Slow Cooker Meals for Travel Nurses: Easy, Hearty, and Ready When You Are

After a long shift, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. When you're on a travel assignment, convenience is key - and your slow cooker is about to become your best friend. We've rounded up our favorite slow cooker recipes that are quick to prep (under 30 minutes!) and perfect for busy healthcare professionals.

Whether you're prepping meals on your day off or tossing ingredients together before heading out the door, these dishes will be warm, filling, and ready to enjoy when you get home. Just set your slow cooker and let it do the work!

Recipe #1: Slow Cooker Lentils and Sausage

Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty lentils and sausage meal is comforting and super simple to make. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and yields 12 servings, making it ideal for batch cooking. Serve with crusty sourdough bread for an extra cozy touch.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12

Recipe #2: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Craving something classic and comforting? This beef stew is the perfect meal to come home to after a long day. It’s rich, flavorful, and only requires 10 minutes of prep. Pair with mashed potatoes or enjoy on its own.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Recipe #3: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Need to spice things up? This zesty chicken tortilla soup is full of bold flavors and takes only 30 minutes to prep. It’s great for topping with shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, or fresh lime.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8

Recipe #4: Slow Cooker Chili

A travel nurse classic! This chili is hearty, flavorful, and keeps you full throughout the day. It’s the perfect comfort food after a long shift—and only takes 10 minutes to throw together.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 10

Recipe #5: Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Roast

Sweet, savory, and fall-apart tender, this pineapple pork roast is a tropical twist on comfort food. Serve it with a fresh salad and warm bread rolls for a complete meal.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Recipe #6: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

A creamy twist on classic chili, this white chicken version is packed with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and just the right amount of spice. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for cooler days.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8

Recipe #7: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

This sweet and savory teriyaki chicken dish is a takeout favorite turned easy slow cooker meal. Toss in chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and a few veggies for a meal that’s perfect over rice or noodles.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Recipe #8: Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Get all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the work! This slow cooker soup is made with ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice—hearty, healthy, and delicious.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Make the most of your downtime with meals that work while you do. With a little prep and the magic of a slow cooker, dinner can be one less thing to worry about on assignment.

Your Dream Travel Nursing Assignment Awaits You

Ready to find your next adventure (and maybe a bigger kitchen to keep that slow cooker going)? Search our available jobs here.