As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, family schedules seem to get busier. Between school, activities, work and everything else on the calendar, getting dinner on the table can feel like one more thing to juggle. That’s where the slow cooker comes in handy. With a little prep and a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready when the day winds down.
In celebration of Crocktober, PTA parents and caregivers are sharing their favorite slow cooker recipes, with something for everyone—from vegan dishes to Mexican-inspired favorites. Keep these recipes in your back pocket for those busy days when you need a little help making dinnertime easier.
The first two recipes come from Gayathri Thyagarajan, a mom of two boys and a dedicated PTA volunteer for the past nine years in Seminole County, Florida. She is passionate about engaging families, amplifying student voices, and promoting wellness through community service.
Slow Cooker Chickpea & Spinach Curry (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 2 cans of drained chickpeas
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Combine everything in your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Stir in 2 cups of spinach during the last 15 minutes.
- Serve with rice or naan!
Gayathri shares that her family follows a vegetarian diet and enjoys vegan meals, too. These dishes are especially popular during festival season, when cooking and sharing meals brings everyone together. This healthy red lentil recipe is quick to prepare and easy to make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy families.
Slow Cooker Red Lentils (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rinsed red lentils
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the lentils are soft.
- Finish with lemon juice and cilantro, and serve over rice.
Enjoy this comforting dinner for a busy fall evening!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Last month, we asked our Facebook community to share their favorite slow cooker recipes, and Maria Bettinson Evans answered with this delicious taco recipe! There are no exact measurements because Maria is a “measure with your heart” kind of cook. Her tip? Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal later!
Ingredients
- Chicken (breasts and/or theighs)
- Taco seasoning
- Jar of salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Limes
Directions
- Add chicken to your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle over with taco seasoning.
- Add salsa, cilantro and lime juice.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken and serve in taco shells or tortillas.
Crockpot Cassoulet
Looking for something a little fancier without all the fuss? You can make that happen in your slow cooker! Traditional cassoulet is a labor of love, often requiring 2–3 days and a long list of ingredients. My twist takes inspiration from the classic French dish but makes it simple enough for everyday cooking. This is one of my recipes created in collaboration with Create TV, and it’s proof that you don’t have to spend days in the kitchen to serve up something special. Watch the video, give this Crockpot Cassoulet a try, and impress your family with a comforting, flavor-packed meal!
Need more dinner ideas? Check out these five easy weeknight dinner recipes.
