18 Hands-Off Slow Cooker Recipes For the Big Game
Score big with wings, chili, dips, and more.
Photo by Ty Mecham
Even if you don’t know a first-down from a fumble, you can still enjoy Super Bowl Sunday for what we think is its best part of the day: the food. And what’s better than a lineup of slow-cooker recipes that practically cook themselves while you stay glued to the screen—whether for the game, the commercials, or a Taylor Swift cameo? We’ve rounded up our best slow-cooker recipes for a crowd, from fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoky pulled pork to queso, chili, and even a deep dish chocolate chip cookie. These hands-off game-day appetizers and snacks make hosting and potluck appearances a breeze. Simply set, forget, and serve. With these 18 recipes, even if your team doesn’t win, your spread will.
Sticky, sweet, and fall-off-the-bone tender, these ribs do all the work while you kick back.
These wings are all about deep, smoky sweetness, thanks to a bourbon-spiked BBQ sauce that gets even better as it simmers.
The retro party classic that never misses (don’t knock it till you try it) —these meatballs are tangy, sweet, and so easy that you might start making them year-round.
Low and slow is the secret to this ultra-tender pork, packed with vinegar-based Carolina BBQ tang in every bite. Add it to sandwiches, bowls, soups, or basically any dish at the party.
Because dessert should be just as effortless, this giant cookie stays soft in the center and crispy at the edges, with pockets of gooey chocolate throughout. We wouldn’t say no to a scoop of ice cream either while we wait for it to cool down.
Savory, sweet, and deeply caramelized, this pork shoulder takes on rich balsamic glaze as it slow-cooks to perfection.
A fitting New Orleans staple, this shrimp boil achieves all the classic flavors without the fuss of a giant stockpot. It’s the perfect mix of smoky sausage, sweet corn, and Old Bay-seasoned shrimp.
8. Texas Queso
Creamy, spicy, and packed with some Tex-Mex flair, this queso is the ultimate dip for chips, wings, or even just a spoon.
A deep, smoky chili that’s ready in record time if you have an Instant Pot. But, don’t worry, there’s also a slow cooker variation for an even more hands-off approach.
Martha-approved and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, this fork-tender pork shoulder is perfect over polenta or piled into sandwiches.
A sticky, umami-packed glaze makes these wings extra addictive. While Buffalo or garlic Parmesan are more classic choices, you might as well bring this variation because let’s be real: you can never have too many wings at a Super Bowl party.
Rich, tender beef infused with spices and citrus? You’ll definitely want to pile these into warm tortillas and top with everything in sight.
Classic comfort food at its best, this stew has tender chunks of beef, hearty veggies, and a delicious broth that pairs great with crusty bread.
All the juicy, seasoned goodness of a classic rotisserie chicken, but made right at home—and without even stepping foot in the grocery store.
Lean, juicy, and coated in a balsamic-brown sugar glaze, this pork tenderloin is just as good for meal prep as it is for game day. It makes a bit less than the pork shoulder, but it takes on the same exact flavors.
If you’re not in the mood for assembling individual tacos, this slow cooker taco soup is the answer. Loaded with beans, tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice, this soup is just as filling, if not more.
These sliders get their rich, malty depth from a bottle of stout, making them the ultimate pub-style snack for game day. They’re also great If you want to graze on a bunch of appetizers and try a little bit of everything.
A true Sunday sauce, this version is meaty, rich, and pairs perfectly with pappardelle noodles (or any noodle you have on hand).
What are your game day must-haves? Let us know what you’re cooking up in the comments.
Originally Published: January 30, 2025