18 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

This tangy and sweet cranberry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey, and the slow cooker makes it a breeze to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Cooking method:

1. Rinse and sort the cranberries, discarding any that are soft or spoiled.
2. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, transfer it to a serving dish and let it cool before serving.

Slow Cooker Stuffing

Traditional stuffing gets a hassle-free upgrade in this slow cooker recipe, allowing you to enjoy rich flavors without taking up oven space.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups cubed bread (preferably stale)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place the cubed bread, onion, and celery in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and toss to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Enjoy creamy, buttery mashed potatoes without the hassle of boiling water by letting the slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place the diced potatoes and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker, then stir in milk, sour cream, and butter.
4. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This classic side dish is simplified with a slow cooker, delivering tender green beans swimming in a rich, creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup French-fried onions
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well, then cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
3. Before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of French-fried onions and top with the remaining onions.
4. Allow the onions to crisp by leaving the lid off for the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Save your oven for other dishes by cooking a tender, juicy turkey breast in your slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-pound) turkey breast, bone-in
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Pat the turkey breast dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the turkey breast in the slow cooker and pour melted butter over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

A sweet and savory holiday favorite, this casserole is topped with a crunchy pecan topping for added texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cooking method:

1. Place the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker and sprinkle with brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until tender.
4. Uncover and sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Carrots

These vibrant carrots, infused with garlic and herbs, make for a simple yet flavorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby carrots
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place the baby carrots in the slow cooker.
2. Drizzle melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning over the carrots.
3. Stir until the carrots are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Cornbread

Prepare this moist, delicious cornbread with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until moistened.
4. Pour batter into a greased slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Slow Cooker Gravy

Elevate your holiday meal with a rich, flavorful gravy made effortlessly in the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey drippings or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
2. Slowly add the turkey drippings or chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie

This slow cooker pumpkin pie is rich, creamy, and perfect for those who want to simplify their dessert game.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked pie crust, fitted to the slow cooker size

Cooking method:

1. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the pie is set.
5. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving.