Okay…so the 80s might be over, and your kitchen counters are probably covered with the latest gadgets, but I’m sure you have one of these little life-savers hidden away in one of your cabinets. When was the last time you plugged-in your slow cooker? If you’re like me, then it was probably some time last week, on a hectic day when you were just too busy to cook a wonderful meal on the stove. Or maybe it was last Summer, when the thought of turning on the oven brought a drop of sweat to your brow as you anxiously pondered the upcoming electric bill.

Even though slow cookers tend to be these nasty looking counter space hogs, they can actually help you put together a tasty meal when time and energy levels are low. Stews are perfect for slow cookers, especially the hearty ones like egreco’s beef stew. This is a recipe that can easily be cloned and reinvented, just throw in a couple of your favorite chopped vegetables and, in a few hours, you can have a dinner that’s all your own.

If you’re finding it impossible to stay on your feet for more than a few minutes, because you’ve come down with a cold and mom’s not around to bring you a comforting bowl of chicken soup, there’s no need to worry! With ginasheppard’s crock-pot friendly Spinach, Chicken, and Wild Rice Soup, you’ll be able to catch some extra Zs as your soup practically makes itself.

But more than just a soup or stew can come together in a slow cooker. Almarsh has a Sloppy Joes recipe that can also be made in a one-pot wonder device. It only uses a few ingredients, so even the kiddos can help you put this classic meal together.