14 Packet Meals That Make Prep AND Cleanup a Breeze

Monster Avocado Toasts

If you want to celebrate Halloween without eating a ton of junk, try our avocado toast faces. It's the perfect start to Halloween morning — before the Halloween partyprep begins! (via Brit + Co.)

Deviled Egg Brains

These savory snack bites totally give us the creepy crawlies! Trust us, they're still yummy, though. (via Brit + Co.)

Spider Halloween Cookies

These sweet spideys should only take you about 40 minutes to finish! Once they're cooled, you'll be all set for your Halloween get-together. (via Brit + Co.)

Mummy Pizzas

These mummified pizza pies are made easy with store-bought ciabatta bread and some hearty toppings. (via Brit + Co.)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

The decorated pumpkin faces on these seasonal-flavored cookies provide the perfect amount of spooky! (via Brit + Co.)

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus

Homemade hummus is SO much better than the store-bought stuff — and it's easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be ready to rock with a bright orange Halloween hummus. (Half Baked Harvest)

Mummy Milanos

When you're in a pinch, there's nothing wrong with ripping open a bag of cookies and adding your own spooky twist. This recipe turns Milanos into mummies with the help of some melted white chocolate. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Sushi Balls, Halloween Style

We know what you're thinking — sushi isn't exactly easy to create — but hear us out. These eerie sushi balls are way easier to put together than sushi rolls and require a lot less skill and equipment. It's also mess-free! (via Chopstick Chronicles)

Brownie Spiders

These little cuties are the perfect last-minute snack to put together if you're less into gory-ness and more into adorably-ness. Feeling iffy over the commitment of baking? Don't sweat it — these are done in 35 minutes. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Witch Finger Pretzels

As far as quick and simple snacks go, you can't compete with dipping already delicious pretzels into already delicious chocolate. The best part of these treats is that they come out look gruesome and amazing. (via Simply Sated)

Halloween Fruit Skewers

A healthy-ish treat, these fruit skewers get a little bit of Halloween when a few pieces of candy are in the mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Deviled Egg Eyeballs

Deviled eggs sound perfect for Halloween on their own. When you add a healthy helping of beet puree to the mix, this wholesome snack hits a whole new level of creepy, or take a different route by making spider web deviled eggs. (via Food Fanatic)

Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

Having to whip up a themed snack at the last minute is a grave situation. It's a good thing THIS grave, topped with crunchy cookie dirt, only takes 20 minutes to put together. (via Well Plated)

White Chocolate Ghosts and Mummies

It's hard to find anything cuter than ghost-themed desserts; it's those little eyes. These sweet boos are easy to make and need to chill for 30 minutes, so you can place them in the fridge while you get ready. (Mitzy At Home)

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar are scary good together. Also, you basically get to dunk chips into chips, so it's near impossible to disappoint a crowd with a snack like this. Did we mention it only takes 20 minutes to make? (via Baking Beauty)

Mummy Hot Dogs

Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are fantastic any time of the year, but we're especially in love with them on Halloween. Wrapped up to look like mummies, these bites are great for adult and kid parties alike. (via Damn Delicious)

Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix

With no cooking required, this halloween snack is all ease and no fuss; just toss some sweet and savory snacks together and you're good to go. The frightening part is that they're incredibly addicting, so beware. (via The Miniature Moose)

Oreo Spider Web Cookies

We're confident that Oreos are loved universally, so there is no way to go wrong with this snack because it is SO right. The best way to wash these spiders out? A tall glass of cold milk, of course. (via A Zesty Bite)

Halloween Graveyard Pizza

When doom hits, nothing saves the day quite like pizza; pizza fixes everything. In under 30 minutes, you too can save the day with this cheesy pizza — complete with eyeballs and tongues. (via Stacey Homemaker)

Easy Spider Oreo Balls

If you're after that beloved Oreo flavor, but want to jazz things up in a most spine-chilling way, these spider Oreo balls will do the trick. In 30 minutes you can have these sweet and spooky critters on a platter, ready to go. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars

Salty, sweet, and easier than you'd think, these peanut butter bars are made with pantry staples and candy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Halloween Popcorn Mix

Coat dry, salted popcorn with a purple melted candy coating and add sprinkles and your favorite Halloween candy to make this snack mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Halloween Rice Krispy Treats

Rice Krispy treats get a Halloween twist when you add festive sprinkles and a few eyeballs to mix. (via Amanda Wilens)

Halloween Puppy Chow

Chocolate, peanut butter, and plenty of Halloween sprinkles give new life to Chex cereal, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. (via Salt & Lavender)

What is good to cook in a crock pot?

Chicken pot pie, beef stew, baked ziti, taco filling, marinated meatballs, chili, and chicken noodle soup are all tasty and easy crock pot meals. Any dish you want some mega-marinated flavor in makes for a great crock pot recipe.

What's the difference between a slow cooker and a crock pot?

A slow cooker and a crock pot are essentially the same thing. The Crockpot brand is a type of slow cooker – the appliance became popularized after their release in the 1970s. The terms are often used interchangeably, but refer to the same thing. They'll both make amazing crock pot recipes!

What is the best meat to slow cook in a crock pot?

Tougher meats like beef brisket, chicken thighs, pork shoulders, and short ribs are the best meats to slow cook in a crock pot because all of them become super tender. If you want to dig into a super soft, meaty bite, try out these types of meat. It's the perfect way to elevate crock pot meals!

Can you put raw meat in a crock pot?

You can cook raw meat in a crock pot, but it’s important that you leave it in the pot long enough for the meat to fully cook. If you don’t feel comfortable eyeballing the process, using a meat thermometer can give you an easier, more accurate reading on whether your meat is done or not.

Easy & Fast Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make Today

DIY Crock Pot Soup

The best thing about this soup recipe is that we provide you with a variety of options every step of the way, meaning that you can make it differently every time! Whether you go with cream of mushroom soup, sweet potatoes, or chicken, this is one recipe that is sure to taste good every single time — because you're in charge of what goes inside. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

The only thing better than stovetop mac is this one that follows suit with other slow cooker recipes. It's hard to believe that our favorite comfort food could be even creamier, cheesier, and easier with a simple, no-stress recipe, where your crock pot does all the work. This household staple offers a bowl of comfort, and can be served as a main entree or a super easy side dish! (via Brit + Co)

Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

Cheese gives each bite of this easy crock pot recipe an ooey-gooey mouthfeel. Top spaghetti with these meatballs for a complete dinner! As one of the best slow cooker meals, this cheesy chicken meatball recipe is sure to delight every member of the family. (via 3-Step Slow Cooker Cookbook for Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Everything goes in the slow cooker except the egg noodles for this stroganoff recipe, which are made on the stovetop just before serving. As one of the easiest crock pot recipes, this simple meal is sure to shine as a regular go-to for a quick and effortless dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

We know that this crock pot recipe isn't for dinner, but there's nothing like curling up with a mug of hot cocoa on a cold evening. Plus, with vegan ingredients and an edible glitter garnish, each sip of this bev is pure magic. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Rich, smokey, savory, and sweet, baked beans can be a whole meal in themselves. Just pair with some brown bread and you've got dinner! Jazz up this easy crock pot meal with the additional tips and ingredients listed at the end of the recipe for an extra-meaty infusion, or add a mustard kick to balance the sweetness and build a more complex flavor. (via Brit + Co)

Beef Stroganoff

It doesn't get easier than a four — yes, four! — ingredient dinner. Just combine some egg noodles, a can of Campbell's cream of mushroom, some yogurt, and beef, and then let it stew in the crock pot! This globally popular beef crock pot dinner has truly stood the test of time compared to other 3 hour crock pot meals and slow cooker recipes, and this take on it can be made gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a traditional hearty meal. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Marsala Veggie Bowl Recipe

A little cooking wine can go a long way! This tasty (and very simple) crock pot recipe will keep you feeling healthy without the cooking stress. This simple crock pot meal offers excellent leftover options — serve with eggs in the morning, fruit at lunch, or dress with more veggies and avocado slices for a wholesome meal. We adore crock pot recipes that are as flavorful as this one. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Slow Cooker Lamb Tacos

Beer flavors and tenderizes the meat in these tacos. Skip the salsa recipe and opt for a store-bought jar to make this super easy slow cooker recipe even quicker. (via Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & Morefor Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Only a little more complicated than opening a can of the condensed stuff, this slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe gives you way more bang for your buck, as one of the best cheap crock pot meals. It's our nourishing go-to whenever we're feeling run down or when the temps are extra frosty. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Slow Cooker Chana Masala

Indian food is the perfect cuisine for crock pot recipes, because you can let the intricate flavors simmer and soak in all day long before digging into a hearty, healthy bowl. This easy crock pot meal is packed with protein-filled chickpeas so you can feel fully satisfied. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These vibrant and zesty tacos make the best crock pot meals since you make make a whole lot, and save the rest for leftovers. Put the filling into taco shells, on top of salads, or even enjoy by itself. (via Brit + Co)

Asian Lettuce Wraps Crock Pot Recipe

This chicken, carrots, mushrooms, and sweet and salty sauce combo is just the quick, weeknight ticket to yummy you need. It's a tried-and-true option when it comes to easy crock pot meals! You don’t need extravagant ingredients to make this easy crock pot recipe shine. All ingredients can be found at most grocery stores. (via Well Plated)

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

This dish takes comfort food to a whole new level. It's one of our fave slow cooker recipes! The hands-off nature makes it easy to get things done while your food is in the crock pot. Cook on low for seven hours or on high for four hours, depending on how much time you have. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

Need some fast crock pot recipes? This is one of the yummiest easy crock pot recipes that calls for eliminating those enchilada cravings! The enchiladas get stacked with delectable layers of cheese, beans, corn, and fresh veggies for a simple and very tasty dinner win. This foolproof crock pot meal is meaty and hearty — without tons of effort. (via Damn Delicious)

Crock Pot Ragu

Let some ground beef and pork simmer with red wine, beef broth, and plenty of spices, and then pile it onto your favorite pasta shape. Fast crock pot recipes have nothing on this super quick pick! (via Salt & Lavender)

Slow Cooker Potato & Leek Soup

This comforting soup packs in a ton of veggies from the leek, cabbage, and carrots, but you still get a good hearty bite from the crispy bacon it's topped with. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Crock Pot Recipe for Tacos Al Pastor

Once you give these pork and pineapple tacos a try, you just may find yourself craving them over and over again. Good news for you, making the meat in a slow-cooker means they're practically effortless to whip up! With the basics in the crock pot, the versatile and “choose your own” topping options make these tacos one of the best slow cooker recipes with diverse flavors, and unending creativity that can bring a new layer of joy every time you try it. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Cowboy Casserole

You don't have to live on a ranch to enjoy this mix of beef, mushrooms, and cheese. Plus, there are tater tots. We will accept any and every crock pot recipe that features tater tots! (via Culinary Hill)

These Easy Crock Pot Meals Will Become Your New Go-Tos

Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup in the Crock Pot

The 15-minute prep time on this recipe (plus the fact that it's loaded up with cheese, bacon, and sour cream) makes it a total no-brainer. We're pretty sure this is the perfect easy weeknight dinner, and all you have to do to make it non-dairy is swap the half-and-half for coconut cream. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Slow Cooker Vegan Tikka Masala

Without meat to add a savory depth of flavor, lots of vegan dishes benefit from a low and slow cooking time. It gives the ingredients and spices an opportunity to meld together, creating a fully developed flavor profile that will make you forget about the meat altogether. With this staple crock pot dinner idea, you won’t have to call for take-out for your next Indian food craving! (via Delish Knowledge)

Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Recipe with Peanut Sauce

Full-fat coconut milk helps make this crock pot recipe creamy, while the lime, ginger, and apple cider vinegar give it a kick. Aren't healthy crock pot recipes just the best?! We'll have a second bowl, please. (via Clean Cuisine)

Crock Pot Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

Looking for low-carb crock pot recipes? You've found the ultimate dish. Spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs become super tender in the slow cooker, plus everything in the pot will soak up the flavors deliciously. Dinner for the whole fam is ready! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Easy crock pot recipes may seem bland, but chili in all forms is a good idea. We're def putting this white chicken chili into our regular meal rotation. Not only is it flavorful and filling, but it's topped with a dreamy combo of avocado, lime, and white cheddar, which just happen to be three of our favorite things! (via Barley & Sage)

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

This savory, succulent Hawaiian chicken recipe goes great on top of salads, in rolls, and on sandwiches! Easy crock pot meals have never been tastier, TBH. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Best Crock Pot Thai Chicken Soup

Next time you want some Thai takeout, keep this easy crock pot chicken soup at the top of mind. It's full of spicy flavors and hearty chicken to keep you satisfied. It's our favorite of the many crock pot recipes in this post. Now, you'll never tire of crock pot meals. (via The Endless Meal)

Crock Pot Pulled Pork Brisket Sandwich Recipe

Plan to prep a big batch of this pulled pork brisket, because it's the perfect slow cooker meal for next year's epic Super Bowl party. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Hearty Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili

Nothing warms us down to our toes, or fills up our tummies like chili. This vegetarian option means that everyone can take part in the cozy! Easy crock pot recipes FTW. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Easy Swedish Meatballs

Ikea, you've met your match with this tasty recipe. To make this crock pot dish even easier, use frozen meatballs that are prepared ahead of time. Mixing in dried onion soup mix adds a whole new layer of flavor to this crock pot meal that you'll be obsessed with! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast

You'll be stuck with plenty of leftovers with this easy crock pot recipe. It's especially yummy to eat in the dead of winter, since every bite is super warm and comforting. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Save Time & Effort With These Easy Crock Pot Recipes For Dinner

Slow Cooker Chili

All you need to do to make this crock pot recipe is sauté beef, onions, and garlic, mix up all of the ingredients in your cooker, and then leave it alone until dinnertime. Fast crock pot recipes are amazing! What could be easier than that?! (via Barley & Sage)

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

You don't need to be a professional to create a pot roast dinner full of hearty and robust flavors. Just follow this easy crock pot recipe the next time you want to impress guests or the family! (via Culinary Hill)

Gochujang Short Ribs in the Slow Cooker

When you want a fancy dinner, but don't want to lift a single finger, this short ribs crock pot recipe lays things out super simply – resulting in a fantastic fare for dinner and beyond. (via Vikalinka)

Carnitas Chilaquiles with Whipped Jalapeño Cream

If you're wondering what whipped jalapeño cream is, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese with the jalapeños and honey is a dreamy sweet + spicy combo. This is an easy crock pot recipe for sure. The cream goes perfectly with the savory chilaquiles from the slow cooker, but we wouldn't blame you if you paired it with everything from here on out. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Stuffed Artichokes

Adding water and olive oil to your crock pot meals will make these stuffed artichokes nice and soft, which will make the crunchy breadcrumb topping stand out even more! We'll take these with extra Parmesan cheese, please. This has gotta be one of the simplest crock pot dinner ideas out there. (via Culinary Hill)

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Cheese! Potatoes! Onions! Oooh! Now that we've got you locked into a cheesy-carby trance, you now are required to try your hand at this super fast crock pot recipe. Trust us, you won't regret it. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

You don't need a grill to enjoy barbecue. The slow cooker simmers ribs in a tangy sauce until they're falling off the bone. The fresh ginger and pineapple brighten up the traditional barbecue flavor in this crock pot recipe. Blast them under the broiler right before serving to add irresistible caramelized notes to your meal. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Easy Vegan Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

Like your fave Italian pasta dish, this dish soup-ifies lasagna for a totally warm and comforting crock pot meal. (via The Edgy Veg)

Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Every minute this soup sits in the the slow cooker adds another complex level of flavor, which makes it oh-so deliciously addicting. It's gonna become your go-to when looking for crock pot recipes! (via Averie Cooks)

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Peanut butter makes this Thai chicken rich and saucy while the “hidden” vegetables make this crock pot recipe a full course — especially great for kiddos who tend to avoid veggies! This is one of those easy crock pot meals that's practically begging to be dished out over a bowl of noodles or fluffy white rice. (via The Recipe Critic)

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Get ready for an amazing collection of flavors, thanks to this crock pot recipe. With ginger, garlic, onion, and diced tomatoes, this dish can't be beat! It's one of the most delicious fast crock pot recipes we've seen! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

15 minutes of prep time is all you need to make this easy, creamy tortellini soup filled with kale, carrots, and celery. It's topped with a healthy amount of tortellini and Parmesan cheese. Hot, steamy, and easy crock pot meals? We need it now! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crock Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemony flavors really brighten up this easy crock pot recipe, so you can get a complex, flavorful bite each time. (via Salt & Lavender)

Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

The secret to these meatballs? They're not made from scratch — shhh. The ridiculously flavorful, ginger-honey sauce makes up for it. This versatile easy crock pot recipe can be dressed up or down with additional sides. It's also a great option for party appetizers and snacks. (via The Diary of a Real Housewife)

Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs

After just 15 minutes of prep (and eight hours on low heat), this elegant dinner party-worthy meal can be all yours. The rich red wine sauce in this amazing crock pot recipe will make your family and guests question if you plan to become a fine-dining chef. Dress it up with sides, or keep it simple for a rustic approach. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Chicken Coconut Korma in the Crock Pot

Healthy crock pot recipes don't get much better than this. Each bite of this easy crock pot meal carries savory and sweet flavors in its wake – it'll soon become a total dinnertime staple! It takes almost no prep time, too, and you'll find that this is one of the best fast crock pot recipes you've ever eaten. (via Completely Delicious)

Slow Cooker Chipotle Orange Street Tacos

Citrusy, smoky, and spicy slow-cooked chicken forms the backbone of these delish tacos. Easily play with the sweet and spicy flavors in the peppers and orange juice for a tantalizing taco treat! Spoon this crock pot recipe into warmed corn tortillas, then add your favorite toppings. The spicy pineapple slaw included as garnish brings out the best of this easy crock pot dinner recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy

You won't be able to get enough of this tender, fall-apart in your mouth chicken and gravy meal. It's the perfect easy crock pot recipe for colder winter nights, so you can warm up amongst the weather. (via Salt & Lavender)

You Won't Want To Cook Any Other Way After Using The Crock Pot 

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This traditional crock pot dinner boasts tender chunks of beef, a complex broth, and loads of savory veggies. This stew is about to become a crock pot staple in your house as a fundamental dish that doesn’t require hours of labor to satisfy. (via Food Lovin' Family)

Slow-Cooker Sausage and Peppers

We love how versatile this dish is, and it doesn’t get easier than this fast crock pot recipe, TBH. Add the sausage and peppers to hoagie rolls for lunch, mix with marinara for an Italian dinner, or chop up the leftovers to add to your breakfast omelet the next morning! (via The Life Jolie)

Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

Cuban-style shredded beef swimming in a sauce of chiles, tomato, cumin, and oregano is flavorful enough to stand on its own. If you have a little extra time, this easy crock pot recipe is even better when added to a bowl of beans, rice, and plantains. We have to admit, this is one of the best crock pot recipes if you are looking for a complex Caribbean dish filled with flavor, without the excess labor and preparation. (via The Roasted Root)

Slow-Cooker Salmon with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Salmon needs something to brighten it up. In this case, it's a zingy lemon sauce that clings to each bite! Trust us – this pick is prime when it comes to healthy crock pot recipes. This pescatarian crock pot meal is big on flavor, healthy, and low carb, making it a great option for the Keto diet as well. (via Diethood)

Creamiest Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

When it comes to pasta, the creamier the better. Thanks to this crock pot recipe, every ingredient and flavor has the time to melt together to create something incredible. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Utterly indulgent baked potato soup is one of our fave hands-off easy slow cooker meals. Top your bowl with crispy bacon, sour cream, chives, and (of course) a healthy handful of cheese. This crock pot dinner recipe offers a fantastic and cozy warm-up bite in the fall and winter seasons. (via Well Plated)

Crock Pot White Queso Dip

Elevate weeknight nachos with this easy queso dip made that's with white American and pepper jack cheese, along with green chilies and pickled jalapeños. You'll want to add this to your list of easy crock pot recipes to share with the whole fam! (via Barley & Sage)

Crock Pot Cider Braised Short Ribs with Sage Butter Mashed Potatoes

Need more crock pot dinner ideas? This easy gourmet crock pot recipe is as simple as throwing everything in a pot, forgetting about it for a whole day, then scooping a delicious and hearty dinner straight out of the slow cooker. Easy crock pot meals are a true savior. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crock Pot Spicy 3-Bean Chili

This easy slow cooker chili recipe keeps weeknights so simple, and makes for a hearty, comforting bowl during the winter months. (via Hello Little Home)

Butter Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

It takes less time to throw together this chicken dish than it would to head to your local takeout joint. This savory chicken-focused crock pot meal will melt in your mouth with tender chicken breasts and a creamy sauce that is sure to delight. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Crock Pot Recipe For Honey Garlic Chicken

Skip the delivery fees, and make a big batch of this honey garlic slow cooker chicken this weekend instead. With only five ingredients and a few simple steps, this recipe hits all of the marks as one of the easiest and best slow cooker recipes. By the time you get back from drinks with the girls, you'll have an effortless and super crave-able dinner waiting for you in your crock pot. (via Family Food on the Table)

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you are craving chicken enchiladas, but want to avoid unnecessary steps and fuss, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for you! After the crock pot is done doing its thing, you will have eight full servings of chicken enchilada soup to eat or save for later. Let's hear it for easy crock pot meals! (via Diethood)

Mom's Best Beef Pot Roast

Did someone say comfort food? This simple crock pot dish (another great pick when it comes to easy crock pot meals) gives you the perfect setup for a family gathering, or if you just want to go off in the kitchen! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Super Easy Slow Cooker Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Need crock pot recipes that won't be too hard to make? A lazy Sunday *always* calls for a protein-packed and very vegan spin on a classic, and this one is totally worth sharing with someone special. This slow-cooked dish, full of ideal veggies and proteins, is a fantastic fall or winter recipe that will warm you up in the chilliest of seasons. It's one of the best easy crock pot meals for warming up a bit. (via Little Spice Jar)

Crock Pot Meal with Lentil Bolognese

Looking for a meat-free alternativeto this hearty, slow-cooked sauce? Lentils are just the protein-packed and substantial answer you've been looking for! This hearty and full-flavored crock pot recipe is meatless, fiscally responsible, and can be made gluten-free, making it a healthy and guilt-free option for anyone and everyone. (via Simply Whisked)

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Dal

Summer or winter squash work well in this Indian dal dish that's as just as eclectic as it is easy. This healthy and easy crock pot meal saves and reheats well, making multiple dinners a true one-and-done. Play with adding your favorite veggies, lentils, and spices each time you make it for unique options every time you make it. We love easy crock pot recipes that get creative! (via The Girl on Bloor)

White Turkey Chili

Great for leftover turkey (and chicken, too), this white chili is topped with a flavorful combo of lime juice, cilantro, and Monterey jack cheese. It's the best of the best when it comes to savory, hearty crock pot meals! (via Amanda Wilens)

Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Make this mashed potato recipe so much easier by popping everything in a crock pot. This recipe leverages baby potatoes, so there's no peeling required in the process, but this dish still holds all the good flavor. (via Culinary Hill)

Crock Pot Meals & Slow Cooker Recipes Take The Stress Out Of Scrumptious Dinner Faves

These crock pot recipes are perfect for your next weeknight dinner! We love how they take advantage of easy, seasonal ingredients that make your crock pot a part of your cooking routine, year-round. Plus, they'll keep you warm on chilly evenings. You'll also find some truly healthy crock pot recipes in our list, too!

Many of these amazing easy crock pot recipes can be modified to the delights and special dietary needs of you and your family. These recipes often yield enough delectable goodness and keep leftovers well, so you can save the excess for a quick lunch, or freeze it for even easier future meals. Crock pot and slow cooker meals take the stress out of the kitchen, so you don’t have to sacrifice time, labor, and effort to eat well, and feel full.

Where To stay In Lake Geneva

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.