13 Slow Cooker Meals That Save the During a Busy Week
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When life gets busy, slow cooker meals are the perfect time-saver for a hot, homemade dinner with minimal effort. Just add your ingredients, set it, and forget it, by meal time, a comforting, flavorful dish will be ready. These easy slow cooker recipes are ideal for stress-free weeknight dinners that still taste amazing.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Cheesy ranch chicken is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when cooking feels impossible. Just toss tender chicken breasts in your slow cooker with creamy ranch sauce, sprinkle on plenty of cheese, and let it melt into gooey perfection. This dish is rich, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite, no fuss required.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Beef Stew
Slow cooker beef stew is one of those dependable dinners that never disappoint. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the ultimate cozy meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights, this classic comfort food is a warm and delicious way to wind down after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken is a must-try slow cooker recipe that’s incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor. Toss chicken breasts in your crockpot with your favorite salsa, and you’ll have juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner hack for busy days when you need a no-fail meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Beef and Broccoli
Skip the takeout and make this slow-cooker beef and broccoli instead. Tender beef simmers in a rich ginger-garlic sauce alongside crisp broccoli for a dinner that’s both flavorful and easy. Whether you serve it over rice or cauliflower rice, this comforting dish is sure to be a go-to for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Pot Roast
There’s nothing like coming home to a slow-cooked pot roast that’s fall-apart tender and packed with flavor. This classic recipe combines rich gravy, tender beef, and hearty vegetables for a busy weeknight dinner that feels special yet requires barely any effort. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast
Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff made in the slow cooker is the ultimate dinner win when time is tight. Tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce combine for a rich and delicious meal. Serve it over noodles or cauliflower rice for a comforting dinner that the whole family will devour, no matter the day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This slow-cooker broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and unbelievably comforting. With tender broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and a smooth, savory broth, every spoonful is packed with flavor. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with after a long week, and since the slow cooker does all the work, there’s no stress involved.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash is a simple slow-cooker meal that delivers bold, comforting flavor. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, paprika-infused sauce that’s creamy and absolutely delicious. Serve it over rice or noodles for a hearty, delicious weeknight meal that you’ll want to make again and again during the busy week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow cooker taco soup is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and hearty spices, it’s comfort food made easy. This protein-packed meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling with minimal effort. Add some avocado, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a bowl that’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
For a rich and hearty dinner, slow cooker beef shank is an excellent choice. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth, infused with herbs and spices, is both comforting and flavorful. It’s the perfect dish to serve over mashed cauliflower for an easy, low-fuss meal on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Grandma’s hearty offal stew is a timeless recipe that transforms cuts like heart and kidney into a rich, flavorful dish. Slow-cooked in the crockpot, this stew is comforting, nourishing, and perfect for busy weekdays when you want a warm, filling meal ready and waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Chicken zoodle soup is the perfect light yet filling meal for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken, fresh zoodles, and vibrant veggies slow-cooked in a flavorful broth create a warm, comforting dish. It’s a simple way to enjoy classic chicken soup without the heaviness, ideal for meal prep or serving to the whole family any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Crockpot shepherd’s pie is the perfect solution for busy weeks when you crave something comforting yet healthy. Ground beef and veggies are layered beneath a creamy cauliflower mash, creating a rich, flavorful dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a warm, hearty classic that’s easy to reheat and even better the next day, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash