Fall weekends can fill up quickly, but a busy schedule doesn’t mean you have to skip a homemade meal. These make-ahead recipes are perfect for preparing in advance so you can spend less time cooking when the weekend gets busy. From comforting dinners to dishes made for sharing, there are plenty of practical options to choose from. Prep ahead, save yourself some time, and enjoy more of your weekend.
Green Bean Casserole
Slow cooker green bean casserole takes just 10 minutes of prep, making it a great side dish for holidays or gatherings. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld while freeing up space in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Poor Man’s Stew
Slow cooker poor man’s stew features ground beef in a hearty dish that requires little work. As it simmers, the ingredients blend together, creating a filling meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Stew
Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast results in beef that’s tender and easy to shred with minimal prep. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a great option for weeknights or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast
Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Slow cooker chunky ham, potato, cheese, and broccoli soup is a hearty way to use up leftover ham. The slow cooking process blends the ingredients into a simple, filling meal with little preparation.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Ham, Potato, Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Taco Soup
Slow cooker taco soup is quick to prepare, with just 20 minutes of prep before letting it simmer. The slow cooker does the rest, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Ratatouille
Slow cooker ratatouille brings together fresh vegetables in a well-seasoned, slow-simmered dish. The extended cooking time enhances the flavors, creating a simple way to enjoy a vegetable-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Tortilla Soup
Slow cooker tortilla soup is a hearty meal that’s easy to personalize with toppings like cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips. The slow cooking method keeps the preparation simple while allowing the flavors to deepen, making it a great choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Soup
French Onion Soup
Slow cooker French onion soup slowly caramelizes onions while blending them with broth, herbs, and melted cheese for a flavorful dish. Letting it cook over time develops depth without requiring much work, making it a great option for an effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Black Bean Soup
Slow cooker black bean soup is an easy, filling dish that comes together with very little prep. The slow cooking process helps the flavors develop while keeping hands-on time to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup
Potato Soup
Slow cooker potato soup is smooth and creamy with minimal effort. It’s a practical way to put together a comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup
Mac and Cheese
Slow cooker mac and cheese turns basic ingredients into a rich, cheesy dish with little effort. Just add everything to the pot, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, making dinner preparation easy and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Cashew Chicken
Slow cooker cashew chicken with snap peas results in tender chicken and a flavorful sauce with very little work. The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a convenient choice for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Lamb Ragu
Slow cooker lamb ragu cooks slowly until the meat is tender and the sauce is well-developed. This easy recipe pairs well with pasta or can be served as a hearty meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu
Tri Tip
Slow cooker tri-tip becomes tender and flavorful without much active cooking time. The slow cooker makes it a simple way to prepare a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
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Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Slow cooker butter chicken features chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce that develops deep flavor as it cooks. The slow cooker makes this an easy way to enjoy a rich dish without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Paprikash
Slow cooker chicken paprikash develops deep flavors as the paprika sauce slowly simmers. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare this traditional dish, which pairs well with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Stew
Slow cooker chicken stew brings together chicken, garlic, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for an easy meal. It pairs well with crusty bread and requires very little active cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew
Short Rib Ragu
Slow cooker short rib ragu develops a rich sauce while the meat becomes fall-apart tender. This effortless recipe pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Ragu
Brisket
Slow cooker brisket turns out juicy and tender with very little effort. The slow cooking process takes care of most of the work, making it an easy option for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Get the Recipe: Brisket
Lamb Stew
Slow cooker lamb stew combines tender lamb with mushrooms, white beans, and kale for a hearty meal. Letting it cook slowly ensures deep flavors without requiring much effort, making it an easy dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew
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