After a long day at work, the last thing many of us want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. This is where the slow cooker comes in as a lifesaver. It’s the perfect tool for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
With a slow cooker, you can simply add ingredients in the morning, set it, and return to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner in the evening.
The slow cooking process also allows flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.
In this article, we’ll explore some easy and delicious slow-cooker recipes that are ideal for weeknight dinners. These recipes require minimal prep time and deliver maximum flavor, making them perfect for anyone looking to simplify their evening routine.
Let’s dive into these comforting and convenient slow-cooker meals.
1. Classic Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Start by browning chunks of beef stew meat in a skillet. Once browned, transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
Add diced onions, carrots, and potatoes, along with minced garlic. Pour in beef broth and add a can of diced tomatoes. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the stew cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Before serving, mix a little flour with water and stir it into the stew to thicken the broth. Serve the beef stew with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Taco Meat
A versatile and flavorful filling, crockpot taco meat can be used in tacos, burritos, or salads. To prepare it, begin by placing two pounds of ground beef in the slow cooker. Add two packets of taco seasoning and a can of Rotel tomatoes.
Mix these ingredients until they are roughly combined. Cook the mixture on HIGH for 2.5 hours or on LOW for 4 hours. After cooking, stir the meat and serve. If the meat is greasy, blot it with a paper towel to remove excess grease.
This simple recipe results in a delicious and convenient taco filling, perfect for any taco night.
3. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food that’s easy to make in a slow cooker. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker and add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Cook on low for 6 hours, then shred the chicken using two forks. Mix together a simple dumpling dough with flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional hour until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
4. Vegetarian Chili
For a meatless option, try making vegetarian chili in your slow cooker. Start by sautéing diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in a skillet. Once softened, transfer them to the slow cooker.
Add canned kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes, along with corn kernels. Pour in vegetable broth and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
5. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to be a hit. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a little ketchup. Place boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Then, cover the thighs with the honey sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Once done, remove the chicken and thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Serve the chicken and sauce over rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
6. Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Lasagna in a slow cooker is a convenient way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. Start by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet. Once browned, stir in marinara sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and an egg. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the noodles are tender.
7. BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork is a flavorful and easy dish that’s great for sandwiches or sliders. Place a pork shoulder in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and a little apple cider vinegar.
Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once the pork is tender, shred it using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for a delicious and effortless meal.
8. Creamy Mushroom Soup
Creamy mushroom soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s simple to make in a slow cooker. Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic in a skillet. Once browned, transfer them to the slow cooker.
Add chicken or vegetable broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Before serving, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad.
9. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a tasty and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish. Slice beef chuck roast into thin strips and place them in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to the slow cooker and let them cook until tender. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice for a complete meal.
10. Potato and Corn Chowder
Potato and corn chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Combine diced potatoes, corn kernels, chopped onions, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamy texture. Garnish with chopped green onions and shredded cheese.
Conclusion
These simple slow-cooker recipes are great for those weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal but can’t spend hours in the kitchen.
From classic comfort foods to flavorful international dishes, there’s a slow-cooker recipe for every taste and occasion. The slow cooker is a versatile and convenient tool that can help you create a variety of tasty dishes with minimal effort.
So, grab your slow cooker and start experimenting with these recipes to enjoy effortless and satisfying weeknight dinners.
