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Home » Recipe Collections

29 Family-Approved Slow Cooker Meals Prepped in 15 Minutes

Published: Oct 14, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker meals are the secret weapon for getting a great dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for busy days when you want to prep quickly and let the slow cooker handle the rest. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy flavorful, family-approved meals that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, these meals make it easy to cook without the stress.

Close-up image of slow cooker nacho meatballs.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker pork chops cook to tender perfection with little effort, making them a perfect choice for busy families. With minimal prep, this dish lets you enjoy a ready-to-eat meal after a long day, making it an easy addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken thighs in a honey garlic sauce simmer effortlessly in the slow cooker, creating a savory and sweet dish the whole family will love. This simple prep meal is a great option when you're craving take-out-style chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker ranch chicken in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken combines just a few basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal for any night of the week. The convenience of the slow cooker makes this recipe a time-saving option for fall family dinners, providing comfort with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Italian Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian pork roast with potatoes and carrots comes together with ease, requiring only a few minutes of prep time. This slow cooker meal is a great family favorite, perfect for making dinner stress-free on busy weeknights while offering a comforting, hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up image of slow cooker nacho meatballs.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nacho Meatballs combine meatballs, Velveeta cheese, and taco seasoning into a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. With minimal prep, this family-friendly recipe is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or even a fun appetizer for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pulled Pork in the slow cooker is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat with little effort. A practical choice for family dinners, it requires minimal prep and cooks to perfection while you handle your day, making it an excellent go-to meal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup

A bowl of slow cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken Zoodle Soup is an easy, healthy option that swaps out traditional noodles for zoodles, making it both comforting and quick to prepare. This slow cooker recipe provides a hands-off way to enjoy a fresh, family-friendly meal with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup

Beef Barbacoa

Top view of keto beef barbacoa in a square pan.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Slow cooker Beef Barbacoa brings bold beef flavors to your table with very little effort. Perfect for meal prep, this easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal hands-on time and creates a hearty, fall-friendly dinner the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic..
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo delivers a creamy, comforting dish without much prep time. With the slow cooker doing the work, this family-approved meal is perfect for those busy nights when you want to simplify dinner prep but still have a satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Overhead image of slow cooker mac and cheese in a bowl.
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Three-ingredient mac and cheese cooks up extra creamy and cheesy in the slow cooker, requiring just minutes of prep. A great family-friendly choice for dinner, it provides an easy alternative to boxed versions, making busy weeknight meals a breeze.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek lemon chicken soup in a bowl.
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in the slow cooker blends tender chicken and light, zesty broth for a comforting fall meal. With its easy prep, this recipe lets you enjoy a family-approved dish without the usual hassle, making it a great fit for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato Lime Chicken in the slow cooker brings together juicy chicken with bright, fresh flavors, offering a flavorful meal with little effort. This recipe is perfect for fall meal prep, providing a hands-off, family-approved dinner option that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes

Close-up image of slow cooker sausage and potatoes.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Sausage and Potatoes is a classic slow cooker meal that’s quick to prepare and cooks to perfection with little effort. This no-fuss dinner is a family favorite for busy nights, offering a satisfying meal you can set and forget while handling other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken on a plate with rice and sauce.
Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cheesy Salsa Chicken in the slow cooker is a simple recipe that combines just a few ingredients for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal. This easy-to-prep dish is perfect for busy family dinners, delivering a no-hassle dinner everyone will love with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Summer Slow Cooker Frittata

Summer Slow Cooker Frittata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A slow cooker frittata packed with zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto is a great summer breakfast or light dinner option. With minimal prep, this dish allows you to enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal without the hassle of cooking on the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Summer Slow Cooker Frittata

Honey Lemon Chicken

A cooked chicken thigh next to roasted asparagus and baby potatoes on a white plate.
Honey Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Honey Lemon Chicken in the slow cooker takes just 10 minutes to prep and cooks to perfection while you go about your day. This hands-off recipe is a convenient choice for busy fall evenings, offering a versatile main dish that’s ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Chicken

Sirloin Tip Roast Crock Pot

An image of a sirloin tip roast crock pot.
Sirloin Tip Roast Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

A slow-cooked sirloin tip roast with vegetables requires only a few minutes of prep, letting the slow cooker handle the rest. This simple recipe is perfect for fall, providing a hearty, family-approved meal with minimal effort and stress.
Get the Recipe: Sirloin Tip Roast Crock Pot

Mississippi Crock Pot Chicken

Overhead image of mississippi crockpot chicken in a white bowl.
Mississippi Crock Pot Chicken. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Mississippi Chicken brings together ranch seasoning, au jus, and pepperoncini peppers for a flavorful slow cooker meal. With easy prep, this dish is a great go-to for family dinners, providing a satisfying option for busy nights with minimal work involved.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Crock Pot Chicken

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker chicken in a black plate.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This slow-cooker chicken recipe combines moist chicken and flavorful gravy for a comforting family dinner. With minimal prep, it’s an easy and practical choice for weeknight meals, offering a hands-off way to get dinner on the table without stress.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Close-up image of slow cooker bbq apple plled pork sandwich with apple carrot slaw.
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches, paired with apple carrot raisin slaw, make a fun and easy-to-prepare meal in the slow cooker. This family-approved recipe is perfect for fall, offering a simple and flavorful meal with minimal prep time required.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha Squash Chili in the slow cooker is a hearty vegetarian meal that comes together with ease. Perfect for fall family meal prep, this dish makes it easy to enjoy seasonal squash with minimal hands-on cooking required.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Boneless turkey breast in the slow cooker cooks with gravy to create a tender, ready-to-eat meal with minimal effort. A practical option for both weeknight dinners and small holiday gatherings, this recipe lets the slow cooker handle all the hard work.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

A picutre of cheesy chicken with bacon and dried parsley.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a simple slow cooker recipe that delivers a comforting family dinner with minimal prep time. This easy dish is great for busy weeknights, providing a stress-free meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana combines potatoes, sausage, kale, and bacon into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make. With minimal prep, this recipe is a great choice for fall, offering a simple way to get a warm, filling dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian Chicken in the slow cooker offers a quick-to-prep meal with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is a convenient choice for busy weeknights, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you handle other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

Overhead image of slow cooker beef carnitas with a tongs in a pan.
Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow cooker Beef Carnitas deliver a flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. With just a few minutes of prep and a quick broil finish, it’s an easy and practical choice for fall meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beef and noodles in the slow cooker create a simple yet hearty family meal, perfect for busy nights when you need a quick-to-prep dinner. This recipe delivers a satisfying meal with little effort, making it a reliable option for fall meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup.
Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ham & Potato Chowder cooks to creamy perfection in the slow cooker with just a few minutes of prep required. This family-friendly recipe is a great option for fall, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Chowder

Crockpot Pork Chops

Crockpot Pork Chops. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Slow cooker pork chops made with simple, keto-friendly ingredients ensure an easy and low-carb meal. They’re a fantastic choice for busy days, allowing you to come home to tender, juicy pork chops that are ready to enjoy with minimal prep and hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pork Chops

More Slow Cooker Dump Dinners

Close-up image of slow cooker ranch chicken in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simplify dinner with 30 slow cooker dump recipes! Easy to prep, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress on busy weeknights.
Read it Here: 30 Slow Cooker Dump Dinners That Make You Look Like a Genius

More Low-Prep Comfort Foods

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy 31 low-prep comfort foods perfect for lazy days. Quick, cozy meals without the hassle—ideal for when you need easy, delicious dishes!
Read it Here: 31 Low-Prep Comfort Foods for Lazy Days

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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