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!
Alabama: Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
Alaska: Overnight Vegetable & Egg Breakfast
My overnight eggs and veggies make a hearty breakfast for those who have to rush out the door. I use sliced potatoes, but frozen potatoes work, too. —Kimberly Clark-Thiry, Anchor Point, Alaska
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
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
California: Korean Pulled Pork Tacos
I created this surprising pulled pork recipe to 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
Colorado: Slow Cooker Barbacoa
My husband adores this beef roast 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
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
Delaware: Italian-Style Turkey with Polenta
This recipe is very easy to prepare, and is made even easier when it simmers in a slow cooker. The turkey comes out tender and the veggies add a mix of color and heartiness.—Gilda Lester, Milsboro, Delaware
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
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
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
Idaho: Curried Ham & Split Pea Soup
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
Illinois: Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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
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
Iowa: Italian Cabbage Soup
After doing yard work 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 crusty bread. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
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 swap in 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
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
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
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
Maryland: Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Dump everything in a slow cooker and watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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
Michigan: Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we’re missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They’re so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Minnesota: Zesty Italian Beef Sandwiches
It’s so easy to build a zesty sandwich when you pile on the shredded beef, pickles and smoked provolone. Can’t find smoked provolone? I use regular, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Mississippi: Lora’s Red Beans & Rice
My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies that simmer all day, it’s tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi
Missouri: Low & Slow Pork Verde
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
Montana: Ham & Swiss Chicken Roll-Ups
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
Nebraska: BBQ Country-Style Ribs
Quick to prep for the slow cooker, this dish goes great with a salad and fresh side. My family practically cheers whenever I make this! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska
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
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
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
New Mexico: Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce
I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe, where so many of my customers asked for it. I adapted the recipe for my slow cooker at home, where it’s quite popular, too. —Robert Cox, Las Cruces, New Mexico
New York: Turkey Taco Macaroni
This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York
North Carolina: Slow Cooker Mac ‘n’ Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
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 cook them with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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. You can use turkey meat instead of beef or add bell peppers or jalapenos for a little kick. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
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
Oregon: Farm-Style BBQ Ribs
Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe like this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and friends. When I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker, it got even better. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, Oregon
Pennsylvania: Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which has a rich heritage of German culture and dishes that include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. The “mmm’s” start with the first whiff as the door opens after school or work. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
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
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
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
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
Texas: Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup
My family loves this stew, and I’m happy to make it since it’s so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Utah: Flavorful Pot Roast
On hectic days, this pot roast is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a delicious sauce for a fall-apart roast. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
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
Virginia: Chicken, Smashed Potatoes & Gravy
On chilly days, I crave this yummy chicken, potatoes and gravy. Share it with the family, or take it to potlucks and watch it disappear. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Washington: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
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
Wisconsin: Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
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
The post The Best Slow Cooker Recipes from Every State appeared first on Taste of Home.
Sue Stetzel