15 Slow Cooker Meals for Dorm Dwellers and Busy Families
8 hours ago
Looking for some easy, nourishing, and satisfying recipes that better suit your hectic schedule? These 15 slow cooker mealsare perfect for dorm dwellers and busy families alike.
15 Slow Cooker Meals for Busy FamiliesPhoto byThriving Home
With school back in session and busy schedules in full swing, it can be challenging to find the time to cook and enjoy a delicious meal. If only it could be as simple as dumping all the ingredients in a pot and letting it cook itself — wait, isn’t that a slow cooker?!
Slow cooker recipes are a busy college student’s and parent’s best friend. Prep time is minimal, you can set it, forget it, and come home to a hot, comforting meal that is not only delicious but good for you too.
So, if you’re tired of fast food and dining hall meals, or need new recipes to add to your busy weeknight rotation, we’ve got you covered with these 15 healthy slow cooker recipes for dorm dwellers and busy families. Let’s get cooking!
Top Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooker and crock pot recipes are easy and convenient, but the benefits extend far beyond that. Here are just a few reasons why slow cooking is the way to go:
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Shortens Preparation Time: No need to stand around and cook your entire meal. Just do some quick prep work if needed, and the slow cooker will do everything else for you.
Saves Money: Slow cooker recipes often require just a few, inexpensive ingredients, giving you the best bang for your buck.
Saves Energy: A Crock pot uses less energy than an oven or stovetop because it can cook your meals at a lower temperature.
Healthy Eating: Slow cooking allows for natural flavors to gradually develop, so you don’t need to use as many fats or oils. This results in healthier and more nutritious meals.
Versatility: From soups and pasta to meat dishes and even desserts, there are so many dishes to enjoy when using a slow cooker.
Easy Clean-Up: When you use only one pot, clean-up couldn’t be any simpler. There are also slow cooker liners available for even easier clean-up.
Perfect for Weekly Meal Prep: Slow cooker recipes often make large batches, making it easy to meal prep for the busy week ahead.
No more worrying about what to eat for dinner or how you’re going to find the time and energy to cook after a long day. From main courses to breakfasts to desserts, these 15 slow cooker recipes are sure to make your daily life easier… and more delicious!
1. The Best Slow Cooker Paella
If you’re craving Spanish flavors but don’t have the time to bring all the flavors to life, this Slow Cooker Paella will do it all for you! Just brown the chicken and toss everything into the slow cooker. After a few hours, you’ll experience Spanish comfort food at its finest.
2. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Easy but oh-so cheesy, this Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese isn’t just a delicious hit of nostalgia for your taste buds. It’s good for you, too! Made with low-fat milk, egg whites, whole wheat pasta, and, of course, a whole lotta cheddar cheese, this lighter version will scratch that mac and cheese itch without weighing you down.
3. Crockpot Eggplant Lasagna
This low-carb and vegetarian Crockpot Eggplant Lasagna has enough flavor to satisfy even the biggest carb lovers and meat eaters. Sliced eggplant is used instead of lasagna noodles, creating a healthier and lighter option for the classic Italian dish. Stuffed with veggies, sugar-free tomato sauce, and low-fat cheese, you’d be surprised at how decadent and satisfying this slow cooker meal can be.
4. Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Wake up to the smell of turkey sausage, eggs, potatoes, and cheese all ready to eat with this Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole. This mouthwatering breakfast cooks while you get your beauty rest, making it a perfect option for busy mornings. It’s so yummy and the ultimate motivation to get out of bed and start your day off right!
5. Slow Cooker Fiesta Chili Supper
This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chili Supper is a warm pot of bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Made with clean ingredients like lean ground turkey, red bell peppers, chili powder, chipotle, and lime, each bite is filled with a burst of spicy and tangy goodness. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something nourishing and vibrant.
6. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Your favorite dip just got a fun and healthy makeover with this Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken. It’s made with lean chicken breasts, spinach, artichokes, garlic, and reduced-fat cream cheese, creating a tender and creamy crock pot recipe that will satisfy all your cravings.
7. Slow Cooker Carnitas
There are so many things you can do with these Slow Cooker Carnitas. Put them in a quesadilla, add them to a salad or wrap, or enjoy it with a side of rice and beans. However you choose to enjoy these tender and flavorful pork carnitas, they’re sure to add protein and juicy flavor to any meal. All you need are just a few basic ingredients, and you’re good to go!
8. Healthy Gumbo Recipe in the Crock Pot
This Healthy Gumbo Recipe in the Crock Pot brings soothing Southern comfort during the cooler months. This vegan version is a healthier take on the classic but doesn’t skimp out on flavor. It’s made with hearty veggies, beans, and bold spices that will warm you up from the inside out.
9. Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
If you’ve got a morning sweet tooth, this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is sure to satisfy. It’s made with whole-grain bread, eggs, low-fat milk, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. All you have to do is layer the bread and filling, drizzle the egg mixture on top, cover, and cook for two to four hours. It’s a delicious crockpot recipe that will make your mornings a whole lot sweeter!
10. Fully-Loaded Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
Who said lentils had to be boring? This Fully-Loaded Slow Cooker Lentil Stew features sweet butternut squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and nutritious vegetables for a healthy meal with a whole lotta flavor. Tomatoes and kale take it even further, bringing a burst of tangy and earthy flavors to the dish. It’s a satisfying stew that will keep you full and energized for hours.
11. Slow Cooker Italian Style Penne
Everyone loves a simple, healthy pasta dish, and this Slow Cooker Italian Style Penne checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone too busy to spend hours in the kitchen. Just layer the pasta, tomatoes, beans, broth, and Italian seasoning before cooking it on low for up to 2 hours. It’s effortless but tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen all day!
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
It doesn’t get any easier than these Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas! With layers of savory chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is a family favorite that’s sure to please. Simply let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. You can even prep the ingredients the night before and have a hot, delicious meal waiting for you when you get home.
13. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Who isn’t obsessed with broccoli cheddar soup? It’s cheesy, creamy, and comforting – what more could you want? This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just that, but uses whole-wheat flour and low-fat milk to make it a healthier option with less preservatives and sodium. Just as indulgent as the original, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a hearty lunch option with some crusty bread on the side.
14. Slow Cooker Bananas Foster
This Slow Cooker Bananas Foster is a low-calorie dessert that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and use up those old bananas you forgot about… again (or is that just me?) With a mix of honey, coconut oil, cinnamon, and a little rum extract, the slow cooker transforms these ingredients into a delicious, caramelized topping that is totally drool-worthy.
15. Slow Cooker Lo Mein
Who needs Chinese takeout when this Slow Cooker Lo Mein is waiting for you after a long day? It’s not only good for your body but good for your wallet too! Made with whole-wheat spaghetti and loaded with veggies, this dish is a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Can’t get enough Crock pot recipes? We can’t either! Which is why there are plenty more to choose from on SkinnyMs.!
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