15+ Crock Pot Recipes to Simplify Your Busy Weeknights

Crock pot recipes are a fantastic way to make delicious meals with minimal effort. A slow cooker lets you prepare hearty dishes that cook while you go about your day. This convenient method allows flavors to blend together beautifully, ensuring that every bite is full of taste.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone who wants an easy way to cook, crock pot recipes offer something for everyone. From savory stews to sweet desserts, the slow cooker can handle it all, making dinner time much simpler and more enjoyable.

1) Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish you can enjoy any night of the week. You’ll love how juicy the chicken becomes as it cooks slowly in a creamy sauce.

This recipe features chicken breasts combined with savory sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle parmesan on top.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours (175°F to 220°F or 80°C to 105°C).
6. Stir and serve with your choice of sides.

2) Hearty Beef Stew

Hearty beef stew is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. You can throw it in your crock pot and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.

To make it, you’ll need tender beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and flavorful seasonings. This dish is all about rich taste and hearty ingredients that fill you up.

You can add some red wine for depth and a beef broth to tie everything together. After a few hours, your home will smell amazing.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the beef in the crock pot.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, peas, onion, and garlic.
3. Pour in the beef broth and red wine.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or on high for 4 hours (about 149°C).

3) Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork

Sweet and spicy pulled pork is a tasty dish you can make using your slow cooker. The delicious mix of flavors comes from a blend of spices, honey, and apple cider vinegar. This dish cooks low and slow, making the meat tender and easy to shred.

To make it, you’ll want to prepare a simple spice rub and mix in some sweet ingredients. Cooking it for several hours allows all the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve it on a soft bun for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix honey, apple cider vinegar, and spices in a bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours (about 65°C).
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.

4) Slow Cooker Chili

Slow cooker chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy it on a chilly evening or serve it at a gathering with friends and family.

To prepare, start with ground beef, which gives it a nice flavor. Mix in beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. This includes chili powder and cumin for a zesty kick.

Cook it in your slow cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream for extra deliciousness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
2. Add the beef to your slow cooker.
3. Mix in beans, tomatoes, and spices.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

5) Cheesy Creamy Chicken

Cheesy creamy chicken is a simple and satisfying dish made in your crock pot. It combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce that you will love. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

To make this dish, start by placing your chicken breasts in the crock pot. Then, add cream cheese and a ranch seasoning mix. The flavors blend together beautifully as it cooks.

You’ll want to cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours (about 165°F or 74°C). When it’s done, shred the chicken and mix everything well. Serve it with rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts
• 1 package cream cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Add cream cheese and ranch seasoning on top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
4. Shred the chicken, stir well, and serve.

6) Tender Pot Roast

Making a tender pot roast in a crock pot is simple and satisfying. The slow cooking method helps the meat become flavorful and juicy.

Start with a chuck roast as it is perfect for this recipe. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions for a tasty mix. You can also use onion soup mix for added flavor.

Set your crock pot to low and cook for about 8 to 10 hours. This low and slow technique ensures that the meat falls apart easily when it’s done.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
• 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Place vegetables in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Place the chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the roast.
4. Add water around the roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
6. Serve and enjoy your tender pot roast!

7) Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Vegetarian lentil soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in a crock pot. It’s packed with nutrients and flavors from vegetables and lentils. You can prepare it in the morning and let it cook all day.

To make this soup, gather ingredients like lentils, carrots, tomatoes, and spices. The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Each bowl is hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces), undrained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (1 quart)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and place them into the crock pot.
2. Add chopped carrots, diced tomatoes, and onion.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 93-104°C) or high for 3-4 hours (about 149-160°C).
5. Enjoy your warm, hearty soup!

8) Savory Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a comforting dish that’s perfect for your crock pot. This recipe lets you enjoy creamy risotto without constant stirring. You’ll love the rich flavors of mushrooms and garlic.

Start by sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil. This step adds depth to the dish. Then, combine these with rice and broth in your slow cooker.

Set your crock pot on low for about 4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible. The result will be a delicious and creamy risotto that fills your home with a wonderful aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil.
2. In the slow cooker, combine sautéed ingredients, rice, and broth.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

9) Spiced Apple Pork Loin

You can make a delicious Spiced Apple Pork Loin in your crock pot. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The apples and spices help to keep the pork tender and juicy.

Start by seasoning your pork loin with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. You might want to use cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves for warmth.

Next, add sliced apples and onions into the crock pot. Place the seasoned pork loin on top. Pour in some apple juice or cider to enhance the flavor.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be fully cooked and tender when done.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds pork loin
• 2-3 apples, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup apple juice or cider
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Place sliced apples and onions in the crock pot.
3. Add the seasoned pork loin on top.
4. Pour in apple juice or cider.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

10) Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Classic Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. It features tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce with fluffy biscuit dumplings. You can make it easily in your crock pot.

Start by adding boneless chicken breasts, chopped onion, and seasonings to your crock pot. Then, pour in some cream of chicken soup and a bit of broth. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

About an hour before serving, make your dumplings. Drop the dough on top of the chicken mixture and allow it to cook until fluffy. This dish is sure to warm you up!

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken, onion, and seasonings in the crock pot.
2. Add cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About an hour before serving, prepare the dumplings.
5. Drop dumpling dough on chicken mixture and cook until done.

11) Zesty BBQ Ribs

If you’re looking for a delicious meal, zesty BBQ ribs are a great choice. Using a slow cooker makes this dish easy and tender. You’ll enjoy the flavors that come out when the ribs cook low and slow.

Start with baby back ribs. Season them with garlic, onions, and your favorite barbecue sauce. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender.

Cook your ribs on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

These ribs are perfect for serving at a family gathering or just a night in. Your guests will love the fall-off-the-bone goodness!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds baby back ribs
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut ribs to fit the slow cooker.
2. Place ribs in the cooker with onions and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add barbecue sauce and cover.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

12) Garlic Herb Chicken

Garlic Herb Chicken is a simple and tasty recipe that works well in your crock pot. With just a few ingredients, it brings out rich flavors that your family will enjoy.

You can use chicken breasts, which become tender and juicy after slow cooking. Adding garlic, herbs, and cream of chicken soup creates a wonderful sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy days. Just set your crock pot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Pour cream of chicken soup over the top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 165°F or 74°C).
5. Serve hot, making sure to drizzle the sauce over the chicken.

13) Mexican Chicken Tacos

Mexican Chicken Tacos are a tasty, easy meal that you can prepare in your crock pot. They are perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without much effort.

To start, combine salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning in your slow cooker. Then, place chopped onions and chicken on top, and pour the tomato mixture over everything.

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (about 15°C to 27°C) or on high for 4 to 5 hours (about 32°C to 49°C). When done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it all together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine salsa, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning in the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onions and chicken breasts.
3. Pour tomato mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
5. Shred chicken with forks and mix well.

14) Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. Using a crock pot makes it easy to prepare and full of rich flavors.

To start, you will add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and fresh basil to your slow cooker. Then, season with salt and pepper for added taste.

Next, pour in some vegetable or chicken broth. For a creamy texture, add heavy cream before serving. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Serve this delicious soup with a slice of bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and basil to the crock pot.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in heavy cream before serving.

15) Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple and delicious dish you can make in your slow cooker. This recipe highlights the rich flavor of salmon paired with garlic and butter, creating a tasty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Start by seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper. Then, place it in the crock pot and add melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice on top. You can also throw in some slices of lemon for extra brightness.

Cook the salmon on low for about 2 to 3 hours, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Place fillets in the slow cooker.
3. Pour melted butter and minced garlic over the salmon.
4. Add lemon juice and slices on top.
5. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, until the salmon is cooked through.