For busy professionals, the slow cooker is a kitchen hero, transforming inexpensive ingredients into hearty, homemade meals with minimal effort.

By cooking while you work, it saves both time and money. Here are three foolproof recipes to get you started.

1. Versatile Pulled Chicken
Place 2 lbs of affordable chicken thighs in the pot. Add one sliced onion, 1 cup of broth, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred with forks. Use the meat for tacos, sandwiches, or salads throughout the week.

2. Hearty Lentil Soup
Combine 1 lb rinsed lentils, chopped carrots, celery, onion, 2 garlic cloves, 8 cups of broth, and 1 tsp thyme. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in spinach at the end. This makes a large, freezer-friendly batch.

3. Classic Pot Roast
Place a 3 lb chuck roast on a bed of chopped potatoes and carrots. Add 2 cups of beef broth. Cook on low for 8 hours. This one-pot meal requires no additional sides.

These recipes prove that with a slow cooker, a little morning prep leads to a delicious, cost-effective dinner waiting for you at home.