13 slow cooker dinners so you can get your Christmas shopping done while dinner is cooking

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When holiday errands start piling up, having 13 slow cooker dinners ready to lean on feels like a small gift to yourself. Each one gives you room to handle shopping, wrapping, or whatever else is on your list without stressing about the evening meal. I like having choices like these during the season because they keep things manageable without losing that warm, home-cooked feeling.

Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever have one of those busy days where you just need comfort in a bowl when you get home? This Italian Wedding Soup delivers on flavor without demanding too much attention. The meatballs stay tender and juicy, the broth is deep and savory, and it comes together effortlessly, all while you check off your holiday shopping list. It’s a warm, cozy relief after a day on the move.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’ve never tried this Mississippi Pork Roast, you’re really missing out; it practically melts when it’s done. Rich, flavorful, and versatile enough to go with anything (mashed potatoes, rice, or even over a roll), it’s the ultimate hands-free meal. While your slow cooker takes care of business, you’re free to tackle every errand on your list. The best part? Coming home to a house that smells absolutely amazing.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Mississippi Chicken is proof that easy recipes can pack a serious flavor punch. It’s tangy, buttery, and savory; ideal for meal preps or the night you want something a little indulgent without hovering over the stove. Just toss it all in the cooker before you head out the door, and suddenly dinner feels like a done deal. Whatever’s keeping you busy today, this dish will gladly wait until you’re ready for it.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Meatballs make everything better, right? These Porcupine Meatballs are hands-off comfort food. They’re filled with simple, hearty flavors that hit the spot, especially when paired with a warm sauce. The kind of dish you put together in the morning, forget about while life happens, and come back to with zero stress. It’s a recipe that makes busy winter nights a lot happier, and don’t be surprised when folks go in for seconds.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Whether you’re decorating the tree or shopping for the perfect gift, these Honey-Garlic Meatballs keep your holiday season on track. Sweet, savory, and a little sticky in all the best ways, they work as either a standalone dinner or party-ready appetizer. It’s like multitasking, but delicious. Because while the slow cooker handles business, you can focus on making the season merry and bright.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something magical about this Hungarian Goulash. It’s the kind of dish that’s hearty and deeply flavorful, with beef and paprika bringing comforting warmth to every bite. And the beauty of it? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you’re running around. Shopping, errands, or wrapping presents; whatever your holiday hustle looks like is made so much easier when dinner is waiting like this.

Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something that feels like home, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole has you covered. It’s hearty and filling, so even the busiest days feel balanced. Just drop everything into the slow cooker, and let it take over while you tackle the chaos of the holidays. When dinner’s ready, it feels like a gift of its own; you barely lifted a finger, but your family gets a meal that sticks to the ribs.

Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you can’t stop running errands or holiday shopping, simple dinner solutions feel like a miracle. This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is as straightforward as it gets, but don’t let that fool you; it’s packed with flavor that makes busy nights a whole lot better. No last-minute stress in the kitchen, no long list of ingredients. Just easy, reliable goodness you can count on.

Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smothered pork chops are one of those “stick-to-your-bones” kinds of meals you wish for when it’s cold outside. This Swiss Pork Chops recipe lets you enjoy that comfort without having to stand at the stove all evening. Meaty, saucy, and tender, this dish feels like the perfect end to a holiday hustle kind of day. It’s worth making extra; you’ll want leftovers.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Creamy, spicy, and downright cozy, this Chicken Tikka Masala is a total crowd-pleaser. The best part? You don’t have to babysit it. While you’re out checking off your Christmas to-do list, this dish is simmering in the slow cooker, ready to wrap you in warmth when you get home. Flavors like this make even the busiest days feel special; they’re just that good.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Big, bold flavors don’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. This Pork Chile Verde is slow-cooked until every bite is tender and packed with personality. Perfect over rice or with warm tortillas, it’s the kind of dish you can throw together before a busy day and forget about until you’re ready to eat. That’s a win when holiday shopping takes priority over dinner prep.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Holiday hustle doesn’t have to mean skipping comfort food. This Ranch Chicken & Gravy comes together with minimal effort, but it still feels indulgent. Creamy, herby, and ready on your schedule, this dish works overtime to make busy days easier. Pair it with mashed potatoes or rice, and suddenly a chaotic day feels a whole lot calmer. It’s always nice to have options like this during a busy month.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Mississippi Meatballs

Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tangy, savory, and just a little buttery, these Mississippi Meatballs are destined to be a frequent favorite. Whether it’s a casual dinner or holiday entertaining, they bring massive flavor with almost no effort. Toss them in the slow cooker before heading out for the day, then come home to a meal that’s totally hassle-free. Trust me; this is one dish that makes life during the holidays a little bit easier (and way more delicious).

Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

The post 13 slow cooker dinners so you can get your Christmas shopping done while dinner is cooking appeared first on Food Drink Life.


 

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