Some nights are too busy to deal with dinner from start to finish. That’s why these 35 set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meals are a lifesaver during back-to-school season. Just toss in the ingredients, let them cook low and slow, and come back to a hot meal that’s ready when you are. These slow cooker dinners make the busiest nights feel a little more doable.
Slow Cooker Pork Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Thai Chicken Chili
Spicy, rich, and packed with flavor, this slow cooker chili makes dinner feel like less work. The heat blends with savory chicken as it simmers for hours, giving you a bold meal without much to do. Let this one handle dinner while you handle everything else after school.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Crockpot Carnitas
Pork turns tender and full of flavor in the slow cooker, and it only takes a few minutes to toss everything in. It shreds easily and works in tacos, burritos, bowls, or sandwiches. Make this one of your go-to slow cooker dinners for back-to-school nights that need zero stress.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Tangy tomato and fresh lime give this slow-cooked chicken a bright flavor that comes together with barely any effort. It turns out juicy and perfect for spooning over rice, stuffing into tacos, or eating with a fork. Save this one for busy nights when dinner needs to make itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Crockpot Chili
Beans, beef, and spices cook low and slow into a thick chili that’s filling and full of taste. It comes together with almost no work and is great for loading up with toppings. Put this in your dinner rotation when school nights feel long and the homework pile is even longer.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pulled pork cooks itself while you’re doing a dozen other things, and it always turns out juicy and full of flavor. It works in sandwiches, tacos, or even just eaten straight from the slow cooker. Let this one take care of dinner so you can focus on everything else.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
A handful of spices and a few simple steps turn pork into something bold and tender in the slow cooker. It cooks low and slow into a dish that works with rice, noodles, or wraps. Keep this recipe handy when back-to-school nights leave you too tired to think about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Crockpot Corned Beef
Let the slow cooker turn corned beef into something tender and packed with deep flavor while you do anything but cook. It’s easy to slice and works just as well in a sandwich as it does on a plate. Add this one to your list when back-to-school season gets a little too busy.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Corned Beef
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
This slow-cooked beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender and soaks up all the bold spices while you’re busy with everything else. It’s great for tacos, bowls, or piled into crispy masa cups. Let this easy slow cooker recipe be the dinner you can count on when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork, beans, and spices turn into a rich, smoky chili that doesn’t need babysitting. The long cooking time brings out deep flavor and leaves you with a hearty meal that’s ready when you are. This is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that saves school nights from chaos.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Sweet Tomato Chicken
This chicken simmers in a sweet tomato sauce that thickens into something rich and comforting while you’re off doing other things. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for rice, pasta, or just by itself. Keep this slow cooker dinner in your back pocket for when the day runs long.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tomato Chicken
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
This pot roast comes out tender and full of rich flavor after cooking all day in the slow cooker. It’s great with pasta, potatoes, or bread to soak up all that sauce. Make this one when back-to-school days leave you needing a hands-off dinner that still feels like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic and slow cooking bring out bold flavor in this tender pork that needs almost no work. It falls apart easily and works in rice bowls, sandwiches, or alongside vegetables. Let this be your dinner fix when school days feel long and your energy is low.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Perfect Pot Roast
This slow cooker pot roast turns out juicy and full of flavor with barely any effort. It simmers with broth and veggies until everything is tender and ready to serve. Count on this recipe when you need dinner to cook itself while you juggle everything else.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
These meatballs simmer in a spicy sauce that turns them juicy and loaded with flavor. Serve them on a roll, over rice, or with pasta for a meal that feels filling without being hard to make. Save this recipe for those busy weeknights when you need dinner to just work.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Crock Pot Tortilla Soup
This soup is packed with flavor from bold spices that blend as it cooks low and slow. It’s easy to build with toppings or enjoy as is, and it always tastes like more effort than it takes. Keep this one ready when school nights call for something warm and no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tortilla Soup
Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork
A brown sugar rub gives this pork a sweet crust while the inside stays juicy and tender. It’s great for shredding and using however you want, from plates to sandwiches. Add this to your set-it-and-forget-it dinner list when you need flavor fast without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
These pork chops cook low and slow in a rich gravy that keeps them juicy from start to finish. The sauce thickens just right and works perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice. Let this comforting dinner do the heavy lifting after a long school day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
The slow cooker turns mac and cheese into a creamy, cheesy meal that’s hard to beat. The pasta cooks soft while soaking up all the rich sauce without you lifting a finger. Make this your go-to dinner when you want comfort food that handles itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
This soup cooks itself into something thick, hearty, and full of flavor with barely any prep. The beans turn soft, the broth gets rich, and it’s all done while you’re busy elsewhere. Come back to this recipe whenever school nights get too packed to cook.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
These pork chops turn tender in the slow cooker while the sauce adds deep, savory flavor. They’re easy to make and even easier to serve with whatever sides you’ve got. Keep this one in rotation for those back-to-school nights that sneak up on you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
This roast simmers low and slow in a mix of broth, vinegar, and spices until the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender. The sauce is bold and rich, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or soaking up with bread. Save this one for back-to-school nights when dinner needs to taste great with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
Pork Loin in the Crock Pot
A pork loin cooks all day in the slow cooker and comes out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to shred and use however you like, whether that’s tacos, rice bowls, or sandwiches. This is one of those slow cooker meals that makes school nights easier with almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin in the Crock Pot
Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot
This slow cooker version gives you juicy chicken with a crispy coating and none of the frying mess. The meat stays tender while the outside still gets that golden crust everyone wants. Let this be your go-to when you want fried chicken but don’t have time to babysit a skillet.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
A quick prep and a slow cook are all it takes to get sweet, sticky teriyaki chicken that’s full of flavor. The honey-based sauce thickens as it simmers, coating the chicken in something kids and grownups both like. This is the kind of slow cooker recipe that saves dinner when the school day runs long.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup
This light and cozy soup blends chicken, broth, and fresh veggies for a warm meal that still feels healthy. It cooks in the slow cooker while you handle homework, errands, or anything else the day throws at you. Count on this recipe when you want something simple and wholesome after a busy school day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce
This pork shoulder turns fall-apart tender while soaking up a tangy mustard BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. It’s bold, rich, and perfect for sandwiches, plates, or leftovers the next day. Make this when back-to-school nights feel full and dinner needs to handle itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and garlicky with a sticky sauce, this slow cooker chicken cooks itself while you focus on everything else. It comes out juicy and full of flavor, perfect with rice or on its own. Let this easy dinner recipe take care of the cooking while you catch up on your to-do list.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe gives you all the comfort of a pot pie without needing to turn on the oven. The chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce cook together until they’re ready to spoon over biscuits or puff pastry. This slow cooker dinner is the one to reach for when you want cozy food but don’t have the time to start from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Toss a few ingredients into the slow cooker and come back to a thick, hearty soup that tastes like taco night in a bowl. It’s great with chips, cheese, or whatever toppings you’ve got around. Keep this recipe close when you want dinner ready after a packed school afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Pot Roast with Bacon
This pot roast cooks low and slow with slices of smoky bacon that add deep flavor to every bite. The beef turns fork-tender and makes a filling dinner with hardly any hands-on time. This is the slow cooker meal to make when you need dinner to handle itself while you manage everything else.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon
Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Beans, veggies, and spices come together in the slow cooker to make a thick and filling chili with no meat and no hassle. The flavors build slowly as everything simmers, giving each bite a smoky, satisfying taste. This is the kind of dinner that makes back-to-school nights feel doable without missing the meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This soup cooks all day into a creamy, rich mix of split peas, veggies, and broth that’s both hearty and easy. The long simmer breaks everything down so it’s smooth and packed with comfort. Keep this one ready for school nights when dinner needs to be warm, filling, and no trouble at all.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne
Pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese turn into something cozy and satisfying with just a little prep. The slow cooker does the rest, making every bite rich and easy to love. Turn to this dinner when you need a cheesy favorite that cooks itself while you get through your evening list.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne
Venison Stew
Venison simmers with hearty vegetables and broth until the meat is tender and full of deep, savory flavor. The slow cooker takes care of everything while you’re busy with school runs and evening chores. Use this slow cooker meal when you want something comforting but can’t spend all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew
Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup
This soup blends chicken, cheese, and hominy into a creamy, rich meal that fills you up fast. Everything simmers in the slow cooker until the broth thickens and the flavors come together just right. Save this one for those nights when you need dinner to feel like a break from the chaos.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup