1. Oatmeal

Who knew, right? If you want a healthy meal that’s ready when you get out of bed in the morning, slow cooker oatmeal is the one for you. You put the ingredients in the night before, then cook the oatmeal while you sleep. Combine the oats with water and milk in your slow cooker, then add cinnamon and diced apples. Presto! Breakfast is hot and ready when you drag yourself into the kitchen.

2. Enchiladas

A Mexican meal that’s ready for you when you get hungry? Yes, please! To make enchiladas in the slow cooker, start by placing a layer of salsa or sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker. Assemble a couple of layers of your favorite enchiladas on top of the sauce. Cook on high for about 4 hours, then melt cheese on top and serve. Yum!

3. Baked Potatoes

No more having to stand by the microwave waiting for cooked potatoes. We’re too busy for that, right? Make them while you’re at work or out shopping. Wrap each potato in foil and pile them in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours and you’re set with a side dish for your chicken or steak dinner.

4. Egg Casserole

An egg casserole is the perfect thing to serve at brunch or breakfast. You can cook it in a slow cooker so it’s ready in the morning without having to get up early and do all that prep while everyone else gets to sleep. Assemble the eggs with vegetables, sausage and salsa in your slow cooker, then cook on low for about 7 hours. Top with cheese before serving.

5. Yogurt

My latest product craving is a yogurt maker. It turns out that I don’t even need it to make my own homemade yogurt. It’s super easy to make in your slow cooker. Simply cook a couple liters of milk on high for about 2 hours, then cool the mixture. Mix in a ½ cup of plain yogurt as a starter. You can also add a bit of powdered milk to make the yogurt creamier. Then flavor with your favorite fruits and you’re all set.

6. French Toast

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a heaping plate of French toast? You can make it in the slow cooker and then you can make that dream come true. Place the bread in the slow cooker along with some whipped eggs, cinnamon, frozen blueberries and cream cheese. Cook the mixture on low for about 6 to 8 hours. Top with warmed syrup and enjoy.

7. Pasta Sauce

You have got to try this! I did and the results were wonderful. Place all of your ingredients in your slow cooker. I used a large can of diced tomatoes, a small can of tomato sauce, chicken stock, diced mushrooms, onions and green bell peppers. I seasoned the mixture with basil, oregano and garlic. Then I nestled uncooked meatballs in the sauce and cooked the whole thing on low for 8 hours.

What do you cook in your slow cooker? I love to drag it out whenever I can because it’s so easy to make a yummy and healthy meal while I do other things all day long. What other ideas do you have for the slow cooker?