15 Slow Cooker Meals to Get You Through the Work Week (2024)

Ease, comfort, and little preparationrequired- these are a few reasons why you shouldlove your slow cooker, especially after a long day at work. For me, coming home andcooking is the last thing on my mind when I know I’ll be having a late night at my full time job. That’s why I’m so thankful for my sevenquart slow cooker (yes, I still have the one I bought five years ago after getting my first apartment!)

If you’re facing the longest week ever and you know you may not be in the mood to cook, be sure to browse through theseeasy, slow cooker recipes I’ve rounded up for you.That way, the next time you find yourselfina last-minute meeting at work (you know, the onerightbefore you’re packing up to leave) you’ll be thankful you’ve already planned for thatmeal you’re about to eat.

1. Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili

This creamy, white chicken chili brings equal partssavory and spicy, and may become your next favorite dinner to eat after a long day. Amanda, of The Chunky Chef, recommends adding plenty of sweet corn to balance out the heat from the green chiles.

2.Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Described as simple and earthy, this chicken and mushroom pasta is incredibly flavored. While the porcini mushrooms add depth to the dish, the cream and Parmesan cheese contribute rich flavors and the fresh parsley brightens it all up. Emily from Gather and Dine suggests serving the meat with high-quality pasta.

3. Slow CookerButternut Squash Lentil Stew

Veggie-packed, nutritious and easy to make? Sign us up. Whilethis stew is relatively easy to make,Ayşegül of Foolproof Living, recommends allowing yourself time to prepare the ingredients since there’s plenty of chopping involved. This soup is ready to eat at about the five hour mark, so this may be a dish to make during your lunch hour (just have the ingredients prepared the night before so you can just toss them into the slow cooker.)

4. Quinoa Black Bean Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Not only are these Quinoa Black Bean CrockpotStuffed Peppers perfect for #MeatlessMonday, they’re packed with protein, fiber and vegetables- and they require no prep. You can also load these with plenty of other toppings of your choice.

5.Slow Cooker Winter Vegetable Soup

If you’re in the mood for comfort eating, this winter vegetable soup (which features split red lentils) will hit the spot, especially after a long day at work.

6. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Quinoa

While this recipe requires a little more preparation, your efforts are rewarded with a delicious meal. If you’re lacking time, try making this dish the night before your workday for a delicious lunch.

7.Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

If you happen to becraving Indian food, skip grabbing takeout andtry out this slow cooker version of Chicken Tikka Masala from Emily at One Lovely Life. She describes the warm spices in thissauce as “mouthwatering” and“savory, complex and layered.” This recipe is paleo friendly andif you’re facing dietary restrictions, try it with cauliflower rice or with steamed vegetables instead of white rice.

8. Slow Cooker Ramen with Roasted Acorn Squash

With ingredients like caramelized porkcurry roasted acorn squash all simmering in a delicious broth, there’s no mistaking that this ramen dish will be a regular addition to your winter menu.

9. Slow Cooker No-Noodle Vegetarian Lasagna

This Slow Cooker No-Noodle Vegetarian Lasagna is packed with protein and has little carbohydrates. Instead of pasta, its layers ofsliced zuchinni and eggplant are filled with a delicious tomato sauce, red onions and red peppers. What’s the final touch to this recipe? A nice sprinkling of shredded part-skim mozzarella or provolone cheese.

10. Crockpot Chicken Gnocci Soup

Lindsay from A Pinch of Yum has not one, but three favorite things about this soup: it reminds her of a former favorite soup, its flavor is so rich, thick and creamy, and the addition of a main ingredient (gnocci.) Try this soup for yourself and see why it will soon be a slow cooker favorite.

11. Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

If you know you’ll be short on time, this crock pot creamy lemon chicken is soon to be your favoriteweeknight solution (especially when topped with thedelicous creamy lemon sauce.)

12.Slow Cooker Asian Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken

If you’re craving a flavorful dish that offers both sweet and spicy sauces, this Slow Cooker Asian Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken is exactly what you’re looking for.

13. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry

This Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry dish features powerfully flavorful ingredients like curry paste, coconut milk and ginger. As an added bonus, this dish is also gluten-free and paleo friendly.

14. Parmesan Basil Tomato Soup

If it’swarmsoup you’re craving, this Parmesan Basil Tomato Soup will hit the spot (and spread its aromatic flavors throughout your home.)

15. Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

With less than 5ingredients, this recipe for Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos requires little effort and yields major results (especially when making dinner is the last thing on your mind.)