19 Back-to-School Dinners That Practically Cook Themselves

Back-to-school season hits like a freight train, right? One minute you’re soaking up the last bit of summer, and the next you’re knee-deep in supply lists, permission slips, and “what’s-for-dinner” chaos. If the 5 o’clock scramble has already started creeping back into your life, don’t worry—I’ve got you.

These 19 back-to-school dinners basically cook themselves. We’re talking minimal prep, max comfort, and kid-approved vibes. These Crockpot heroes let you toss ingredients together, walk away, and come back to something warm and ready. Because feeding your crew shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Ever crave a hearty bowl of chili but want something a little lighter and meat-free? This easy vegetarian chili is just the thing. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with spices, and perfect for a chilly night or feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes

This cozy chili is warm, hearty, and full of sweet potatoes and spices. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

This one brings serious comfort. It’s creamy, hearty, and easy to toss together. Inspired by the Wawa version I used to love, it’s now my go-to soup all winter long.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Wawa Inspired Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Bring those Italian restaurant vibes home with this rich and creamy soup. It’s got sausage, kale, and potatoes in every bite, and your whole crew will love it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Super Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

You could make enchiladas the hard way, but why? Let the slow cooker do all the work for you, and enjoy bold, cheesy flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

Leftover turkey hanging around? This creamy soup turns it into a whole new meal. Just toss it in with wild rice, broth, and veggies, then let it simmer until it’s soul-soothing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Creamy, garlicky, and full of basil and leeks, this Tuscan chicken tastes like something you’d get at a trattoria in Italy. But it’s weeknight easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Slow Cooker Vegan Miso Ramen Soup with Tofu

This plant-based ramen is loaded with Asian flavor and packed with tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy. It’s cozy, satisfying, and comes together in the crockpot with zero stress.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegan Miso Ramen Soup with Tofu

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Bright, juicy chicken gets a flavor boost from tomato and lime. Toss it in the slow cooker and let those zesty flavors blend into a dinner that feels fresh and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

This soup is smoky, a little spicy, and perfect for loading up with all your favorite toppings. It’s simple to make and even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Tri Tip

This is one of the easiest, most flavorful dinners to ever come out of a crockpot. Just a few ingredients and fresh herbs turn tri-tip into a tender, juicy roast everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Chicken, meatballs, cabbage, and spices all in one pot? Yes, please. This taco soup is hearty and full of flavor. Pile on your toppings and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

This dish is all about sweet, savory teriyaki flavor wrapped around melt-in-your-mouth beef. It’s a total dump-and-go dinner that’s perfect for crazy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor, this chicken is about as close to takeout as you can get without leaving your house. Plus, it’s super easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings

Sticky and savory with a sweet glaze, these wings are the definition of finger-lickin’ good. Make them for dinner, game day, or anytime you’re craving something snacky.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Wings

Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

Packed with southwest flavor, these taco bowls have quinoa, beans, and bold seasoning. It’s a wholesome, protein-filled dinner that still feels fun.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

Slow Cooker Thai Pork

This dish turns your kitchen into a Thai-inspired dream. Pork gets slow-cooked with warming spices until it’s fork-tender and totally irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Slow Cooker Three Packet Pot Roast

The three-packet trick is an old-school favorite for a reason. This roast comes out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, along with classic potatoes and carrots.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Three Packet Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala

Creamy, bold, and full of Indian spices, this plant-based tikka masala is an easy way to get big flavor without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala