When’s the last time you walked in the door after work to find a hot, home-cooked meal that you didn’t prepare? Yeah, that’s what we thought. If you’re a busy working parent trying to get a balanced and tasty meal on the table every night, the struggle is real. But, we can help! Dust off your Crock-Pot and reclaim your “me time” because we’ve got 15 mouthwatering slow cooker recipes that you can put together with minimal prep time in the morning or over the weekend.
Braised Beef Ragu With Polenta
So many slow cooker meals look like they, well, came from a slow cooker. This tangy braised beef looks elegant, thanks in part to the creamy polenta upon which it’s served. Get recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Slow Cooker Peppercorn Garlic Pork Cassoulet
Crock-Pots are usually relegated to weeknight dinner duty, but this cassoulet is sophisticated enough to serve to guests on Saturday night. Garnish with some fresh herbs, and nobody needs to know your rustic French masterpiece simmered in a slow cooker while you took a bubble bath. Get recipe from Add a Pinch.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Four-Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna — a classic winter comfort food and always a crowd-pleaser (for even your pickiest eaters). Whip this one up with less prep time than a traditional lasagna with the help of your Crock-Pot. Get recipe from The Perfect Pantry.
Crock-Pot Maple Dijon Chicken
All this chicken needs is a hearty winter salad or some steamed veggies — and voila, dinner is served. Get recipe from Crock-Pot Ladies.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
You could order greasy Chinese takeout, or with 10 minutes of prep time, you could have home-cooked beef and broccoli waiting for you after work/carpool/errands. Get recipe from Crème de la Crumb.
Easy Slow Cooker Clam Chowder
Warm up some crusty sourdough bread to serve with big bowls of this creamy chowder, and you’ve got a filling weeknight dinner in no time. Get the recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker.
Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor
Who says margaritas are only for summer? You’ll have the time to mix up a batch while spicy pork shoulder simmers in your crockpot. Get recipe from Gimme Some Oven.
Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
A perfect dinner recipe when you want leftovers to bring for lunch tomorrow. Bring extras to share if you want to score brownie points at the office. Get the recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Slow Cooker Tempeh Braised With Figs and Port Wine
No need to put your slow cooker away just because it’s #MeatlessMonday. Sweet figs and fresh herbs lend big flavor to tempeh in this tasty vegan dish. Get recipe from Healthy Slow Cooking.
Savory Corn Beef Brisket and Irish Cheddar French Toast With Kale Pesto Slaw
Take sandwich night to a whole new level with this brisket and cheesy French toast recipe. Plan on repeat requests for this scrumptious sandwich. Get recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower is such an under-appreciated, but versatile, vegetable. It gets top billing in this comforting soup, which gets it creaminess from cauliflower rather than dairy — indulgence for a fraction of the calories. Get recipe from 365 Days of Slow Cooking.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
No rolling out dough and no condensed soup. This chicken potpie is a must-try. Get recipe from Damn Delicious.
Crock-Pot French Onion Soup
Cheese-covered carbs? Mais oui! Uncork a bottle of red and enjoy a leisurely bowl of French Onion for dinner. Get recipe from How Sweet It Is.
Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Poached Fish Fillets
Crockpot cooking doesn’t have to be heavy and fatty. Poach any mild white fish — sea bass, halibut, tilapia, cod — in your slow cooker for a healthy meal. Get recipe from Apron Strings.
Crock-Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
Hearty mushrooms are an excellent stand-in for beef in this stroganoff. Dinner will be ready in the time it takes you to boil some pasta after work. Get recipe from Amuse Your Bouche.
Hungry for More?
From Instant Pot recipes to easy weeknight dinner ideas, find even more delicious ways to stay warm this winter in Better Food & Drink.
