13 Slow Cooker Recipes for College Students

Slow Cooker Recipes for College Students

As a college student, I know how busy life can get. Between classes, homework, and trying to keep up with everything else, cooking often takes a backseat. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with slow cooker recipes for college students. They are perfect for days when I don’t have time to cook. You can simply throw in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work, saving you time and effort.I can simply toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it!

Whether I need something quick like Friendly Crockpot Meals for Busy Nights or a comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipes, these meals are a lifesaver.

They’re not only super easy to make, but they also save me time, so I can focus on homework and get some rest. Honestly, these slow cooker meals have become my go-to for busy college life!

13 Slow Cooker Recipes for College Students

1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting dish tastes like home and is so simple to make. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day. I love how the dumplings soak up all the flavors while staying soft and fluffy. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serves: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
  4. Add the biscuit dough pieces and stir gently to coat them in the broth.
  5. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the dough is cooked through.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

2. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy dish is a favorite for everyone. It’s super easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or even a party. I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it never fails to impress. It’s comfort food at its best.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 2 hours | Cook Time (Low): 4 hours | Serves: 6

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Add the macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir everything together.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey goodness!

3. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A hearty and filling dish, this beef stew is packed with vegetables and tender beef. It’s great for meal prepping, too! I love how the slow cooker brings out deep, rich flavors in every bite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 8 hours | Serves: 6

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups chopped potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Place the beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, tomato paste, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  4. If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting meal.

4. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This healthy, protein-packed soup is perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves a nourishing meal. It’s warm, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make. The spices make the house smell amazing while it cooks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serves: 6

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

  1. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir everything together.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread if desired.

5. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This zesty chicken is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for rice bowls. It’s so versatile and delicious! I love how this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients but delivers so much flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serves: 4

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
  3. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  5. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the salsa in the slow cooker.
  6. Serve in tacos, over rice, or with your favorite sides.

6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is one of my favorite meals to make in the slow cooker! It’s super easy, and the pork comes out incredibly tender and juicy. To make it, all you need is a pork shoulder, some spices, and your favorite BBQ sauce. The slow cooker does all the work for you, leaving you with a flavorful meal that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own with a side of vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 8 hours | Serve: 4-6 servings

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Rub the pork shoulder with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Put the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
  4. Pour BBQ sauce over the pork.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  6. Once cooked, shred the pork with a fork and mix it with the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker.
  7. This pulled pork is perfect for serving with a side of coleslaw or on a bun for an easy sandwich.

7. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This vegetarian chili is packed with flavors and is the perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you need a filling meal that’s easy to make. You don’t need any meat to enjoy this chili, as the beans and vegetables provide all the protein and heartiness you need. It’s a great meal for any vegetarian college student or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to regular chili!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6-8 servings

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve with a sprinkle of cheese or sour cream.
  4. This vegetarian chili is simple, flavorful, and great for meal prep. Plus, you can always top it with tortilla chips or a dollop of Greek yogurt!

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken soup is always comforting, especially when you make it in the slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer because it’s so easy to make, and the flavors blend perfectly over time. Plus, you can enjoy a bowl of this soup with minimal effort, making it ideal for those busy college days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 7 hours | Serve: 6 servings

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
  4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
  5. Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the noodles are tender.

9. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time (High): 5 hours | Cook Time (Low): 8 hours | Serve: 4 servings

BBQ ribs in a slow cooker? Yes, please! These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the slow cooker ensures that they are packed with flavor. It may seem complicated, but it’s actually super simple. All you need is your favorite BBQ sauce, some spices, and a few hours of cooking time.

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cut the ribs into smaller sections that will fit in your slow cooker.
  2. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mix generously on both sides of the ribs.
  4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker, then pour BBQ sauce over them.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
  6. Once done, serve with extra BBQ sauce and enjoy!

10. Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6 servings

Potato soup is such a comforting meal, and it’s even better when you make it in a slow cooker. With creamy potatoes, onions, and cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients!

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the cubed potatoes, chopped onion, and broth in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  3. Once the potatoes are soft, mash them with a potato masher for a creamy texture.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

11. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 4 servings

If you love the taste of teriyaki chicken, you’ll love this easy slow cooker recipe! The chicken turns out juicy and full of flavor, and it’s so simple to make. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it cook. The result? Delicious, tender chicken that pairs perfectly with rice.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

12. Slow Cooker Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6 servings

These slow cooker meatballs are a hit in my house! They’re easy to prepare and can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making them super convenient for college students on the go.

Slow Cooker Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and dried basil.
  2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. Serve with pasta or in a sub roll.

13. Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time (High): 2 hours | Cook Time (Low): 4 hours | Serve: 4 servings

This slow cooker oatmeal is the perfect breakfast to wake up to! It’s warm, hearty, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast waiting for you when you wake up.

Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Add the oats, water, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
  3. Stir well before serving and add toppings such as fruit, nuts, or honey.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Recipes for College Students are the perfect choice for balancing meals with a hectic schedule. These recipes allow you to enjoy homemade, delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With options like Friendly Crockpot Meals for Busy Nights or filling Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipes, you can easily enjoy hearty meals that fuel both your brain and body. So, if you’re looking to save time, eat well, and keep things simple, slow cooker recipes are definitely the way to go!

Author

  • Olivia

    Hi there! I'm Olivia, the passionate home cook and mother of 3 little champ. When I'm not in the kitchen whipping up nourishing meals for my family, you can find me tending to my vegetable garden or enjoying the great outdoors. I love sharing simple, wholesome recipes that bring friends and family together around the table. Cooking from the heart is what it's all about!

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