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Music theory, instruments and musicians

Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

21 Delicious Slow Cooker Meals for Effortless Weeknight Dinners

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef cooked in a creamy sauce served over noodles is comfort food at its finest.

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked egg noodles, for serving

Combine the beef, onion, garlic, broth, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving and serve over cooked egg noodles.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These shredded chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy a flavorful meal.

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, avocado

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and sprinkle with taco seasoning and salsa. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

3. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This hearty chili is packed with beans and veggies, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for a meatless meal.

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches or served with coleslaw. It’s tender, flavorful, and so easy to prepare!

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Buns, for serving

Season the pork with salt and pepper, then place it in the slow cooker with the onion and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred the pork and serve on buns with additional BBQ sauce.

5. Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken

This chicken dish is rich and flavorful, thanks to the creamy garlic sauce. Serve it with rice or pasta for a complete meal.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add the broth, cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

6. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This takeout favorite can easily be made at home in your slow cooker. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor!

  • 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thin
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water

Combine the beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add the broccoli. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce before serving.

7. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s full of tender chicken, vegetables, and hearty noodles.

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups egg noodles

Add the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

8. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious dinner option. They’re filled with a tasty mixture of rice, meat, and spices.

  • 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them upright in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top if desired.

9. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

This zesty chicken dish is bursting with flavor. It’s a refreshing change from heavier meals and pairs wonderfully with veggies or rice.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the mixture over it. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice.

10. Slow Cooker Potato and Leek Soup

This creamy soup is simple to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a light dinner or as a starter.

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 leeks, sliced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the potatoes, leeks, and broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, then stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper before serving.

11. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

This flavorful dish combines the best of Cajun cooking, with chicken, sausage, and shrimp all cooked together for a delicious meal.

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups rice
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Combine all ingredients except for the shrimp in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add the shrimp and stir to combine. Serve hot.

12. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s easy to make and delicious!

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.

13. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew

This hearty vegetarian stew is spiced with warm Moroccan flavors and is perfect served over couscous or rice.

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with couscous or rice for a filling meal.

14. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

This sweet and tangy teriyaki chicken is great served with rice and steamed broccoli for a quick and easy dinner.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce and pineapple over it. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add the broccoli. Serve over rice.

15. Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

These flavorful beef tacos are perfect for taco night. Just set the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy a tasty dinner later!

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: diced onion, cilantro, lime

Place the roast in the slow cooker and sprinkle with taco seasoning and beef broth. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred the beef and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

16. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy and velvety soup is perfect for fall and winter evenings. It’s healthy and delicious!

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the squash, onion, and broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend until smooth, stir in cream, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

17. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

This tangy balsamic chicken is a delicious way to enjoy a quick meal. It pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and mix balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with rice or vegetables.

18. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

This Italian classic is made simple in the slow cooker. Enjoy it with pasta or on a sub for a delicious meal!

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour marinara sauce over it. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese 30 minutes before serving. Serve with pasta or on a sub.

19. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This vegetarian chili is hearty and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night.

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cornbread or over rice.

20. Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew

This comforting stew is full of tender beef and hearty vegetables. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings.

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

21. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

For a sweet ending to your meal, this apple crisp is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s the perfect dessert for fall!

  • 4 cups sliced apples
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Spread this mixture over the apples. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

These 21 slow cooker meals offer a wide variety of flavors and ingredients to satisfy everyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting classics like beef stroganoff and chicken noodle soup, or a lighter option like lemon garlic chicken and vegetarian chili, there’s something here for every palate. The beauty of slow cooker meals is not just their deliciousness, but the ease and convenience they bring to your busy weeknight routine. With just a little prep, you can set your slow cooker and return home to a warm, hearty meal waiting for you. Enjoy these recipes and happy cooking!

21 Delicious Slow Cooker Meals for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
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