10 dump-and-go slow cooker meals

That are ready when you return from soccer practice

Tonight, we have soccer, play practice, and algebra tutoring. Back to back to back. This is me giving a virtual fist-bump to all you moms who live out of your cars who know exactly what kind of day today is.

In my cookbook, I call this phase of parenting "Kid Ubering," and it can be absolutely exhausting. Between the practices, the games, the recitals, and the constant "Mom, I forgot my water bottle!" moments, figuring out what to feed these constantly hungry humans can feel impossible.

Enter: my ride-or-die kitchen companion during this season—the slow cooker. I have had the same slow cooker since we got married, but I have my eye on this one.

Why Slow Cookers Are a Kid-Ubering Mom's Best Friend

In The Simplified Cookbook, we talk about how meal prepping is your friend during the Kid-Ubering years: "If you're going to be cooking at home on a night like this, employ your slow cooker or Instant Pot (no, it won't explode—it's a fantastic tool for busy people)."

The beauty of a slow cooker is that you can prep everything in the morning (or even the night before), turn it on before you leave for work or school drop-off, and come home to a meal that's ready to serve. No standing over a hot stove while simultaneously helping with homework and refereeing sibling squabbles.

So without further ado, here are 10 dump-and-go slow cooker meals that have saved my sanity on countless practice nights:

1. Coca-Cola Pot Roast

This is one of my absolute favorites from The Simplified Cookbook—so easy that I can throw it together while making lunches on a busy school morning:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 to 4-lb chuck roast

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 (16 oz) bag baby carrots

• 1 lb small potatoes

• 1 (12 oz) can Coca-Cola

• 1 (2 oz) packet onion soup mix

DIRECTIONS

1. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner (you'll thank me when it's time to clean the slow cooker).

2. Quarter onion and halve potatoes.

3. Put chuck roast, onion, carrots, and potatoes in slow cooker. Add Coca-Cola and onion soup mix.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

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2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This was a staple in our house when the twins were babies and remains a family favorite:

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans

• 1 (15 oz) can corn

• 2 (16 oz) jars red salsa

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS

1. Drain and rinse beans and corn. In a slow cooker, combine broth, beans, corn, and salsa. (Yes, just dump them in and stir!)

2. Place chicken breasts on top. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

4. When chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees, remove the breasts to a plate and shred them with a fork. Return chicken to slow cooker.

5. Give it all another stir and serve with your favorite toppings.

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3. Barbecue Pulled Pork

Perfect for making sandwiches that even picky eaters will devour:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 yellow onion

• 3 lb pork tenderloin

• 1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce (we like Sweet Baby Ray's)

DIRECTIONS

1. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray (or add a liner).

2. Slice onion and place in bottom of slow cooker. Place pork tenderloin on top of onions.

3. Pour entire bottle of barbecue sauce over pork tenderloin.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

5. Shred pork with two forks, and mix with onions and sauce.

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4. Game Day Chili

Don't let the name fool you—this works for any busy day, not just game days:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 (16 oz) can beans (whatever type you like: we love black beans and kidney beans)

• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 2 Tbsp chili powder

DIRECTIONS

1. Brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and discard, and add beef to slow cooker.

2. Chop onion and add it to slow cooker.

3. Drain and rinse beans. Add them to the slow cooker.

4. Add tomatoes with chilies and chili powder and stir.

5. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours.

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5. Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Because sometimes you need to feel like you pulled off something fancy, even on a Tuesday:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lb pork spareribs

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Season all sides of ribs with salt and pepper, rubbing seasonings in for extra flavor.

2. Add ribs to the slow cooker.

3. Chop onion and add it on top.

4. Pour barbecue sauce over ribs and onions.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

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6. Chicken Taco Salad

The perfect combination of fresh and filling:

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 (16 oz) jar salsa

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning

• 1 to 2 (11.5 oz) bagged salad kits

DIRECTIONS

1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, salsa, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Stir to coat chicken.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

3. Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. Return meat to pot and stir to combine.

4. Make bagged salad kit according to directions on the bag and top with the chicken.

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7. French Dip Sandwiches

My kids go CRAZY for these:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 to 3 lb chuck roast

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 (2 oz) packet onion soup mix

• Fresh French bread and provolone cheese for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Add chuck roast to a slow cooker and top it with beef broth and onion soup mix.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

3. Shred meat with two forks, removing any fatty pieces.

4. Serve on sliced French bread with provolone cheese, with small bowls of the cooking liquid for dipping.

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8. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

These versatile meatballs can be served over pasta, on a sandwich, or even by themselves with a veggie side:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl using your hands.

2. Divide mixture into 12 balls.

3. Pour sauce into a slow cooker. Carefully add meatballs and cover.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

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9. Cowboy Soup

This is the ultimate "dump and go" recipe—just open cans, pour, and walk away:

INGREDIENTS

• 5 (15 oz) cans beans (different kinds)

• 1 (15 oz) can corn

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 (1 oz) taco seasoning packet

• 1 (1 oz) ranch seasoning packet

• 1/2 to 1 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. Drain and rinse all beans. Add them to a slow cooker.

2. Stir in corn, tomatoes with chilies, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

3. Add water, depending on your desired thickness, and stir.

4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

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10. Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Perfect for serving on those adorable Hawaiian rolls kids love:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 yellow onion

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 3-lb chuck roast

• 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice onion into long, thin pieces.

2. In a slow cooker, stir together barbecue sauce, beef broth, and sliced onion. Add chuck roast.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.

4. Remove meat and shred it with two forks. Remove any fatty pieces.

5. Add shredded beef to Hawaiian rolls to make mini sandwiches.

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The Kid-Ubering Mom's Survival Guide

Remember, as I say in The Simplified Cookbook: "Being prepared in the car (with all the necessary, just-in-case supplies) is helpful, but being prepared in the kitchen (when everyone comes pouring in the front door post-practice, sweaty and starving) is genius."

These slow cooker recipes have saved me more times than I can count during this crazy season of life. I hope they help you too!

What's your favorite slow cooker recipe for busy practice nights? Share in the comments!

xo, Emily

P.S. Want more sanity-saving recipes like these? Check out The Simplified Cookbook for even more "stupid easy" meals that will make the Kid-Ubering years just a little less chaotic!