Here to defend the slow cooker! I love my slow cooker, we use it at least once a week. I agree that sometimes getting all the prep done in the morning can be a pain. To fix this, I make slow cooker freezer packs. Basically I spend an afternoon to cut vegetables, prep meat, and make "season packs". Throw it all, uncooked, in a gallon freezer bag.
To cook, remove a bag from the freezer, dump it in the slow cooker, then turn it on for 4 or 8 hours. Everything can be served with rice or tortillas or steamed veggies. These packets will usually be enough for 2 meals.
Some crockpot meals we have had are mongolian beef, chicken korma, beef or chicken fajitas, pot roast, chili, etc.
I'm planning to try more vegetarian meals for a little variety.