15 Delicious Slow-Cooker Lunch Recipes You’ll Love

Slow-cookers are perfect for making delicious and easy lunches. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, coming back to a tasty meal. Here are 15 slow-cooker lunch recipes we absolutely love.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for a slow cooker lunch. Start by placing 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of diced tomatoes into your slow cooker. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken, return it to the soup, and serve with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime. This soup is comforting, packed with nutrients, and has just the right amount of spice.

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is a slow cooker favorite that delivers tender beef and flavorful broccoli. To make it, mix 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic in the slow cooker. Add 1 pound of sliced beef (such as flank or sirloin) and stir to coat. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, then add 2 cups of broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve over rice for a satisfying, savory meal. The slow-cooking process ensures the beef is tender, and the broccoli stays crisp and fresh.

Vegetable Stew

A warm and hearty Vegetable Stew is ideal for a cozy lunch. Start by adding 3 diced carrots, 2 chopped potatoes, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 cup of peas into the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, then season with 2 teaspoons of thyme, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the vegetables are tender. The rich tomato-based broth ties the flavors together, making this stew both comforting and nutritious. It’s a perfect vegetarian option that’s filling and delicious.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, especially when made in the slow cooker. Place a 3-4 pound pork shoulder into the slow cooker and season with 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the pork and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily. Shred the pork, mix with additional barbecue sauce if desired, and serve on soft buns with coleslaw. This meal is flavorful, juicy, and perfect for feeding a group.

Chicken Curry

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is an easy and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken and rich spices. Combine 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of curry powder in the slow cooker. Add 1 can of coconut milk, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of vegetables such as bell peppers or potatoes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete meal. The slow cooking infuses the chicken with the spices, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup is a healthy and protein-packed option for a slow cooker lunch. Add 1 cup of dried lentils, 3 diced carrots, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Season with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the lentils are soft. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This soup is hearty, filling, and perfect for a nutritious and comforting lunch.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun and flavorful slow-cooker lunch option. Start by preparing a mixture of 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds, then stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Place the peppers upright in the slow cooker and pour 1 cup of tomato sauce over them. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the peppers are tender. These stuffed peppers are a complete meal in one, combining protein, vegetables, and grains.

Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. Add 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy. For an extra touch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before serving for added crunch. This mac and cheese is rich, satisfying, and perfect for a comfort-food lunch.

Beef Chili

Beef Chili is a slow-cooker classic, perfect for a hearty and warming lunch. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 diced onion, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The result is a flavorful chili with just the right amount of spice. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Rice is a simple, comforting dish that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. Place 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 1 cup of peas into the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This dish is a classic, hearty meal that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch.

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili is a flavorful, meatless option that’s full of beans and vegetables. Combine 1 can of black beans, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 1 cup of corn, 2 diced bell peppers, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of cumin in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, stirring occasionally. This chili is hearty and filling, despite being meatless, and is perfect for a nutritious lunch.

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and Peppers are a flavorful, easy-to-make slow-cooker lunch. Place 4 Italian sausages, 2 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced onion, and 1 can of diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. Season with 1 teaspoon of oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the sausages are fully cooked. Serve in a hoagie roll or over pasta for a delicious meal.

Chicken Alfredo

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is creamy and comforting. Place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour in 2 cups of Alfredo sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of cooked pasta. This dish is rich, satisfying, and perfect for a comforting lunch.

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup is hearty and healthy, making it an ideal slow-cooker lunch. Combine 2 cans of black beans, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 4 cups of vegetable broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Blend a portion of the soup for a thicker consistency, and garnish with cilantro and sour cream. This soup is high in fiber and full of flavor.

Turkey Meatballs

Slow-Cooker Turkey Meatballs are light and delicious, perfect for a healthy lunch. Combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Form into meatballs and place them in the slow cooker. Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with spaghetti for a wholesome and filling meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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