30 Crockpot Dinners for Busy Moms While at Work

Coming home after a long workday to a hot, ready dinner feels like magic. With the right recipes, your crockpot can do all the cooking while you’re at the office.

If you like to prep ahead, these also pair perfectly with our slow cooker freezer meals.

The trick is choosing recipes that hold up to long cooking times without drying out or turning mushy.

Every recipe here can cook 8 to 10 hours on low, and most use chicken thighs, beef roasts, beans and hearty vegetables that only get better with time.

Looking for more chicken ideas? Check out these crockpot chicken recipes too.

Each recipe includes a work-day timing note so you know exactly what to do in the morning and what to finish when you get home.

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CROCKPOT DINNERS FOR BUSY MOMS

1. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (32g Protein)

Juicy chicken thighs in a sticky, sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Serve over rice with steamed broccoli for a dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds and green onions

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. When you get home, remove the chicken and stir cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water into the sauce. Cook on high 15 minutes.
5. Return the chicken and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Thighs stay juicy even after 9 hours. Mix the sauce the night before.

2. Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken (34g Protein)

Tender shredded chicken cooked in tangy salsa verde with cumin and garlic.

Use it for tacos, burritos, nachos or rice bowls all week.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
• Cilantro and lime

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, salsa verde, onion, garlic and spices to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks.
4. Stir in cream cheese for a creamy version.
5. Serve with cilantro and lime.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Only 5 minutes of prep. Dump everything in before you leave.

3. Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala (33g Protein)

Tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce, just like your favorite Indian restaurant.

Serve with basmati rice and warm naan.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce and spices to the crockpot.
2. Stir to coat.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. When you get home, stir in the cream and cook 15 minutes.
5. Top with cilantro and serve with rice.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Add the cream at the end so it doesn’t separate over the long cook.

4. Crockpot Butter Chicken (31g Protein)

Mild, creamy and buttery chicken in a spiced tomato sauce that kids love.

It’s a little milder and sweeter than tikka masala.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Add everything except the butter and cream to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Stir in the butter and cream when you get home.
5. Serve over rice with naan.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Make extra rice on the weekend and freeze it in portions for fast weeknight sides.

5. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken (38g Protein)

A whole chicken slow cooked with lemon, garlic and herbs until it falls off the bone.

Use leftovers for chicken salad, soups and wraps.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 lbs)
• 2 lemons
• 1 head garlic, halved
• 1 onion, thickly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the onion slices in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Stuff the chicken with 1 halved lemon and the garlic.
3. Rub with oil, seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper and set on the onions.
4. Squeeze the second lemon over the top.
5. Cook on low 8 hours. Broil 5 minutes for crispy skin if you like.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: The onion keeps the chicken off the bottom so it doesn’t stew in its juices.

6. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup (30g Protein)

A hearty soup with shredded chicken, black beans, corn and tomatoes in a smoky broth.

Set out tortilla strips, avocado, cheese and sour cream for topping.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (15 oz) corn
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Tortilla strips and toppings

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
3. Shred the chicken in the pot.
4. Season with salt and lime juice.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Soups are perfect for long days because they can’t dry out.

Chicken is the easiest protein to leave cooking all day, and these chicken breast crockpot recipes give you even more ways to use it. Cooking for just two? These 2-quart crock pot recipes for two are sized just right.

On colder days, these high protein crockpot soups are a cozy set-and-forget option. And if you like having dinner ready in the freezer, these make-ahead chicken casseroles to freeze and crockpot potluck recipes are worth saving too.

7. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (36g Protein)

Fall-off-the-bone drumsticks in sticky BBQ sauce. They’re budget-friendly and kid-approved.

Broil them for 5 minutes at the end for caramelized edges.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season the drumsticks with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
2. Place in the crockpot.
3. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar and vinegar and pour over.
4. Cook on low 8 hours.
5. Optional: broil on a sheet pan with extra sauce for 5 minutes.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Drumsticks are one of the cheapest cuts and perfect for all-day cooking.

8. Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore (33g Protein)

Chicken thighs slow simmered with peppers, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes in an Italian herb sauce.

Serve over pasta, polenta or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Parmesan and basil

Instructions:

1. Add the vegetables and garlic to the crockpot.
2. Place the chicken on top.
3. Mix the tomatoes, tomato paste, broth and seasoning and pour over.
4. Cook on low 8 hours.
5. Serve over pasta with parmesan and basil.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Use pre-sliced mushrooms and frozen pepper strips for a 5-minute prep.

9. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken (32g Protein)

Tender chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, savory and better than takeout.

Serve over rice with steamed veggies.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Shred or chop the chicken.
5. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch on high for 15 minutes, then toss with the chicken.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Double the sauce and freeze half for next week.

10. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup (29g Protein)

Classic, cozy chicken noodle soup that simmers all day and makes the house smell amazing.

Add the noodles when you get home so they’re perfectly tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 oz egg noodles
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, vegetables, garlic, broth, thyme and bay leaf to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
3. Remove and shred the chicken.
4. Turn to high, add the noodles and cook 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Return the chicken and stir in parsley.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Adding noodles at the end keeps them from turning mushy.

11. Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup (31g Protein)

All the flavors of chicken fajitas in a creamy, cheesy soup with peppers and onions.

Top with sour cream, avocado and tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, peppers, onion, tomatoes, beans, broth and seasoning to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken.
4. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted.
5. Serve with toppings.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Cream cheese goes in at the end. Set it on the counter when you get home to soften.

12. Crockpot Greek Chicken (34g Protein)

Chicken thighs slow cooked with lemon, garlic, oregano, olives and red onion.

Serve in pita with tzatziki or over rice with a cucumber salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• Tzatziki and pita

Instructions:

1. Place the onion and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add the chicken.
3. Whisk the lemon juice, oil, oregano and paprika and pour over.
4. Cook on low 8 hours, adding olives in the last 30 minutes if home.
5. Top with feta and serve with pita and tzatziki.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Marinate the chicken in the crock insert overnight for extra flavor.

13. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Stew (30g Protein)

A thick, creamy stew with chicken, potatoes, carrots and peas, like pot pie without the crust.

Serve with warm biscuits for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Biscuits

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, soup, broth and thyme to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
3. Shred the chicken.
4. Stir in peas and cream and cook 15 minutes.
5. Serve with biscuits.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Bake a can of refrigerated biscuits while the peas and cream heat through.

14. Crockpot Crack Chicken with Turkey Bacon (35g Protein)

Creamy ranch chicken with cheddar and crispy turkey bacon. It’s addictive in the best way.

Pile it on buns, stuff it in baked potatoes or eat it over rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Green onions
• Buns or baked potatoes

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with ranch seasoning.
2. Set the block of cream cheese on top.
3. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir in cheddar.
5. Top with turkey bacon and green onions.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Cook the turkey bacon the night before and store it in the fridge.

15. Crockpot Jerk Chicken (33g Protein)

Spicy, smoky Caribbean jerk chicken with allspice, thyme, lime and a little heat.

Serve with coconut rice and beans and a mango salsa.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 green onions
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeño or Scotch bonnet, seeded
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp allspice
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Blend the onion, green onions, garlic, pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar and spices into a paste.
2. Coat the chicken in the marinade.
3. Place in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low 8 hours.
5. Broil 5 minutes for charred edges if you like.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Marinate overnight in the insert. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.

16. Crockpot Beef Brisket

Tender, smoky BBQ brisket that slow cooks all day and slices like butter.

Serve on buns with coleslaw or with mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 lb beef brisket
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the sugar and spices and rub all over the brisket.
2. Place the onion in the crockpot and set the brisket on top, fat side up.
3. Pour the broth around it.
4. Cook on low 9 to 10 hours.
5. Slice against the grain and serve with BBQ sauce.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Brisket actually needs the long cook time, which makes it perfect for a full workday.

17. Crockpot Ground Beef Taco Soup

An easy taco soup with ground beef, beans, corn and tomatoes. It’s family favorite comfort food.

Top with cheese, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
• 1 can (15 oz) corn
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

1. Add the browned beef and everything else to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Season to taste.
5. Serve with toppings.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Brown the beef the night before and store it in the insert with the rest.

18. Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty, chunky soup with tender beef, barley and vegetables.

It’s filling enough to be dinner on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3/4 cup pearl barley
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
4. Remove the bay leaves.
5. Season and serve with crusty bread.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Barley soaks up broth as it sits, so add a splash more broth to leftovers.

19. Crockpot Meatloaf

Classic, tender meatloaf with a sweet ketchup glaze that cooks itself while you’re away.

Add potatoes around the loaf for a complete dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, Worcestershire and garlic powder.
2. Shape into a loaf and set on a foil sling in the crockpot.
3. Arrange the potatoes around it.
4. Mix the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard and spread over the top.
5. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours until 160°F.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Use the foil sling to lift the meatloaf out in one piece.

20. Crockpot Cube Steak and Gravy

Tender cube steaks smothered in a rich brown onion gravy.

Serve over mashed potatoes for a classic Southern comfort dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs cube steak
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 packets brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 3 cups water
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Instructions:

1. Dredge the cube steaks in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Layer the steaks and onion in the crockpot.
3. Whisk the gravy mix, soup mix, water and cream of mushroom soup and pour over.
4. Cook on low 8 hours.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Use refrigerated mashed potatoes to have dinner ready in 5 minutes after work.

21. Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy

A juicy, herb-seasoned turkey breast with an easy homemade gravy.

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving. Leftovers make great sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (5 to 6 lbs)
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Rub the turkey with butter and seasonings.
2. Place the onion in the crockpot and set the turkey on top.
3. Pour the broth around it.
4. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours until 165°F.
5. Thicken the juices with cornstarch on the stove for gravy.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: If your workday runs 10 hours, use a programmable crockpot set to switch to warm at 8.

22. Crockpot Turkey Chili

A lighter chili with ground turkey, three kinds of beans, peppers and tomatoes.

It’s healthy, hearty and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground turkey, browned
• 1 onion and 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Add the browned turkey and all other ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
4. Season to taste.
5. Top with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Chili freezes perfectly, so double the batch and freeze half.

23. Crockpot Turkey Meatball Soup

Mini turkey meatballs in a veggie-packed tomato broth with small pasta and spinach.

It’s a cozy, kid-friendly soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen turkey meatballs, thawed
• 1 onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup small pasta
• 2 cups spinach
• Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Add the meatballs, vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, broth and seasoning to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 hours.
3. When you get home, add the pasta and cook on high 20 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Top with parmesan.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Thaw the meatballs in the fridge the night before.

24. Crockpot Lamb Stew

Tender chunks of lamb with potatoes, carrots and herbs in a rich, savory broth.

It’s warming, hearty and perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 lbs lamb shoulder or stew meat, cubed
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Toss the lamb in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to the crockpot and top with the lamb.
3. Whisk the broth, tomato paste and Worcestershire and pour over. Add rosemary.
4. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
5. Stir in peas for the last 15 minutes.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Lamb shoulder needs long, slow cooking, so it’s ideal for a workday.

25. Crockpot Red Lentil Dal

Creamy, comforting red lentils simmered with coconut milk, tomatoes and warm spices.

It’s a cheap, healthy, meatless dinner with lots of plant protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• Spinach and cilantro

Instructions:

1. Add everything except the spinach and cilantro to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Serve with rice or naan and cilantro.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Stir in a splash of hot water if it thickens too much over the long cook.

26. Crockpot Vegetable Minestrone

A big pot of Italian vegetable soup with beans, tomatoes and herbs, finished with pasta.

It’s healthy, budget-friendly and full of veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup small pasta
• 2 cups spinach

Instructions:

1. Add the vegetables, garlic, beans, tomatoes, broth and seasoning to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 hours.
3. When you get home, add the pasta and cook on high 20 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach.
5. Serve with parmesan and crusty bread.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Cook the pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers, so it doesn’t soak up all the broth.

27. Crockpot Black Bean Soup

Thick, smoky black bean soup with peppers, onion and cumin. It’s hearty and naturally meatless.

Top with sour cream, avocado, cilantro and lime.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried black beans, rinsed (or 4 cans, drained)
• 1 onion and 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Add the beans, vegetables, garlic, spices and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 9 to 10 hours with dried beans, or 6 to 8 hours with canned.
3. Blend half the soup and stir it back in.
4. Squeeze in lime juice and season.
5. Serve with toppings.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Dried beans cook perfectly over a long workday and cost a fraction of canned.

28. Crockpot Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas, sweet potatoes and spinach in a creamy coconut curry sauce.

It’s a cozy vegetarian dinner that’s great over rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 3 cups spinach

Instructions:

1. Add everything except the spinach to the crockpot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Serve over rice.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Cut sweet potatoes into large cubes so they hold their shape over a long cook.

29. Crockpot Potato Soup with Turkey Bacon

Creamy, cheesy potato soup loaded with turkey bacon, cheddar and green onions.

It’s cozy, filling and kid-approved.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Green onions and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 hours.
3. Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
4. Stir in cream cheese, milk and cheddar until melted.
5. Top with turkey bacon, green onions and sour cream.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Use frozen diced hash browns to skip peeling.

30. Overnight Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage

Hash browns, turkey sausage, cheese and eggs cook overnight, so breakfast is ready when you wake up.

Busy moms need breakfast too. Leftovers reheat well for the rest of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 lb turkey breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 bell pepper and 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 12 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Grease the crockpot well.
2. Layer half the hash browns, sausage, vegetables and cheese, then repeat.
3. Whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper and pour over.
4. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours overnight.
5. Slice and serve.

⏰ Work-Day Timing: Start it before bed and it’s ready by morning. A slow cooker liner makes cleanup easy.Save this list and plan a few for next week.