19 slow cooker recipes working parents swear by

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Are you tired of the daily struggle to get a delicious, wholesome dinner on the table after a long day at work? Put down that takeout menu and listen up, because we’ve got 19 slow cooker recipes that are about to make your life a whole lot easier.

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

Crock Pot Ramen

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

The slow cooker makes this soup a lifesaver for busy families – just set it and move on with your day. The broth turns rich while you’re handling other tasks, and everyone can customize their bowl at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli

A plate of pumpkin cake mix cookies studded with chocolate chips is artfully arranged in a circle on a white surface.
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’re running between activities, this pasta and bean soup works hard in your slow cooker. The beef and tomato broth pack protein and vegetables into one filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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

This chicken dinner cooks itself while you focus on family time. The meat turns tender in the slow cooker with minimal ingredients and zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches

A chicken sandwich topped with coleslaw on a seeded bun, served with French fries and a pickle spear on a white plate.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Put this chicken in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to ready-to-serve sandwiches. Parents love how the meat shreds easily for quick assembly at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Sweet Pork

Tray of shredded pork tacos in flour tortillas, garnished with cilantro and served with lime wedges.
Slow Cooker Sweet Pork. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Drop this pork in the slow cooker and it’ll be ready to serve multiple ways by dinner. Parents can prep this once and use it in tacos, burritos, or bowls throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Pork

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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

This soup cooks itself while you’re managing the day’s activities. The slow cooker turns broccoli and cheese into a dinner that kids actually want to eat.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker handle dinner while you tackle your to-do list. The beef breaks down throughout the day, then just add noodles for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

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.

These ribs cook themselves while you’re out running errands or helping with homework. The meat falls off the bone by dinner time with zero attention needed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

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.

Pop these legs in before your busy day starts and return to perfectly cooked chicken. The meat falls off the bone with no work from you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

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 chili simmers all day while you handle everything else on your schedule. The unique spice blend makes this a change from standard dinners without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken

Pineapple slices arranged over cooked chicken pieces in a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

While you’re managing school pickup and activities, this chicken cooks itself. The sweet-savory sauce and pineapple make dinner interesting with no extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken

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 pork chops turn tender while you focus on family time. The slow cooker creates its own sauce, making dinner prep quick for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Smothered Steak

A plate with a serving of mashed potatoes topped with two pieces of meat in brown gravy, garnished with herbs and accompanied by Brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Smothered Steak. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The meat turns fork-tender while you’re tackling your daily tasks. This hands-off dinner gives busy families a solid meal without kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Smothered Steak

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.

This soup practically makes itself while you’re managing your day. Just add cheese at the end for a dinner that fills up active families.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The beef cooks until tender while you handle work and family duties. This no-fuss meal works hard in your slow cooker so you don’t have to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

A crockpot filled with tater tots, melted cheese, bacon pieces, and chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This casserole takes care of itself while you manage your busy schedule. The combination of chicken, ranch, and bacon makes a filling dinner with minimal prep work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

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

Let the slow cooker handle this ham while you focus on family time. The sweet and spicy glaze develops without any attention from busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Four meatballs in a rich sauce, topped with sliced green peppers.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These beef patties cook themselves while you’re juggling daily tasks. The slow cooker turns them tender in rich gravy for a hands-off family meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy potato soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon, next to a spoon and a blue and white checkered napkin.
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This soup thickens up while you’re handling after-school activities. Busy parents can set this up and return to a ready-to-serve dinner that everyone can top their own way.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

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