While slow cookers seem like they haven’t been relevant since your grandmother’s last barbecue in 1974, they are coming back in a big way. For the student with no space, no time and no desire to skip on flavor for their next meal, the slow cooker is the new (vintage) way to feed yourself this semester.
Just turn that bad boy on, head to class, make your hallmates jealous with the wafting aromas emanating from your dorm and get ready to chow down on some perfectly cooked food that will last you the week.
It’s cheap. It’s easy. It’s gosh darn American.
Here are some recipes to satisfy your need for the low and slow:
1. Pulled Pork
Photo by Kristen Yang
Juicy, tender pork that falls apart at the touch and is smothered in sweet BBQ sauce… Can I get an Amen!? Treat yourself to some southern comfort with a pulled pork sammy, or just eat it right out of the cooker.
2. Beef Stew
Photo by Tiare Brown
Get your soup on with the power of the simmer. Those chunky potatoes, the tender meat and some savory sauce might have been working all day to cook to perfection, but it only took you 10 minutes to make.
3. Chicken Enchiladas
Photo courtesy of tumblr.com
For those Tex Mex enthusiasts, get ready for an upgrade from your Taco Tuesdays with this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada recipe. Your pollo has most certainly gone loco after 4 hours in the pot with your favorite enchilada sauce.
4. Twice Loaded Baked Potato
Photo by Jenny Georgieva
Take your spuds to the next level with this recipe that will barely take you any time at all. These tots are hot and ready for some awesome fixin’s. Don’t skimp on the bacon.
5. Oatmeal
Photo by Becky Hughes
If you thought slow cookers were just a dinner game, think again. Turn those oats on before you go to bed and rise to the best food to start the day. Yeah, you woke up like this.
6. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Photo by Hana Ezaldein
Game day will never be the same thanks to your sick dips. Save yourself the money and mess of wings and grab some chips for this awesome tailgating treasure.
7. Vegetable Curry
Photo by Rae Steinbach
Even you veggie-lovers can get in on the magic of slow cookers. Simmer your favorite vegetables and proteins and get your rice and Naan ready ‘cause this curry isn’t going to sop up itself.
These recipes might be slow cooking, but you should be fast acting to get your self one of these babies. It’s no work with all the flavor—perfect for the ever-busy college student.
Keep rockin’ the crock with these recipes: