5 Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

To make your weeknights a whole lot easier, here are five slow cooker recipes that are simple, tasty, and perfect for the whole family.

1. Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops

A fuss-free weeknight dinner that tastes like you’ve put in loads more effort than you actually did. Ingredients

• 4–8 pork chops
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 packet gravy mix (optional)
• 5 tbsp La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the soup, chicken stock and gravy (if using).
2. Lay the pork chops in your slow cooker and pour the mixture over the top.
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
4. Serve with mash, rice or noodles — plus your favourite veg.

2. No-Boil Mac and Cheese (Yes, Really)

Dry pasta straight into the slow cooker? Trust the process. This is a creamy, comforting meal that even fussy eaters will happily demolish. Ingredients

• 200 g macaroni
• 100 g diced cheddar
• 3 tbsp La Española Olive Oil
• 4 cups milk
• ½ tsp ground mustard
• Paprika, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Lightly oil the inside of the slow cooker.
2. Add the pasta, milk, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the cheese.

Cook on low for 2–3 hours, then serve immediately.

3. Southern-Style Pot Roast

A classic, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself. Ingredients

• 1.6–1.8 kg beef roast
• 4 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper
• 4 carrots
• 4 potatoes
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 tbsp La Española Olive Oil
• A few celery stalks
• ¼ cup mushroom or brown sauce
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Coat the beef with flour, salt and pepper, then sear in a pan until browned.
2. Add the beef and chopped vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Pour over the mushroom sauce and water.
4. Cook on low for 10–12 hours.
5. For a thicker gravy, whisk in a little extra flour before serving.

Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Mediterranean Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Light, fresh and full of flavour — Of all the slow cooker recipes, this one will have you coming back for more! Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 large lemon, sliced
• 1 lemon juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red capsicum, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper
• 4 tbsp La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ cup chicken stock

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Add the garlic, lemon juice, lemon slices, spices and stock.
3. Top with capsicum and zucchini.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3.

Serve with couscous, rice or a simple green salad.

5. Mediterranean Veggie Stew (Vegetarian)

Hearty, warming and packed with veg — perfect slow cooker recipe for a meat-free night! Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cups pumpkin, diced
• 1 red capsicum, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 4 tbsp La Española Mild Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
4. Enjoy with crusty bread or over couscous.

Got a family favourite slow cooker dinner? Let us know on our Instagram we’re always up for trying something new!