12 Ohio Slow-Cooked Favorites That Simplify Thanksgiving Prep

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and incredible food. I know how stressful it can be to juggle multiple dishes while trying to enjoy the holiday.

That’s why I’m sharing these Ohio-inspired slow-cooked favorites that let you relax while your meal practically cooks itself.

1. Ohio Casserole

Ground pork, rice, and cabbage come together in this hearty dish that’s been warming Ohio families for generations. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of savory flavors and tender textures. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here.

What makes this casserole special is how the ingredients meld together during the long cooking process. You’ll end up with a one-pot meal that’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to spend with loved ones.

2. Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy layers of tender potatoes are what dreams are made of on Thanksgiving. I can’t tell you how much oven space this frees up when you make them in a slow cooker instead. The potatoes turn out perfectly soft with a rich, velvety sauce.

This dish requires minimal prep work – just slice, layer, and pour. Your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary while you focus on other holiday tasks. Everyone at your table will be reaching for seconds.

3. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Fresh green beans swimming in creamy mushroom sauce with those iconic crispy onions on top – it’s a classic for a reason. Making this in your slow cooker means no more worrying about oven timing or temperature. The beans stay perfectly tender without getting mushy.

I appreciate how this version lets the flavors develop slowly and naturally. You can prep it early in the day and let it cook while you handle other preparations, making your Thanksgiving much less stressful.

4. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Forget the canned stuff – homemade cranberry sauce is easier than you think. Fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and warm spices create a sauce that’s both tart and sweet. Your slow cooker allows all these flavors to blend beautifully over several hours.

The best part? You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate it. The sauce thickens as it cools, developing even deeper flavors that complement your turkey perfectly without taking up any stovetop or oven real estate.

5. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes get a holiday makeover with brown sugar, marshmallows, and crunchy pecans. This dish walks the line between side and dessert, making it a favorite with kids and adults alike. The slow cooker keeps everything moist and perfectly cooked.

I find that cooking sweet potatoes this way brings out their natural sweetness even more. The marshmallows melt into a gooey topping while the pecans add that satisfying crunch, creating layers of texture everyone loves during Thanksgiving dinner.

6. Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Imagine biting into a sandwich that’s creamy, comforting, and uniquely Ohio. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup for a rich texture. The secret ingredient? Crushed potato chips or crackers that thicken the mixture perfectly.

I love how simple this recipe is to prepare in your slow cooker. Just toss everything in, let it cook low and slow, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing sandwich filling ready for your Thanksgiving guests without any fuss.

7. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes without standing over a hot stove? Yes, please! Your slow cooker creates the creamiest texture imaginable while keeping them warm until serving time. No more last-minute mashing while everything else gets cold.

The gentle, even heat prevents scorching and ensures every bite is smooth and buttery. I love how this method lets me prep the potatoes hours ahead, then just plug in the slow cooker and forget about them until dinner’s ready.

8. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Sweet corn kernels bathed in a velvety cream cheese sauce create pure comfort in a bowl. This isn’t your average canned corn – it’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make. The slow cooker transforms ordinary corn into something spectacular.

What I love most is how the cream cheese melts into the corn, creating that silky texture everyone raves about. A blend of spices adds depth without overwhelming the natural sweetness, making this a side dish that disappears fast at any Thanksgiving gathering.

9. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Gooey, cheesy macaroni is always a crowd favorite, especially when kids are at the table. Making it in your slow cooker means the cheese sauce stays creamy and never breaks or becomes grainy. The pasta absorbs all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.

I’ve found this method foolproof compared to stovetop versions that require constant stirring. Just combine your ingredients, set the temperature, and walk away. You’ll have perfectly cooked mac and cheese that stays warm and delicious throughout your entire Thanksgiving meal.

10. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

A whole turkey can be intimidating, but a turkey breast in your slow cooker? That’s manageable and delicious. The meat stays incredibly moist and tender while cooking low and slow. You’ll have perfectly cooked turkey without monopolizing your oven for hours.

This option is ideal for smaller gatherings or when you want turkey without all the fuss. Season it with your favorite herbs, set your slow cooker, and you’re done. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that carves beautifully and tastes amazing.

11. Slow Cooker Stuffing

Bread cubes soaked in savory broth with celery, onions, and herbs create the ultimate comfort food. Making stuffing in your slow cooker frees up crucial oven space and ensures it stays moist throughout the cooking process. No more dry, crusty edges!

The gentle heat allows all the flavors to meld perfectly while maintaining that ideal texture – soft inside with slightly crispy bits on top. I appreciate how this method eliminates the stress of timing everything perfectly for Thanksgiving dinner.

12. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Tender apples with cinnamon and a buttery oat topping make the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving feast. Your slow cooker creates a dessert that’s warm, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible. The apples become perfectly soft while the topping gets delightfully crispy.

I love serving this with vanilla ice cream while it’s still warm from the slow cooker. The contrast of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, makes every bite memorable. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it cooks all afternoon.