If you want to infuse ridiculous amounts of flavor into your dinners, you can marinade, braise and simmer. But let's be honest here: Who has that kind of time on their hands on hectic weeknights? Not I! 

Fortunately, there's a little gadget that a ton of folks have in their kitchens called a slow cooker -- maybe you've heard of it?

That little thing can save you a ridiculous amount of time. All you need to do is prep your food and dump it in the Crock Pot at the right time, and like magic you'll have a stellar dinner waiting.

Here are some stupendously good meals you can make with your slow cooker:

1. Coconut and Green Curry Pork

If you're in a hurry -- or just feeling a little lazy -- there's no need to toast the curry paste or broil the pork, although it does intensify the flavors. If you want to cut out half of the work, you can brown the pork by quickly searing it in the same pan you're going to use to toast the curry paste.

2. Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Some nights just call for tater tot casserole. With tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, who can resist? Pro tip: For a little shortcut, sub in cream of chicken or cheddar soup in place of the flour and chicken broth.

3. Brown Sugar and Roasted Garlic Pulled Pot Roast Sandwiches

Pulled pork might just be one of the best uses for a slow cooker. This recipe calls for roasted garlic, but if you're not feeling it, you can toss the same amount of peeled garlic heads (use a few extra for good measure) into the Crock Pot when you have a couple hours left. Then just mash and mix in the softened garlic, and you're good to go.

4. Sweet Potato Chili

If you're craving some fall flavors, this seasonal chili is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a cool evening. Don't have sweet potatoes? Butternut squash or pumpkin are just as tasty.

5. Chicken Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo usually takes a little bit of work. You have to cook the chicken, boil your noodles, make your cream sauce and then put everything together. But the cool thing is that you can prepare a rigatoni version of this by plunking your ingredients into your slow cooker and letting them sit for a couple hours. So easy!

6. Beef Broccoli

The nearly healthy takeout iteration is a common one that many of us spend tons of money on every month, but guess what? It's so easy to make at home, and the Crock Pot provides an effortless way to get flavor-packed, ultra-tender meat without having to leave the house.