17 unexpected slow cooker saves for weeknight boredom!

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Forget the same boring weeknight recipes! This post is your guide to 17 unexpected slow cooker saves that will banish boredom from your dinner table.

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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.

These slow cooker BBQ chicken legs will revolutionize your weeknight meals with their simplicity and rich flavor. Just coat the drumsticks in a tangy barbecue sauce and let the slow cooker do its magic, providing a delicious dish that requires minimal hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform your evening meals with a tropical twist using this Hawaiian-inspired chili. The slow cooker melds the flavors beautifully, creating an enticing dish that’s simple to prepare, perfect for a laid-back family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the Chipotle favorite at home with this slow cooker barbacoa. The beef becomes tender and infused with flavor, making it an excellent choice for tacos. It’s an effortless way to bring a restaurant experience to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

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.

Make your dinners more exciting with these BBQ beef sandwiches. Slow-cooked beef is shredded and piled onto buns, then topped with crispy onions and savory bacon for a meal that’s bound to be a hit at any family event or casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the taste of Olive Garden to your kitchen with this chicken gnocchi soup. It’s a comforting, creamy concoction that combines tender chicken and veggies, all simmered slowly for a flavor that’s reminiscent of your favorite restaurant soup.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cincinnati chili is a no-hassle, hearty meal that will break the monotony of weeknight dinners. Ground beef and spices come together in a tomato-based sauce for a dish that’s as effortless as it is enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Simplify your meal prep with this crock pot ramen. Just add your ingredients and let them simmer into a savory, aromatic broth, providing a hot and ready meal that’s waiting for you after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

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

For those busy evenings, these slow cooker short ribs are a godsend. They simmer all day in a savory sauce, offering a dish that’s both delectable and easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy quality time with your family instead of being tied up in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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

These pork chops are a harmonious balance of sweet and savory, slow-cooked for a meal that’s effortlessly delicious. The crock pot ensures a tender result, making your dinner preparations a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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 infused with the flavors of peach preserves, honey, and a hint of red pepper flakes. It’s a sweet and spicy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to simple weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

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.

Erase dinner prep stress with these slow cooker country style ribs. A mix of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a dish that’s brimming with flavor, and the slow cooking process ensures the ribs are fall-apart tender.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

A crock pot filled with spaghetti and chicken.
Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Crock-Pot Chicken Spaghetti is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce in a meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family, all with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker French Dip

Roast beef sandwich with melted cheese and caramelized onions, served with a side of au jus sauce.
Slow Cooker French Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the comfort of a slow cooker French Dip. With beef that tenderly falls apart and a rich au jus for dipping, this dish is a comforting classic that’s simple to make, ensuring a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

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

Spice up your weekly routine with these crock pot chicken tacos. The chicken cooks in a blend of honey and lime, creating a flavorful filling for tacos that’s perfect for a relaxed weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and green onions.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker Asian spare ribs are a delicious combo of flavors, combining aromatic spices and sauces for a dish that’s as effortless as it is tasty. Just set up your slow cooker and let it work its magic for a meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

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.

Savor the flavors of Italy with these crock pot Italian beef sandwiches. Seasoned beef is cooked until tender and then served on crusty rolls with melted provolone for a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and a joy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring a bit of Louisiana to your table with this slow cooker Cajun chicken pasta. The chicken is seasoned to perfection and smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce, then served over pasta for a dish that’s rich in flavor and easy on preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

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