Slow cookers are basically the best thing that could ever happen to a novice—or just insanely busy—home cook, as evidenced by the fact that one of our editors cried tears of joy upon receiving one at the holidays. They’re cost effective as they allow you to buy cheaper cuts of meat or, if you’re a vegetarian, soak beans instead of buying canned. They also allow for easy cleanup (everything is cooked in one pot), generate pretty healthy recipes since they use water instead of oil and facilitate meals that often require less than 15 minutes to prep. Here, five recipes that are getting pinned like crazy—and for good reason!
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Recipe Author: Number 2 Pencil
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 4 hours, 45 minutes Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts) 2 Tbsp olive oil 3 tsp onion powder 2 tsp garlic powder 3 tsp chili powder 2 tsp cumin 1 tsp kosher salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained 1 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 3/4 cups instant whole-grain brown rice 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Crock-Pot Bulgogi Jackfruit
Recipe Author: Namely Marley
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 20 oz cans young, green jackfruit in brine, rinsed and drained ½ cup tamari ¼ cup Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce) ½ cup agave nectar, maple syrup or honey 1 cup white wine or mirin 2 Tbsp fresh peeled ginger, minced 8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced 1 green pear, cored and chopped 4 Tbsp sesame oil ½ cup water
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Skinny Veggie Crock-Pot Lasagna
Recipe Author: Pinch of Yum Yield: 9 servings Cook time: 3 to 4 hours
Ingredients: 2 24 oz jars or cans Italian tomato sauce 9 thick lasagna noodles with wavy edges 24 oz part-skim ricotta cheese or cottage cheese 3 to 4 cups chopped vegetables of choice 2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese Parmesan cheese, for topping Fresh parsley, for topping
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Stew
Recipe Author: Chelsea's Messy Apron
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sweet potatoes, chopped (about 3 medium size) 1/4 cup chopped celery 1 small yellow onion 8 oz bag mini carrots 1 15 oz can corn (fire-roasted, optional) 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted, optional) 1 lb stew meat cut into 1-inch chunks (or pre-cut) 2 Tbsp flour 1/2 tsp seasoned salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 bay leaf 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp paprika 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp fresh parsley 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 cup water Optional: Fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Crock-Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Recipe Author: Recipes That Crock
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 12 oz tubes of cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters 4 eggs ½ cup whipping cream 3 Tbsp maple syrup 2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
