7 Quick Meal Preps You Can Make with a Slow Cooker

Short on time but still want to enjoy home-cooked meals? A slow cooker is your best friend for effortless meal prep. These seven recipes require minimal hands-on time, allowing you to set it and forget it while deliciousness simmers away. Get ready for flavorful and convenient slow cooker meals throughout the week!

1. Shredded Chicken for Versatile Meals

Shredded chicken is a meal prep staple, perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Ingredients

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the chicken and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Meal Prep Tip: Use the shredded chicken throughout the week in various dishes. Add it to salads, wraps, tacos, or even mix it into pasta dishes.

2. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This hearty and comforting soup is packed with nutrients and fiber. It’s a perfect vegetarian meal prep option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until lentils are tender.
3. Remove the bay leaf and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Meal Prep Tip: This soup thickens as it sits, so you may need to add a bit more broth when reheating. Freeze leftover soup for up to 3 months.

3. Slow Cooker Beef Chili

This classic chili is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer beef to the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until flavors have melded and chili has thickened.

Meal Prep Tip: Serve this chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

4. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

This vegetarian stew is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Meal Prep Tip: Serve this stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

5. Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal. This recipe is customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3 cups milk (any kind you prefer)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Toppings: fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine oats, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until oats are tender and creamy.
3. Stir and serve with your desired toppings.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch of oatmeal and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop.

6. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

This flavorful chicken is perfect for serving over rice or with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated

Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken and serve over rice or with vegetables.

Meal Prep Tip: Shred the cooked chicken and store it in the refrigerator with the sauce. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.

7. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Finish your meal with a warm and comforting apple crisp. It’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• 4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Place sliced apples in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
5. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.

Meal Prep Tip: This apple crisp is best served warm. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Final Thoughts

With a slow cooker, meal prep becomes a breeze. These simple and delicious recipes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy wholesome, home-cooked meals. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor the convenience and flavors of these easy meal prep ideas!