11 Quick Crockpot Dinners for Busy School Nights

Easy Chicken Tacos

Easy Chicken Tacos are a delicious and convenient meal that can be prepared effortlessly in your crockpot, making them perfect for busy back-to-school evenings. With tender shredded chicken infused with zesty flavors, these tacos are sure to please the whole family. Just set it and forget it; dinner will be ready when you are!

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts 2 lbs
Salsa 1 cup
Taco seasoning 1 packet
Onion, diced 1 medium
Bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Corn tortillas 8
Toppings (cheese, lettuce, etc.) As desired

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, mix salsa, taco seasoning, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic, then pour the mixture over the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the juices in the crockpot.
  5. Serve the shredded chicken in corn tortillas with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a classic dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant broccoli and a savory sauce, making it a quick and healthy option for busy weeknights, especially during the back-to-school season. Prepared in the crockpot, this meal allows for easy preparation and deep flavors, ensuring a satisfying dinner that your family will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced thin 1.5 lbs
Broccoli florets 4 cups
Soy sauce 1/2 cup
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Ginger, minced 1 tablespoon
Brown sugar 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch 2 tablespoons
Beef broth 1/2 cup
Sesame oil 2 tablespoons
Cooked rice (for serving) As desired

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth to create the sauce.
  2. Place the sliced beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it, mixing well to coat.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot, mixing gently with the beef.
  5. Once cooked, serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, drizzling with sesame oil. Enjoy!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the rich flavors of mushrooms together with creamy Arborio rice. Prepared in the crockpot, this risotto becomes effortlessly easy to make, allowing busy families to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal hands-on time, perfect for the back-to-school rush.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1.5 cups
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced 2 cups
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup
Heavy cream 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In the crockpot, combine Arborio rice, vegetable broth, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, and olive oil.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until rice is tender and creamy.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Spicy Slow Cooker Chili

Spicy Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy back-to-school evenings. Loaded with protein, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili can be made in your crockpot for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that the whole family will love. Pair it with some cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal!

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef or turkey 1 pound
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Bell pepper, chopped 1 medium
Canned diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cans (14.5 oz each)
Canned kidney beans, drained 1 can (15 oz)
Canned black beans, drained 1 can (15 oz)
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) To taste
Olive oil 1 tablespoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker, and add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Stir until well combined, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy hot and serve with your favorite toppings!

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and tender dish that’s perfect for busy back-to-school nights. This sweet and savory meal can be prepared in your crockpot, allowing you to come home to a warm, flavorful dinner without the hassle of complicated cooking. Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Pork tenderloin 2 pounds
Honey 1/3 cup
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Garlic, minced 4 cloves
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Ginger, grated 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s well coated.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and cooked through.
  4. Once cooked, shred the pork with forks, mix it with the juices in the slow cooker, and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Vegetable and Quinoa Stew

Vegetable and Quinoa Stew is a wholesome and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy back-to-school evenings. Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, this stew is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare in your crockpot. It’s an excellent way to load up on healthy ingredients while providing comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Quinoa 1 cup
Carrots, diced 2 medium
Bell peppers, diced 1 medium (any color)
Zucchini, diced 1 medium
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Canned diced tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can
Black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 oz)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In the slow cooker, combine vegetable broth, quinoa, diced carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, and black beans.
  2. Add olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir to mix everything together.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and quinoa is fully cooked.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your healthy and hearty Vegetable and Quinoa Stew!

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean cuisine to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy back-to-school nights, as you can set it in the crockpot, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook gradually until you are ready to serve. Packed with tender chicken, rice, and a medley of Mediterranean spices, it is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts, boneless 4 (about 1.5 lbs)
Long-grain rice 1.5 cups
Chicken broth 4 cups
Red bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Kalamata olives, pitted 1/2 cup
Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In the slow cooker, layer the chicken breasts at the bottom and pour the olive oil and lemon juice over them.
  2. Add the rice, chicken broth, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, olives, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
  5. Before serving, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks and mix everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken and Rice!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and convenient meal that can be prepared in your crockpot, making them an excellent choice for busy school nights. The combination of tender, shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, served on soft buns, makes for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts, boneless 4 (about 1.5 lbs)
BBQ sauce 2 cups
Onion, sliced 1 medium
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Hamburger buns 4
Coleslaw (optional, for topping) 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated, then add the sliced onion on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks, mixing it with the sauce and onions.
  5. Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy!

Coconut Curry Lentils

Coconut Curry Lentils are a hearty, nutritious dish that brings the warm flavors of coconut milk and curry spices to lentils, making it a perfect meal for busy school nights. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is not only easy to prepare in your crockpot, but it is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying option for the whole family.

Ingredients Quantity
Lentils (green or brown) 1 cup
Coconut milk 1 can (14 oz)
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Ginger, grated 1 tablespoon
Curry powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Turmeric 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Spinach (optional) 2 cups
Fresh cilantro (for garnish) To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in the crockpot.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
  5. If desired, add fresh spinach in the last 15 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  6. Serve topped with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Coconut Curry Lentils!

Taco Soup

Taco Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines all the beloved flavors of tacos into a warm, comforting soup. It’s perfect for busy school nights as it’s simple to prepare in a crockpot, making it a delicious and satisfying option for the whole family. This dish is also easily customizable, so you can include your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef or turkey 1 lb
Onion, diced 1 medium
Bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz)
Canned tomato sauce 1 can (8 oz)
Canned corn 1 can (15 oz)
Canned black beans 1 can (15 oz)
Taco seasoning 1 packet
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot and add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir to combine all ingredients and cover the crockpot.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything is heated and flavors meld.
  5. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Taco Soup!

Teriyaki Salmon With Veggies

Teriyaki Salmon with Veggies is a delicious and nutritious dish that is not only simple to prepare in a crockpot but also offers a blend of flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy. With tender salmon fillets coated in a savory teriyaki sauce and paired with fresh vegetables, this meal is perfect for busy school nights when you want something healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 pieces (6 oz each)
Teriyaki sauce 1 cup
Broccoli florets 2 cups
Bell pepper, sliced 1 medium
Carrots, sliced 1 cup
Green onions, chopped 2 stalks
Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Place the salmon fillets in the crockpot and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots on top of the salmon.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  4. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your healthy Teriyaki Salmon with Veggies!

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