12 Slow Cooker Weeknight Dinners for Families

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a savory and sweet delight that's sure to become a family favorite on busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
2. Combine teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, garlic, and ginger, then pour over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Steam broccoli and bell pepper until tender-crisp.
6. Serve chicken over rice, topped with broccoli, bell pepper, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Beef Stroganoff

This hearty Beef Stroganoff is rich and creamy, perfect for satisfying even the largest appetites.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles, cooked

Cooking method:

1. In the slow cooker, combine beef, onion, mushrooms, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
3. Stir in sour cream and cornstarch to thicken sauce before serving.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve over cooked egg noodles.

Vegetarian Chili

This Vegetarian Chili is a robust, plant-based meal that even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These Pulled Pork Sandwiches are perfect for a casual dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns

Cooking method:

1. Place pork shoulder and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the pork and serve on buns with additional BBQ sauce.

Lentil Soup

This Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that's simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Mexican Quinoa

Bursting with flavor, Mexican Quinoa is a colorful and nutritious dish that will brighten your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
3. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory, Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dinner that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Cooking method:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and basil.
3. Pour mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
5. Serve with your choice of side.

Spaghetti Squash Primavera

A low-carb alternative to pasta, Spaghetti Squash Primavera is light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Cooking method:

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds.
2. Place squash and vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the top.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until squash is tender.
5. Scrape squash with a fork, mix with veggies and sauce, and top with Parmesan.

Thai Red Curry

The flavors of this Thai Red Curry are rich and aromatic, making it a standout in any meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 can coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
• Lime wedges and fresh basil for serving

Cooking method:

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Combine coconut milk, curry paste, and chicken broth, then pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
4. Add vegetables in the last hour of cooking.
5. Serve with lime wedges and basil.

BBQ Chicken Tacos

These BBQ Chicken Tacos are an easy way to enjoy a taste of summer all year round.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• Corn tortillas
• Coleslaw mix for topping

Cooking method:

1. Place chicken and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
4. Shred chicken and serve in tortillas with coleslaw on top.