Make-ahead slow-cooker meals are perfect for the busy back-to-school season. From classic chicken dinners to soups and stews, these top recipes from our community always impress.
January 19, 2022 — This article contains affiliate links. Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.
"Yummy! I was really shocked at how good this is. With school starting soon I was looking for something simple and quick."
-ctech
"Yummy way to use round steak. If it's too salty for you, try this trick: add one peeled potato and it draws the saltiness out. Bada bing bada boom!"
-The Normans
"I put my chicken breasts in partially frozen and shredded the chicken the last hour of cooking. Also, I had to use taco sauce instead of enchilada — but it turned out great!"
-mommymakeit4u
"This recipe is super good. I added mushrooms and sweet peppers — to give it some more substance — as well as some chili powder, Old Bay and a little extra hot sauce."
-__gypsyprincess
"Very tasty! It was more like baked mac 'n cheese than the mushy slow-cooker versions I've had before! I will definitely be making this again!"
-melhamme
"This took a fair amount of prep work before getting everything into the slow cooker. The end result was something special and worth the extra effort."
-ratherbeswimmin'
"I made these for a small dinner party, and everyone (including me!) was just amazed! This is such a simple recipe but the results are fabulous!!! I wouldn't change a thing — it couldn't be better!"
-JerriLea
"I have tried so many different carnitas recipes in hopes of getting that crispy, flavorful meat and this one is the best!!"
-938373
"What a real treat! Made this with ground beef and turkey sausage...it was sooo tasty! The house smelled so good while it cooked away!"
-BB502
"I love this recipe. The sauce is divine. I have made this many times, and everyone always loves it. I use about half the package of dry ranch dressing mix, but it's not too salty even using the whole package."
-EmptyO
"Came across this recipe today and initially told myself that a really good risotto can't be made in a slow cooker. Boy, was I wrong! The flavor was absolutely perfect"
-928033
"The meat soaked up the flavor and the gravy was excellent. A real keeper."
-Audrey
"YUM! Another winner with the overly-picky hubby! I thought this tasted very "pot-roasty" and heavy — not expected from a chicken dish but VERY welcome!"
-BrandNewJen
"If I owned my own restaurant this would be my house soup! It's delicious!"
-Mdickinson
"The sauce was sweet, but not too sweet. My husband and I both really liked it and will make it again. It was really good with mashed potatoes!"
-WhatamIgonnaeatnext?
"We used chicken tenders (still frozen) since they were easier to cut-up and added 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic. Very easy to prepare on those busy weekdays when the kids have school activities or sports in the evenings!"
-ARathkamp
"A terrific slow-cooker recipe. It has been added to our weekly menu by popular demand. I did not have to change or substitute in any way."
-Susanna17
"This was great. It had a very unique taste to it, in a good way! My hubby kept telling me how good it was! I did halve the recipe, but still used all three cloves of garlic. It was divine!"
-~*Miss Diggy*~
"Awesome recipe. I'd recommend doubling the amount of gravy. Can't have enough of that good stuff. Served over buttered egg noodles, you can't go wrong."
-Holden77
"I let the flavors meld overnight and my tacos today were outstanding!"
-Debbie R.
"I thought this was very good! I used frozen chicken breasts and cut them up into bite-sized pieces and then put them in the crock pot and doubled the sauce."
-kolleen.barnes
"We have made this recipe many times over the last year and It's always a hit — it is in my stash of special recipes I pass on when someone mentions a lack of dinner ideas!"
-kjc
"I used turkey thigh instead of chicken and doubled the sauce. It was served with rice and frozen chopped broccoli and I'll be making it again."
-LARavenscroft
"Very easy and tasty! The only thing I changed was to use round steak (since that's what I had on hand)! I served this with mashed potatoes and broccoli and it was a hit with everyone!"
-fame26
"As the author states, there are lots of pot roast recipes out there — but this one is special. I agree wholeheartedly."
-rds607
"This recipe will be added to our favorites for sure. It was easy to make and tasted wonderful!"
-mewmew
"This turned out very well. Thanks for making a culinary rookie look like a hero."
-Kendall, Tx
"WOW! What a wonderful smell this made in the house and the taste is divine. Both kids and friends alike enjoyed. I served with couscous and homemade naan."
-Claidan
"By Indian cooking standards, this recipe delivers an authentic taste. Both myself and my Indian wife were quite pleased with the results!"
-Replicator
"I love how easy it was to make. I served it over egg noodles and corn. My whole family really enjoyed it. I will make this again real soon!"
-Amy Henson
"Good and simple! Next time I will drain the tomatoes, my sauce was pretty runny. Flavor wasn't exactly "pizza," but this is an easy Italian meal to make. We'll be making this again!"
-hmms
"This reminded me of a recipe that I used to have and lost! It's a great way to use up leftover tomato juice."
-Roxygirl in Colorado
"This is excellent during the summer when you do not want to heat up the kitchen. I substituted Italian sausage for the ground beef — Well worth a try!"
-Sandy One
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