When the sun sets at 4:30 p.m. and it’s cold enough outside to see your breath, slaving over a hot stove to make a nourishing dinner might seem far less appealing than ordering a pizza. That’s when a slow cooker comes in super-handy.
Slow-cooker meals are about as low-maintenance as it gets (well, besides ordering a pizza) and will be appreciated by everyone at your table. Here are seven options that will warm you up without making you break a sweat.
1. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa
This hearty vegan chili from Dishing Out Health pairs quinoa and sweet potatoes with flavorful fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers. You’ll score tons of fiber and protein from the double beans, so no one will miss the meat.
2. Crockpot Cranberry-Orange Meatballs
Whether you whip up these mighty meatballs as a tasty appetizer or alongside a larger meal, The Defined Dish’s Whole30 and paleo meatballs are a must. Pro tip: Double the recipe for the fresh cranberry-orange sauce and use it with another protein during the week for dinner in a flash.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Grab your favorite jar of enchilada sauce and this warming dinner comes together with the push of a button. If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes or Mexican food, these healthified stuffed sweet potatoes from Skinnytaste are for you.
4. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
If you’re craving takeout but not the calories, this savory and creamy slow cooker meal from Well Plated is everything. The addition of cauliflower to this Indian-inspired dish sneaks in extra nutrients and texture.
5. Tangy Spiced Brisket
Bookmark this holiday-worthy showstopper from Smitten Kitchen for a festive night in. The homemade sauce makes for a drool-worthy meal that’s hassle-free.
6. Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Tortellini
Turn that package of tortellini into a wow-worthy meal with The Lean Green Bean’s super-simple weeknight dinner. With less than 10 ingredients, this kid-friendly feast should be next on your meal-prep plan.
7. Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps
It may be cold outside, but these Whole30 and paleo pineapple BBQ pork lettuce wraps from Fit Mitten Kitchen taste like a tropical getaway. Mix things up by adding the crave-worthy meat to salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week, too.
Read More: 11 Nutritious Winter Soups Dietitians Love