As the weather cools down and Fall settles in, slow cookers are dusted off and replace ice-cream makers on the kitchen counter.

I don’t know about you, but between nightly football practice, a husband who is rarely home, and children who have homework most weekday afternoons, it can be difficult to squeeze in cooking dinner every night and not resort to a night or two of take-out or frozen meals.

This is why I like to include at least one slow cooker dinner into my weekly meal plan.  I can pop all of the ingredients into the slow cooker either after dropping the kids off at school, or before picking them up (depending on the dish) and then just let it do its thing until dinnertime.  I love the smell that wafts throughout the house during the afternoon too.

Looking for some mouthwatering slow cooker meals?  Add these to your meal plan:

• Slow Cooker Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Beef Barbecue
• Simple Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork
• Hearty V8 Stew

Slow Cookers aren’t just for dinner though, here are some other uses:

Breakfast:

• Overnight Oatmeal – imagine waking to the house smelling lovely and breakfast already made.

Snacks and Condiments:

• Applesauce – If you have been apple picking, whip up some slow cooker apple sauce – just add a little water, cinnamon, and sugar, turn the slow cooker to high, and leave to cook for a few hours stirring occasionally.  Break up any large chunks with a potato masher.  Applesauce is great for the kids as a snack, to use as a side for pork, and to replace oil when baking cakes.

• Apple butter – Take a look at April’s delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Butter.

Desserts:

• There are many wonderful desserts you can make in your slow cooker including apple pie, bread pudding, and fruit compotes.

Leftovers and Plan Ahead Meals:

• Lunch meats – pop your favorite meat into the slow cooker, once cooked, slice or shred the meat and use it in wraps, salads, and sandwiches for lunches.  All you need are your favorite herbs and spices for rubbing over the outside.  Chicken for example doesn’t need any liquid, because it makes it’s own as it cooks, but you can put a little onion into the bottom of the slow cooker and put items such as lemon or apples into the cavity.  Cook on low.

• Freezer meals – if you know next week is going to be extra busy, plan ahead and cook some casseroles and soups to freeze for later.  If you have a large slow cooker, double your recipe and enjoy your dish this week, and next.

Don’t have a slow cooker?  Read this article on How to Choose a Slow Cooker for great tips before you buy.