18 Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Dinners That Will Feed The Whole Family
As the slowness of summer fades, you'll be happy to have these low-effort, palate-pleasing meals in your back pocket.
Whether it's doing the prep work in the morning and letting your food slow cook all day, or bringing things together quickly that evening with the light-speed magic of the Instant Pot, this collection of recipes will help the transition back to the busy days of fall go a little smoother.
This means you'll have more time for what's really important: Spending time trying to figure out how to get your kids to tell you about their day.
1.Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
The ONLY thing better than homemade mac & cheese is homemade mac & cheese that comes together in just 10 minutes, or, in kid terms, about one Bluey.
Recipe: Instant Pot Mac & Cheese | Shop This Recipe
2.The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast
That dried onion soup mix you've had sitting in your pantry? It is finally time to shine in this fan favorite.
Recipe: The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast | Shop This Recipe
3.Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
A solid serving of veggies is always made better with a bit of melted cheese. The beans provide the protein, but if you're looking for a little extra you could add chicken or beef!
Recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers | Shop This Recipe
4.Instant Pot Lasagna
Remember the days when making lasagna was a full-day process? Yeah, no. This takes just 20 minutes to prep so you can squeeze in some time to put your feet up.
Recipe: Instant Pot Lasagna | Shop This Recipe
5.Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Anything that has your kiddos asking for more broccoli is a total win, amirite? You could serve this one with rice or noodles.
6.Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Prepare to *fall* in love with this autumnal favorite. If you want to take a shortcut, buy your butternut squash pre-cut (we'll never tell!).
Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup | Shop This Recipe
7.Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This one comes together in less time than it would take to gather everyone's takeout orders. Just don't forget the naan!
Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken | Shop This Recipe
8.Mississippi Roast
This one comes together in about 10 Mississippis. Okay, maybe a few more than that, but it's quick work to prep for some slow cooking and a big reward.
Recipe: Mississippi Roast | Shop This Recipe
9.Slow Cooker Coconut Curry
The veg-friendly dish is packed with immunity-boosting foods. You're going to want to keep this one at-the-ready for cold season!
Recipe: Slow Cooker Coconut Curry | Shop This Recipe
10.Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork
Besides a truly delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy, you'll also have an excuse to have some extra root beer around. And that's pretty great, too.
Recipe: Instant Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork | Shop This Recipe
11.Slow-Cooker Thai Green Curry
Curry in a hurry is great, but this palate pleaser takes its time to build flavor. Don't forget to cook up some rice on the side because you'll want to sop up every spoonful of sauce.
Recipe: Slow-Cooker Thai Green Curry | Shop This Recipe
12.Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Bowls
This choose-your-own-toppings meal is the best way to please the people who could eat cilantro plain as a salad as well as those who are really just in this for the cheese.
13.Instant Pot Beef Chili
In just under an hour, you can have the perfect fall game day meal on the table. It's the real MVP of IP cooking.
Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Chili | Shop This Recipe
14.Slow Cooker Chicken & Biscuits
Just like your grandma used to make it, except it uses a can of soup, pre-made biscuit dough, and takes a fraction of the time to bring it together. So... maybe better?
15.Easy Slow Cooker Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs And Sauce
If you're looking for a fun way to include your kiddos in making dinner, try having them shape the meatballs!
Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs And Sauce | Shop This Recipe
16.Instant-Pot Short Ribs
This dish delivers melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with a savory and sweet sauce. You can adjust the gochujang to accommodate littles who are sensitive to spice and reviewers recommend using low-sodium soy sauce as well.
Recipe: Instant-Pot Short Ribs | Shop This Recipe
17.Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
The best part about this recipe is that you cook your sides in the slow cooker as well. Switch it up with the veggies that work best for your fam!
Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken | Shop This Recipe
18.Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich
These crave-worthy sandwiches make for a great family dinner... and, most likely, a pretty great leftover lunch the next day, too!
