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Easy Slow Cooker Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Cozy and Easy Slow Cooker Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Course: Comfort Food
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Busy Weeknights, comfort food, Crockpot Recipes, Easy Slow Cooker Dinners, Family Dinners, Hearty Meals
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Discover Easy Slow Cooker Dinners perfect for busy weeknights, offering comfort, convenience, and delicious flavors.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

  • 1 pound Chicken Can be replaced with turkey
  • 2 cups Carrots Fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups Potatoes Cut into chunks
  • 1 medium Onion Sweet onion preferred
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh cloves
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Fresh thyme enhances flavor

For the Creamy Chili

  • 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey Beans can be substituted
  • 2 cans Canned Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes preferred
  • 1 can Kidney Beans Can substitute with black beans
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Mix and match colors
  • 1 can Coconut Milk Unsweetened preferred

For the Vegetarian Option

  • 1 can Chickpeas Drain and rinse
  • 1 medium Zucchini Cut into half-moons
  • 2 cups Spinach Fresh spinach preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adjust to taste
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Low-sodium variations
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit if desired

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Start by chopping your vegetables and protein. For chicken stew, dice your chicken and carrots, and chop the onions and garlic. If you're making creamy chili, brown your ground meat in a skillet first for added flavor.
  • Add your ingredients to the slow cooker, beginning with the heavier items at the bottom. For chicken stew, place the chicken, followed by the onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. For chili, layer the cooked meat, then tomatoes, beans, and peppers.
  • Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and sprinkle in all the spices, ensuring everything is well-seasoned.
  • Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, check that the protein is fully cooked and vegetables are tender. If you're using noodles, add them now and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle your warm creation into bowls. Pair with fresh bread or rice for a complete comfort meal!

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 800mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1500IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg