Many Southern dishes like jambalaya and red beans and rice naturally lend themselves to cooking low and slow in a slow cooker. Perhaps a bit more surprisingly, baby back ribs and chicken and dumplings do too. Here we’ve rounded up the best Southern dishes to make in a slow cooker. Not only will they build amazing flavor as they cook slowly, but you can easily set it and forget it to enjoy when it’s time for dinner.
Slow Cooker Southern Lima Beans and Ham
“Very tasty! I used diced ham and it was great. I didn’t change anything else. Delicious meal with cornbread. ” —Yvette
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
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“I precut between each rib bone 1” for ease of separating after cooking. And, I substitute 1/2 cup of apple juice for the water.” —NiftyScoop1564
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
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“I made as instructed – only addition was a can of peas and carrots. So good.” —Enbee99
Slow Cooker Carolina BBQ
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“Best slow cooker pulled pork recipe out there! I only use this recipe when I make pulled pork sandwiches. My family loves it with extra hot barbeque sauce.” —Nancy Mueller Morimoto
Slow Cooker Texas Smoked Beef Brisket
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“This is one of the BEST recipes I’ve ever made! Instead of brown sugar, I used about 1/4 cup of maple syrup. My family of 5 LOVED it, and they’re very particular about slow-cooker meals.” —StrongSeed2620
Colleen’s Slow Cooker Jambalaya
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“Added a can of dark red and light red kidney beans towards the end. A great easy meal with plenty of leftovers for a busy weekday leftover night!” —Justin
Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John
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“Very good. Added cooked rice to the pot after the beans were done. Much like red beans and rice. Thanks for the recipe.” —carma
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
“Was easy to make, and the whole family loved it!!!” —Amy
Slow Cooker Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken
“Absolutely amazing! This is a new favorite in our house!!! I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It has an amazing flavor, goes perfect with coleslaw!” —lbingham1986
Deborah’s Slow Cooker Collard Greens
“So what do you do when a big bag of mustard greens is given to you? This recipe is the answer. Made without the spice (mustards are plenty flavorful already), I cannot think of a better way to prepare greens.” —dabeau1
Slow Cooker Candied Yams
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“I absolutely love this recipe. I have made it 3 or 4 times now. It is so easy and saves so much time. And it is completely delicious.” —Heidi Hanson
Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast with Brown Sugar and Sweet Potatoes
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“I added a touch of salt and cumin to the mix. Absolutley delicious. I am going to be making this recipe alot. Very easy and very good.” —Justin Brinkman
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
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“I loved this recipe. I did make 1 change though. Instead of rice, which I can’t stand, I added some wide noodles to the crock pot. It was to die for.” —CyanBowl5028
Mississippi Roast (Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Pot Roast)
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“Really good! I served it on mashed potatoes.. I might serve it on Egg noodles next time.” —Steven Batewell
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
“My husband absolutely loved these red beans over rice. And I lived the ease of preparing them in a slow cooker. This recipe is a keeper!” —jocale