I remember when I first became a mom, trying to juggle everything at once felt like an endless race.
Between nap schedules, playdates, and everything else that comes with raising a little one, finding time to make dinner was a challenge.
That’s when I discovered the magic of crackpots.
It felt like a lifesaver!
Toss a few ingredients in, set it, and hours later, you have a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Crockpots make it so easy to cook for the family without being tied to the stove, which is a huge win when you’ve got a million things to do.
If you feel like you’re spending too much time in your kitchen, here are some amazing crockpot recipes you need to try:
Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners
Dump and go crockpot dinners are my lifesavers when I’m short on time but still want to feed my family something homemade.
The beauty is in how simple they are—you just throw everything into the crockpot and forget about it until mealtime.
By the time dinner rolls around, you have a delicious meal ready to go without any extra fuss!
1. Crockpot Chili
Chili in the crockpot is a no-fuss dinner. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices all go in at once, and it slow cooks to perfection. By the time dinner rolls around, the rich flavors have melded beautifully for a hearty meal.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork
When you’re in the mood for BBQ, pulled pork in the crockpot is the way to go. Toss a pork shoulder in with BBQ sauce and seasoning, and let it cook until it’s fall-apart tender. Serve it on soft buns with coleslaw for a perfect dinner.
3. Beef Stew
There’s nothing quite like beef stew after a long day. Simply add beef, carrots, potatoes, and beef broth to the crockpot and let it simmer. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
4. Taco Soup
Taco soup is a go-to for me when I want something quick and flavorful. It’s as easy as tossing ground beef, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning into the crockpot. After a few hours, the flavors meld together into a comforting, slightly spicy soup.
5. Italian Meatballs
For an easy, delicious dinner, Italian meatballs in the crockpot are a must-try. Just drop in meatballs, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. The sauce thickens, and the meatballs come out tender and ready to serve over pasta.
6. Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers are a crowd-pleaser, and the crockpot makes it even easier. Throw Italian sausage, sliced bell peppers, and onions in, along with some tomato sauce. After several hours, the sausages are juicy, and the peppers are tender, perfect for serving with crusty bread.
7. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff in the crockpot is a family favorite. Toss in beef strips, onions, and mushrooms, then let them simmer in a rich beef broth. Finish it off with sour cream for a creamy, comforting dinner served over noodles.
8. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are one of the easiest crockpot meals. Simply layer chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. When it’s done, just grab some tortillas, and dinner is ready to go.
9. Potato Soup
Potato soup is perfect for chilly evenings. Add diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth to the crockpot. The slow cooking process results in a creamy, comforting bowl of soup that’s rich and satisfying.
10. Carnitas
For taco night, carnitas made in the crockpot are a hit. A pork shoulder slow cooks in a blend of citrus and spices, turning tender and juicy. Once it’s done, shred it up and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Easy Crockpot Meals
Easy crockpot meals are perfect for those days when you need dinner but don’t have time to stand in front of the stove.
Whether it’s a soup, a hearty stew, or a simple pasta dish, the crockpot takes care of all the cooking for you.
I love how it makes dinner feel effortless, yet the result is always packed with flavor.
11. Lasagna
Lasagna doesn’t need to be complicated. Layer noodles, ricotta, marinara, and ground beef in the crockpot, and let it cook slowly. By the time it’s done, the cheese is bubbly, and the pasta is perfectly cooked without the need to pre-boil. This is one of my favorite cheap dinners I make.
12. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a sweet and savory favorite. Place chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, and a little pineapple juice in the crockpot. The chicken comes out tender and full of rich, tangy flavor.
13. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese in the crockpot is a game-changer. Combine pasta, cheese, milk, and butter in the crockpot, and let it work its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish that’s hard to resist.
14. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is the perfect balance of healthy and hearty. Toss in veggies, beans, pasta, and a tomato broth. Letting it slow cook deepens the flavors, creating a nutritious meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
15. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are the ultimate comfort food. Combine chicken, broth, and veggies in the crockpot, then drop biscuit dough on top during the last hour. The dumplings turn out fluffy and flavorful, soaking up all the savory goodness.
16. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli tastes just like takeout, but it’s even easier in the crockpot. Throw in beef strips, soy sauce, garlic, and a little ginger. Add the broccoli toward the end, and you’ve got a delicious, savory meal to serve over rice.
17. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is one of my favorite sweet and savory dishes. Combine chicken thighs, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, and let the crockpot do the rest. The slow cooking caramelizes the sauce, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
18. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, spinach and artichoke dip is so easy in the crockpot. Mix cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, and some Parmesan, then let it all heat up. By the time it’s ready, you’ve got a creamy, cheesy dip everyone will love.
19. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
For a quick appetizer or dinner, sweet and sour meatballs are always a hit. Place frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, and sweet and sour sauce in the crockpot. The meatballs soak up the tangy sauce, making them perfect for serving with rice or as an appetizer.
20. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that’s a breeze in the crockpot. Layer uncooked pasta, ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella, and let it slow cook. The result is a cheesy, comforting meal without all the work of traditional baked ziti.
21. Ribs
Slow-cooked ribs are unbeatable when it comes to tenderness. Coat ribs in your favorite BBQ rub, place them in the crockpot, and let them cook low and slow. The ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender, and you don’t even need to fire up the grill.
22. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are a family-friendly classic. Brown the ground beef, then mix it with tomato sauce, onions, and seasonings in the crockpot. By the end of the day, you’ll have a thick, saucy mixture perfect for spooning onto buns.
Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes
Chicken breast crockpot recipes are my go-to when I want something healthy and versatile.
The slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a variety of meals that the whole family loves!
23. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is light and zesty. Chicken breasts, lemon slices, garlic, and chicken broth cook together to create a flavorful dish. It’s perfect with a side of vegetables or over rice.
24. Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is a super simple, versatile dish. Chicken breasts and a jar of salsa go into the crockpot. By the end of the day, you’ve got shredded chicken ready for tacos, burritos, or salads.
25. Butter Chicken
This butter chicken recipe makes weeknight dinners easy. Chicken breasts, tomato sauce, coconut milk, and spices simmer together. The crockpot brings all the flavors together for a delicious, creamy dish.
26. Chicken Alfredo
For a creamy, comforting meal, chicken Alfredo in the crockpot is perfect. Chicken breasts, Alfredo sauce, and garlic cook all day long. By dinner, it’s ready to serve over your favorite pasta.
27. Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore in the crockpot is an easy way to enjoy an Italian classic. Chicken breasts, tomatoes, bell peppers, and Italian herbs create a flavorful dish. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a filling meal.
28. Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken is perfect for sliders or salads. Chicken breasts and buffalo sauce cook together in the crockpot until the chicken is easy to shred. It’s spicy, tangy, and always a hit at our house.
29. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a restaurant favorite, but it’s so easy in the crockpot. Chicken breasts, Marsala wine, and mushrooms cook together. By the end of the day, the sauce is rich and the chicken is tender.
30. Greek Chicken
Greek chicken in the crockpot brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano slow cook together, creating a zesty, aromatic dish. Serve it with rice, orzo, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
31. Pesto Chicken
Pesto chicken is a flavorful, herby dish that’s so easy to make. Just add chicken breasts and pesto sauce to the crockpot. By dinner, the chicken is tender and packed with basil goodness.
32. Chicken Tacos
Chicken tacos are always a hit on taco night. Chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and a little broth cook in the crockpot all day. By dinnertime, the chicken is ready to shred and serve with tortillas.
33. BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken in the crockpot is a go-to for quick and easy dinners. Simply add chicken breasts and your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the crockpot do the rest. By the end of the day, the chicken is juicy and ready to be shredded for sandwiches or served as is.
Enjoy Your Crockpot Creations!
Crockpot cooking makes life so much easier, especially when you’re juggling family, work, and everything else.
With these simple, flavorful recipes, you can serve up delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let your crockpot do the work, and enjoy more time with the ones you love!
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