooth, and nutty dessert that will turn the heads of every single one of your guests.
Recipe: inquiringchef.com
19. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ready in: 2 hrs 10 mins
This spread is always a hit in my books!
Whether served with chips, bread, or veggies, spinach artichoke dip is perfect for any gathering.
The slow cooker gives a velvety texture to the dip, and it will make any appetizer finger-lickin’ good!
Recipe: lovefromtheoven.com
20. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Ready in: 4 hrs 30 mins
Chocolate lave cake is one of the Thanksgiving crockpot meals that I can eat any time of the day.
The cocoa powder is responsible for the insane chocolatey goodness, simultaneously, milk and butter seep in so much opulence.
Serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cherries for an out-of-the-world fusion.
Recipe: culinaryhill.com
21. Pumpkin Pudding
Ready in: 4 hrs
I’d be the first one to admit: I don’t like pumpkin but this sweet dish managed to change my mind.
And nothing screams like fall as pumpkin does!
The attractive thing is it can be served both cold and warm depending on your mood.
Recipe: mostlyhomemademom.com
22. Crockpot Cheese Dip
Ready in: 2 hrs 5 mins
This dip comprises cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and bacon to make a scrummy sauce for random snack attacks.
It is bursting with vibrant colors, and the impressive protein content takes things to new heights!
As part of your crockpot Thanksgiving recipes, this dip immaculately saves you time and space in the kitchen.
Recipe: amandascooking.com
23. Crockpot Maple Glazed Ham
Ready in: 4 hrs 5 mins
If you are choosing to make sweet and savory slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes, this ham recipe needs to be on your radar.
The glaze caramelizes the natural savoriness of the ham, complementing its flavor and creating a glossy coating over it.
Terrific!
Recipe: keepingitrelle.com
24. Crockpot Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
Ready in: 4 hrs 10 mins
Sweet potatoes and marshmallows are a match made in heaven!
I’m a big fan of fall spices, and this recipe makes excellent use of them.
An all-time favorite of mine.
Recipe: thenovicechefblog.com
25. Crockpot Turkey Breast
Ready in: 5 hrs 10 mins
Saving one of the best crockpot ideas for Thanksgiving for the last.
As no Thanksgiving dinner party is complete without turkey breasts, they bring the necessary festive look to the celebration.
Plus, they tend to be highly versatile and can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Recipe: thereciperebel.com
What Do You Think?
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the most precious things and people in your life, and I hope these Thanksgiving crockpot recipes helped you spend quality time with those people.
I’ve listed down some of the slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes that I love the most and they are regular in my fall menu.
How many of these Thanksgiving crockpot meals have you tried? What will you make on the special day? And if I missed any of your favorite crockpot Thanksgiving recipes, let me know in the comments section below!
Get your ideal slow cooker and get to cooking!
