17 Dinner Ideas That Benefit From a Little Extra Time

A list of 17 dinner ideas comes in handy when your schedule allows for slow-cooked comfort or bigger flavors. Dinner isn’t always about hurrying, sometimes it’s simply about letting things develop. Many people like having go-to recipes for when they aren’t racing the clock. Pull from these meals whenever you want to let dinner take its time.

Shredded roast beef served over mashed potatoes with a pepper and a light drizzle of gravy, garnished with chopped herbs.
Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turning a classic snack into a main course feels simple with these Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Guests love how the gooey cheese melds into every bite, making each scoop irresistible. I find that these are a huge hit at parties and leftovers make amazing lunch options. Fun and flavor join forces to create a meal worth waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A bowl of egg noodles topped with creamy beef and mushroom stroganoff, garnished with chopped herbs.
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing chases away a chilly evening better than a bowl of this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. The rich sauce and tender bites invite everyone to linger at the table. I make it on days I want dinner ready with minimal fuss yet great results. Sharing leftovers always leads to people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Tender Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Tender Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cozy nights feel even more special with this Tender Crockpot Marry Me Chicken on the menu. The juicy texture draws people back for an extra helping every time. I bring out this recipe when company is coming and want to offer something both memorable and comforting. The slow-cooked aroma fills the whole house with anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Tender Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fork-tender bites set this Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork apart, making it a favorite for sandwiches and crowd-friendly dinners. Smoky flavor seems to deepen as it cooks, getting everyone excited for meal time. I make extra for easy meal prep through busy weeks. Simple prep leads to big flavor with little effort needed.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Hearty Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with tortilla strips, sliced green jalapeños, cilantro, corn, and a dollop of sour cream.
Hearty Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Late nights and busy weekdays call for comfort, and this Hearty Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken delivers every time. The brothy goodness has friends reaching for second bowls, especially when the temperature drops. I prepare this dish for game days because it always gets compliments. A big batch disappears quickly no matter how many people show up.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken

Tender Mississippi Pot Roast

A bowl of shredded beef garnished with cilantro and peppers.
Tender Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture are what set this Tender Mississippi Pot Roast apart from regular roasts. The anticipation builds as the smell fills the kitchen while it cooks. I serve this dish when I want everyone to leave the table full and content. It becomes the star at any family-style dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tender Mississippi Pot Roast

Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night feels brand new with this Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf warming in the background. Every slice packs in a punch, getting people talking about the fun twist on classic meatloaf. I save leftovers for busy days—they taste just as good reheated. Kids and adults alike ask for this version again and again.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Gathering everyone for a home-cooked meal becomes effortless with this Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken on hand. Creaminess and bold flavor work together in every bite. I like to serve this during weekdays when work runs late but you still want a pleasing dinner. Portions always seem to disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish featuring tater tots, creamy sauce, ground beef, corn, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing a little adventure to dinnertime, this Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole fills plates without adding stress. The variety of textures gives every spoonful plenty of interest. I make this dish for movie nights so everyone can grab a hearty meal between laughs. Cleanup stays simple, letting you spend more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon.
Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Carving up this Crockpot Turkey Breast makes any gathering memorable without hours in the kitchen. The moist, tender pieces earn praise from the first bite to the last. I like to use the leftovers for sandwiches, which always taste just as good the following day. It’s an easy win for holiday meals or laid-back weekends.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A close-up of saucy Salisbury steak meatballs served on a bed of egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big comfort can show up in small packages, just like with these Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. A rich sauce and tender texture bring out classic flavors that everyone enjoys. I keep this recipe on speed dial for chilly evenings or last-minute guests. Extra sauce makes a perfect match for mashed potatoes or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Shredded chicken mixed with sliced green peppers and seasoning in a green bowl.
Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dinner feels effortless thanks to this Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken that cooks while you focus on other things. Tangy and juicy, it’s a crowd-pleaser that stands out at any gathering. I plan this meal when I know people are hungry for something comforting. No-fuss cleanup always seals the deal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Tender Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slices of cooked beef with sprigs of herbs, served with small potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
Tender Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Each bite from this Tender Slow Cooker Rump Roast melts with flavor and reminds you why classics are timeless. The aroma fills the kitchen, lifting everyone’s mood before the meal even starts. I rely on this dish for Sunday afternoons when people are gathered together. The leftovers become great sandwiches for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, carrots, potatoes, and garnished with fresh herbs in a thick, reddish-brown broth.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steaming bowls filled with this Slow Cooker Beef Stew make it easy to handle long winter evenings. The texture of the vegetables and beef keeps things interesting from start to finish. I cook this recipe on days when the weather begs for something hearty and warm. It always brings everyone together around the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort finds its way into every meal with this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. The juicy slices and soft vegetables have a way of making even tough days feel softer. I love making extra for leftovers; the flavors become richer after sitting overnight. This recipe is one you’ll come back to for all sorts of occasions.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

A close-up of soup with meatballs, carrots, celery, spinach, slivered almonds, and fresh herbs in a clear broth.
Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing says “welcome” quite like a big pot of this Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup set in the center of the table. Savory meatballs and hearty broth create meal memories for everyone. I choose this option whenever I need something that stretches and still tastes great. The pot empties out faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Shredded roast beef served over mashed potatoes with a pepper and a light drizzle of gravy, garnished with chopped herbs.
Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Richness and fall-apart texture make this Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast a must for anyone craving comfort. Aromas linger in the air, building excitement as dinner time gets closer. I count on this recipe for easy entertaining because everyone wants seconds. The fork-tender meat truly proves that patience is worth it.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

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