40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (2024)

The crockpot is a great tool for any family because once you set it you can forget it.Crock pot meals are easy and delicious.

Very few small kitchen appliances have changed the way our families cook and eat as the slow cooker has. When women started workout outside the home more in the 1940s, slow cookers first started to gain traction. In fact, the Crock Pot was patented more than 80 years ago, and we’re here for it!

After a while though, the same old recipes get recycled week after week after week.

In the world of convenient and delicious home-cooked meals, crockpot recipes reign supreme. As the ideal kitchen companion, a crockpot allows you to effortlessly transform raw ingredients into mouthwatering dishes by simply tossing them in and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Perfect for those with busy schedules and a taste for hearty comfort foods, crockpot recipes truly embody the best of both worlds.

As you venture into the realm of crockpot cooking, it’s essential to keep in mind that the secret to a successful dish lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the harmonious marriage of flavors. From savory stews to sweet treats, you’ll discover a plethora of recipes that cater to a variety of preferences and dietary needs. By taking advantage of the versatility of your crockpot, you’ll join a community of culinary enthusiasts who swear by the ease and efficiency of slow cooking.

What used to get the family pumped for dinner time now just gets a bunch of groans.

Lucky for you, there are a ton of different crockpot recipes you can add to your arsenal of dishes.You’ll find many a good slow cooker recipe including slow cooker beef and slow cooker pulled pork.

So dust off that Instant Pot and find a new crock pot recipe. I really enjoy potato soup and sweet potato as part of any crockpot meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

You’ll find delicious slow-cooked meats and hearty meals the entire family will enjoy in the best crockpot meals below!

Make sure you check out our other curated crockpot recipe lists:

Crockpot Breakfast Recipes

Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Beef Crockpot Recipes

Keto Crockpot Recipes

Crockpot Soup Recipes

Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes

Easy Crockpot Meals

Our best crock pot recipes will decrease your meal prep time and keep you cooking classy with everything from ground beef to chicken soup. I’m sure you’ll find crockpot dinner ideas your family will love.

Our Favorite Crock Pot Recipes

Source: fitasamamabear.com

Bonus: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

This is easily one of my favorite chicken recipes. It’s a great way to make chicken thighs.

Your family will love them, tangy and tasty.

Source: creationsbykara.com

1. Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni

You won’t be able to create an entire pizza in your crockpot, but you can make a killer pizza casserole with it.

Packed with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, pasta, and whatever other ingredients you want, this dish is filling and satisfying.

Go nuts with your cheese and consider getting yourself a nice roll of garlic bread to go with it.

Source: bunsinmyoven.com

2. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This traditional classic does just as well in a crockpot as it does in a cooking pot.

You can stick with the tried and true recipe or add a little more herbs to kick it up a notch.

Let the chicken cook in the crockpot all day long while you get what you need done.

When you come home, all you need is the dumplings and you’ll be ready to feed the whole family!

Source: togetherasfamily.com

3. Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

This recipe is as delicious as it is easy to make.

Just throw all your ingredients into the pot, mix up the meat as it starts to cook, then put on the lid when your meat is separated.

You’ll get the same savory flavors as a regular burger but with the warmth of a comforting soup.

If you want an easy stapleyou can get together in no time, this could be your go-to dish.

Source: foodtasticmom.com

4. Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Biting into a perfectly cooked short rib at a restaurant reminds you why slow-cooking exists.

Taking your time with short ribs is exactly how you can recreate that melt-off-the-bone texture.

Before throwing your short ribs straight into the pot to cook, season them and throw them in a skillet to sear.

Once each side gets a few minutes to contain all the flavorful juices, add it to your crockpot with the rest of your ingredients.

Make sure to plan these well in advance because the longer you cook them the more satisfying they’ll be.

Source: thechunkychef.com

5. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a party classic that is easy to make and taste delicious.

Set up a tray at your next event and you’ll learn you might need to make an extra batch.

Whether you choose the honey flavor in this recipe or go with your own parmesan or garlic wings, you won’t be disappointed.

Throw them into the slow cooker and make sure they are covered in sauce so they can really soak in all the flavor.

Source: saltysidedish.com

6. Crockpot Tortellini

This amazing recipe includes fresh cheese tortellini and a slow cooker that’s sure to bring smiles on your family’s faces.

Easy to make and just plain delicious, you’ll make this one over and over again.

My family loves it.

Source: thriftyandthriving.com

7. Crockpot Mixed Berry Cobbler

Making a dessert in your crockpot is an excellent way to cook dinner while still being able to have it all.

This mixed berry cobbler is a classic that goes perfectly with some vanilla ice cream on the side.

You don’t have to use berries if you have some other fruit lying around. Peaches, apples, and strawberries all make excellent substitutes in this dish.

You don’t have to have a chef’s attention to detail in order to complete this dish. It’s meant to be a little messy.

Source: thekitchenmagpie.com

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

What’s better than a deliciously cooked crockpot chicken dish? One stuffed with mushrooms and peppers!

Cacciatore is perfect with a side dish of pasta and if you make enough, you can have leftovers for the rest of the week.

With most meats you use in your crockpot, you’ll want to sear it first in a really hot pan before throwing it in with the rest of the ingredients.

Source: yummyhealthyeasy.com

9. Sloppy Joe’s

Looking for one of thoseeasy crockpot dinner ideas to make for the family?

Sloppy Joe’s is a classic any kid or parent enjoys during the week.

Instead of getting your kitchen dirty by making it on a stove, throw all the ingredients in your crockpot, put the lid on, and save yourself some time from cleaning.

Source: carlsbadcravings.com

10. Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

This Asian-inspired cuisine is one of those easy crock pot recipes you can spiceup any way you like.

Instead of heading out to your local restaurant to pick up the dish, you can stay at home and recreate the same delicious flavor.

While your meal is cooking, you can quickly get a side of rice cooking so everything is ready to go when the crockpot stops cooking.

Source: myorganizedchaos.net

11. Crockpot Stuffing

It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you and your family to enjoy a delicious side of stuffing.

Only now, you don’t have to slave around the stove all day making sure your stuffing is ready.

Stick everything in your crockpot and enjoy time with your family while it cooks at the same time.

This is one of those dishes you can really change up to satisfy your taste buds. Add your favorite herbs or an extra link of sausage to step it up a level.

Source: thecozycook.com

12. The Best Crockpot Beef Stew

Nothing keeps you warm in the dead of winter like a nice hot stew.

A nice cut of meat, some potatoes, carrots, and thick sauce makes you feel all warm inside with each bite.

If your kids are having a hard time eating their veggies, you can hide a ton in your beef stew and they won’t even know the difference.

Source: cdkitchen.com

13. Seafood Chowder

You may have had some other types of chowder but you don’t really know the best version till you try a spoonful of seafood chowder.

Packed with fresh shrimp, clams, and crab, it’s the ocean lover’s dream dish.

You want to wait an hour or so before adding in your seafood to keep it from getting rubbery and overcooked.

If the chowder doesn’t seem like enough, nothing goes better with a chowder than some soft cheesy biscuits on the side.

Source: amandascookin.com

14. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Looking for one of those easycrockpot meals?

There must be a million mac and cheese recipes out there but none of them cook themselves like this crockpot recipe.

Now, you can focus on running errands while your mac and cheese melts into the perfect consistency.

Instead of using regular cheese, you can improve the dish by adding some gouda or gruyere. Heck, why not add both?

Source: themagicalslowcooker.com

15. Peanut Butter Cup Cake

Just looking at this dish makes it hard not to bust out the crockpot right now.

Using a boxed cake mix, you can add chocolate and peanut butter to create the best homemade dessert you’ve probably had in a while.

If you just can’t get enough sweetness, you can top it all off with some caramel and peanut butter cups.

Source: spendwithpennies.com

16. Crockpot Lasagna

You’ll make this Italian classic in much the same way you’d make a regular lasagna, except this time you don’t have to cook the pasta.

Just layer everything together, set your timer, and walk away from your crockpot.

All Italian dinners go a little better with some garlic bread added to the mix. If you’re feeling wild, you could even throw in some red wine too.

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17. Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder

You saw how to make seafood chowder but this classic potato and corn chowder is how northerners have been keeping warm for generations.

The chowder is packed with enough ingredients to make this a full-blown meal.

In fact, you might not even make it past your first bowl. Add bacon as a garnish to get some more savory and salty flavors in the mix.

Source: suburbansimplicity.com

18. Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

Have you ever dreamt of waking up and having your breakfast already made for you just waiting to be served?

Well, you don’t have to dream about it any longer. This breakfast casserole recipe cooks overnight so it’s ready to go right when you wake up.

It has everything you could want in a breakfast; sausage, eggs, veggies, hash browns, and bacon. Of course, you can mix it up any way you want for something more to your liking.

Add a little side of avocado toast and you’ll be ready for your day.

Source: thecozycook.com

19. Crock Pot Roast

Pot roast is the classic crockpot dish because it already takes a while to cook but it is worth it if you have the time.

With this recipe, you can have everything prepped in under 30 minutes and once you stick it in your crockpot, you can walk away for the day.

Before you walk in the door to come home, you’ll notice the distinct smell of a delicious pot roast welcoming you home.

Source: thesoccermomblog.com

20. Slow Cooker Lava Cake

Chocolate lovers beware: this dish might be so good you’ll never stop making it.

Who can pass up warm and melting chocolate sauce over a gooey chocolate fudge cake with frosting?

Did I mention the chocolate chips that decorate the top of your cake?

If you have self-control, you may be able to transfer this to a bowl or plate, but many of you will have to dig straight into the crockpot.

Just make sure you have some whipped cream or ice cream to go on the side.

Source: thereciperebel.com

21. Baked Ziti

Much like the lasagna on this list, the baked ziti is perfect for the crockpot because it takes away the need to cook your pasta first.

Instead, layer everything inside the pot, close the lid, and set the timer.

When it’s done cooking, your house will smell like an authentic Italian restaurant.

Serve up some mozzarella sticks or garlic bread on the side and get to eating.

Source: lilluna.com

22. Crockpot Baked Potatoes

The baked potato is one of the most versatile sides of any meal.

Add some chives, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits and it’s almost a meal on its own.

Should be able to fit a few in your crockpot so that each family member has one for their dinner.

Make sure to cover them fully before throwing them into the crockpot so they can retain the heat and cook throughout.

Source: diethood.com

23. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a perfect dish to make in the crockpot because it has a ton of ingredients but all you have to do is throw them into the pot and walk away.

You can even make your rice on the side while the jambalaya is stewing so that everything is ready at the same time.

Try not to substitute the Andouille sausage with another type of sausage, because you’ll be able to taste the difference in the end.

Source: familyfreshmeals.com

24. BBQ Chicken

Nothing says summer like a good cookout with some bbq chicken.

Instead of going through the hassle of gathering coals and lighting a fire and then waiting for your chicken to cook, throw it in the crockpot for the same great flavor.

Use a smoking machine to add the smoky flavor you’d get on the grill.

As long as the chicken is sitting in a good amount of BBQ sauce, your chicken will absorb all the flavors.

What separates a good BBQ from a great BBQ is the sauce, so mix together a homemade batch and you’ll wow your friends.

Source: chefsavvy.com

25. Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

Like the Beef and Broccoli dish, this takeout dish can be made right at home with a good crockpot.

Take your chicken and throw it on a searing skillet on each side for a few minutes before tossing it into the crockpot.

This will keep the juices on the inside of your chicken and create a nice crust on the outside.

Source: chefsavvy.com

26. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Meatballs are great with pasta or you can throw them into a sandwich with some marinara sauce.

You can also add just about any ingredient you want inside the meatballs to satisfy your taste buds.

With a slow cooker, your meatballs will cook evenly every single time and they’ll soak up all the flavors in the meantime.

Just make sure you make enough for the group because they’ll go fast.

Source: plainchicken.com

27. Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

If you’ve ever had a soup and haven’t been quite satisfied at the end of the meal, this is definitely for you.

Packed full of meat, bacon, carrots, potatoes, and other ingredients, you might have a hard time going back to regular burgers.

You could even try the traditional fries with your soup and give one or two a dip into the sauce.

Source: plainchicken.com

28. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork

Pulled pork practically melts in your mouth if you make it in a slow cooker.

Add some teriyaki sauce to it and it will be your new best friend for the rest of the week.

You can put this on tortillas, bread, rolls, or pretty much anything you want to.

You could even have it on its own with some rice and broccoli.

Source: eatingonadime.com

29. Crock Pot Pork Chops

Making pork chops is tricky.

They are always either underdone or overcooked and no one wants to eat a rubbery pork chop.

But making it in the crockpot makes it so much better.

You’ll not only get flavorful bites, but they will each be as moist as the last.

Topping it all off with a delicious gravy is really just the cherry on top.

Source: spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

30. Crockpot Chili

You can’t go a whole winter without making some homemade chili.

This crockpot recipe makes it easier than ever to have a warm bowl waiting for the family.

Even though there are a lot of ingredients, all you have to do is put them in the pot and walk away.

Now, whether you should add beans or not in your chili is up to you.

Source: thecountrycook.net

31. Steak and Gravy

Who says you can’t have a delicious steak meal without spending a ton of time on it?

This steak and gravy instant classic will have your mouth watering for more.

Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this before.

Source: lifeinthelofthouse.com

32. Honey Sesame Chicken

You won’t be able to get enough of this honey sesame chicken! The sweet and savory flavors are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Making it in the crockpot gives you plenty of time to work on the rest of your dinner preparations or get some other work done.

Source: dinnerthendessert.com

33. Beer Onion Brisket

Brisket is good enough on its own but when you add some onions and beer to the mix, it takes things up a notch.

The best part is that it only takes about 3 hours in the crockpot so you can come home to a delicious dinner without having to spend all day in the kitchen.

Source: easyfamilyrecipes.com

34. Loaded Baked Potato

Everyone loves a good baked potato and with the crockpot you don’t have to worry about having to babysit it.

You can top it with your favorite fixings, like cheese, bacon, and green onions, for a delicious and filling meal.

Source: givemesomeoven.com.com

35. Birria

This slow cooked meat is a prized dish in Mexican cuisine. It’s made with beef or pork and is cooked in a chili pepper sauce.

It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want something a little bit different for dinner.

Source: eatingonadime.com

36. Chicken and Rice

There’s nothing more simple and more delicious than a good chicken and rice dish.

The chicken cooks in the crockpot with some rice and carrots for a complete meal that your family will love.

Source: crockpotsandflipflops.com

37. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When you want the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect.

The chicken is cooked in the crockpot with some pasta and a simple sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight meal.

Source: asouthernsoul.com

38. Bourbon Meatballs

The best thing about meatballs is that they are versatile and can be made with pretty much any type of meat. These bourbon meatballs are made with ground beef and pork and they are simmered in a bourbon sauce.

They are perfect for a party or for a special occasion and everyone will love them.

Source: thecozycook.com

39. Beef Tips and Gravy

This dish is perfect for a cold winter’s day. The beef tips are cooked in the crockpot with some gravy and carrots for a hearty and comforting meal.

It’s perfect for those days when you want something warm and filling, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Serve it over some rice or mashed potatoes for a complete.

Source: eatwell101.com

40. Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tuscan garlic chicken thighs are a delicious and easy way to make chicken. The chicken is cooked in the crockpot with some garlic, tomatoes, and spinach for a simple and healthy meal.

It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.