Few appliances reign supreme, like the humble crockpot. Its ability to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals with minimal effort is unparalleled.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who prefers to let their kitchen gadgets do the heavy lifting, these 15 effortless crockpot recipes will surely become staples in your cooking repertoire.
From hearty stews to tender meats and flavorful soups, your slow cooker will do all the work while you sit back and enjoy the delicious results.
Savory Beef Stew
Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices come together in this classic crockpot beef stew. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Warm up from the inside out with this creamy chicken and wild rice soup. Loaded with tender chicken, wholesome grains, and a creamy broth, this comforting soup is a breeze to make in your crockpot. Just add all the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Indulge in tender, flavorful BBQ pulled pork sandwiches without ever firing up the grill. Simply season a pork shoulder with your favorite BBQ rub, place it in the crockpot with some barbecue sauce, and let it cook low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Vegetarian Chili
Even meat lovers won’t miss the beef in this hearty vegetarian chili. Packed with beans, vegetables, and bold spices, this crockpot chili is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for Meatless Mondays or any day of the week. For extra flavor, add cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Teriyaki Chicken
Take a trip to the Far East with this flavorful teriyaki chicken made right in your crockpot. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce until they’re juicy and flavorful. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this fragrant and flavorful lamb tagine. Tender lamb shoulder is slow-cooked with a medley of spices, dried fruits, and aromatic vegetables until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with couscous or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, especially when it’s made in your crockpot. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich cream come together in this easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Beef Barbacoa Tacos
Spice up taco night with these mouthwatering beef barbacoa tacos made in your crockpot. Tender beef brisket is slow-cooked with smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and Mexican spices until it’s perfectly shredded and flavorful. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a fiesta-worthy meal.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty lemon garlic chicken cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy lemon garlic sauce and slow-cooked until they’re tender and flavorful. For a light and refreshing meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Thanks to your crockpot, indulge in creamy mushroom risotto without all the stirring. Arborio rice, mushrooms, shallots, and Parmesan cheese are cooked together in a rich and flavorful broth until they’re perfectly creamy and tender. Serve as a side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Sliders
Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with these Hawaiian-pulled chicken sliders. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce until they’re fall-apart tender. Serve on slider buns with coleslaw for a taste of paradise.
Butternut Squash Soup
Celebrate fall flavors with this velvety butternut squash soup made in your crockpot. Sweet butternut squash is simmered with onions, apples, and warm spices until it’s smooth and creamy. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for a cozy and comforting meal.
Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings with these easy salsa verde chicken enchiladas made in your crockpot. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in tangy salsa verde until they’re juicy and flavorful, then wrapped in corn tortillas and smothered in more salsa verde and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for entertaining.
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Transport yourself to the streets of Italy with this classic Italian sausage and peppers dish made in your crockpot. Spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions are simmered in a savory tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve over pasta or on crusty rolls for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent chocolate lava cake made in your crockpot. Rich chocolate cake batter is poured into individual ramekins and topped with a gooey chocolate filling, then slow-cooked until the edges are set, but the center is still molten. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
