5 Delicious & Easy Crockpot Recipes For Busy Weeknights

After having my second child, I learned how useful a crockpot is and how many easy crockpot recipes you could make! Trying to juggle play dates, grocery shopping, house cleaning, school and time to work out is nearly impossible; and we have ended up eating out more often than we would like.

So, I will never apologize for my spontaneous Target crockpot purchase. My craziest weeks have become much more tolerable with this handy appliance. Here are some of my favorite easy crockpot recipes and a few tips for maximizing your crockpot.

Easy Crockpot Recipes For Busy Weeknights

Quinoa Mexican Tacos

These Crockpot Quinoa, Mexican Tacos are one of my favorites and very close to my heart. A friend of mine took advantage of her slow cooker, toted her little one over to my place and provided this meal for me shortly after I had my son. Mexican always hits the spot. This dish is perfect with some sliced avocado, chips and extra salsa!

Three Bean Chili

The first time I had this Slow Cooker Three Bean Chili I hoped that it was a recipe and not just a dish that was thrown together. It was perfectly spicy and the protein packed beans left me satisfied. (Tip: I recommend adding another can of diced tomatoes and a bit more chili powder to this recipe).

Chana Masala

My kiddos surprisingly love Indian food and we got lucky because my husband and I could eat it daily and be content. This Chana masala can be made fresh on the stove top or cooked in the crock pot.

2 cans chickpeas

1 cans diced tomatoes

1 diced jalapeño

1 diced yellow onion

1tsp garlic powder

½ tsp ginger

3 Tbsp curry powder

½ tsp fenugreek (optional)

¼ tsp mango powder (optional)

Throw it all in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on high.

If you choose to make it in a pot, heat 3 Tbsp vegetable oil and then add spices to bloom. Add jalapeño and onion and saute for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add chickpeas and tomatoes and stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Lentil Soup

This Lentil Soup with Lemon Cream is the only lentil soup I make because it is so easy and has such unique flavors. Not only is it easy but it’s affordable! Stretch the leftovers by serving over brown rice or another favorite grain.

For this recipe, toss all of the ingredients into the crockpot with an extra 2c of stock and cook on high heat for 6-7 hours.

Bean Enchiladas

I love Minimalist Bakers Enchiladas so when I found this recipe for Slow Cooker Bean Enchiladas, I was over the moon! I could have all the delicious enchiladas I wanted without having to keep such a close eye on dinner!

A few other hacks for you crock pot use include:

• Wrap oiled russet potatoes in foil and cooking for 8-10 hours for perfect baked potatoes
• Steam veggies by wrapping in foil a foil packet with a few pads of butter, salt and pepper
• Try baking with your slow cooker: cinnamon rolls and bread
• Melt chocolate for fondue or candy making
• Melt broken crayons on low heat in paper cups to make DIY multi-color crayons

Try out a couple of these easy crockpot recipes and let us know what your favorite one is in the comments! For other quick meals check out this parent cabin post!