Let’s face it, life gets busy. So, our intentions of having a home cooked meal often go out the window when soccer practice runs late or you get stuck at work for a last minute deadline. But, with these super easy slow cooker recipes, fast food is no longer the only answer. By throwing these recipes in the crockpot in the morning, you will have a super easy dinner ready for you when you get home regardless of what the day throws your way!
1. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken & Potatoes
This is a super simple that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest kids, but it is also packed with flavors so mom and dad don’t have to suffer! Try it out and it is sure to become one of your “go to” easy slow cooker recipes. I also love that it has a whole chicken breast that mimics a grilled breast instead of the more shredded blended together chicken that is more common with slow cooker recipes. (via The Recipe Critic)
2. Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
One of the biggest complaints I hear about slow cooker recipes is that they can often be too much of all the same texture and flavor. I think the best solution for this is to use your crockpot for the filling and then combine with a no-prep item (like tortillas in this case) that adds a different texture to the dish. A perfect example of this is these Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Tacos. (via Carlsbad Cravings)
3. Super Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
Slow cooker recipes are ideal for tougher (and often cheaper!) cuts of beef because the slow cooking makes them so unbelievably tender and flavorful. That is why Beef & Broccoli is an ideal recipe to cook in your crockpot! The flavors marinate over hours for the most delicious and juicy final product. (via Kleinworth & Co)
4. Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini
Tortellini was hands-down one of my favorite meals growing up and just looking at this slow cooker cheesy tortellini dish is making my mouth water! (via Damn Delicious)
5. Slow Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff
In just minutes, you can throw together this Slow Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff in the morning. I can guarantee you that you will never regret it when you come home to this creamy and delicious family favorite after a long day. (via The Recipe Critic)
6. Butternut Squash Soup
Is there anything better on a cold day than coming home to the smell of Butternut Squash Soup in your slow cooker? I don’t think so. I am definitely adding this to my list of Fall recipes to try out this year. And, if you want to make it even more convenient, you can buy the pre-cubed butternut squash and the grocery store. (via Gimme Some Oven)
7. Easy Basil Pesto Slow Cooker Chicken
Next on the list of easy slow cooker recipes is this Basil Pesto Chicken that would be the perfect pairing for potatoes or pasta that you can quickly whip up to have dinner on the table in minutes. It is a great way to ensure your kids are getting enough vegetables too without it just being a boring veggie side dish of steamed broccoli. (via Bren Did)
8. Crazy Tender Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Isn’t it crazy to think that in just 5 minutes of prep time you can throw together a gourmet dinner of French Dip Sandwiches? You’ll never make them any other way after tasting how tender and juicy the meat is. (via Carlsbad Cravings)
9. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
I actually made my mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving last year in the slow cooker and they turned out fabulous! It actually was a life saver because, as you know, the classic Thanksgiving struggle is trying to find enough stove top and oven space for all of the food. Whether for just a regular family meal or for a holiday, these slow cooker mashed potatoes and creamy, delicous, and unbelievably easy! (via Gimme Some Oven)
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
This easy, healthy and kid friendly meal is a fun change from the classic meat and potatoes type dinners. It is absolutely delicious served on a bed of rice to soak up all those teriyaki flavors. (via Six Sisters’ Stuff)
11. Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
These indulgent Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are an easy slow cooker side dish that is perfect for a family meal or to bring to your next party or pot luck. (via Damn Delicious)
12. Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor
Cooking in the slow cooker doesn’t mean that you have to give up more gourmet flavors and dishes. If you saw a picture of these Tacos al Pastor, I bet you would have never guessed that you could easily make them in the crockpot! This is a perfect recipe to surprise your husband for date night with dinner & a movie at home without the kids. (via Gimme Some Oven)
13. Crockpot Beef Stew
There are so many reasons that this Crock Pot Beef Stew makes a perfect weeknight meal to add to your meal planning rotation: it is comforting, family friendly, easy to make (in the crockpot) and cheap because you can be the less expensive tougher cuts of meat since they will get uber tender in the slow cooker. (via Iowa Girl Eats)
14. Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Forget Panda Express, I’ve got an awesome slow cooker Orange Chicken recipe for you! (via The Recipe Critic)
15. Balsamic Honey Pulled Pork
We love making pulled pork or shredded chicken in the crockpot on a Sunday to have for lunches & dinners during the week. It is so versatile and perfect to throw on sandwiches, tacos, sweet potatoes or a salad for a super quick meal during a hectic week. This balsamic honey flavor is a fun, elevated take on pulled pork. (via Just a Taste)
16. Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This cozy homemade soup takes hardly any prep and I love the idea to serve with some toasted crostini or bread for an added crunch. (via Pinch of Yum)
17. Fall of the Bone Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
I don’t know about yours, but my husband would be beyond thrilled if he came home to this dinner of BBQ Ribs. And with this easy recipe that takes just 15 minutes of prep for fall of the bone ribs, I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he does! (via Carlsbad Cravings)
18. Sweet Chili Pineapple Slow Cooker Chicken
Next up on our list of easy slow cooker recipes, this amazing recipe only calls for 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of time in the morning to have dinner ready for you tonight! (via Bren Did)
19. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
I often think of meat dishes for the crockpot, but you can actually cook amazing pasta dishes in the slow cooker as well! For instance, your family will love this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti made entirely in the crockpot. It has all the classic flavors with a fraction of the time and cleanup – sign us up! (via The Recipe Rebel)
20. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Chicken is a staple in our house because it is so cheap & healthy. However, it can get old to have plain grilled chicken breasts all the time so it’s important to mix up the flavors and try new recipes like this sticky slow cooker honey garlic chicken. It will be an instant family favorite and a mom favorite given how easy it is to make! (via Creme De La Crumb)
21. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Whip up a big batch of these yummy Italian meatballs because they are sure to be a hit! You can easily serve with your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash for a clean eating, healthy alternative. Throw them on a hoagie roll for your husband’s lunch the next day and he will be the envy of the office. (via Girl Versus Dough)
22. Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken
To make this even easier, I recommend using the store bought fajita vegetable blend that is an absolute staple in our house! Add that to the chicken breasts and a can of salsa and you will have this delicious fajita salsa chicken that is perfect for burrito bowls, quesadillas, taco salads, and more! Plus, it is gluten free, dairy free, and paleo or Whole 30 compliant so just about anyone can enjoy it. (via Real Food Whole Life)
23. Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a staple of weeknight dinners at our house. I love topping them with different meat mixtures because they are a much healthier carb than a hamburger bun and packed with nutrients and fiber. For instance, try out this delicious and healthy slow cooker buffalo chicken sweet potato recipe that you can cook in the crockpot! (via Well Plated)
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