10+ Quick Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Cooking can be a challenge, especially on busy days. Quick crockpot recipes are a lifesaver when you need to prepare a meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy delicious meals without the effort.

These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone who just wants to enjoy great food with little hassle, quick crockpot meals fit right into your lifestyle. They allow you to set it and forget it, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable.

1) Pesto Ranch Chicken

Pesto Ranch Chicken is a simple and tasty dish you can prepare in your slow cooker. Using just a few ingredients, it yields flavorful chicken with minimal effort.

You’ll need chicken, pesto sauce, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth. This combination creates a juicy, savory meal that pairs well with rice or veggies.

Cook your chicken on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until it’s tender. You can serve it whole or shred it for sandwiches or tacos.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix pesto, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve as desired.

2) Butter Beef

Butter Beef is an easy and tasty dish that you can make in your crockpot. This recipe needs only three ingredients. You will use cubed beef, butter, and onion soup mix.

To start, just place the beef in the crockpot. Next, add pats of butter on top. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over everything.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours (about 65-70 degrees Celsius) or on high for 4-5 hours (about 95-100 degrees Celsius). The result is a meal that is tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds cubed beef
• 1 cup butter
• 1 packet onion soup mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef in the crockpot.
2. Add pats of butter on top of the beef.
3. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef and butter.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

3) Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Making slow cooker chicken tacos is simple and fun. You can have a tasty meal ready with minimal effort. Just throw a few ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.

Start with chicken, then add salsa, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning. This mixture gives great flavor. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.

Once done, shred the chicken with a fork. Serve it in taco shells with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) of chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Optional toppings: cheese, lettuce, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add salsa, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning on top.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with a fork.
5. Serve in taco shells with toppings.

4) Ham and Lentil Soup

Ham and Lentil Soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day. You can make it easily in your crockpot. This recipe uses simple ingredients that deliver great flavor.

Start by adding lentils, diced ham, carrots, and onions to your slow cooker. Pour in some chicken broth and season with your favorite herbs. Let it cook for several hours until everything is tender.

As the soup simmers, the flavors blend beautifully. It’s a nutritious option that is also filling. Serve it hot, and enjoy the comfort it brings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils, uncooked
• 2 cups diced ham
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to the crockpot.
2. Add the chopped ham, carrots, onion, and celery.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

5) Mac and Cheese Delight

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for your slow cooker. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting.

To start, you can use uncooked macaroni and a mix of your favorite cheeses. Combine everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.

You can set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 1.5 hours. The result will be a delightful, gooey treat that will warm you up.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In the slow cooker, combine the macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk.
2. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

6) Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting dish that you can easily make in your crockpot. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without much effort.

You start with tender chicken, pasta, and a simple sauce. Many recipes include ingredients like mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

You can serve it over cooked spaghetti noodles for a complete dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy a cozy meal with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Garlic and Italian seasoning to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. Add cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, and seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 180-220°C).
4. Prepare spaghetti separately according to package directions.
5. Stir in cooked spaghetti and cheese before serving.

7) Pulled BBQ Chicken

Pulled BBQ chicken is a tasty meal that you can easily make in your crockpot. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

To make this recipe, you’ll need some chicken breasts or thighs, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a few spices. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours (about 93-104 degrees Celsius) or on high for 3-4 hours (about 149-160 degrees Celsius). When it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks, mixing in the sauce for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.

8) 3-Ingredient Meatballs

Making meatballs in a slow cooker is easy and quick. With just three ingredients, you can have a delicious dish ready for any gathering.

Start with frozen meatballs. You’ll also need some grape jelly and chili sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in your crockpot and stir well.

Add the frozen meatballs to the pot. Make sure they are fully coated with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

These meatballs work well as an appetizer or a main dish. They are sure to please your guests!

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs
• Grape jelly
• Chili sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, mix grape jelly and chili sauce.
2. Add the frozen meatballs and coat them in the sauce.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

9) Honey Garlic Pork

Honey Garlic Pork is a tasty and simple dish to make in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal with minimal effort.

To prepare, start with pork tenderloin or pork chops. Combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of broth. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker and watch as it cooks to perfection.

You can serve this dish with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. The flavors blend wonderfully, making it a favorite for many.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin or pork chops
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker.
2. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and broth.
4. Pour the mixture over the pork.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours (about 175°F or 80°C).
6. Serve and enjoy!

10) Taco Soup

Taco soup is a quick and delicious meal that you can make in your crockpot. It’s perfect for busy days and has all the flavors of your favorite tacos. You can customize it with your favorite toppings.

To start, brown your ground beef in a skillet and drain any fat. Then, add the beef to your crockpot. Mix in your beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning.

Cook on high for 2 hours (about 93°C) or on low for 4 hours (about 71°C). When it’s done, serve it hot and top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can corn (undrained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain the fat.
2. Add the beef to the crockpot.
3. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
4. Stir well and cover.
5. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.