15 Slow Cooker Meals to Get You Through the Work Week

Ease, comfort, and little preparation required- these are a few reasons why you should love your slow cooker, especially after a long day at work. For me, coming home and cooking 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 seven quart slow cooker (yes, I still have the one I bought five years ago after getting my first apartment!)

1. Slow Cooker Creamy White Chicken Chili

Source: The Chunky Chef

This creamy, white chicken chili brings equal parts savory 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

Source: Gather and Dine

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 Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Stew

Source: Foolproof Living

Veggie-packed, nutritious and easy to make? Sign us up. While this 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

Source: Pinch of Yum

Not only are these Quinoa Black Bean Crockpot Stuffed 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

Source: A Beautiful Plate

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

Source: Wholefully

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

Source: One Lovely Life

If you happen to be craving Indian food, skip grabbing takeout and try out this slow cooker version of Chicken Tikka Masala from Emily at One Lovely Life. She describes the warm spices in this sauce as “mouthwatering” and “savory, complex and layered.” This recipe is paleo friendly and if 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

Source: Half Baked Harvest

With ingredients like caramelized pork curry 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

Source: Well-Plated

This Slow Cooker No-Noodle Vegetarian Lasagna is packed with protein and has little carbohydrates. Instead of pasta, its layers of sliced 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

Source: Pinch of Yum

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.