27+ Easy Ninja Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Days

Cooking can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially if you’re short on time or new to trying new recipes. But with a Ninja slow cooker, whipping up hearty, flavorful meals becomes super simple and convenient!

Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or trying a new dish for yourself, these Ninja slow cooker recipes are perfect for all skill levels. The best part? With a slow cooker, the flavors deepen, and the meals taste like they’ve been made by a professional chef—even if you’re just starting in the kitchen.

In this blog, I’ll share 27+ delicious recipes that are easy to follow and use simple ingredients you may already have at home. From Honey Garlic Chicken to comforting Mac & Cheese Bake, there’s something here for everyone! Let’s get started and make cooking fun and effortless.

What Makes the Ninja Slow Cooker Special?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly talk about why the Ninja slow cooker is so great. Its unique design allows you to sauté and sear ingredients before slow cooking, which brings out richer flavors.

It’s like having multiple cooking tools in one! Plus, it’s incredibly user-friendly—perfect for beginners and experts alike.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and so tender it practically melts in your mouth! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with water, add to the sauce, and let it thicken for 5 minutes on the sauté setting.
5. Serve the chicken drizzled with sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

2. Carrot & Coriander Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4

This soup is comforting and full of bright flavors from carrots and coriander. It’s healthy, light, and perfect as a starter or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add carrots, onion, garlic, ground coriander, and vegetable stock to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves if desired.

3. Three Bean Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 6

This vegetarian chili is hearty, filling, and packed with protein and flavor. Even meat-lovers will enjoy this satisfying dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup vegetable stock

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and mix well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

4. Steak and Ale Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 7 hours | Serves: 4

This Steak and Ale Pie is a traditional favorite! Slow cooking the steak in ale creates a rich and flavorful filling that’s perfect under a flaky pie crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup ale (beer)
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 sheet puff pastry

Instructions:

1. Toss beef with flour and brown it in the Ninja slow cooker using the sauté function. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrot, ale, and beef stock to the cooker. Stir in thyme.
3. Return the beef to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef mixture to a pie dish and top with puff pastry.
5. Bake until the pastry is golden brown, about 25 minutes. Serve hot.

5. Slow Beef Short Ribs

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 4

Rich, tender, and falling off the bone, these beef short ribs are a true showstopper!

Ingredients:

• 4 beef short ribs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Instructions:

1. Brown the short ribs in the Ninja slow cooker using the sauté function. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, red wine, beef stock, and rosemary. Stir well.
3. Place the short ribs back in the cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

6. Sausage and Bean Hotpot

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This cozy hotpot combines sausages and beans for a hearty one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 sausages (pork or chicken)
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup chicken stock

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausages in the Ninja slow cooker using the sauté function. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, paprika, and chicken stock. Stir well.
3. Return the sausages to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread.

7. Pot Roast Pork Shoulder with Peppers

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 6

This juicy pork shoulder, slow-cooked with sweet peppers, is packed with flavor and perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. In the Ninja slow cooker, sauté the pork until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add peppers, onion, and garlic to the cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and stir.
4. Place the pork shoulder on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with the peppers and juices.

8. Creamy Chicken Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
2. Top with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and thyme. Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Stir in grated cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

9. Braised Beef in Red Wine with Root Vegetables

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 6

A classic slow-cooked dish with tender beef and rich flavors from red wine and hearty vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef chunks in the Ninja slow cooker using the sauté function. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, and tomato paste to the cooker. Sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in red wine and let it reduce for 5 minutes. Add beef stock, carrots, parsnips, and rosemary.
4. Return the beef to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

10. Beef Tinga

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 4

A Mexican-inspired dish, beef tinga is smoky, spicy, and perfect for tacos or rice bowls.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef brisket
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Instructions:

1. Place the beef brisket in the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, cumin, and oregano.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and mix it with the sauce.
4. Serve with tortillas, rice, or as a filling for burritos.

11. Lamb with Puy Lentils

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This lamb dish, cooked with earthy lentils, is healthy and full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, diced
• 1 cup Puy lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups lamb stock
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Instructions:

1. Brown the lamb in the Ninja slow cooker. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, garlic, and lentils to the cooker. Stir in lamb stock and rosemary.
3. Place the lamb back into the cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

12. Cheesecake

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 5 hours | Serves: 8

Yes, you can make cheesecake in a Ninja slow cooker! It’s creamy, rich, and surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a small springform pan.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust.
3. Place the pan in the slow cooker. Add 1 inch of water around the pan to create a water bath.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours. Chill in the fridge before serving.

13. Chicken & Leek Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This Chicken & Leek Pie is a family favorite, with tender chicken and creamy leeks topped with golden puff pastry.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 sheet puff pastry

Instructions:

1. In the Ninja slow cooker, sauté the chicken thighs until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add leeks, onion, and thyme to the cooker. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour, then gradually add chicken stock and cream, mixing to avoid lumps.
4. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
5. Transfer the filling to a pie dish, top with puff pastry, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.

14. Classic Mac & Cheese Bake

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 6

This creamy, cheesy Mac & Cheese is made effortlessly in the slow cooker and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Add uncooked macaroni, milk, cream, cheddar, Parmesan, mustard powder, and paprika to the slow cooker. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for 5 minutes until golden.

15. Herb and Garlic Roasted Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This herb and garlic roasted chicken is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered

Instructions:

1. Rub the chicken with garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker breast-side up.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. For crispy skin, broil the chicken in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.

16. Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 6

This rich and hearty Bolognese sauce is perfect for pasta or lasagna and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Sauté the ground beef in the Ninja slow cooker until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, nutmeg, and browned beef.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve over pasta with grated Parmesan.

17. Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna Bake

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 6

This vegetarian lasagna is layered with spinach, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 box lasagna sheets (no-boil)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Mix ricotta and spinach in a bowl.
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer lasagna sheets, ricotta mixture, marinara, and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

18. Loaded Baked Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

These loaded baked potatoes are a fun, customizable dinner option that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and place in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
2. Once cooked, slice open the potatoes and top with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.

19. Rosemary Focaccia

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serves: 6

Making bread in a slow cooker? Yes! This rosemary focaccia is soft, flavorful, and a wonderful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
2. Place the dough in a greased slow cooker. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle rosemary on top.
3. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. For a crispy crust, broil the focaccia in the oven for 3 minutes.

20. Beef Roast with Root Vegetables & Red Wine Pan Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Serves: 6

This classic beef roast is juicy and served with tender root vegetables and a rich red wine sauce.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 2 potatoes, quartered
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in the Ninja slow cooker. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, red wine, and beef stock to the cooker. Stir well.
3. Place the beef on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Slice the beef and serve with the vegetables and sauce.

21. Green Vegetable Curry with Tofu & Rice

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This vegetable curry with tofu is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked rice

Instructions:

1. In the Ninja slow cooker, add tofu, broccoli, green beans, spinach, coconut milk, vegetable broth, curry powder, and ginger.
2. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Serve the curry over rice for a complete meal.

22. Pork Meatballs with Coconut Curry Rice

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 6

These tender pork meatballs paired with coconut curry rice create a delicious, flavorful meal that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions:

1. Combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, ginger, and curry powder in a bowl. Form into meatballs.
2. In the Ninja slow cooker, add coconut milk, rice, turmeric, and a little salt. Place the meatballs on top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Serve the meatballs with the coconut rice.

23. Buttermilk Chicken with Cornflake Crust and Sweetcorn Mash

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This crispy buttermilk chicken paired with creamy sweetcorn mash is a comforting meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup sweetcorn, cooked
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
2. Coat the chicken with crushed cornflakes, then place it in the Ninja slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours until golden and cooked through.
4. For the mash, mix the cooked sweetcorn and butter into the mashed potatoes. Serve the chicken over the mash.

24. Herb Crusted Fish with Salt and Vinegar Mash

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4

A deliciously crispy herb-crusted fish paired with tangy salt and vinegar mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix parsley, thyme, and breadcrumbs. Coat each fish fillet with the herb mixture.
2. Place the fish fillets in the Ninja slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours.
4. For the mash, mix white vinegar and sea salt into the mashed potatoes. Serve with the fish on top.

25. Tuscan Chicken & Green Mash

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

A vibrant Tuscan-inspired chicken dish served with creamy green mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken in olive oil until browned, then add to the slow cooker.
2. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. For the green mash, boil the potatoes and mash them with spinach until smooth. Serve the chicken with the green mash.

26. Tofu Lentil Stew with Gluten-Free Dumplings

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4

This hearty stew is full of protein-packed lentils, tofu, and soft gluten-free dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Add lentils, carrots, onion, tofu, cumin, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
2. Stir well and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. For the dumplings, mix gluten-free flour, butter, and water to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread.

27. Gluten-Free Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes, Onions, and Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with roasted veggies is a gluten-free twist on the classic comfort dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup roasted tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions:

1. Add gluten-free macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
2. Roast tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then add to the slow cooker.
3. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness.

Conclusion

Using a Ninja Slow Cooker opens up a world of delicious possibilities for meals that are flavorful, easy, and perfect for busy days. From hearty stews and comforting casseroles to tender meats and mouth-watering desserts, these recipes make it simple to create a variety of dishes that will satisfy any craving.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply looking for something new to try, the Ninja Slow Cooker allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients without worrying about complicated techniques. The convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking means more time spent enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match your favorite ingredients with these recipes. Once you experience the joy of slow-cooked meals, you’ll never look back. So go ahead, pick your next recipe, and enjoy the delicious rewards that come from using your Ninja Slow Cooker!

Thank you for exploring these easy-to-follow recipes. I hope they inspire you to dive into slow-cooking and discover just how simple it can be to make wonderful meals at home!