Mouthwatering Crock-Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknight Dinners

Fall is slow cooker season, and we’re more than ready to get cooking. As the seasons change school starts, and temperatures cool, these recipes become your best friend—especially when it comes to making easy weeknight meals. Read on for the recipes we can’t wait to whip up, all season long.

Sweet potato Mexican quinoa

Loaded with a medley of flavorful spices and garnished with a refreshing combo of cilantro and yogurt, consider this the healthy alternative to an otherwise calorie-heavy meal. Featuring notes of sweet and spicy—you can thank the maple syrup-Sriracha blend for that—this one’s equal parts indulgent and healthy.

Get the recipe of Fit Foodie Finds.

Slow cooker herbed chicken and rice pilaf

If there were ever a case for making dinner in a slow cooker, this would be it. Half Baked Harvest’s rendition of the classic brings together a medley of signature fall flavors, resulting in an all-encompassing plate filled with hearty, flavorful ingredients. Ideal for those weeknights when you’re feeling like a little something extra.

Get the recipe on Half Baked Harvest.

Parmesan soup

Not that we would expect you to need any more of a reason to whip this one up—I mean, parmesan soup, come on—but, this one does feature a slightly more healthy take on the dish. Crushed tomatoes, an herb-filled broth, and layers upon layers of cheese comprise this new classic.

Get the recipe on Food52.

Cranberry and orange meatballs

Filled with the quintessential ingredients of the season, these hearty meatballs come tender, sweet, and with a hint of tang.

Get the recipe on Salt and Lavender.

Crock-Pot quinoa chicken primavera

A cocktail of fresh herbs lends a refreshing flavor layer to this rich blend, featuring quinoa, asparagus, and a zesty pesto sauce!

Get the recipe on Pinch of Yum.

Creamy cilantro lime chicken

This creamy chicken is best served on a warm bed of rice, and is exactly something we would crave on a chilly autumn day.

Get the recipe on The Recipe Critic.

Honey lime ginger pork

We can’t get enough of a good lime and ginger pairing, especially when it comes in the form of a delicious honey glaze. This slow-cooker pork recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal!

Get the recipe on The Recipe Critic.

Pork shoulder with zesty basil sauce

Tender and full of zest, the chimichurri-inspired sauce of this hearty dish complements the bold flavors of the pork with an unexpected mix of spices.

Get the recipe on Epicurious.

Chicken gnocchi soup

Our favorite part of this decadent blend just may be the splash of condensed milk, which lends an ever-so-soft hint of sweetness to the savory notes of basil and bacon.

Get the recipe on Pinch of Yum.

Quinoa black bean Crock-Pot stuffed peppers

Make the most of late summer peppers with this black bean stuffed recipe, featuring quinoa, red enchilada sauce, and an avocado and cilantro garnish.

Get the recipe on Pinch of Yum.

Mexican shredded beef and beef tostadas

A five-ingredient, slow cooker meal is about as ideal as weeknight dinners could possibly be. Pair a beef chuck roast with jalapenos and taco seasoning, and garnish with a splash of lime, post cooking.

Get the recipe on Sweet Phi.

Chicken stew

Cold weather and chicken soup go hand-in-hand, and this slow cooker version is no exception. Experiment with fresh veggies, locally sourced from a farmers’ market (if accessible) for a delicious and seasonal twist.

Get the recipe on Salt and Lavender.

Pineapple pulled pork tacos

This season, Taco Tuesdays come with a tropical twist. Featuring a unique blend of pineapples, apricots, and garlic, this pineapple barbecue based pork dish is not one to miss!

Get the recipe on Gluten Free with LB.

Healthy chicken ramen bowl

Ditch the pre-packaged variety and instead, opt for this healthy alternative featuring a chicken broth base and a fresh vegetable mix.

Get the recipe on Simply Healthy Kitchen.