15+ Easy Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Crockpot cooking makes meal preparation simple and stress-free. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create delicious dishes that the whole family will enjoy. Easy crockpot recipes allow you to savor homemade meals without spending all day in the kitchen.

Whether you’re busy with work, school, or other activities, crockpot recipes fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Just set it up in the morning and let it do the work while you go about your day. You’ll be surprised at how many tasty options are available that require little planning and preparation.

1) Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Making a slow cooker pot roast is simple and fun. You’ll have tender meat and delicious vegetables with very little effort. It’s a perfect dish for busy days.

To start, gather a chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion soup mix. These ingredients will combine to create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

You will cook everything on low for about 8 hours (around 93°C) or on high for 4 to 5 hours (about 149°C). This slow cooking makes the meat soft and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 chuck roast (about 3-4 pounds)
• 4 medium potatoes, quartered
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 packet of onion soup mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add your chopped vegetables.
3. Place the roast on top of the veggies.
4. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

2) Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili

If you love a spicy twist on chili, this Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili is perfect for you. It combines shredded chicken, tomatoes, and spices into a creamy, hearty dish. Using a slow cooker makes it incredibly simple to prepare.

To make this chili, you’ll need just a few ingredients. You can set it in the morning and come home to a warm meal. With a hint of heat from hot sauce and the creaminess from cream cheese, it’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds shredded chicken
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup hot sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Place shredded chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, hot sauce, chicken broth, onion, bell pepper, and chili powder.
3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours (about 175-190°F or 80-88°C) or low for 6-8 hours (about 160-170°F or 71-77°C).
4. Stir in cream cheese before serving.

3) Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Crockpot mac and cheese is one of the easiest comfort foods you can make. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can prepare it with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by adding elbow macaroni, shredded cheese, and butter to your slow cooker. You can mix in different cheeses for extra flavor.

Pour in milk or cream to create that rich texture. Let it cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and blended together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add elbow macaroni, cheese, and butter to the crockpot.
2. Pour in milk and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a great option for a simple and tasty meal. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, thanks to the sweet and savory sauce.

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and some seasonings. These ingredients combine to create a delicious glaze that makes the chicken shine.

You can cook this meal in your slow cooker for about 4 hours on high (about 160°C) or 6 hours on low (about 80°C). Serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
5. Serve and enjoy!

5) 3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken is a simple and delicious dish you can make in your slow cooker. With just three ingredients, you’ll have a tasty meal with minimal effort.

To make this dish, you need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salsa, and a cream cheese, if you like it creamy. You can use your favorite salsa for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
• 1 ½ cups salsa
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
3. If using, add the cream cheese on top.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and stir to mix everything well before serving.

6) Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Crockpot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is a simple and tasty meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in. The chili combines sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices for a hearty dish.

You can easily prepare this meal in your slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook. You can set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Top it off with your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy!

7) Effortless Crockpot Lasagna

Making lasagna in a crockpot is simple and fun. You can layer your ingredients without the need for boiling noodles. Just gather your favorite items, and you’re ready to go.

Start with ground beef, jarred spaghetti sauce, and cottage cheese. Adding mozzarella and Parmesan will give you that cheesy goodness you crave. You can use no-boil lasagna noodles for a fuss-free recipe.

Simply layer your ingredients in the crockpot. Let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. You’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at dinner time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
2. In the crockpot, layer meat, sauce, noodles, and cheeses.
3. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
5. Serve and enjoy!

8) Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious meal that you can make with ease. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

You just need to mix pasta, sauce, and cheese in your slow cooker. The flavors blend together beautifully while it cooks slowly.

To make it even easier, you can add ground meat if you like. It gives the dish extra protein and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente and drain.
2. In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and spices.
3. Add the cooked pasta and mix well.
4. Layer half the pasta mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then layer with the rest of the cheeses.
7. Cook on low for about 4 hours (about 93 degrees Celsius).
8. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

9) Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini

Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a delicious and easy meal that you can prepare with minimal effort. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, making it a family favorite.

This recipe is perfect for busy days. Just throw in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. You’ll love how the flavors blend together as it cooks.

Enjoy this one-pot meal with a simple side salad or some bread. It’s a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mushrooms, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir well.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours (190-200°F or 88-93°C).
6. Serve hot and sprinkle with grated cheese before serving. Enjoy!

10) Crockpot Pork Cassoulet

Crockpot Pork Cassoulet is a comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender pork, flavorful sausage, and hearty beans, this meal is sure to please everyone at your table.

To start, soak the beans overnight or use a quick soak method. Then, gather your favorite pork and sausage for added richness.

This dish cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Just mix all your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

Ingredients

• 1 lb white beans
• 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight or use the quick soak method.
2. In the crockpot, combine all ingredients.
3. Add salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Pour in chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours (approximately 93°C) or high for 4 hours (approximately 149°C).

11) Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Slow cooker chicken curry is an easy dish that fills your home with wonderful aromas. Using simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal without much effort.

You will need chicken thighs, coconut milk, and various spices. Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work. You’ll return to a warm and flavorful dish ready to serve.

This curry pairs well with rice or naan bread, making it a perfect family meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and add curry powder.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours (about 190°F to 210°F or 88°C to 99°C).
6. Shred the chicken before serving and enjoy!

12) Crockpot Enchilada Soup

Crockpot Enchilada Soup is a simple and delicious dish you can make at home. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy days.

To start, you’ll need some chicken, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. This combo creates a hearty meal that warms you up.

You can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocados. Just let it cook in your slow cooker for about 6 hours on low.

Your family will love this easy recipe, and it can feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Optional: cheese, sour cream, or avocado for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. In the slow cooker, add chicken, beans, corn, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, and cumin.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (about 165°F or 74°C).
4. Shred the chicken before serving and enjoy with toppings.

13) Simple Crockpot Ham and Lentil Soup

This Simple Crockpot Ham and Lentil Soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can use leftover ham for this recipe, which adds great taste.

You’ll need some basic ingredients like lentils, veggies, and spices. Everything simmers together to create a hearty and comforting meal. Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and let it do the work.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 93-104°C).
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

14) Crockpot Meatball Subs

Crockpot meatball subs are a tasty and easy meal for any day. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner with friends and family. Plus, they let your slow cooker do all the work.

To make these subs, start with meatballs, marinara sauce, and sub rolls. You can use homemade or frozen meatballs for convenience.

You will simmer the meatballs in sauce for a few hours until they are tender and flavorful. When ready, just scoop the meatballs into your sub rolls. Add some cheese if you like it extra gooey.

Ingredients

• 12 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Sub rolls
• Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spray your crockpot with cooking spray.
2. Add the meatballs and pour marinara sauce over them.
3. Cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours (about 93 to 105 degrees Celsius).
4. Serve in sub rolls with cheese, if desired.

15) Crockpot Glazed Pork Chops

Crockpot glazed pork chops are a simple and delicious meal. You can prepare this dish with just a few ingredients. The slow cooker makes the pork tender and full of flavor.

To start, you’ll need pork chops, apple juice, broth, and seasonings. Combine everything in the slow cooker for a fuss-free dinner. Cooking them on low for about 6-8 hours works best.

These pork chops are easy to serve and pair well with rice or vegetables. Enjoy the sweet and savory taste that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork chops
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the pork chops in the crockpot.
2. Add apple juice, broth, and sliced onions.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours at around 160°F to 70°C.