Getting dinner on the table is always a struggle — especially during the school year when everything is rushed.
And that's when slow cookers come in handy! You just dump everything in, turn it on, and come home to a hot dinner ready to be enjoyed. We rounded up 16 of our favorite recipes your whole family will love — so your weekdays can be just a little bit easier.
1. Creamy Beef Stroganoff
The hearty classic–turned–slow cooker staple. Just toss in some cooked noodles at the end, and dinner is done. Get the recipe.
2. Coconut Curry
Serve this over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete dinner your whole family will love. Get the recipe.
3. Slow Cooker Lo Mein
Just about everybody loves lo mein — and this hearty recipe practically makes itself while you're at work or the kids are away at school. All you have to do is toss in some cooked pasta at the end, and dinner is ready. Get the recipe.
4. Spaghetti and Meatballs
This recipe cooks everything in the slow cooker — from the sauce to the meatballs. Even the pasta! How easy is that? Get the recipe.
5. Broccoli and Beef
Serve this family favorite over rice, noodles, or whatever grain you have handy for a hearty dinner that tastes even better than takeout. Get the recipe.
6. Thai Peanut Chicken
This hearty peanut chicken — made with coconut milk, lime, and ginger — is the perfect dinner to eat after a hectic school night. Get the recipe.
7. Turkey Chili
A slow cooker classic that everyone will love — even if it does swap the beef for turkey. (Nobody will know!) Get the recipe.
8. Kung Pao Chicken
Flavorful enough to excite the grown-ups, and too darn delicious to be disliked by picky eaters. Get the recipe.
9. Tacos Al Pastor
This flavorful shredded pork can be served in tacos, on top of tostadas, or even on top of rice to make a vibrant burrito bowl. Get the recipe.
10. Philly Cheesesteaks
Let the beef and veggies braise in the slow cooker during the day, then just load into hoagie rolls at night. Get the recipe.
11. Chicken and Dumplings
The ultimate comfort food classic made entirely in a slow cooker — how could anyone dislike it? Get the recipe.
12. Chicken Marsala
This saucy chicken is perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or veggies. Heck, you could even load it into toasted bread for a flavorful (yet totally nontraditional) sandwich — who's judging? Get the recipe.
13. Taco Soup
Bright, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food. Get the recipe.
14. Mac 'n' Cheese
Yep, you really can make mac 'n' cheese in a slow cooker — and it's so, so good. Get the recipe.
15. Thai Green Curry
Making this curry in your slow cooker is almost as easy as calling up your favorite takeout place. Get the recipe.
16. Stuffed Peppers
Slow cooking the peppers makes them super tender — perfect for holding onto the cheesy filling loaded with veggies. Get the recipe.
Looking for more back-to-school recipe inspiration? Check out these posts:
• Easy No-Sandwich Lunch Box Ideas To Break Your PB&J Routine