The 13 Slow Cooker Dinners I Make When I Know I’ll Be Too Tired to Function Later

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There are days when it’s clear from the jump that cooking dinner later is just not going to happen. That’s exactly when these slow cooker dinners come in, toss everything in early, then let the magic happen while life keeps piling on. They save energy, cut stress, and make sure a solid, comforting meal is ready even when functioning feels out of reach.

Beef Barbacoa

When I know I’ll be running on fumes by dinner, beef barbacoa is the hero that saves the day. I just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by the time I’m crashing in the evening, there’s tender, flavorful beef ready for tacos, bowls, or straight from the pot. The rich spices and juicy texture make it feel like I actually tried, even though I didn’t lift a finger all day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Cheesy Ranch Chicken

This cheesy ranch chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner I rely on when I don’t have the energy to cook or even think. It’s creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy, just dump everything in and let the slow cooker do its thing. By dinnertime, I’m rewarded with something hot, cheesy, and filling that tastes like I put in real effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli is my go-to when I want takeout vibes without the actual takeout or the effort. The meat cooks up fall-apart tender in a rich, garlicky sauce, and I don’t even have to babysit it. It’s one of those dinners I throw in before the chaos starts and barely think about again until everyone’s happily eating.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Salsa Chicken

When I know I won’t have the energy to cook later, slow cooker salsa chicken is the ultimate no-brainer. I just toss in some chicken and my favorite salsa, and by dinner, it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor with zero effort. It’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or just straight off the plate, and I love how stress-free and delicious it is after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Beef Stew

On days when I know I’ll be completely wiped, I reach for this slow cooker beef stew. It takes almost no work to throw together, but the end result is a cozy, hearty bowl filled with tender beef and veggies that feels like a hug in a bowl. No one suspects how easy it was, and I get to eat something nourishing without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Taco Soup

I’ve made this low-carb taco soup more times than I can count on nights when exhaustion wins. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that somehow turns into a warm, spicy, protein-packed bowl of comfort by the end of the day. One ladle in and everyone’s happy, including me, especially because I didn’t have to lift a finger once it started cooking.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Chicken Paprikash

When I know I’ll be too tired to do much of anything later, chicken paprikash is my quiet fallback plan. It’s simple to prep in the morning and turns into a warm, saucy dish with loads of flavor by the end of the day. Spoon it over egg noodles or veggies and suddenly dinner feels intentional even when I’m running on empty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Italian Beef

Italian beef is my slow cooker ace for long days when I know the energy just won’t be there later. I throw everything in and walk away, and by evening, the roast is fall-apart tender and loaded with vibrant flavor. Pile it in a bowl, serve it with veggies, or grab a fork and eat it straight, zero energy required, but still so good.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

This shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash is one of those meals I make when I know I’ll be too tired to decide what’s for dinner later. The crockpot does all the work, turning ground beef and veggies into a cozy, ready-to-eat casserole that just needs scooping. It reheats like a dream, too, which means one less thing to worry about tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Beef Stroganoff

I keep this slow cooker beef stroganoff in my back pocket for days that drain every ounce of motivation. The beef melts in your mouth, and the creamy sauce is pure comfort, all without hovering over a stove. It’s the easiest way to serve something hearty and delicious when I can’t even think straight by 5 p.m.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Apricot Chicken

This apricot chicken is my sneaky trick for serving something that looks special but requires almost zero energy. Just a handful of pantry staples and the slow cooker handles the rest, turning simple ingredients into sweet, savory wonder. When the glaze caramelizes and the chicken turns buttery tender, it’s hard to believe how easy it was to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker

This slow cooker beef shank is my go-to when I want something rich and comforting but don’t want to spend any real time in the kitchen. The meat turns fall-off-the-bone tender, and the herbs give it deep flavor that makes it feel fancy even when I’m running on fumes. Add some cauliflower mash and suddenly dinner looks impressive, even though the slow cooker did all the work.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker

Pot Roast

On those days when I know I’ll be too exhausted to function, I set up a slow cooker pot roast and let it take care of dinner for me. The beef cooks low and slow with veggies and broth until everything is tender and the house smells like comfort. It’s a classic that never fails to hit the spot, especially when I don’t have to think twice about making it.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast