Dinner doesn’t have to keep you stuck in the kitchen when you can use the time to do stuff around the house and get twice the chores done in the same time dinner is ready. These 13 easy recipes do the work while you take care of everything else. Let them simmer on the stove or in the slow cooker while you cross things off your list. By the time you’re ready to eat, the hard part is already done. You don’t only have more time to rest, you also get a delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
This chicken simmers with tomatoes and a splash of lime, giving it a fresh, bold taste. The slow cooker makes it tender without any fuss. You can toss it in early and walk away. By dinner, you’ve got a juicy main dish that goes with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken
Thai Chicken Chili
This Thai-style chili packs bold flavor and just the right amount of heat. It cooks low and slow, which means the chicken turns out tender and full of spice. You don’t need to watch it. Just let the slow cooker do its thing while you handle your day.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Crockpot Chili
This hearty chili is full of beans, ground meat, and simple spices. It cooks all day without needing to be stirred or checked. Each bite is thick and filling, perfect for when you want dinner ready without last-minute effort. It’s even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
This recipe gives you rich, spiced beef that cooks until soft. The crispy masa cups add crunch and hold everything together. It’s hands-off cooking that works while you do other things. You end up with a dinner that’s fun to eat and easy to pull together.
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Slow Cooker Thai Pork
This pork simmers in garlic and Thai spices that sink deep into the meat. You don’t need to prep much or do anything after it starts. Let it go low and slow and it turns out tender every time. It’s full of flavor and great for nights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Crockpot Carnitas
This pork cooks until it falls apart and soaks up all the spice. It works great for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches. Start it in the morning and forget it until dinnertime. The flavor is big but the work is small.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
This roast gets packed with garlic and slow cooked until it’s soft and rich. The prep is fast and the cooker handles the rest. The flavor builds as it cooks, and the meat pulls apart with a fork. It’s a solid choice when you need a meal that handles itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Hot Apple Cider Cocktail
This warm drink has the right mix of spice and comfort. It simmers while you’re busy and fills the house with a great smell. There’s no hard prep or extra steps. Just pour, heat, and sip when ready.
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Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe
This beef roast turns out tender and full of flavor from slow cooking. Toss everything in early and let it go while you work or run errands. Serve it with whatever sides you have. It’s easy to make and always tastes like you did more than you did.
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Crockpot Applesauce
Just toss apples and spices in the slow cooker and step away. A few hours later, you’ve got smooth, rich applesauce that feels homemade without all the stirring. You don’t need to mash or fuss. It’s great as a snack or a side dish.
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Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
These meatballs cook in a slow sauce with simple bold flavors. They go right into a roll for a fun, easy meal that’s different from the usual sandwich. Let them simmer while you get things done. They’ll be ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pulled pork is juicy, soft, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker breaks it down while you go about your day. It works great for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls. Just set it, forget it, and serve when it’s time to eat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup slowly blends tomatoes, chicken, and spices for a rich, full flavor. Crisp tortilla strips and fresh toppings add a nice crunch. There is no need to watch the pot. Just set it and forget it. When it’s ready, you get a bowl that’s hearty and satisfying, not just soup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup