10 Tasty Slow Cooker Meals

Let’s face it, no matter how simple a dish may be to prepare, sometimes you just want dinner ready for you when you come home. This is especially true during the cooler, shorter days of fall and winter.

Say hello to your new best friend, the slow cooker (or “crock pot”). When your meal is cooking for you (instead of you cooking the meal), you can’t help but feel a bit brilliant and organized. Think of all the things you can accomplish while savory aromas fill your home and lure your family away from their iPads, video games or tv shows.

Here are 10 slow cooker meals that will take the stress out of dinner prep. Try incorporating one or two into your weekly meal plan. If you’re lucky, you can take leftovers for lunch the next day!

1. The Best Crockpot Beef Stew

If you are looking for a classic family favorite, this one fits the bill. Tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables make this one-pot meal perfect for colder winter evenings.

2. Curried Vegetable and Chickpea Stew

This vegan recipe is packed with veggies and combines creamy coconut milk and spicy curry for a rich flavor in every bite. Even the meat-lovers in your family are sure to enjoy this.

3. Chicken and Mushroom Farro Risotto
Looking to add some new whole grains to your diet? Farro is an ancient wheat grain that works perfectly in a risotto. And what is better than a crockpot risotto? No stirring required!

4. Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagne

This dietitian-developed lasagne puts a healthy spin on a classic. Layers of butternut squash and kale make for a lively and delicious dish. And you don’t have to wait around while it cooks!

5. Moroccon Slow Cooker Meatballs

Meatballs in a slow cooker? You heard that right! They do require a little more prep than other slow-cooker recipes, but if you have a meatball loving family this recipe is worth it and could be adapted to fit your favorite meatballs. The meatballs only need 2-4 hours in the slow cooker, so make it after the kids get home from school and dinner will be ready after sports practice!

6. Slow Cooker Barley and Bean Soup

Barley is another grain that deserves more attention, packed with fiber and vitamins, its nutty taste pairs perfectly with beans to make a complete meal. This hearty but healthful soup is sure to take the chill out of the coldest winter day!

7. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

This fall classic combines butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup for a sweet soup that is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple to make, but can be made even simpler by using precut butternut squash. Add a salad and some whole grain bread and consider dinner done!

8. Pork Carnitas Tacos

This meal requires a few extra sides such as taco shells, salsa, shredded cheese, and guacamole to come together, but cooking the pork couldn’t be easier. And with any luck you will have leftover pork for lunch the next day!

9. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Who doesn’t love a good vegetarian chili? This one includes quinoa, packed with additional protein and fiber, and helping to make the consistency hearty and rich. This recipe is sure to fill you up without weighing you down!

10. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This white chicken chili is perfect for those who would rather not have a tomato-based chili. Packed with protein and fiber, this lean chili can be spiced up or down depending on how hot you like it!