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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Game-Changing Crockpot Dinners for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 7, 2025, updated September 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook during busy weeknights can be a challenge, but with a crockpot, you can prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. These 26 recipes are perfect for those hectic evenings, allowing you to set it and forget it while still enjoying hearty and satisfying dinners. From comforting stews to flavorful casseroles, these dishes will make your weeknight meals a breeze.

    Crockpot Lasagna

    Crockpot Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Crockpot lasagna combines ease with deliciousness. This cheesy and saucy dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is just as satisfying as the classic baked version. With the slow cooker, you can prepare it without much effort, making it a great option for any night of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

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

    These meatballs are full of flavor and are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With the help of a crockpot, you can enjoy tender and juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cooker potato soup is a fantastic dish that truly showcases the convenience of a slow cooker. It's creamy and satisfying, and you don't have to put in much effort to make it. This soup is ideal for busy days when you have a lot going on but still want a comforting meal.

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    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This stew is prepared in a slow cooker, resulting in a tender and tasty meal that's incredibly simple to make. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you go about your day.

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    Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce

    Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    These meatballs with rice are simmered in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce that brings back fond memories. It's a simple dish that combines comfort and flavor, perfect for a cozy meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Default Cook.

    Slow cooking chicken in a tasty mix of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth creates a simple and delicious dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. The combination of flavors really brings the chicken to life, making it a meal everyone will enjoy.

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    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Hawaiian Pineapple chicken is a delicious dish that's super easy to make. With just a little bit of prep time, your crock pot or instant pot will handle the cooking for you. This meal is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken thighs and broccoli are cooked together in a tasty sauce made from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger paste, and some other common seasonings. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying one-pot meal that's perfect for busy evenings. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice in a rich marinara sauce are a great choice for dinner. Cooking them in a slow cooker makes it simple and convenient, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli can turn into a super simple lasagna, making it a breeze to prepare. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a hit with families and is perfect for a cozy dinner. With the ravioli serving as the noodles and the ricotta adding creaminess, it all comes together effortlessly.

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    Chicken & Dumplings

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

    This is a simple take on a classic comfort food that cooks all day in the crockpot. It's an easy and tasty option that you'll enjoy. Perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous

    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    Slow Cooker Chicken with lime and couscous is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It's a filling dish that includes plenty of healthy vegetables. This chicken dinner is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is packed with all the delicious flavors you love from Mexican cuisine. It's a simple and healthy option that saves you money compared to takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and lets you enjoy a hearty meal with ease.

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    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Dry onion soup mix adds a great flavor to classic meatloaf, making it a tasty option for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It takes the stress out of meal planning, allowing you to serve something delicious without much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    Ribs are seasoned with a great mix of spices and slow-cooked until they're super tender. This is a tasty option for family dinners, and you can easily serve it with any vegetable side you like.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas.
    Photo Credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

    This dish features tender shredded chicken combined with red bell pepper, green chiles, and onions simmered in a flavorful red enchilada sauce. When you layer in corn tortillas, olives, and extra cheese on top, it turns into a fantastic one-pot meal. It's a simple and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This soup is packed with fresh veggies, ground beef, and pasta. It's a filling and cozy dish that serves as a full meal on its own.

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    Butternut Squash Soup

    Butternut Squash Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This butternut squash soup is creamy, comforting, and super easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, it's a great vegetarian and gluten-free option that warms you up on chilly days. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup is sure to become a favorite for fall.

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    Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce made from apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, and a mix of seasonings. The combination creates a sweet and savory dish that's easy to prepare. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is a great option for a filling meal. With tender Russet potatoes, ground beef, and straightforward flavors, it's sure to be a hit with your family. It's an easy dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Corn chowder brings the flavors of summer right to your table, whether you choose fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. Adding toppings like bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese takes it to the next level, making it even more enjoyable.

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    Mississippi Chicken

    Mississippi Chicken
    Photo Credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Mississippi Chicken is a super simple dish to prepare in your crockpot. With just five basic ingredients, it packs a lot of flavor and is sure to please everyone. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as you can just throw everything in and let it cook. It goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

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    Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast

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

    This is a great meal for the whole family. It's a filling dinner made with simple ingredients, and the tender beef is packed with flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying for everyone at the table.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender, mouthwatering, and so easy. You won't believe this rotisserie-style chicken came out of your slow cooker! Prep it in advance for easy weeknight meals.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is packed with a mix of flavors that everyone loves, including smoky, sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. It's simple to prepare and can be served on a bun with some crunchy apple slaw for a delicious sandwich. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

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    Slow Cooker Satay Chicken

    Slow Cooker Satay Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    This Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a great way to shake up your dinner plans with minimal effort. Just throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. After a few hours, you'll have a creamy and flavorful dish that feels like it took all day to prepare. Plus, you can easily make extra to freeze for later.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • 20 Hearty Slow Cooker Dishes That Bring Fall Flavors to Your Table
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      21 Easy Casseroles That Are Perfect for Busy Families
    • Chicken thigh tray bake.
      26 Dump-And-Go Chicken Dinners That Are Super Easy to Prepare
    • Texas pasta.
      18 Southern Meal Prep Dinners You Won’t Mind Eating All Week

    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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