Restaurant Clicks

26 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Set It and Forget It Dinners

When the weather turns cold and life is crazy busy during the week, my slow cooker does the heavy lifting. There’s nothing better than coming home after a busy day to the heavenly smell of dinner. Most of these recipes take just a few minutes of your time in the morning. These are my go-to crockpot recipes, from soups, to cheesy pastas, pot roast, party meatballs to birria tacos and even a shrimp boil. These are the crockpot recipes I keep coming back to, it’s a countdown, and #1 is my favorite.

26. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A popular crockpot recipe, Sausage and Peppers is made even easier when made in the slow cooker since it’s completely hands off. Italian sausage links simmer low and slow with sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and marinara until everything is tender and saucy. The peppers absorb all of that tasty sausage goodness. Serve in toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese, or over pasta or polenta. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or to feed a crowd for game day.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb Italian sausage links
  • 3 bell peppers sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Hoagie rolls and provolone for serving

Method
 

  1. Add peppers, onion and garlic to slow cooker.
  2. Place sausages on top.
  3. Pour marinara over. Sprinkle with seasoning and pepper flakes.
  4. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  5. Serve on rolls with provolone.

25. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

slow cooker chicken tortilla soup

It’s for those nights when I want something comforting but also full of flavor. It’s made with chicken breasts that simmer in a tomato-based broth flavored with spices and then mixed with black beans, corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel). Once the chicken is done cooking, you can easily shred it with two forks. After you’ve ladled the soup into bowls, a little squeeze of fresh lime juice really elevates the soup to new heights. But, it’s the toppings that make this soup awesome. So, pile on some crunchy tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheese and sour cream.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 15 oz black beans drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 10 oz Rotel
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Tortilla strips avocado and shredded cheese, for topping

Method
 

  1. Add everything except lime and toppings to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours or high 3 to 4 hours.
  3. Shred chicken and return to pot.
  4. Stir in lime juice.
  5. Serve with toppings.

24. Crockpot Lasagna Soup

crockpot lasagna soup

Imagine all the flavors of lasagna without having to layer them. Yes, this soup has all the flavors you love about lasagna. It features Italian sausage, marinara sauce, broken up lasagna noodles, and is then topped off with a dollop of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a little bit of parmesan. Everything is simmered together into a warm and hearty soup that just feels good to eat when the weather turns cold. I have to make it again as soon as we hit a colder spell.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 8 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup ricotta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Brown sausage with onion and garlic. Drain.
  2. Add to slow cooker with marinara, tomatoes, broth and seasoning.
  3. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  4. Add noodles. Cook on high 30 minutes until tender.
  5. Stir in cream.
  6. Top bowls with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan.

23. Crockpot Butter Chicken

Don’t order takeout when you can make this simple butter chicken at home. Juicy bites of chicken thigh cook all day in a savory tomato sauce flavored with garlic, ginger and aromatic garam masala. A touch of cream added at the end adds silkiness and richness. It’s not too spicy, making it kid-friendly, but you can always turn up the heat if you like. Serve with basmati rice and warm naan to scoop up all of that delicious sauce.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Cilantro and cooked rice for serving

Method
 

  1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, spices, salt and butter to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  3. Stir in cream. Cook 15 minutes.
  4. Serve over rice with cilantro.

22. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

crockpot buffalo chicken dip

Crockpot buffalo chicken dip is always one of the first items to disappear at our game day parties. All you do is combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch, hot sauce, and cheddar and allow them to melt into creamy, tangy, mildly-hot perfection. Use a rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for an even faster recipe. Set out tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks and enjoy. The beauty of making buffalo chicken dip in the crock pot is that it will stay ready-to-dip for hours. Set it on the buffet table and let your guests dig in.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar divided
  • 2 green onions sliced

Method
 

  1. Add chicken, cream cheese, ranch, hot sauce and 1 cup cheddar to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 2 hours, stirring once.
  3. Top with remaining cheddar. Cover until melted.
  4. Garnish with green onions.
  5. Keep on warm and serve with chips and celery.

21. Slow Cooker Pot Roast Sliders

These sliders are a big hit at our parties as well as a quick dinner during the week. I cook a chuck roast in the slow cooker with onion soup mix and beef broth. It becomes so tender that it literally falls apart. I pull it apart and put it on little buns with provolone and pop them under the broiler. I serve the liquid they cooked in on the side and let people dip their sandwiches in it. Add some horseradish sauce and they’re done.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast Sliders

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb chuck roast
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • 6 slices provolone halved
  • Horseradish sauce optional

Method
 

  1. Place onion in slow cooker. Add roast on top.
  2. Sprinkle with soup mix. Pour in broth and Worcestershire.
  3. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
  4. Shred beef and stir into juices.
  5. Pile beef on buns and top with provolone.
  6. Broil 2 minutes to melt cheese.
  7. Serve with juices for dipping.

20. Crockpot Tuscan White Bean Soup

crockpot tuscan white bean soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a simple, comforting meatless meal packed with vegetables and creamy cannellini beans. Carrots, celery, tomatoes, and garlic simmer in vegetable broth with Italian herbs, while a Parmesan rind adds rich, savory flavor as the soup cooks. A few generous handfuls of kale go in near the end so the leaves stay tender and bright green. The soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to come together. Serve each bowl hot with crusty bread for dunking.

Crockpot Tuscan White Bean Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 15 oz cannellini beans drained
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional
  • 4 cups chopped kale
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Add everything except kale to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours.
  3. Remove Parmesan rind.
  4. Stir in kale. Cook 15 minutes.
  5. Season and top with Parmesan.

19. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

slow cooker honey garlic chicken

Sticky, sweet, and savory, this honey garlic chicken tastes like your favorite takeout, but it’s so much easier to make. Chicken thighs cook in a simple sauce of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and just a little ketchup until they’re juicy and tender. Then you mix in a little cornstarch slurry at the end to give the sauce a thick and glossy consistency. Spoon it over rice and serve with some steamed broccoli. Top with sesame seeds and green onions, and even picky eaters clean their plates.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place chicken in slow cooker.
  2. Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar and ginger. Pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low 5 to 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  4. Remove chicken.
  5. Stir slurry into sauce. Cook on high 15 minutes to thicken.
  6. Return chicken and garnish.

18. Best Ever Sweet and Sour Meatballs

best ever sweet and sour meatballs

Make sure they’ve been cooking undisturbed in the slow cooker for an hour or so. This will help the meatballs to hold together and keep their shape. You can gently stir the meatballs before serving. These sweet and sour meatballs take the nostalgia of a family party dish and make it accessible in your own home. Perfect for the holidays, parties, potlucks, game days, etc. The slow cooker will keep these meatballs nice and warm for hours. The tangy cranberry sauce mixed with tomato sauce and brown sugar coats the meatballs and makes them irresistable.

Get the recipe

17. Crockpot Carnitas

crockpot carnitas

These flavorful Slow Cooker Carnitas are so easy to make! Coat a pork shoulder in spices, add some fresh orange and lime juice and slow cook until fall-apart tender. Shred and broil for just a few minutes for crispy edges in spots. Use carnitas to make tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, etc., topped with your favorite fixings. Carnitas are perfect for feeding a crowd, and if you happen to have any leftovers (unlikely), freeze for an easy meal another time.

Crockpot Carnitas

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb boneless pork shoulder cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Method
 

  1. Rub pork with salt and spices.
  2. Add onion and garlic to slow cooker. Add pork on top.
  3. Pour in orange juice, lime juice and broth.
  4. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
  5. Shred pork and toss with juices.
  6. Spread on a sheet pan. Broil 5 minutes until crispy.

16. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Piled high on top of buttery egg noodles with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is one bite away from culinary bliss. Beef Stroganoff is one of those hearty, delicious, and classic comfort food dishes. By cooking it in your slow cooker it takes away much of the work. The beef, mushrooms, and onions just simmer away in a savory Worcestershire sauce infused broth. Add some sour cream before serving and enjoy a tangy, rich sauce that is reminiscent of stroganoff. This recipe is great for a lazy weekend meal.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 onion diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 12 oz egg noodles cooked

Method
 

  1. Add beef, onion, mushrooms, garlic, broth, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 8 hours.
  3. Stir in slurry. Cook on high 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in sour cream.
  5. Serve over egg noodles.

15. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Every great thing about a loaded baked potato is all gathered in a big, warm bowl. The potatoes cook in chicken broth until they are tender enough to mash. Cream cheese, milk and sharp cheddar turn it thick and creamy. I like mashing only part of it so that it still has chunks of potato. Top with crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions just like a baked potato. It’s pure comfort on a cold night.

Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb russet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • Sour cream and green onions for topping

Method
 

  1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, salt and pepper to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours or high 4 hours.
  3. Mash about half the potatoes.
  4. Stir in cream cheese, milk and cheddar until melted.
  5. Top with bacon, sour cream and green onions.

14. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

slow cooker mississippi pot roast

This easy, five ingredient Mississippi Pot Roast recipe takes about five minutes to prep before spending several hours cooking in the slow cooker. Start with a chuck roast rubbed with ranch seasoning and au jus mix, then pile on the butter and tangy pepperoncini peppers. After cooking on low for several hours, the meat will be so tender you’ll be able to shred it and spoon all those savory juices (which would be delicious over creamy mashed potatoes) over the top of a mound of shredded beef. Or, try piling the meat on some soft rolls.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb chuck roast
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 6 to 8 pepperoncini peppers plus 1/4 cup brine

Method
 

  1. Place roast in slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle with ranch and au jus mix.
  3. Top with butter and pepperoncini. Pour in brine.
  4. Cook on low 8 hours.
  5. Shred and stir into juices.
  6. Serve over mashed potatoes or on rolls.

13. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Here’s the best part: no boiling of a giant pot of water. Just add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker along with the butter, milk, and evaporated milk (which helps make a super-smooth sauce as it cooks). Add in the cheeses (sharp cheddar and American for an extra-melty mac and cheese), stir, and you’re on your way to creamy, cheesy, extra-melty macaroni goodness. Plus, you can keep the slow cooker on the warm setting so folks can help themselves as they’re hungry. Perfect for holidays and potlucks.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 4 tbsp butter cubed
  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 4 oz American cheese torn

Method
 

  1. Grease slow cooker.
  2. Add pasta, butter, milks and seasonings. Stir.
  3. Cook on low 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in cheeses until melted.
  5. Keep on warm until serving.

12. Crockpot Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Boil

Baby potatoes, corn on the cob, smoky andouille sausage and shrimp come together in this crowd pleaser recipe. The corn, potatoes, sausage simmer in cajun spiced, garlicky, lemony broth till tender and juicy shrimp get added at the end to prevent them from overcooking. All the tasty bits get drained, tossed with some more cajun seasoning and some butter then spread out over a newspaper-lined table and you’re ready to dig into this easy-to-make slow cooker Shrimp boil with friends and family.

Crockpot Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Boil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb baby red potatoes halved
  • 4 ears corn cut into thirds
  • 1 lb andouille sausage sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 6 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 lb large shrimp
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Add potatoes, corn, sausage, broth, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, lemon and garlic to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high 4 hours or low 7 hours until potatoes are tender.
  3. Add shrimp. Cook on high 15 to 20 minutes until pink.
  4. Drain.
  5. Toss with butter and remaining Cajun seasoning.
  6. Garnish with parsley.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

slow cooker chicken tikka masala

This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is one of my favorite takeout dishes, but I also love to make it at home. Chicken chunks get cooked slowly in a creamy tomato sauce that’s flavored with garam masala, paprika, cumin and turmeric. Yogurt keeps the chicken from toughening up, and heavy cream, added at the end, makes the whole dish luxurious. Serve it on top of basmati rice and accompany it with lots of fresh naan bread. The house will smell amazing all day.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 29 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Cilantro rice and naan for serving

Method
 

  1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, yogurt, spices and salt to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  3. Stir in cream. Cook 15 minutes.
  4. Serve over rice with cilantro and naan.

10. Crockpot French Onion Soup

crockpot french onion soup

Slow-cooker onions? Don’t you need a chef to caramelize them? Not anymore. Toss onions into your crock pot with butter and a touch of brown sugar, then just leave them alone overnight. The next day, stir in a little beef broth, thyme, and a splash of red wine, and let everything simmer away. Ladle into a bowl, top with a slice of toasted baguette and some Gruyère cheese, and stick under the broiler until melted and bubbly. Delicious and fuss-free.

Crockpot French Onion Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 slices baguette toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère

Method
 

  1. Toss onions, butter, brown sugar and salt in slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 10 hours until deep golden.
  3. Add garlic, broth, wine, Worcestershire and thyme.
  4. Cook on low 6 hours.
  5. Remove thyme.
  6. Ladle into oven-safe bowls. Top with bread and cheese.
  7. Broil 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly.

9. Slow Cooker Beef Birria Tacos

slow cooker beef birria tacos

Birria tacos took over the internet for good reason. And thanks to the slow cooker, you can easily make these at home. Chuck roast takes all day to braise in a tangy, spicy sauce made with dried chiles, tomatoes and warm spices. Once tender, shred the beef and dip tortillas in the flavorful broth before filling with beef and cheese. Cook the stuffed tortillas in a skillet until crispy. Finish with a cup of broth, also called consommé, to dunk in. Absolute perfection.

Slow Cooker Beef Birria Tacos

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb chuck roast cut into chunks
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 cups beef broth divided
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 16 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • Cilantro and diced onion for serving

Method
 

  1. Soak chiles in hot water 15 minutes. Drain.
  2. Blend chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, spices, salt and 1 cup broth until smooth.
  3. Add beef, sauce, remaining broth and bay leaves to slow cooker.
  4. Cook on low 8 hours.
  5. Shred beef. Remove bay leaves.
  6. Dip tortillas in broth. Fill with beef and cheese.
  7. Crisp in a skillet 2 minutes per side.
  8. Serve with broth for dipping.

8. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is so easy for busy weeknights, but tastes like you spent all day cooking it. The tender chicken and short pasta are cooked in a creamy, garlic Parmesan sauce that everyone loves. Using Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce keeps the ingredient list super short at just six simple ingredients. Toss it all into the slow cooker, set it and forget it. Pair it with garlic bread and a green salad for the perfect meal.

Get the recipe

7. Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone

So full of vegetables, this minestrone soup feels like it doesn’t need meat. A hearty combination of carrots, celery, zucchini and two types of beans simmer in a tomato-based broth seasoned with Italian herbs. Near the end of cooking, add small pasta shells so they don’t turn to mush. Fresh spinach gets added last, just to wilt. It’s hearty, healthy-ish and wallet-friendly. Make a big batch and freeze the rest for easy lunches throughout the week without having to cook anything else.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz kidney beans drained
  • 15 oz cannellini beans drained
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup small shell pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Add everything except pasta and spinach to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
  3. Add pasta. Cook on high 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
  5. Top with Parmesan.

6. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

crockpot chicken pot pie

There is no need to worry about making pie crust when you have this dish on your table. The chicken, onion, garlic, and thyme are cooked in a delicious, creamy broth until it’s super easy to shred the meat. Then, you mix in some vegetables and cream. I like to serve the filling in bowls and add crispy, homemade, baked pie crust squares on top to make it a complete meal. It’s going to be your new favorite comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and something you can enjoy as a family.

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 10 oz cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust

Method
 

  1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, soup, broth, thyme, salt and pepper to slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6 hours.
  3. Shred chicken.
  4. Stir in vegetables and cream. Cook on high 30 minutes.
  5. Cut pie crust into squares. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes.
  6. Top bowls with crust squares.

5. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

I don’t know why, but pulled pork is one of my favourite things to make in a slow cooker. All you need to do is season a pork shoulder with some spices and let it cook along with onions and a splash of apple cider vinegar for hours. When it’s done, you can shred the meat and toss it with your favourite BBQ sauce and then serve it on soft buns with a dollop of coleslaw on top. This BBQ pulled pork recipe is great for game day, potlucks and parties or just simple meal prepping.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb boneless pork shoulder
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
  • Buns and coleslaw for serving

Method
 

  1. Mix brown sugar and spices. Rub over pork.
  2. Place onion in slow cooker. Add pork on top.
  3. Pour in broth and vinegar.
  4. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
  5. Shred pork. Drain most of the liquid.
  6. Stir in BBQ sauce.
  7. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

4. Crockpot Beef Stew

There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of beef stew. Coating the beef in flour before placing it in the slow cooker results in a creamy, delicious gravy without having to worry about it. The potatoes, carrots, and onions will absorb plenty of flavor from the beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme during the long cooking process. Add peas just before serving to add a little pop of color. This stew is great served with crusty bread or buttery biscuits.

Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Toss beef with flour, salt and pepper.
  2. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to slow cooker.
  3. Whisk broth, tomato paste and Worcestershire. Pour over.
  4. Add thyme and bay leaves.
  5. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.
  6. Remove bay leaves. Stir in peas and cook 10 minutes.

3. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

crockpot chicken and dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, and this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is about as easy as it gets. Chicken breasts simmer low and slow in a rich chicken stock until tender enough to pull apart. Then add frozen peas, shredded carrots and refrigerated baking biscuits that cook until puffy. My top recommendation is to leave the lid on during the cooking process. It’s the best bowl of dinner you could have.

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2. Crockpot Chili

crockpot chili

Every family needs a great chili recipe, and this is ours. There’s something special about the way the ground beef, kidney and pinto beans slow cook together with the smoky tomato sauce to make this classic chili. By browning the beef in advance, you get a ton more flavor, but the slow cooker does all the other work. Great for football Sunday or any day when you want to warm up, this delicious crockpot will be requested again and again. Just make sure you have your topping bowls of choice set out, like cheese, sour cream, onions, and corn chips.

Crockpot Chili

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 15 oz kidney beans drained
  • 15 oz pinto beans drained
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • Shredded cheese and sour cream for topping

Method
 

  1. Brown beef with onion, bell pepper and garlic. Drain.
  2. Add everything to slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours.
  4. Serve with toppings.

1. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

slow cooker pot roast

This slow cooker pot roast recipe is one of my all-time favorites! A seasoned chuck roast gets a brief sear for additional flavor then slow-cooks all day with carrots, potatoes, onions, beef broth, garlic, and fresh herbs. By dinnertime the beef is fork tender and the potatoes and veggies soak up all of those yummy cooking juices. A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner with the family. Ladle some of the cooking juices over the meat and veggies and dig in.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb chuck roast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes
  • 4 carrots cut into chunks
  • 1 onion cut into wedges
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Method
 

  1. Season roast with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear in oil 4 minutes per side.
  3. Add potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to slow cooker. Place roast on top.
  4. Whisk broth, tomato paste and Worcestershire. Pour over roast.
  5. Add herbs.
  6. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.
  7. Slice or shred and serve with vegetables and juices.

Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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