A slow cooker [1] is an essential item every cook needs in their kitchen, especially those with busy schedules [2] and a lot of mouths to feed. They can be timed to cook your food throughout the day (or at night while you snooze), helping you whip something up with minimal effort. And since meal prepping saves you so much time [3] throughout the week, the added goodness of the warm and comforting slow cooker just makes having the same meal Monday to Friday that much sweeter. Keep reading for 15 recipes that should be added to your arsenal of meals that your family will love.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Finding the right chicken noodle soup recipe is like finding the right pair of jeans — it takes time and a lot of trial and error. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup [5] recipe is seamless and tasty.
Basic Shredded Chicken
Mastering the ability to slow-cook chicken is a necessary skill when it comes to perfecting a meal prep for the week. Having tasty, basic shredded chicken [6] on hand saves time and allows flexibility when choosing recipes.
Vegetarian Chili
This slow cooker vegetarian chili [7] is the perfect recipe if you're trying to cut back on meat, but still want something hearty and flavorful.
Braised Chicken
One way to keep all of the flavor in your chicken is to braise it. This slow cooker braised chicken [8] keeps the bone in the kitchen and slowly cooks it to juicy perfection.
Lamb Stew and Dried Plums
A nice hearty stew is a must when adding to your cooking repertoire. This lamb stew and dried plums [9] gives you an excuse to include lamb in a meal if you don't typically cook with the meat.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork [10] is an easy go-to recipe during BBQ season, and is incredibly easy to whip up using a slow cooker.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Nothing says easy like throwing the entire meal into a slow cooker and letting it do the work for you. This slow cooker honey garlic chicken and veggies [11] uses the juices from the chicken to flavor the potato and veggies, which creates a delicious side dish.
Chicken Carnitas
Have a taco night coming up? This slow cooker chicken carnita [12] recipe is perfect for a build-your-own-taco bar.
Marmalade Meatballs
Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer when hosting a party or get-together. These marmalade meatballs [13] are tasty, but also effortless to throw together last minute.
Pot Roast
Sundays in my mind are reserved for beef pot roast. This slow cooker pot roast [14] is warm and hearty, and an excellent meal for a cozy night in.
Breakfast Casserole
If mornings are hectic in your household, cook this slow cooker breakfast casserole [15] on Sunday night. It will save you time, and can even last you the whole week.
Chocolate-Nut Clusters
If you didn't think your slow cooker was suitable for desserts, think again. These chocolate-nut clusters [16] are decadent, addicting, and easy to make.
Chicken Portobello
This slow cooker chicken portobello [17] couldn't get any easier — it calls for only 3 ingredients!
Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos
These spicy pineapple chicken tacos [18] combine tang and spice to deliver a flavor-packed dish. Put everything in, leave for a few hours, and return to delicious taco meat!
Spaghetti Squash
If you're trying to watch your carb intake, spaghetti squash [19] is an excellent alternative. The slow cooker gets the job done in 4 hours and leaves you with tasty "noodles."
