I think we can all agree that no matter how you slice it, Mondays are tough. That's why earlier this year I followed Associate Editor Meghan's lead for reserving Monday night for slow cooker dinners. You guys, it's a game-changer! Having a night of nearly hands-off cooking helps me ease back into the week. Whether I want a recipe that leaves me with heaps of leftovers or I'm craving comfort food or something on the healthier side, there's a recipe that fits the bill. Here are 10 of my favorite Monday night slow cooker recipes.

This is a Monday favorite that makes it into my meal plan on a regular basis. It helps me use up some chicken thighs that I almost always have on hand, and who can resist starting the week with peanut sauce?

There's something that always feels really good about starting the week with a veggie-filled dinner (with lunches to follow; this recipe makes a lot). This stew is super versatile, so if you're missing an ingredient or want to make a substitution, make it anyway. I love swapping sweet potatoes for white potatoes.

Throw a few chicken breasts in the slow cooker and a few hours later you've got super-juicy shredded chicken. This is always a good pick for Monday because when you toss in a few extra pieces of chicken, there's enough for a couple dinners or a few days of lunch.

My husband is always thrilled when sloppy Joes hit our meal plan. These sandwiches are comforting and nostalgic, but best of all I love that I can toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away until it's ready.

Roast chicken on a Monday night feels like something of a treat, and I'm definitely into it. This approach does take longer than using the oven, but you are rewarded with the juiciest, more tender chicken.

This recipe calls for a little bit of upfront work, which is potentially a tough ask for Monday morning, but the result is so well worth it. With a cook time of 10 hours on low, dinner cooks while I work and is ready when I get home.

Put in about 15 minutes of upfront work, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a fragrant green coconut curry sauce and pork so tender it falls apart with the touch of your fork.

When I want a meatless meal that will bless me with plenty of leftovers for lunch, this ultra-hearty chili delivers every single time. The lentils and beans add a meatiness that make it really satisfying.

This dinner helps me hit two birds with one stone: a wholesome dinner for Meatless Monday and a meal that is total comfort food. This version of tikka masala skips the meat and cream, but I assure you that it hardly skimps on flavor.

The only thing I love more than tucking into a plate of fragrant spiced dal and basmati rice for my Monday night dinner is topping the leftovers with a fried egg for breakfast or lunch the next day.