Why slave away? 19 cozy weekend meals made easy!

Photo of author

| Published:

Ah, the weekend. That glorious time when the frantic pace of the workweek takes a back seat, and we yearn for something comforting, hearty, and, well, just plain cozy to eat. But who said weekends are for working hard in the kitchen? Not us!

Thanks to the magic of slow cookers and Instant Pots, we can have the best of both worlds: delicious, soul-warming meals without the fuss and hours of cooking. Dive into these handpicked recipes that promise to make your weekends even more delightful. Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie enthusiast, or somewhere in between, there’s a dish here waiting to become your new weekend favorite.

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Four ingredient slow cooker pulled chicken with beans in a yellow bowl.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Weekend comfort can be as simple as four ingredients. This slow cooker pulled chicken, packed with beans and cheese, is tailor-made for lazy moments. Wrap it in a tortilla or just lay it over some rice. Effortlessly delicious.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Mexican shredded beef bowls with plantains, rice and beans and peppers.
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why hassle over elaborate meals when your slow cooker can do the heavy lifting? These shredded Mexican beef bowls are an entire meal in one, with rice, beans, plantains, and peppers. It’s a weekend delight, without the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow cooker balsamic pulled pork over polenta with avocado crema in a white bowl.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This isn’t just any pulled pork; it’s balsamic infused, married with cheesy polenta and topped off with an avocado crema. The ultimate comfort food, just waiting in your slow cooker for that weekend evening.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget the takeout. This honey garlic chicken is your new go-to, complete with a delectable sauce and chunks of pineapple. It’s home-cooked goodness, the easy way.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken

BBQ peach pulled chicken over rice with pita bread in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Imagine a hint of sweet BBQ peach in your pulled chicken. Easy, sweet, and oh-so-tempting, it’s the kind of weekend dish that asks nothing more of you than to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Winter’s knocking, and what better response than this? A short rib ragu, ready to serve over sweet potatoes or pasta. A warm hug from your slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Summer beef stew topped with red onion and grated cheese.
Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A summer take on the classic stew. Brewed in the slow cooker, it’s all the flavors of summer without heating up your kitchen. Dive into a bowl of summer comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Slow cooker shredded tri tip in a white bowl over mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Tri Tip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Minimal ingredients, maximum taste. This Tri-Tip Roast, infused with fresh herbs, promises a meal that’s both easy and sumptuous. A real weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow cooker apple BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with apple carrot raisin slaw.
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Each bite is a celebration of fall. With BBQ apple pulled pork and a unique sage apple carrot raisin slaw, it’s a sandwich that screams weekend indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who said vegan can’t be hearty? With a rich tomato base, beans, lentils, and kale, this soup is a nutrient-packed delight, ready in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Your cozy weekend in just got a lot cozier. This beef and mushroom stew is pure comfort, ensuring a satisfied belly and heart.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Classic Italian, in record time. Dive into the deep flavors of this bolognese, made faster in an Instant Pot, yet still bursting with tradition.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot BBQ beef brisket shredded on a plate.
Instant Pot Brisket. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A BBQ delight made simple. The result? Tender, juicy brisket that’s sure to be the star of any weekend table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Nothing spells comfort like a hot bowl of cabbage soup. Packed with ingredients and flavors, it’s a surefire win for those lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An aromatic treat, this coconut pork is spiced to perfection. Pair it with turmeric ginger rice for a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who knew the Instant Pot could whip up such creamy goodness so quickly? With tortellini and a dash of basil, it’s a bowl of pure joy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A flavor-packed vegetarian delight, this soup combines lentils with an array of veggies. Warm, wholesome, and just what the weekend ordered.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Picadillo

Vegan tempeh picadillo served in a bowl with cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A plant-based twist on the Cuban classic. Brimming with tempeh, lentils, and a medley of flavors, it’s a dish that promises contentment with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hearty white beans, stewed to perfection with tomatoes. Best enjoyed over toasted sourdough, it’s simplicity at its most delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.