8 Best-Selling Slow Cooking Books Millions Love

Explore slow cooking books authored by leading experts like Madeline Given and Karen Bellessa Petersen, featuring best-selling recipes and trusted culinary guidance.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to slow cooking, a method embraced by millions for its convenience and flavor. Slow cooking remains a staple in kitchens worldwide, offering a hands-off approach that turns simple ingredients into delicious meals, perfect for busy lifestyles and anyone seeking comfort food with minimal effort.

These 8 best-selling slow cooking books come from authors who have deeply studied and mastered the art of slow cooking. Their expertise shines through in thoughtfully crafted recipes and practical advice, making these volumes go-to resources for novices and seasoned cooks alike. From small-batch meals to anti-inflammatory diets, these books reflect a range of needs and tastes, demonstrating slow cooking's versatility.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific slow cooking needs might consider creating a personalized Slow Cooking book that combines these validated approaches. A custom guide can fit your unique schedule, dietary preferences, and culinary goals, enhancing your slow cooking journey with precision.

Best for extensive recipe variety seekers
Phyllis Good’s Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook stands out in the slow cooking world thanks to its massive collection of 1,400 recipes sourced from home cooks and tested in real kitchens. This volume consolidates many favorites from a bestselling series, offering a mix that’s approachable for newcomers and time-crunched cooks seeking reliable, tasty meals. The book’s straightforward layout and vibrant photos help you navigate dishes with ease, whether you’re after quick weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing comfort food. Its widespread popularity reflects how well it meets the needs of busy households looking to simplify cooking without sacrificing flavor.
2008·704 pages·Slow Cooking, Cookbooks, Cooking, Recipe Collections, Meal Planning

Millions have turned to Phyllis Good's Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook for its treasure trove of 1,400 slow cooker recipes gathered from America's home cooks and tested in everyday kitchens. You'll find dishes that fit tight schedules and build confidence for even the busiest or least experienced cooks, with chapters organized for easy navigation and full-color photos to spark your appetite. The book captures a wide range of flavors and techniques, making it ideal for anyone who wants dependable, flavorful meals without fuss. If you enjoy set-it-and-forget-it cooking that still impresses family and friends, this volume offers a rich resource to expand your slow-cooking repertoire.

New York Times Bestseller
Over 1,500 Five Star Reviews
Good Books Sold 11 Million Copies
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Best for slow cooking technique refinement
Fix-It and Forget-It Revised and Updated stands as a hallmark in slow cooking literature, offering a treasure trove of 700 recipes that have resonated with millions. This edition enriches the original with precise cooking metrics and handy tips, making it a go-to resource for anyone eager to explore the slow cooker’s versatility. The author’s personal insights and thoughtful organization address common challenges, enabling you to cook with confidence and ease. If you’re looking for a dependable companion to simplify and elevate your slow cooking, this book delivers proven appeal and practical value.
2012·288 pages·Slow Cooking, Cooking, Recipe Development, Meal Planning, Kitchen Tools

The breakthrough moment came when Phyllis Good expanded her original Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook to include 100 fresh recipes and detailed guidance tailored to slow cooker enthusiasts. This revised edition not only offers a vast repertoire of 700 recipes but also equips you with practical tools like prep and cooking times and ideal slow-cooker sizes, enhancing your meal planning. Good’s personal touch shines through with her commentary and tips scattered throughout, demystifying slow cooking for home cooks. Whether you’re new to this method or looking to deepen your culinary range, this book delivers reliable, approachable recipes that help you harness your slow cooker’s full potential.

New York Times Bestseller
Over 5 million copies sold
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Best for personalized slow cooking plans
This AI-created book on slow cooking is tailored to your unique kitchen challenges and culinary interests. It reflects the specific slow cooking techniques you want to master, aligned with your experience and goals. By focusing on what matters most to you, this book provides a clear path to reliable and flavorful results, making your slow cooking journey more effective and enjoyable.
2025·50-300 pages·Slow Cooking, Cooking Techniques, Ingredient Selection, Temperature Control, Timing Methods

This tailored slow cooking book offers an immersive exploration of detailed slow cooking techniques designed to meet diverse kitchen challenges. It combines popular, proven methods with a focus on your specific culinary interests and skill level. The book examines how to master temperature control, ingredient selection, and timing to achieve consistent, flavorful results. By focusing on your background and goals, it reveals personalized insights and adaptations that make slow cooking accessible and rewarding in your own kitchen. This approach ensures the knowledge matches your needs, making it easier to create satisfying meals with confidence and creativity.

Tailored Handbook
Battle-Tested Techniques
3,000+ Books Created
Best for small-batch meal planners
Fix-It and Forget-It Cooking for Two offers a unique approach to slow cooking by focusing on small-batch recipes tailored for two people. This New York Times bestselling series caters to those who want wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with excessive leftovers. The book provides tested recipes and practical advice on choosing the right slow cooker size and streamlining meal prep and cleanup. Perfect for busy couples, new parents, or anyone looking to enjoy home-cooked food with minimal effort, it fills a niche often overlooked in slow cooking literature.
2018·352 pages·Slow Cooking, Cooking, Small Batch, Meal Prep, Couples Cooking

Unlike most slow cooker cookbooks that focus on large family meals, Hope Comerford and Bonnie Matthews offer a refreshing take with recipes designed specifically for two. This book teaches you how to prepare small-batch meals that fit busy lifestyles without leaving you drowning in leftovers. You’ll learn practical tips on selecting the right slow cooker size, simplifying prep and cleanup, and crafting dishes like Chicken Parmigiana and White Bean Chili that bring comfort without complexity. It’s ideally suited for couples, new parents, or anyone craving home-cooked meals without the hassle of oversized portions.

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Best for couples and small households
Slow Cooking for Two stands out by addressing a common but often overlooked need: preparing slow cooker meals perfectly portioned for two people. This Amazon #1 bestseller offers 101 recipes tailored for small slow cookers, helping you enjoy everything from soups to desserts without the usual leftovers or extra effort. Its practical approach, including shopping lists and storage tips, makes it a smart choice for couples or small households seeking easy, comforting meals with minimal fuss.
2014·160 pages·Slow Cooking, Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Food Preparation

Unlike most slow cooking books that focus on large family meals, this volume by Mendocino Press zeroes in on the unique challenges and pleasures of cooking for two. You learn how to leverage 1.5 to 2-quart slow cookers to create a diverse range of meals—from hearty stews like Beef Bourguignon to comforting classics like Chicken Pot Pie—without the hassle of scaling down standard recipes. The book includes practical guidance on shopping lists and food storage, making it especially useful if you want to save time and reduce waste. If you often find yourself cooking for one or two and want flavorful, no-fuss meals, this book fits the bill perfectly.

Amazon #1 Bestseller in Cookbooks Food & Wine
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Best for minimal ingredient cooking
Karen Bellessa Petersen, a seasoned food blogger behind 365DaysOfCrockPot.com since 2009, channels her extensive slow cooker experience into this cookbook. Her passion for creating accessible, delicious slow cooker meals with minimal ingredients is clear, making the book a practical companion for anyone eager to make home cooking straightforward and enjoyable.
2017·150 pages·Cooking, Slow Cooking, Easy Cooking, Cookbooks, Meal Prep

Karen Bellessa Petersen's journey from food blogger to cookbook author shines through in this approachable guide designed for busy home cooks. She distills slow cooking to its essentials, offering 100 recipes that require just five ingredients, making meal prep quick without sacrificing flavor. You'll find everything from breakfasts like Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal to hearty mains like Beer Brisket, demonstrating how simplicity can yield satisfying, whole-food meals. The book suits anyone juggling time constraints but wanting nutritious, homemade food, especially those new to slow cooking or looking to streamline dinner routines.

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Best for quick meal plans
This AI-created book on slow cooking is tailored to your skill level and culinary interests. You share your background, desired focus areas, and goals, and it crafts slow cooking plans that fit your lifestyle. It’s a personalized way to learn quick, tasty recipes that suit your schedule and preferences, making slow cooking approachable and enjoyable for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Slow Cooking, Recipe Planning, Meal Prep, Cooking Techniques, Flavor Profiles

This tailored slow cooking book offers a personalized journey through step-by-step slow cooking plans designed to deliver fast, delicious meals without sacrificing flavor or ease. It explores essential slow cooking techniques and recipes that match your background and culinary preferences, focusing on quick preparation and satisfying results. The book reveals how to integrate slow cooking into your daily routine with tailored meal plans that fit your schedule and taste, ensuring you gain practical skills and confidence in the kitchen. By concentrating on your specific goals, this approach helps you unlock the full potential of slow cooking for effortless, flavorful dishes.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Meal Planning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for health-conscious slow cookers
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Slow Cooker Cookbook stands out by combining the ease of slow cooking with dietary guidance aimed at reducing inflammation. This approach allows you to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals like Sweet Potato & Leek Soup and Blueberry-Peach Cobbler without extensive prep time. By focusing on simple ingredients and allergen-aware recipes, the book meets the needs of those balancing health goals with busy lives. Its practical advice on slow cooker use and ingredient choices makes it a useful addition for anyone looking to soothe inflammation through accessible cooking methods.
2018·152 pages·Healthy Cooking, Slow Cooking, Diet, Cookbooks, Anti-Inflammatory

Unlike most slow cooker books that focus solely on convenience, Madeline Given’s cookbook integrates anti-inflammatory dietary principles directly into slow cooking. You’ll learn which ingredients soothe inflammation and which to avoid, along with practical tips for using your slow cooker or multi-cooker effectively. The book offers 90 recipes like Indian Butter Chickpeas and Tangy Barbecue Chicken that require minimal prep—usually 15 minutes or less—making it manageable for busy schedules. If you want to adopt a healing diet without hours in the kitchen, this cookbook provides a straightforward, flavorful path to doing so.

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Best for comprehensive slow cooker recipes
Publications International, Ltd., known for publishing a wide range of books across various categories including cookbooks, brings decades of expertise to this collection. Their experience in creating accessible and engaging content shines through in this slow cooking guide, designed to help you make the most of your Crockpot® with reliable recipes and helpful tips.
2015·320 pages·Slow Cooking, Cooking, Recipe Collection, Meal Planning, Family Meals

Drawing from decades of experience, Publications International Ltd. crafted this collection to make slow cooking approachable for anyone with a Crockpot®. You'll find over 350 recipes that span from hearty mains to inventive desserts, each designed to simplify meal preparation without sacrificing flavor. The inclusion of slow cooking tips and over 200 vivid photographs helps you visualize and master each dish, from savory stews to satisfying side dishes. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a casual gathering, this book offers reliable guidance that fits a variety of occasions and skill levels.

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Best for vegetable-focused slow cooking
Hannie P. Scott’s Slow Cooker Vegetable Recipes stands out for its straightforward approach to vegetable-focused slow cooking. This book offers a variety of recipes that balance ease and flavor, making it a go-to for anyone looking to enhance their home cooking without complicated steps. Its appeal lies in satisfying picky eaters and providing simple meal solutions, highlighting its value for busy cooks who want nourishing dishes with minimal hassle.
2016·42 pages·Slow Cooking, Vegetables Cooking, Cooking, Recipe Development, Meal Planning

When Hannie P. Scott crafted this collection, she drew on her passion for cooking and years spent experimenting in the kitchen to deliver approachable slow cooker recipes centered on vegetables. You’ll find straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions that help you prepare flavorful dishes without fuss, perfect for those who want variety without complexity. The book offers a solid range of recipes designed to satisfy even picky eaters, with each dish emphasizing simplicity and taste. If you’re someone who values wholesome, vegetable-based meals that fit into a busy lifestyle, this cookbook provides practical ideas that won’t overwhelm your routine.

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Proven Slow Cooking Methods, Personalized

Get slow cooking strategies that fit your lifestyle and tastes precisely.

Simplify meal prep
Boost recipe variety
Tailor cooking plans

Trusted by thousands of slow cooking enthusiasts worldwide

The Proven Slow Cooking Formula
30-Day Slow Cooking Jumpstart
Slow Cooking Foundations Blueprint
Slow Cooking Success Secrets

Conclusion

These 8 slow cooking books illustrate a few clear themes: extensive recipe collections for every taste, practical guidance tailored to different household sizes, and focused approaches for health-conscious or time-strapped cooks. Each book offers a proven framework validated by widespread reader adoption, ensuring you can find trusted methods that fit your lifestyle.

If you prefer extensive recipe variety and big collections, start with the Fix-It and Forget-It series. For those cooking for two, both Fix-It and Forget-It Cooking for Two and Slow Cooking for Two provide practical, portion-conscious solutions. Health-focused cooks will find Madeline Given’s anti-inflammatory recipes both flavorful and nourishing.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Slow Cooking book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in making slow cooking approachable, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with the Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook if you want a vast selection of recipes, or The Easy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cookbook for simplicity. These books offer reliable foundations to build your slow cooking skills.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Slow Cooking?

No, many books like Karen Bellessa Petersen's focus on straightforward recipes perfect for beginners, making slow cooking accessible without complicated steps.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Classics like Fix-It and Forget-It Revised and Updated offer timeless recipes, while newer books may address current dietary trends and ingredient availability.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. These cookbooks are designed for reference, letting you jump to recipes or tips that fit your needs without reading cover to cover.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

The Easy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cookbook is great for quick, no-fuss meals you can start making immediately, with minimal ingredients and prep.

How can I get slow cooking advice tailored to my specific needs?

While these expert books provide solid methods, creating a personalized Slow Cooking book here blends popular strategies with your unique preferences and goals for a perfect fit.

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