There’s nothing worse than a crock-pot recipe that requires searing and a whole lot of
prep work before you even pull out the slow-cooker. But with these easy, no-prep recipes, all you have to do is dump the ingredients into your crock pot in the a.m., and a hot, healthy meal that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters will magically appear hours later to feed the whole family. Now you and your family can actually sit down and eat something warm and delicious together — and neither you nor your nanny are exhausted from the labor!
1. Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Stew
Photo by TheCozyCook
Nothing says comfort food like a stew supper, and this hearty chicken and veggie-loaded recipe from
TheCozyCook
has a little ranch-flavored zing, too. Just be sure to serve some biscuits on the side — you don’t want all that creamy goodness to go to waste!
2. Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Photo by EazyPeazyMealz
The deep flavors of beef, mushrooms and buttery noodles in this classic Russian recipe will make your family think you slaved away in the kitchen all day. And if you follow
EazyPeazyMealz
‘s crock pot version, you can get it done in just a few minutes. Be sure to make extra, because it tastes even better the next day.
3. Easy Crock Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
Photo by Diethood
If you love quick and easy crock pot meals with a kick, you’ll want to get this Mexican-seasoned chicken dish from
Diethood
into the rotation. Once it’s done — with hardly no effort on your part — all you have to do is serve it with flour tortillas or over rice.
4. Slow Cooker Tomato Kale and Quinoa Soup
Photo by DamnDelicious
Everyone can benefit from more power foods in their diet, and this satisfying soup by
DamnDelicious
is loaded with them! Kale, quinoa and white beans are the protein stars of this nutritious meal. Bonus: you’ll even have time to sneak in a run or some yoga while the crock pot does all the work for you.
5. Crock Pot Bacon, Macaroni and Cheese
Photo by TammileeTips
On those manic days we all experience, the best remedy is cheesy comfort. And this easy mac ‘n cheese creation from
TammileeTips
doesn’t disappoint. Plus, there’s an extra dose of happiness in every bite for bacon lovers.
6. Crock Pot Lobster Bisque
Photo by Crock-Pot Ladies
You don’t have to book a trip — or spend hours over the stove — for a taste of Maine with this decadent lobster bisque recipe from the
Crock-Pot Ladies
. Warning: your family might show their claws if you don’t offer seconds.
7. Crock Pot Split Pea Soup
Photo by FamilyFreshMeals
This belly-filling split pea soup from
FamilyFreshMeals
hits the easy crock pot recipe trifecta: it’s good for you, it’s inexpensive and it cooks itself. Ham it up for a heartier dish, or leave it out for a meat-free meal.
8. Crock Pot Pork Chops With Cranberries and Apples
Photo by Bren Did
The classic “pork chops and applesauce” dinner has come a long way in this sophisticated, slow-cook version from
Bren Did
. Just dump together pork chop chunks, apple slices and tart cranberries with a few other flavorful ingredients for a crowd-pleasing, fancy-looking dinner.
9. Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs
Photo by SixSistersStuff
Who knew your crock pot could cook up ribs that rival the best barbeque joint in town? With this
SixSistersStuff
recipe, your ribs will slow cook in a sweet and tangy sauce all day long. Finish them up on the grill or under the broiler for just a few minutes to caramelize to perfection.
10. Crock Pot Chicken Pho
Photo by ServedfromScratch
If you’re a pho fanatic, get your chopsticks and giant bowls ready!
ServedfromScratch
has the perfect solution to satisfy your Vietnamese food cravings, using classic Asian ingredients and some crock pot magic.
Whether your dinner routine has gotten stale or you’re hoping to reduce your time in the kitchen, look to these quick and easy crock pot recipes to spice things up and take back your evenings.
What crock pot meals are your family’s faves? Swap ideas on Care.com’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
