10 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• • 4 cups beef broth

• • 3 medium carrots, sliced

• • 3 medium potatoes, diced

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 tbsp tomato paste

• • 1 tsp dried thyme

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Add to the slow cooker, then pour in the broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for about 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.

2. Creamy Coconut Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken breasts

• • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

• • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• • 2 tbsp honey

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tsp ginger, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions: Place chicken in slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with rice and sprinkle with cilantro.

3. Vegetarian Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• • 1 bell pepper, diced

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2-3 tbsp chili powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir well and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or avocado.

4. Teriyaki Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken thighs

• • 1 cup teriyaki sauce

• • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

• • 1 bell pepper, sliced

• • 2 green onions, chopped

• • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions: Place chicken in the slow cooker, pour teriyaki sauce over the top. Add pineapple and bell peppers. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

5. Potato and Leek Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• • 2 leeks, sliced (white part only)

• • 4 cups vegetable broth

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Chives for garnish

Instructions: Place potatoes, leeks, onion, garlic, and broth in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Before serving, blend until smooth (optional) and garnish with chives.

6. Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 pork chops

• • 1/2 cup honey

• • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Lay pork chops in the slow cooker and cover with the mixture. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice.

7. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

• • 1 lb ground turkey or beef

• • 1 cup cooked rice

• • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a bowl, combine meat, rice, tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stuff mixture into bell peppers and place in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.

8. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken thighs

• • 1 lemon, juiced

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions: Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the mixture over the top. Cook on low for 6 hours. Garnish with parsley and serve with vegetables.

9. Easy Beef Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 2 lbs ground beef

• • 1 packet taco seasoning

• • 1 cup beef broth

• • Taco shells

• • Preferred toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.

Instructions: Place ground beef in the slow cooker, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and pour in the beef broth. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve in taco shells with desired toppings.

10. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1 egg

• • 2 cups marinara sauce

• • Spaghetti noodles

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and place in the slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cooked spaghetti.