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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Easy Slow Cooker Meals for the Busy Family

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 25, 2025, updated October 8, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These slow cooker meals are perfect for busy families looking for easy and delicious dinner options. With minimal prep time and the ability to cook while you go about your day, these recipes will help you serve up satisfying meals without the stress. From hearty stews to flavorful casseroles, there's something here for everyone.

    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Cooking it in the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it a great choice for busy families. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Ham

    Slow Cooker Ham.
    Photo Credit: Like Mother. Like Daughter.

    A spiral cut ham with a sweet glaze is cooked slowly to bring out its tenderness and flavor. This dish is ideal for busy families who want a simple and tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dinner is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday meal. This classic Italian dish simmers slowly, which makes it perfect to enjoy over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

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    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Pulled pork is cooked slowly with cherry cola, BBQ sauce, and spices, creating a tasty dish that's great for busy families. This simple meal is sure to satisfy everyone around the table.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A hearty pot roast with vegetables is a favorite comfort food that many enjoy. This simple chuck roast only takes about 5 minutes to get ready and then cooks slowly, leading to meat that is so tender it nearly falls apart.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This creamy pasta dish brings together all the delicious flavors of chicken cordon bleu. It's filling and full of rich taste, making it a great choice for dinner. Perfect for busy families, this meal is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast

    Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast.
    Photo Credit: Butter Your Biscuit.

    This dinner is great for busy families, providing a hearty meal that everyone will love. With just a few easy ingredients, the beef turns out tender and flavorful in every bite.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    This creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that's easy to whip up in your crock pot or on the stove. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden recipe, it's perfect for chilly winter days or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal. With its hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow cooker lasagna soup is a filling and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this soup comes together easily and requires very little prep work. It's a great way to enjoy the classic taste of lasagna in a warm, comforting bowl.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros

    Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow cooker chicken gyros are a fantastic meal option that brings together tender chicken and soft pita bread. With fresh, crunchy veggies on top, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's an easy way to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken & Dumplings

    Chicken and dumplings.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    This dish is a straightforward version of a beloved comfort food that simmers all day in the slow cooker. It's a convenient and delicious choice for families with a packed schedule.

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    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Add Salt and Serve.

    Cube steak is a great choice for a simple and satisfying dinner. It becomes really tender and flavorful with just a few ingredients. By mixing it with cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and some seasonings, you can create a delicious meal with very little work.

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    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken tikka masala served over white rice.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and delicious meal. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it handle the cooking while you take care of other things. It's an easy way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken and colorful vegetables simmered in a delicious, sticky sauce. This dish is perfect when served over rice, making it a filling and enjoyable meal for the whole family.

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    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    These meatballs are packed with flavor and are great for a comforting meal. Simply put everything in your slow cooker, and it will turn out tender, juicy meatballs in a tasty tomato sauce with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites offer an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy delicious beef. With only a few minutes of preparation, you can prepare a filling meal that's great for pairing with some crusty bread.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Chicken breasts are cooked slowly with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, then shredded and mixed with the tasty sauce. This dish is great served over rice, making it a simple and satisfying meal.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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