Lifestyle

11 Slow Cooker Recipes for Days When You Can't Even

LifestylePublished Oct 6, 2016
By Liz Alterman
Slow Cooker Burrito Bowl

Is there anything worse than hearing the question "What's for dinner?" and having no answer -- especially when you and your family are eat-anything-in-the-fridge hungry? 

Rather than scrambling to come up with a hearty and healthy dinner on the spot, consider these set-it-and-forget-it Crock-Pot recipes that will change your dinnertime routine from fearsome to fierce. 

From sumptuous soups to enticing exotic cuisine, we've rounded up slow cooker meals that will make your life a whole lot easier (not to mention, more delicious!). Seriously, is there anything better than walking in the door to the wonderful aroma of a dinner that's just waiting to be savored?

No, we don't think so either! So, pull out your slow cooker, prep, and enjoy. 

Image via number-2-pencil.com

1/11
Butternut Squash Soup-placeholder
Butternut Squash Soup
pumpsandiron.com

Butternut Squash Soup

Nicole of Pumps & Iron shares her mouthwatering recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup. As she points out, it's a wonderful dish to serve on Thanksgiving, or if you happen to have a vegan or vegetarian visiting. 

More from CafeMom: 9 Simple Swaps to Prevent Winter Weight Gain

2/11
Summer Beef Stew-placeholder
Summer Beef Stew
runningtothekitchen.com

Summer Beef Stew

Just because the weather is turning crisp, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy this Summer Beef Stew, created by Gina of Running to the Kitchen. Packed with zucchini and peppers, this is a colorful dish you'll enjoy year round.

3/11
Chicken Noodle Soup-placeholder
Chicken Noodle Soup
cookingclassy.com

Chicken Noodle Soup

With cold and flu season underway, this Chicken Noodle Soup is a lifesaver. Jaclyn of Cooking Classy shares her recipe, which is loaded with fresh herbs and veggies. 

More from CafeMom: 20 Cozy Crock Pot Soup Recipes That Cook Themselves

4/11
Chicken Tikka Masala-placeholder
Chicken Tikka Masala
spicysouthernkitchen.com

Chicken Tikka Masala

Want all the flavor of take-out without any of the fuss? This Chicken Tikka Masala from Christin of Spicy Southern Kitchen is a warm and wonderful dish you'll want in your weekly rotation. Coriander, cumin, and ginger add just the right amount of spice.

More from CafeMom: 5 Pumpkin Spice Cocktails That Kick Your PSL to the Curb

5/11
Chicken Burrito Bowl-placeholder
Chicken Burrito Bowl
number-2-pencil.com

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Melissa at No. 2 Pencil tops her Chicken Burrito Bowls with fresh tomatoes, onions, cheese, and avocado. Are you drooling yet? We are. Skip the Chipotle on your way home and savor your own creation with far less expense.

6/11
Garlic Parmesan Risotto-placeholder
Garlic Parmesan Risotto
kleinworthco.com

Garlic Parmesan Risotto

While risotto is a delicious fall dinner, not everyone has the time to stand by the stove stirring it until it reaches peak creamy perfection.

Fortunately, Gina at Kleinworth & Co. developed a recipe for Garlic Parmesan Risotto that does all the work for you -- in your slow cooker, no less! You'll think you've come home to a restaurant.

7/11
Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Soup-placeholder
Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Soup
damdelicious.net

Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Soup

Looking for a warm and hearty meal? Try this Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Soup created by Chungah of Damn Delicious, who notes that the prep time is just 10 minutes.

You can't beat that on a busy day! Plus, it's amazing on its own or served with a salad or crusty loaf of bread.

8/11
Turkey Meatballs-placeholder
Turkey Meatballs
wellplated.com

Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Meatballs are the ideal comfort food because they taste amazing but are a little bit lighter and healthier than your regular fare.

Erin of Well Plated uses a combo of ground turkey and turkey sausage to ensure her meatballs aren't dry. Serve these with the pasta of your choice or a warm loaf of Italian bread.

9/11
Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Soup-placeholder
Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Soup
laurenkellynutrition.com

Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Soup

This low-carb Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Soup is a great way to use up any extra ham. It's also the perfect way to unwind on a chilly evening. Or, serve it for a soothing weekend lunch.

Carolyn of All Day I Dream About Food shared her recipe on Lauren Kelly's blog when the nutritionist was recovering from surgery. A bowl of this certainly looks healing.

10/11
Chicken Gnocchi Soup-placeholder
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
pinchofyum.com

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When someone uses the words "simple" and "velvety" in the same sentence, we're all ears. This Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Pinch of Yum has bacon in it as well.

Once this is in your Crock-Pot, you'll be counting down the hours until you can grab a spoon and dig in!

11/11
Easy Orange Chicken-placeholder
Easy Orange Chicken
nelliebellie.com

Easy Orange Chicken

Orange marmalade will be your best friend when it comes to this Easy Orange Chicken recipe from Nellie Bellie. Soy sauce, ginger, and barbecue sauce add tons of delicious flavor. Serve this with rice, noodles, or veggies, and prepare to fall in love. 

More from CafeMom: Crock-Pot French Onion Soup With Guinness & Irish Cheddar Croutons

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