I think I love these crockpot recipes because of two things:
- THE EASE. I often find myself wanting a good, basic recipe for a Tuesday night that is easy enough that I don’t have to look at a recipe. I want to fully turn my brain off, go into full autopilot mode, and get dinner on the table. The prep time is minimal, the ingredients are mostly pantry staples, and the total time is low.
- THE FLAVOR. It’s just so good. The flavors and colors make me want to cry happy tears. It is absolutely packed with juicy tomato and big garlic flavor, with tender shredded beef that swims in a little almost gravy-ish situation. It’s every bit as luscious and comforting as it looks.
1. Crockpot Lasagna
Source: Bunsinmyoven.comLet’s get right down to it. The crockpot is your secret weapon for this comforting Italian dinner. You just toss all the elements in there, more or less, and let it do its thing.
The layering process feels just like making a normal lasagna. But here’s the magic part: you don’t have to cook the pasta first! That makes it even more of a weeknight hero.
This is such a great meal for the whole family, and you can totally make it ahead of time.
2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Source: Thecookierookie.comForget about takeout. You need to make this dump-and-go slow cooker recipe instead.
That amazing sauce covers the juicy chicken thighs in so much goodness. It’s got that perfect sweet and salty thing going on.
Just heat up some rice you have hanging around, and dinner is served. Don’t you just live for a stress-free meal? I know I do!
3. Crockpot Mixed Berry Cobbler
Source: Wishesndishes.comI just really enjoy a mixed berry cobbler. Between the color and the flavor, it’s one of the absolute best.
This dessert is so rustic and warm. Plus, it’s super sweet!
And don’t stress about making the top look perfect. You’re supposed to just dollop it on and leave spaces for all that fruit to bubble through.
4. Sloppy Joe’s
Source: Afarmgirlsdabbles.comIt might sound a little silly, but a plate of Sloppy Joe’s just takes me back. It’s such a classic dish, and everyone, no matter their age, seems to love it.
This crockpot recipe is a guaranteed winner for the family. Serve it up with some baked beans, potato chips, mac and cheese, or even macaroni salad!
5. Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Source: Jocooks.comWe’ve all been there, eating a plate of melt-in-your-mouth short ribs at a nice restaurant, wishing we could pull off that kind of magic at home.
Want to know the secret? It’s all about the timing.
These ribs have to cook low and slow to get that amazing fork-tender texture. Just let the recipe guide you. These are seriously restaurant-worthy!
6. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Source: Thenovicechefblog.comChicken and dumplings is a real homestyle dish that is guaranteed to please everyone.
Imagine fluffy, homemade dumplings swimming in a creamy soup. This one-pot meal is the definition of comfort food.
Oh, and there’s a secret ingredient! The trick to making these dumplings extra creamy is using evaporated milk. Who knew?
7. Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Source: Bellyfull.net
Slow-cooker beef stew has to be the ultimate cold-weather meal.
The beef is so hearty and savory, you’ll be closing your eyes and sighing with pure satisfaction after every single bite.
I love the classic additions of carrots, potatoes, and peas. But this would be just as yummy with some sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even broccoli.
8. Death By Chocolate Slow Cooker Lava Cake
Source: Thekitchenmagpie.comIf you thought walking in the door to a pot of warm stew was a good feeling, just you wait!
This is a warm chocolate fudge cake made using a cake mix, chocolate pudding, frosting, AND chocolate chips. Let’s just say it is anything but dainty.
My advice is to grab a spoon and just eat it straight from the pot… but I suppose you could share if you have to.
9. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Source: Life-in-the-lofthouse.comWhy would you ever order takeout when you can make this unbelievably tender beef and broccoli right at home?
This easy Crockpot meal is a total family favorite in my house. And get this, it only needs 10 minutes of prep time.
You get to enjoy that classic Chinese takeout meal for just a fraction of the cost. A total win!
10. 2-Ingredient BBQ Chicken
Source: Gimmesomeoven.com
Pulled pork is one of my all-time favorite foods. But I always make this slow cooker chicken version when I have certain people over for dinner.
Why should they have to miss out on that tender meat and yummy BBQ sauce just because they don’t do pork?
The best part is that the chicken cooks right in the BBQ sauce and its own juices. You don’t need a dry rub or any other crazy additions.
11. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Source: Thecookingjar.comWhen you cook meatballs in the slow cooker, they have plenty of time to get juicy and absorb all that fantastic marinara sauce.
The greatest thing is you can make a giant batch to serve a big group or just freeze them for another day.
I love serving mine over pasta for dinner and then using the leftovers for meatball subs for lunch.
12. Slow-Cooker Brisket
Source: Life-in-the-lofthouse.comDon’t have a full day to spend smoking a brisket? Just make it in the slow cooker!
You literally just add all the ingredients and walk away. Yes, it’s that simple. But what’s even more impressive is the flavor.
The barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, Worcestershire, and spices elevate this to another level. It is so mouthwatering!
13. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Source: Dashofsanity.comIf you’re a big fan of Crockpot chicken breast recipes, then this one is definitely for you.
It takes all the deliciousness of your favorite Mexican meal and serves it up in a giant bowl of soup.
Be sure to top it with tortilla strips to get that perfect crunch.
14. Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
Source: Lemonblossoms.comCorn chowder is my absolute favorite thing to make when the weather gets cooler.
This soup is packed with potatoes, corn, and ham (though I’ll sometimes use chicken instead), and it’s so thick, sweet, and creamy.
Top it off with some crumbled bacon and get ready to go back for a second bowl.
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Source: Dinneratthezoo.comChicken cacciatore is such a yummy chicken dish, loaded with peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
It’s amazing served over pasta or with a side of cheesy polenta.
However you decide to serve it, it’s so easy. You can totally make this slow cooker chicken meal any night of the week.
16. Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Source: Wellplated.comThese Tex-Mex stuffed peppers are such a wonderful treat!
They’re packed with chicken, black beans, quinoa, and cheese, making them super tasty. And the vibrant peppers look like a party on a plate.
What’s even better is that this is a healthy meal your family will absolutely devour. So go ahead and fix them this slow cooker recipe tonight.
17. Crockpot Stuffing
Source: Thegraciouswife.com
When the holiday season shows up and you find yourself feeding an army, finding ways to simplify your life is a must.
I actually bought a few mini crockpots just so I can use them for side dishes while I focus on other things. Trust me, it’s a worthwhile investment!
I’m a huge fan of the classic sage stuffing made with chicken broth, but you should feel free to use your own favorite recipe here.
18. Peanut Butter Cup Cake
Source: Momswithcrockpots.comPeanut Butter + Cake = The absolute best Crock Pot Dessert!
Starting with a boxed cake mix, you can easily add peanut butter and chocolate sauce for some simple flavoring.
The only things I would suggest are to throw some chopped peanut butter cups into the batter and maybe add a drizzle of salted caramel on top.
19. Shrimp Chowder
Source: Fluffyskitchen.comIf you thought that corn chowder was amazing, just wait until you get a taste of this shrimp version.
Quick tip: make sure you use larger shrimp, or if you have smaller ones, add them in after the veggies have cooked for about an hour.
If you’re trying to figure out the right side dish, why not whip up a batch of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits to go with it?
20. Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
If you want something super simple, filling, warm, and quick, this one’s for you.
My favorite thing about this recipe has to be that you don’t even need to cook the meat before you add it to the pot.
Talk about a recipe that makes life easy!