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40 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Delicious Meals

Chef Gadget Genius

November 11, 2024

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When life gets busy, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be challenging. That’s where easy crockpot recipes come in to save the day! These meals require minimal preparation time and allow you to enjoy hearty, home-cooked dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

With a collection of 40 easy crockpot recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors from classic comfort foods to healthy options. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal to savor throughout the week, these recipes will help you make the most of your slow cooker while serving up tasty dishes everyone will love.

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

1. Start by seasoning your beef with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms on top of the beef.
3. Pour a can of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth over the meat and vegetables.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly, then stir everything to mix well.
5. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
7. Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles for a comforting meal.

2. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

1. Place the boneless chicken breast in your crockpot. Sprinkle the top with dried parsley, seasoning salt, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Stir gently until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. An hour before serving, shred the chicken using two forks.
4. Open your biscuit dough and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add this to the crockpot and let it cook for the remaining hour. This will give you perfectly cooked dumplings. Enjoy your comforting dish!

For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe.

3. Easy Slow Cooker Chili

1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then transfer to your slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

4. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

1. Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This will be the base for flavor absorption.
2. Sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. The seasoning enhances taste with its blend of spices.
3. Top the chicken with a diced onion, canned diced tomatoes, and green chiles.
4. Cook on low for about 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
5. Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks. Stir the chicken back into the sauce.
6. Serve the chicken in taco shells. Enjoy customizing with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, or avocado.

5. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

1. Begin by seasoning the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the roast until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Place the browned roast into your slow cooker. Surround it with vegetables like the chopped carrots, potatoes, and onion.
4. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over everything, ensuring even distribution.
5. Combine water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables.
6. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. The roast should be tender and flavorful.

6. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1. Start by placing the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
3. After cooking, gently mash the potatoes in the crockpot with a potato masher for a smoother texture.
4. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar until well combined and melted.
5. Finally, top with bacon bits before serving. Enjoy!

7. Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

1. Start by placing the sliced bell peppers and onion at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
3. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, taco seasoning, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot.
5. Set your crockpot on low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
6. Once done, you can shred the chicken and stir everything together.
7. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or guacamole. Enjoy!

8. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha if using.
3. Pour this delightful sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well covered.
4. Add in the pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
5. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 3.5 to 4 hours.
6. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a dish, keeping it moist and flavorful. Enjoy!

9. Simple Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

1. Start by placing the pork shoulder into your crockpot. Ensure that it fits snugly at the bottom.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the pork. This adds flavor as it cooks.
3. Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce and the water around the edges of the pork.
4. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot. Mix in the remaining BBQ sauce until it’s well coated.
7. Let it sit on warm for about 15 minutes to soak up the flavors before serving. Enjoy!

10. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

1. Start by adding shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing to your slow cooker.
2. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Once everything is melted and smooth, top it with blue cheese crumbles and chives.
5. Serve warm with chips, crostini, or veggies for dipping.

11. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

1. Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens.
2. Add carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and set the cooker to low. Let it cook for 6 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your hearty vegetable soup!

12. Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. Here’s how you can create a gooey, delicious chocolate lava cake.

1. Begin by greasing a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup of milk, and vegetable oil. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining milk and instant pudding mix until it thickens slightly.
5. Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the cake batter.
6. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolatey goodness.
7. Cover the slow cooker with a clean dish towel under the lid to catch condensation. Cook on low for 3 to 3.5 hours.

Enjoy your Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake warm for a comforting and sweet delight!

13. Easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

1. Start by coating your uncooked macaroni in melted butter in the slow cooker.
2. Add in the whole milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, stirring well.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne for a bit of kick.
4. Toss in the chopped American cheese, stirring until everything blends.
5. Cover and cook on high for about 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the heat even.

Enjoy your warm and creamy mac and cheese straight from the crockpot! It’s that simple to make a comforting meal.

14. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

1. Begin by whisking together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth in a large bowl.
2. Place the chicken thighs into the mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture into your slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Once done, serve over rice, and enjoy your flavorful Teriyaki Chicken!

15. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

1. Rub the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning and paprika. This helps infuse flavor right from the start.
2. Place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot. Spread minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour lemon juice and chicken broth over the chicken pieces to keep them moist.
4. Add butter cubes on top, allowing them to melt throughout the cooking process.
5. Set the crockpot on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For a flavorful finish, serve with the sauce spooned over the top.

16. Simple Crockpot Butter Chicken

1. Start by blending the canned tomatoes, onion, ginger, garlic, almond butter, coconut sugar, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and salt until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce into your crockpot and add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender. Stir occasionally.
4. Mix the heavy cream with cornstarch. Add half of this mixture to the crockpot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken with rice or naan!

17. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add cubed cream cheese, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
5. Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce and then add the dry fettuccine pasta.
6. Allow the pasta to cook on high for about 20 minutes until nearly done.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix, and heat through before serving.

18. Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. Trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, tomatoes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture, packing it in tightly.
4. Place the stuffed peppers upright in your crockpot.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the peppers are tender.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes for a deliciously gooey finish. Enjoy your meal!

19. Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken

1. Begin by cubing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly in the crockpot.
2. Place the cubed chicken directly into your slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly at the bottom.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring every piece is coated.
5. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Once done, give everything a gentle stir, and serve over rice or with your favorite side dish. Enjoy your delightful meal!

20. Slow Cooker Lasagna

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a frying pan and add chopped onions and garlic as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and oregano.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, cottage cheese, an egg, and some mozzarella. Add freshly chopped parsley for flavor.
3. Lightly grease your slow cooker and layer some meat sauce at the bottom.
4. Place uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
5. Add a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
6. Continue layering the sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture. Repeat until the ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
7. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the noodles are tender. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top in the last half hour.

Enjoy your delicious slow cooker lasagna! For more details, check out NatashasKitchen’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe.

21. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

To make this delicious Crockpot White Chicken Chili, follow these easy steps:

1. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
2. Add white beans, green chiles, chicken stock, onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once done, remove the chicken from the cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything well before serving. Enjoy your meal!

22. Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

1. Place the beef roast in your slow cooker.
2. Pour the beef broth over the roast.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, diced onion, and minced garlic on top.
4. Add lime juice for an extra zing.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
6. Once done, shred the beef with two forks, mixing it back into the juices.
7. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan or microwave.
8. Serve the shredded beef in the tortillas and enjoy!

23. Crockpot Shrimp Boil

1. Start by cutting the potatoes, corn, and sausage into chunks. Place them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add minced garlic and sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning. Squeeze the juice from one lemon over the top.
3. Pour in 6 cups of water, ensuring everything is submerged. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes, cooking until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Once done, use a slotted spoon to serve your delicious shrimp boil. Enjoy!

24. Simple Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

1. Coat your chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring they’re well-covered.
2. In your crockpot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.
3. Combine spaghetti sauce and tomato paste, then pour them over the chicken.
4. Add mushrooms, onion, bell peppers, and garlic on top. Sprinkle oregano and basil evenly.
5. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Check if the chicken is tender before serving hot. Enjoy!

For more tips on making delicious chicken cacciatore, check out Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.

25. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

1. Begin by browning the sausages in a skillet for about 4-5 minutes until each side is browned.
2. Place the browned sausages in the bottom of your crockpot.
3. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot.
4. Pour marinara sauce over the sausages and vegetables.
5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
6. Stir everything gently to combine.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the sausages are fully cooked.

Enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Sausage and Peppers!

26. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

1. Place chicken, broth, and vegetables into your slow cooker.
2. Add rice, seasoning, and garlic on top. Give everything a good stir to mix.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
4. Before serving, shred the chicken and mix well. Add cheese for extra flavor if desired.

27. Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

1. Start by finely chopping your spinach and artichoke hearts. Place them in your crockpot.
2. Add cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and sour cream to the pot. Toss in minced garlic for extra flavor.
3. Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 2-3 hours. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Once the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy, season with salt and pepper. Give it a final stir.
5. Serve your warm dip with crackers, chips, or bread. Enjoy!

28. Easy Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
4. Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. When the chicken is tender, remove it and shred with two forks.

Enjoy your flavorful Teriyaki chicken with some rice or vegetables!

29. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

1. In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, golden raisins, tomato paste, water, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and salt.
2. Place the chicken pieces on top of the mixture. Ensure everything is spread evenly.
3. Cover your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Before serving, give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
5. Enjoy your meal with rice or couscous for an added touch.

30. Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Aim for slices about 1/3 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
2. In your slow cooker, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, and salt. Stir well to make sure everything is nicely coated.
3. Scatter the cubed butter over the top of the apple mixture.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Stir once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Once your apples are tender, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them warm as a delicious treat!

31. Simple Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Cooker: Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, beans, chiles, and half of the enchilada sauce.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up, and lay them seam-side down in the crockpot.
4. Add Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top about 30 minutes before serving. Close the lid to let the cheese melt.

Enjoy your servings of simple crockpot chicken enchiladas!

32. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

1. Prep the Slow Cooker
   Start by setting your slow cooker to low. This is a gentle way to let the flavors develop.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant.
3. Load the Crockpot
   Add onions, celery, carrots, garlic, lentils, tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cook It Up
   Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the lentils are tender.
5. Finishing Touches
   Discard bay leaves, stir, and sprinkle parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!

33. Crockpot Apple Crisp

1. Start by washing, peeling, and slicing your apples. Aim for about 6 cups in total.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Using a fork or pastry cutter, incorporate the chilled butter into the dry mixture until it becomes crumbly.
4. Place the sliced apples in the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the top.
5. Cover and cook on High for about 2-2.5 hours or on Low for 4 hours.
6. Once done, let the crisp stand with the lid slightly ajar for an additional 30 minutes to allow the topping to harden.

Enjoy your delicious apple crisp as is, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!

34. Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

1. In your crockpot, place the beef strips.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour this sauce over the beef, ensuring that it’s well coated.
3. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir into the crockpot.
5. Add broccoli and cook on high for 30 minutes until the broccoli is done.

Enjoy your meal!

35. Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

1. Start by mixing bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. In another dish, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the top.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes to let the cheese melt perfectly.

Your delicious Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is ready to serve! Enjoy!

36. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

1. Start by adding chopped potatoes, sweet corn, crumbled bacon, and chopped onion to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything gently to combine.
3. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6 to 7 hours.
4. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cream.
5. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to heat through before serving.

37. Crockpot Ratatouille

1. Chop the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and garlic finely.
2. Place the chopped eggplant in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 30 minutes to remove moisture. Rinse and drain well.
3. In your crockpot, add the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours.
6. If desired, add olives during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
7. Once done, serve warm and enjoy your delightful crockpot ratatouille!

38. Easy Crockpot Chicken Marsala

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Place them into your crockpot.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Pour the Marsala wine and chicken broth into the crockpot.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours.
6. Before serving, mix cornstarch and water, stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Enjoy!

39. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

1. Begin by drizzling olive oil into the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the oil.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
4. Pour the vinegar mixture over the chicken.
5. Top the chicken with sliced onions and diced tomatoes.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

40. Simple Crockpot Stuffing

1. To start, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until they soften.
2. In the crockpot, combine the bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the bread mixture, making sure to moisten all parts.
4. Set your crockpot on low and cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the edges don’t dry out.
5. Once done, fluff with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy your easy and flavorful stuffing!