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by Robyn Conley Downs on Sep 2, 2016 (last updated Dec 12, 2023) 3 comments »
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Yes, you can make slow cooker meals the night, or even several days, beforehand! Read on for a collection of healthy and easy slow cooker recipes to prep ahead that will save you time and energy.
As a time-saving habits expert, I love creating simple slow cooker recipes that are easy to prepare and full of real food ingredients. I also love slow cooker recipes that can be made ahead, making the process even easier. Read on for my best prep ahead tips for prepping ahead and then head to the recipes!
Prep Ahead & Storage Tips
- The night before, assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert. Cover the insert and refrigerate. The next day, place the insert back into the slow cooker base. Cover and cook according to recipe instructions.
- If you don’t have room in you fridge for the slow cooker insert, simply prepare all the ingredients ahead, add to a zip-top bag or container, refrigerate, then add to the slow cooker and cook according to recipe instructions.
- Once cooked, allow the slow cooker meal to cool completely. Portion into single servings, if desired, and store or freeze.
5 stars (4 ratings)
Effortless Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Hearty and oh so comforting, this easy crock pot stuffed pepper soup is a satisfying meal-in-a-bowl, featuring plenty of vegetables and tons of protein.
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground beef, salt, Italian seasoning, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, Worcestershire sauce, white rice.
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5 stars (13 ratings)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
The easiest, most delicious slow cooker chicken recipe yet! Slow cooker honey garlic chicken requires only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to produce sweet, savory, and sticky chicken.
Ingredients: soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, boneless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breasts), cornstarch.
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5 stars (9 ratings)
Easiest Slow Cooker Drumsticks (4-Ingredients!)
Get delicious, fall-off-the-bone meat with this easy slow cooker drumsticks recipe that just uses 4 ingredients!
Ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chicken drumsticks, BBQ sauce.
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5 stars (13 ratings)
Slow Cooker Satay Chicken
Slow cooker satay chicken is a flavorful, versatile, and simple recipe that the whole family will love!
Ingredients: chicken, salt, peanut butter, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce.
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5 stars (34 ratings)
Slow Cooker Corn Chowder (Dump and Go!)
This easy slow cooker corn chowder is a breeze to prep, and is a hearty vegetarian and vegan recipe that’s luxuriously creamy without a drop of cream. A surprisingly simple yet delicious dairy free meal to enjoy all year round!
Ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, broth, coconut milk, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar and other spices
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5 stars (7 ratings)
Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
With a short list of ingredients, this easy crock pot zuppa Toscana is a hearty one pot meal that's a simple slow cooker meal everyone will love!
Ingredients: sweet Italian sausage, onion, garlic, russet potato, salt, chicken stock, kale, cream.
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5 stars (3 ratings)
Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs
Easy crockpot recipes are my specialty, and these slow cooker meatballscould notbe simpler to make! The meatballs require no pre-cooking or pre-browning, and simmer low and slow in tomato sauce for a flavorful, hearty, family friendly dinner you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients: ground beef, parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs (gluten free or traditional), egg, salt, marinara sauce.
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5 stars (2 ratings)
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Wildly simple to prepare and yielding the most succulent, juicy chicken you’ve ever tasted, this slow cooker whole chicken will have you ditching the store-bought rotisserie chicken in favor of this easy homemade classic.
Ingredients: whole chicken, spices, salt.
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4.95 stars (35 ratings)
Slow Cooker Flank Steak
This ultra tender slow cooker flank steak recipe could not be easier to make, and yields the most delicious, tender flank steak for tacos, sandwiches and more!
Ingredients: flank steak, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, brown sugar, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Thighs + More Prep Ahead Slow Cooker Recipes
Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 3 hours hrs
Total: 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Slow cooker peanut chicken thighs are flavorful, versatile, and can be prepped ahead. Plus 10 more prep ahead slow cooker recipes!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or boneless skinless breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Satay Sauce
- ⅓ cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- ⅓ cup canned coconut milk
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoons fish sauce, or tamari
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Chopped roasted peanuts, fresh lime slices, fresh cilantro, steamed rice
Equipment
Instructions
Add the chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the chicken to coat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, curry paste, sugar, lime juice, and tamari until very smooth.
Pour ⅓ of the satay sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat. Set the remaining sauce aside. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or low for 4-4, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender but not falling apart.
When the chicken is cooked, uncover and carefully drain the cooking liquid. Pour over half of the remaining satay sauce, tossing to coat.
Optional, but recommended: Place the cooked and sauce-coated chicken on a broiler safe pan or baking sheet. Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes or until browned, then flip and broil 2-3 more minutes to brown the other side. Keep a close eye on the chicken, as the sugar in the sauce can brown very quickly.
Serve the sauce coated chicken with the remaining satay sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with cilantro, fresh lime slices, and peanuts if desired.
Author: Robyn Conley Downs
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 308kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 144mg, Sodium: 528mg, Potassium: 501mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 432IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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CollectionsSlow CookerDairy FreeGluten Free
originally published on Sep 2, 2016 (last updated Dec 12, 2023)
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3 comments on “10+ Slow Cooker Recipes to Prep Ahead”
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Cara Dorn — Reply
Thanks, Robyn! With fall approaching, I am excited to try these new slow cooker recipes! My slow cooker has definitely been a game changer for our family! I appreciate all you do to put these together for us!
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Robyn Downs — Reply
You’re so welcome, Cara. I hope you and your family enjoy these recipes! 🙂
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Laurie C — Reply
This looks great, and so easy to prep.
