17 Slow Cooker Dinners That Save Your Weeknights

Weeknights can be a mad dash of preparing dinner while juggling other responsibilities. The slow cooker, a countertop electrical cooking appliance that maintains a low temperature, allows for unattended cooking for many hours. They are perfect for making quick, easy, and delicious meals that save your precious time during the week.

This list is based on real-world trends, data, and expert interviews that highlight the versatility of slow cookers in providing healthy and time-saving dishes. Expect to discover a variety of slow cooker dinners that not only satisfy your taste buds but also free up your weeknights for relaxation or other activities.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a classic and hearty dish that people often overlook due to its long cooking time. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s a combination of tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all stewed together in a rich gravy.

According to Time, slow cooking can enhance the flavor of meat and vegetables, making the Beef Stew more savory. The trend of slow cooker meals continues to rise, especially for health-conscious individuals who prefer home-cooked meals.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that people often buy from restaurants without realizing how easy it is to make at home. It combines the flavors of chicken, cream, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked together to create a delicious weeknight dinner.

As highlighted by Food Network, slow cooker Chicken Alfredo is a great way to save time and money while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home. This trend is growing due to the increase in people cooking at home due to safety concerns from the ongoing pandemic.

3. Slow Cooker Chili

Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and spicy dish that’s often overlooked because of its long cooking time. The slow cooker simplifies the process, creating a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort.

The value of slow cooker Chili is increasing as more people discover its health benefits. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, beans, a key ingredient in Chili, are rich in fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for weeknight dinners.

4. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a classic dish that’s often overlooked because of its long cooking time. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing the meat and vegetables to cook together, creating a flavorful meal.

According to MyRecipes, slow cooker Pot Roast is a great way to make use of cheaper cuts of meat, saving money while providing a delicious meal. This trend is growing as more people look for cost-effective ways to feed their families.

5. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a delicious and versatile dish that’s often overlooked due to its long cooking time. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

As highlighted by FoodSafety.gov, slow cooking is a safe way to cook meat, as it allows it to reach a safe internal temperature. This adds value to slow cooker Pulled Pork as a safe and tasty option for weeknight dinners.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that people often buy from restaurants without realizing how easy it is to make at home. The slow cooker makes the process simple, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.

According to EatThis, slow cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a healthy alternative to fried or baked versions. This trend is growing as more people look for healthier options when cooking at home.

7. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup is a healthy and comforting dish that’s often overlooked because it can be time-consuming to prepare. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing the vegetables to cook together, creating a flavorful soup.

As highlighted by CDC, slow cooker Vegetable Soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. This trend is growing as more people look for convenient ways to eat healthily.

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos is a flavorful and versatile dish that people often buy from restaurants without realizing how easy it is to make at home. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

According to Bon Appétit, slow cooker Chicken Tacos is a great way to save time and money while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home. This trend is growing due to the increase in people cooking at home due to safety concerns.

9. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic and comforting dish that’s often overlooked because of its long cooking time. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing the meat and sauce to cook together, creating a flavorful meal.

As highlighted by BBC Good Food, slow cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a great way to make a meal that can serve a large number of people. This trend is growing as more people look for convenient ways to feed their families.

10. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a spicy and flavorful dish that people often buy from restaurants without realizing how easy it is to make at home. The slow cooker allows the flavors to blend together, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.

According to Healthline, the turmeric in curry has many health benefits, adding value to slow cooker Chicken Curry as a healthy choice for weeknight dinners. This trend is growing as more people look for healthy and flavorful meals to cook at home.