23 Dinners You Can Start Before Anyone Is Home

Some days, the best kind of dinner is one that’s already cooking before everyone gets home. These recipes are filled with tender meats, hearty soups, and comforting slow-cooked favorites that need minimal hands-on time. Get dinner started early, then come back to a warm, satisfying meal when you’re ready to eat.

Dutch Oven Beer-Braised Short Ribs

Beef short ribs slowly braise in beer until they’re fall-apart tender and full of flavor. The rich sauce makes this the kind of dinner that tastes like you spent far more time on it than you did.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Beer-Braised Short Ribs

Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine

Red wine gives this classic pot roast a deep, savory flavor while the Dutch oven helps the beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Get it started early and let the slow cooking handle the rest.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine

Crock Pot Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup

Pork chops turn fall-apart tender as they slow cook in a savory mushroom sauce that doubles as gravy. Serve them with mashed potatoes or rice for an easy comfort-food dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup

Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ranch Dressing

Seasoned beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes simmer together for a hearty taco soup that practically cooks itself. Set out cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ranch Dressing

Crock Pot Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup

A long, slow cook leaves these pork chops tender and surrounded by a rich, savory sauce. With very little prep required, they’re an easy dinner to get going earlier in the day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken, vegetables, noodles, and flavorful broth come together in this classic comfort-food soup. It’s a warm, satisfying dinner to have waiting after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Ham with Coke and Apricot Mustard Glaze

Cola keeps this slow-cooked ham juicy while an apricot, whole grain mustard, and brown sugar glaze adds sweet and savory flavor. It’s an easy way to prepare ham without taking up the oven.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham with Coke and Apricot Mustard Glaze

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are packed with cheesy Italian sausage and vegetables, then left to cook low and slow. Parmesan and fresh basil finish this hearty dinner before serving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Citrus Shredded Beef

Citrus and spices add plenty of flavor to this tender slow-cooked shredded beef. Make a batch for dinner and save the extras for easy meal prep later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef

Tender shredded beef and tangy barbecue sauce make an easy dinner with plenty of uses. It works just as well for a regular weeknight as it does for game day or a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef

Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables

Pork, potatoes, and carrots cook together until the roast is fall-apart tender. It’s a hearty one-pot dinner that can feed a crowd without keeping you busy in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Vegetables

Classic Beef and Noodle Soup

Tender beef and soft egg noodles simmer in a rich, savory broth for a filling bowl of comfort food. The slow cooker gives it that cooked-all-day flavor without all the hands-on work.
Get the Recipe: Classic Beef and Noodle Soup

Crock Pot Pork Chops and Sauerkraut with Gravy

Tender pork chops and mild sauerkraut slow cook together under a rich gravy. It’s an old-fashioned comfort-food dinner made easier with the help of the crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Sauerkraut with Gravy

Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples

Pork tenderloin cooks slowly over sauerkraut, sweet apples, and onion until tender and flavorful. Inspired by a Pennsylvania Dutch family tradition, it’s an old-fashioned meal made for an unhurried dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples

Crock Pot Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmer in marinara until tender and flavorful. Spoon everything over pasta or pile it into sandwiches when it’s time to eat.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Sticky Sauce Crock Pot Pork Loin

A sticky honey glaze gives this tender pork loin a sweet and savory finish. Simple spices and pantry ingredients keep the prep manageable, and potatoes or vegetables can round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Crock Pot Pork Loin

Creamed Chicken in the Crock Pot

Chicken slow cooks with Italian dressing mix and cream cheese for a rich, creamy dinner. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice when everyone is ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Chicken in the Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken and hearty vegetables simmer into a creamy soup with all the cozy appeal of chicken pot pie. Golden biscuits on top complete this comforting family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Crock Pot Pork Chops with Potatoes and Creamy Gravy

Pork chops and potatoes cook together in a savory mushroom gravy for a hearty meal with minimal effort. By dinnertime, you’ve got tender meat, potatoes, and sauce ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops with Potatoes and Creamy Gravy

Easy Thick Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs slowly simmer into a thick, rich spaghetti sauce. Make it earlier in the day, then all that’s left at dinner is getting the pasta ready.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thick Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Authentic Mexican Steak Picado

Tender sirloin, bell peppers, jalapeños, and tomatoes give this slow-cooked steak picado its smoky, savory flavor. Serve it with rice or tortillas, or use it to build a taco spread.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mexican Steak Picado

Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing

Tender pork chops, boxed stuffing, and a creamy sauce cook together for a comforting, no-fuss meal. It’s an especially handy option when you want the slow cooker to take care of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing

Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

Tender chicken cooks with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce with very little hands-on work. Serve it over pasta or potatoes for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken