23 Best Italian Slow Cooker Recipes

Love coming home to a meal that’s already ready? That’s the magic of a Crockpot! Toss all your ingredients in, set it, and forget about it. These Italian-inspired slow cooker recipes are a perfect example.

Just flip the switch, and let the Crockpot work its magic while you’re busy with other things.

1.Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe

Looking for a lighter take on the classic sloppy Joe? This turkey version hits the spot. Ground turkey (and chicken) is a winner–it’s lean, flavorful, and super versatile.

Plus, when you mix it with bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, rosemary, and fresh cracked pepper, the flavors blend so nicely you’ll hardly even notice the meat.

It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

2.Italian Spaghetti Squash

If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash yet, you’re missing out! It’s not only a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta but also packed with flavor. When it’s cooked, the flesh shreds just like pulled pork, creating a texture that’s surprisingly similar to thin noodles.

This recipe roasts the squash in the oven with plenty of butter and garlic, turning it into a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

3.Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana

This dish brings back memories of a delicious meal at Olive Garden, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Packed with hearty potatoes and flavorful sausage, it’s a satisfying choice for any time of day.

The sausage adds a rich, meaty taste that regular ground meat just can’t match. One tip to keep in mind: take the cream out of the fridge before you start cooking and let it sit at room temperature.

This little trick ensures the cream stays smooth and doesn’t curdle when you add it to the pot. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final texture.

This recipe is all about cozy, comforting flavors that are sure to become a favorite.

4.Simple Crock Pot Italian Beef Stew

Now that the warm weather has fizzled out, it’s officially time to cozy up with hearty soups and stews. And what’s more comforting than a rich, indulgent beef stew? Red wine adds depth, flavor, and a nice dark hue, but no need to grab a bottle if you’re not a wine fan.

A high-quality beef broth will do the trick just fine. Perfect for a chilly evening, this beef stew is the ultimate comfort food.

5.Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Your slow cooker is about to become your new best friend for crafting the perfect sauce. There’s nothing like letting it simmer for a couple of hours–slow cooking is where the magic happens, allowing all those flavors to come together beautifully.

Plus, it’s a total game-changer for keeping your kitchen mess-free. No more standing over the stove or worrying about those pesky red splatters on your backsplash.

Just let the slow cooker do its thing while you relax. Rich, deep flavors and a stress-free cooking experience? Yes, please!

6.Lazy Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole

Let’s face it, eggplant parm can sometimes be a letdown. When the eggplant is overcooked, it turns mushy, and the whole dish just feels soggy. But this version is a game-changer.

By adding thick, hearty portabello mushrooms to the mix, every bite gets a meaty texture that’s often missing in traditional recipes. It’s a simple tweak that makes all the difference, ensuring your eggplant parm stays flavorful and satisfying.

7.Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Puttanesca

This dish is a flavor powerhouse, loaded with tomatoes, garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, and a kick of red pepper flakes. It’s bold and tangy, with a salty edge that’s balanced by a touch of sugar and a generous grind of cracked pepper.

The anchovies melt seamlessly into the sauce, adding depth without being overwhelming. Just a heads-up: you won’t need to add extra salt thanks to the anchovies!

8.Slow Cooker Lasagna

Tired of oven-baked lasagna that’s burnt on the edges and still cold in the middle? Slow cookers are here to save the day with their even heat distribution, ensuring everything cooks perfectly.

Plus, you can skip the hassle of boiling noodles–just use no-boil lasagna noodles. They go in raw and a bit crunchy, so break them up to fit those corners.

Let the slow cooker do its magic and enjoy a perfectly cooked, stress-free meal!

9.Crockpot Italian Zucchini Casserole

Pasta is all about possibilities. One of the best parts? It’s super easy to customize. You can toss in all sorts of veggies and even swap meat for a vegan alternative without changing the recipe one bit.

For a plant-based twist, try using ground “beef” tofu. And if you’re keeping things low-carb, cauliflower rice makes a great substitute for white rice.

When it comes to the zucchini, you’ve got options too. Chop it up small, and it’ll melt into the sauce for a creamy texture. Or keep it in bigger chunks for a nice crunch.

Either way, it’s delicious!

10.Easy Crockpot Lasagna Ravioli

Think outside the pasta box and give those three-cheese ravioli a new starring role! Instead of traditional lasagna sheets, layer these cheesy ravioli straight from the freezer–no thawing or pre-cooking needed.

It’s a genius hack that combines pasta and cheese in one go, making your slow cooker prep a breeze. Talk about a game-changer for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal!

11.Minestrone Soup

Is there anything better than a hearty soup simmering in your Crockpot all day? Just toss all your ingredients into the pot with some broth, and let the Crockpot do the work.

When you come back, you’ll be greeted by a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Minestrone stands out with its tiny pasta bites, creamy white beans, and a medley of fresh herbs that add so much flavor.

It’s the perfect way to cozy up with a delicious, comforting meal.

12.Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini

Pasta is a go-to for a reason–it’s budget-friendly, a breeze to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser. But if you’re looking to level up your comfort food game, give three-cheese tortellini a try for your next pasta night.

And here’s a tip: opt for spinach and cheese tortellini if you want to sneak in some extra nutrients without losing that rich, cheesy flavor. It’s the ultimate way to make dinner a little more comforting and a whole lot tastier!

13.Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

Introducing the Pizza Pasta Bake, a fun twist on two of your favorite dishes. Imagine a hearty mix of pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, all loaded with pepperoni for that pizza vibe.

You can keep it simple with just pepperoni or add some ground meat and sausage for a meat-lovers version. Perfect for anyone, whether you prefer it without meat or loaded with extras.

This crowd-pleasing dish is ready to become your new go-to!

14.Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

Let’s talk about tomato soup – it’s one of those dishes that can be a total hit or miss. After years of sipping on versions that were way too tangy or overly acidic, I’ve become a bit of a tomato soup snob.

But here’s the thing: when you nail it, it’s a game-changer. The problem is, it’s easy to get it wrong and end up with something that tastes more like ketchup than a rich, satisfying soup.

If you want to elevate your tomato soup, here’s a pro tip: roast fresh tomatoes with some onion and garlic first. It adds so much depth to the flavor and makes all the difference in creating a soup that’s truly special.

15.Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash

This slow cooker risotto is a game-changer for anyone who loves convenience without sacrificing flavor. While it might not be as creamy as the traditional stovetop version, it’s incredibly easy to make.

The secret to getting it just right? Start by toasting the rice on the stove–it’s a quick step that makes all the difference. Worried about it being less creamy? Don’t be!

The goat cheese comes to the rescue, adding just the right amount of richness to this comforting dish.

16.Slow Cooker Meatballs (Italian Style)

Meatballs are a big hit in my house, no matter the style. While I love them smothered in BBQ glaze or sweet chili sauce, these ones are extra versatile.

Toss them with pasta, stuff them into a sub for lunch, or even chop them up and sprinkle on pizza. Plus, you can easily swap beef or pork for lean turkey–since they’re going to soak up all that delicious sauce anyway!

17.Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Hunter’s Stew, or cacciatore, is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with homey goodness. This Italian classic, meaning ‘hunter’ in Italian, was originally made with rabbit but is now most commonly enjoyed with slow-cooked chicken.

Onions and bell peppers are staples, while mushrooms add a nice earthy touch. Feel free to make this stew your own by adding your favorite ingredients for a personalized twist.

18.Slow Cooker Farro with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Farro might look like thick grains of rice, but trust us, it’s way more exciting. With a texture that’s somewhere between pasta and rice, farro offers a satisfying chew and a nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.

Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a whole-grain powerhouse that outshines rice, pasta, and even quinoa. While it’s not gluten-free, it makes up for it with its hearty goodness.

This recipe is a breeze–just toss farro, onion, tomatoes, and water into your slow cooker and let it do the work. When it’s done, stir in some Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a side dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

19.Crockpot Stuffed Shells

Stuffed pasta shells used to be a hassle–trying to squeeze that spoon inside was no fun! Then, the piping bag came to the rescue. Talk about a game-changer!

One of the best parts? You can easily prep this dish ahead of time. Stuff the shells, pop them in the fridge, and let the slow cooker do the rest. No worries about uneven heating–everything will come out perfectly warm and delicious.

20.Soft And Creamy Slow Cooker Polenta

Confession: I have a serious weakness for polenta. When it’s loaded with cream and cheese, I’m absolutely hooked. Here’s how I make it: first, cook the polenta in stock to give it that extra depth of flavor, then finish it off with a splash of cream for creaminess.

I go all in on freshly grated Parmesan (and I mean a lot of it!), but you can mix it up with other cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or even spicy Monterey Jack if you’re feeling adventurous.

This creamy, cheesy polenta is the ultimate comfort dish, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

21.Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Ragu is like bolognese sauce, but kicked up a notch! It’s thicker, richer, and made with red wine for an extra-decadent touch. This recipe is all about the meat, and instead of ground beef, we’re using beef brisket or round roast for a hearty twist.

After a few hours of slow cooking, the meat becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s worth the wait!

22.Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Who doesn’t love a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender roasted chicken? It’s about as close to perfection as you can get!

And the best part? This Crockpot chicken breast recipe makes it all happen with minimal effort. First, you’ll sear the chicken to lock in that golden-brown flavor–trust us, it’s worth the extra step.

Then, let the Crockpot do its magic with heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, and garlic until the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Finally, add your pasta right at the end to keep it from overcooking.

The result? A creamy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

23.Slow Cooker Italian Mushrooms

These mushrooms are a delightful surprise! With just three ingredients, including Italian dressing mix, I was a bit doubtful at first. I worried the Italian dressing might make them too tangy, but it turns out it adds a wonderful blend of herbs and spices.

The result? Mushrooms that are absolutely irresistible. Give them a try and see how something so simple can be so flavorful!

23 Best Italian Slow Cooker Recipes

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DinnersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Love coming home to a meal that’s already ready? That’s the magic of a Crockpot! Toss all your ingredients in, set it, and forget about it. These Italian-inspired slow cooker recipes are a perfect example.

Ingredients

  • Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe

  • Italian Spaghetti Squash

  • Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana

  • Simple Crock Pot Italian Beef Stew

  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

  • Lazy Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole

  • Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Puttanesca

  • Slow Cooker Lasagna

  • Crockpot Italian Zucchini Casserole

  • Easy Crockpot Lasagna Ravioli

  • Minestrone Soup

  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini

  • Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

  • Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

  • Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash

  • Slow Cooker Meatballs (Italian Style)

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

  • Slow Cooker Farro with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

  • Crockpot Stuffed Shells

  • Soft And Creamy Slow Cooker Polenta

  • Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

  • Slow Cooker Italian Mushrooms

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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