17 Time-Saving Slow Cooker Recipes for Your Overworked Days

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These 17 time-saving slow cooker recipes practically cook themselves while you reclaim your precious free time. Toss a few simple ingredients in the morning, and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal.

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform your kitchen into a bistro with this slow cooker version of old fashioned Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Its rich and velvety texture makes for a comforting and hearty dish, ideal for busy days when you crave a touch of restaurant quality at home.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Slow Cooker French Dip

A sandwich with meat and gravy on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
Slow Cooker French Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker French Dip recipe brings an easy meal into your dining room. With tender beef and a flavorful au jus, it’s a stress-free path to a satisfying and hearty meal, perfect for those days when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Crock Pot pork chops smothered in mushroom soup are simple to prepare, offering a creamy and flavorful main dish. It’s a practical choice for a busy day, ensuring a comforting meal with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a tasty soup that cooks itself, try this Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. It’s the ultimate in ease, simmering potatoes and ham into a creamy soup, with an optional cheesy twist. Perfect for a hands-off yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches combine savory seasonings with fork-tender beef, all topped with melted provolone. They’re simple to make and are perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal without the work.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker BBQ chicken legs gives you effortless flavor. Just set up your cooker and let these drumsticks bask in their tangy and smoky sauce. They’re a simple yet mouthwatering choice for any busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

A slow cooker full of short ribs and vegetables.
Slow Cooker Short Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the simplicity of slow cooker short ribs that promise fall-off-the-bone tenderness. This dish is a time-saver, perfect for busy families looking for a rich and hearty meal without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Olive Garden-inspired chicken pasta cooks slowly to perfection, offering a creamy and cheesy comfort dish. It’s a stress-free way to recreate a restaurant favorite, ideal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A plate of pot roast with carrots and mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe is the secret to a tender, flavor-infused beef dish with minimal hands-on time. It’s a practical solution for a busy day, resulting in a meal that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with broccoli and mashed potatoes.
Brown Sugar Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a sweet and savory triumph, slow-cooked to bring out the best flavors. They’re a hassle-free dinner option, ensuring a delicious dinner for any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

A tray of BBQ beef sandwiches topped with fried onions and bacon.
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Create a feast with these Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches, complete with crispy onions and bacon. They’re an easy solution for a flavor-filled family dinner or casual get-together, especially on those jam-packed days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With minimal prep, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs become a succulent meal, combining peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory taste. They’re a perfect choice for a busy day’s meal that cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker chicken thighs are a straightforward way to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful dinner. They’re perfect for an uncomplicated meal on a busy day, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Beijing Beef

Beijing beef in a slow cooker.
Beijing Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving takeout but strapped for time? This slow cooker Beijing Beef recipe is your solution, delivering healthy, wallet-friendly, and flavorful meals perfect for any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Beijing Beef

Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Spiral ham on a plate with asparagus and peaches in the background.
Crock Pot Spiral Ham. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Crock Pot Spiral Ham is a no-stress option for an everyday meal. With peach preserves, honey, and a hint of spice, it’s a sweet and spicy twist that cooks without a hitch, perfect for when your schedule is packed.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Crock Pot chili mac in the slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine the heartiness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese in this Slow Cooker Chili Mac. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for those days when you need a fulfilling dinner but have little time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Crock Pot Chicken Tacos, flavored with honey and lime, are a fuss-free way to spice up your meal routine. They’re a superb choice for a laid-back weeknight meal, especially when your day is full.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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