There's nothing more comforting than having dinner prepared by lunchtime. While it may sound extremely ambitious, it's actually the work of the oh-so-convenient slow cooker. Anybody who owns a crockpot can attest to the convenience of having the slow cooker do all of the hard work for you. We've got so many recipes that can be made in so little time. From pulled chicken to chunky chili, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few family-favorite fixes that are sure to satisfy those huge appetites. Southwestern Steak: Layer a chopped onion, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 1/2 pounds of flank steak. Combine one jar of chunky salsa, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small bowl. Pour mixture over steak. Top with two cans of black beans, drained and rinsed. Cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. Remove meat from slow cooker and slice or use a fork to shred. Add 1 sliced red pepper and 1 sliced yellow pepper and return meat to crockpot. Cook for 30 minutes and serve over rice.

Pulled Chicken: Combine an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, a 4-ounce can of chopped green chiles, drained, 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar, 2 Tbsp. honey, 1 Tbsp. paprika, 1 Tbsp. tomato paste, 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire, 2 tsp. dry mustard, 1 ground chipotle chile and 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour into crockpot. Add 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat removed). Cook on low about five hours or until chicken can be pulled apart. Shred chicken and return to crockpot. Mix well and serve. Chili: Cook two pounds of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink and drain. Pour meat into slow cooker. Combine 2 (16-ounce) cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 2 (14.5-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, 2 chopped medium onions, 1 chopped green pepper, 2 minced cloves garlic, 2 Tbsp. chili powder, 2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for four hours. Garnish with cheese and sour cream.