Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

verify the barley is completely submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.

Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake

Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili Mac

Chili meets mac and cheese in this fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dinner.

Add a salad or veggie side, and youll have a complete and satisfying meal.

When cooked in the slow cooker the leeks “melt,” becoming jam-like but still retaining pleasant chewiness.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh sage leaves and thyme sprigs, too.

If you could’t find turkey andouille, use chicken andouille instead.

Now, you’ve got the option to, and here’s the recipe to prove it.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired.

The lime and scallion flavors will soak into the salmon, leaving it with a light Asian flavor.

Then, pull all the flavors together with a final drizzle of olive oil.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole served on a plate

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

If desired, sprinkle the finished product with an extra snipping of fresh thyme.

A sprinkle of dried fruit serves as a counterpoint to the warm curry spices.

Enjoy this meal with a scoop of brown rice or a warm, buttery naan, if desired.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Cauliflower & Chickpea Tikka Masala

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Cherries are packed with antioxidants, while pecans are loaded with healthy unsaturated fat.

According to one reader, This recipe is a keeper.

Serve with grilled chicken, if you want to provide a meat option.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Barley

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Frozen artichoke hearts have less sodium than canned, but canned can be used in their place.

Just be sure to give them a good rinse before adding them to the slow cooker.

We then top it all off with some parmesan cheese to enhance the umami element of the meal.

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Replace the traditional beef sloppy joe with this vegetarian, lentil version for dinner.

Serve on whole-wheat hamburger buns for a comfy night in.

Pork Carnitas

This easy meal is a downright crowd-pleaser.

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili Mac

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Freshly squeezed lime and chopped scallions gives the dish an acidic and oniony finish.

Slow-Cooker Chicken White Bean Stew

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Orzo with Tomatoes & Olives

Slow-Cooker Mahi-Mahi

Slow-Cooker Citrus Salmon with Melted Leeks

a recipe photo of Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Ali Redmond

Easy Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil

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a recipe photo of the Creamy Leek Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew in White Bowl

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a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Curried Sweet Potato & Cauliflower with Coconut & Cashews served in a bowl

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

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Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Quinoa with Arugula

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Spinach & artichoke chicken soup in a white bowl over green table

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer Pack

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Pork Carnitas