Our Favorite Game Day Slow-Cooker Recipes

8 Easy Game Day Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

Updated on September 29, 2022

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce — Photo: © Fredrika Stjärne

One of the best things about football season? The food. But you don't want to be stuck preparing it right before the game. Instead, make one of these amazingly hearty slow-cooker recipes that can all be thrown together ahead of time and kept warm until you're ready to eat. Choose from barbecue chicken, meatballs, pulled pork, and more.

01 of 08

Slow-Cooker Burnt Honey Barbecue Chicken

A quick sear in a cast-iron skillet awakens the flavors of the herbs and spices and gives this no-fuss chicken a nice crust. The real star here is the burnt honey barbecue sauce; added just before serving, it retains a distinct honey flavor that balances the tangy-sweet chicken perfectly.

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02 of 08

Slow-Cooker Asado de Puerco

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork and Tomatillo Stew — © Helene Dujardin

This roast pork and tomatillo stew from Mexico is tangy and lightly spicy. The comfort dish includes terrifically chewy hominy.

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03 of 08

Slow-Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These huge meatballs are equally delicious in a bowl, with spaghetti, or on a hoagie roll. The cooked meatballs can be refrigerated in the sauce for up to 2 days before serving.

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04 of 08

Seafood and Chicken Gumbo

Gumbo isn't a classic slow-cooker recipe, but chef Grant Achatz says it's a "no-brainer." His version is packed with spicy andouille sausage, okra, shrimp, and crab.

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05 of 08

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chef Jenn Louis cooks this smoky chicken in the oven, but it's also easy to make in a slow cooker. There are many versions of tinga — the smoky Mexican tomato sauce — and this one is especially easy, calling for only a few simple ingredients.

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06 of 08

Slow-Cooker Ropa Vieja

This Cuban stew, featuring shredded flank steak, tomatoes, and olives, can be made up to two days in advance for ultra-easy entertaining.

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07 of 08

Slow-Cooker Barbecued Pulled Pork

Serve this richly flavorful, saucy pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw, thinly sliced onion, and dill pickles.

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08 of 08

Slow-Cooker Glazed Pork Ribs with White Beans

After they've been slow-cooked, the ribs get glazed and do a quick stint in the broiler for extra flavor and texture. Serve the finished stew in deep bowls over buttery noodles.

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