As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

If you can never seem to find the time to prepare a full meal for your weeknight dinners, the slow cooker may be the answer to all of your mealtime woes. Here are a few easy slow-cooker meals perfect for your next busy weeknight.

Spicy Turkey Lasagna [bhg.com]
Lasagna in the slow-cooker? Yep, it’s possible! This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep the meat, noodles, and veggies, and since it takes just under four hours to cook, it’s a quicker alternative to the usual day-long slow-cooker meals.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings [allrecipes.com]
If you’re craving something hearty and comforting, these slow-cooker chicken and dumplings taste just as good as the kind your grandma used to make—but likely with half the effort. Use canned soup and packaged biscuit dough to save even more time.

Vegetarian Pinto Bean Sloppy Joes [eatingwell.com]
While many slow-cooker recipes contain meat, this veggie-filled version of the classic sloppy Joe is perfect for vegetarians. Instead of the usual ground beef, you’ll use pinto beans, zucchini, and corn in a sauce that’s equal parts tangy, smoky and perfect for a chilly autumn evening.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr lizzardo

We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?