Struggling with dinner ideas every night? You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind. With demanding schedules and hectic lifestyles, it’s no wonder that cooking up a delicious meal every evening can feel like an insurmountable task. But what if you could effortlessly prepare a mouth-watering meal without sacrificing precious time or energy? Enter the humble crockpot, a culinary savior for busy weeknights. With its ease of use and minimal prep requirements, the crockpot has become a staple in many households, and for good reason. In this post, we’re excited to share our curated list of 35 quick, easy, and utterly delicious crockpot meals that will make dinner time a breeze, even on the most chaotic of days.
35 Easy Few Ingredient Crockpot Meals
Chicken Tacos
Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker along with a packet of taco seasoning and a jar of salsa. Set the cooking time to high for four hours or low for six to eight hours. Once the dish is cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Serve the shredded chicken hot with tortillas, your choice of toppings, and any other desired accompaniments.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup in a single bowl, then carefully place the mixture over chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Program your slow cooker to run on high heat for 3-4 hours or opt for low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Once done, serve the cooked chicken breasts alongside a generous helping of fluffy rice.
Pulled Pork
Transform a pork shoulder into tender, juicy goodness by generously applying your go-to dry rub seasoning. Then, let slow-cooking do its magic – opt for a low-and-slow approach that lasts eight hours or speed things up with four hours on high heat. Once the pork is fall-apart tender, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces and serve it up on soft buns with a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor and indulgence.
Chili
Combine browned ground beef and sautéed onions with the savory flavors of canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and a hint of chili seasoning. Allow this hearty mixture to simmer away on low for 8 hours or cook quickly on high for 4 hours. When it’s time to serve, elevate your dish with an array of tasty toppings such as melted shredded cheese and a dollop of creamy sour cream.
Beef Stroganoff
Combine beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sautéed mushrooms, and sliced beef strips in a slow cooker. For a rich and tender dish, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or opt for a low and slow approach at 6 to 8 hours. Serve the hearty mixture over egg noodles, allowing each bite to meld together.
French Dip Sandwiches
To prepare a mouthwatering chuck roast, combine it with beef broth, onion soup mix, and garlic in your slow cooker. Set the device to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to tenderize. Once cooked through, shred the beef into manageable strips and serve it on a soft bun, accompanied by a side of rich au jus for dipping – the perfect combination that will leave you craving more.
Chicken and Dumplings
Combine the rich flavors of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sautéed onions, and tender boneless chicken to create a mouthwatering dish. Simply place all the ingredients in your slow cooker, setting it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. As the mixture cooks to perfection, prepare your biscuit dough according to package instructions. Once the main course is done, add the biscuit dough and let it cook for an additional hour on high, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown topping that complements the savory flavors beneath.
Potato Soup
Combine diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and crispy bacon in your slow cooker. Program it to cook on low for a leisurely 8 hours or high for a quicker 4 hours. When the cooking cycle is complete, use a fork to mash the tender potatoes. Serve with your preferred toppings and enjoy!
Salsa Chicken
To prepare this delectable dish, simply combine boneless chicken breasts, a generous helping of salsa, and some fresh corn into your slow cooker. Program the device to cook on low for a leisurely 6 hours or speed up the process by opting for high heat and cooking for just 3 hours. Once the timer goes off, use two forks to gently shred the cooked chicken into tender strands. Serve this flavorful concoction over a bed of fluffy rice, and you’ll be in for a treat.
Meatball Subs
Combine the ingredients by adding frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and sliced peppers and onions to the slow cooker. For a tender and flavorful dish, cook it on low for eight hours or high for four hours. Once cooked, assemble the final product by placing the mixture onto sub rolls and topping with melted cheese.
Vegetable Soup
To infuse your slow-cooked meal with a medley of flavors, combine diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into the slow cooker. For a more leisurely approach, cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together in harmony. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, switch to high heat and let it cook for 4 hours. In either case, the addition of a can of mixed vegetables will add an extra layer of depth to your dish.
Chicken and Rice
Combine cooked rice, the savory flavor of cream of chicken soup, a refreshing splash of water, and tender boneless chicken in a slow cooker. Allow this delightful concoction to simmer on low heat for 6 hours or opt for a quicker preparation time by cooking it on high heat for just 3 hours, letting the flavors meld together perfectly.
Turkey Breast
Transform the tender and juicy flavor of a turkey breast by rubbing it generously with your preferred blend of aromatic herbs and savory spices. Next, place the seasoned turkey in a slow cooker, setting the cooking time to low for 7-8 hours. As the aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, allow the meat to absorb the flavors and tenderize to perfection. Once cooked, slice the turkey into generous portions and pair it with your favorite accompaniments for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
In a slow-cooking extravaganza, combine the tanginess of lemon juice with the pungency of garlic and the rich flavor of chicken broth. Pour this potent mixture over succulent chicken breasts in your slow cooker and let the magic unfold. For a quick and tender meal, cook on high for 3-4 hours or opt for a low-and-slow approach that yields equally delicious results after 6-8 hours.
Italian Beef
Combine the robust flavors of a beef roast, savory beef broth, spicy pepperoncini peppers, and aromatic Italian seasoning in your slow cooker. Allow this mouthwatering mixture to simmer away for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. As the cooking time elapses, tenderize the beef to perfection before shredding it. Serve the shredded beef on a soft bun, topped with melted provolone cheese for an indulgent twist.
Lasagna
To create a mouthwatering slow-cooked lasagna, start by layering cooked lasagna noodles with a blend of creamy ricotta cheese, melted shredded mozzarella, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce in the slow cooker. Allow the mixture to cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to tenderize perfectly.
Teriyaki Chicken
Combine teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar in a single bowl. Next, place the mixture over chicken breasts in your slow cooker. To ensure tender and juicy results, cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours or opt for a slower cooking time of 6-8 hours on low.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Combine a hearty corned beef brisket with a medley of vegetables – including tender cabbage, crunchy carrots, and sweet onions – in your slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the cooker along with some water, then set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Apple Cider Pork Chops
Combine apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl to create a rich and tangy marinade. Place this mixture over pork chops in the slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 3-4 hours or switch to low heat for a more leisurely 6-8 hour cooking time. As the flavors meld together, the tender pork chops will be transformed into a delectable meal.
Enchilada Casserole
To create a mouthwatering dish, layer tender tortillas with rich ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted shredded cheese within the confines of your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer at a low temperature for an extended period of 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Beef and Broccoli
To prepare this mouthwatering beef dish, combine beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and grated ginger in a bowl. Next, pour the marinade mixture over sliced beef strips and broccoli florets in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, allowing the tenderizing process to unfold. Once cooked, serve the flavorful beef and broccoli combination over a bed of steaming hot rice, savoring each bite.
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
To create a mouthwatering breakfast casserole, start by layering frozen hash browns, cooked sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese in your slow cooker. Next, pour beaten eggs and milk over the top, ensuring a rich and creamy texture. Allow the dish to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, resulting in a satisfyingly hearty breakfast that’s perfect for any morning.
Crockpot Chicken and Salsa Verde
A deliciously easy and convenient way to prepare boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs is by placing them in a crockpot and smothering them with a jar of salsa verde. Simply set the cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the tenderizing effects of the slow cooking process to work its magic. Once cooked through, shred the chicken and use it as a filling in tacos, burritos, or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Crockpot Lentil Soup
To prepare a wholesome and delicious soup, combine equal parts of dried green or brown lentils with vegetable or chicken broth, along with chopped carrots and celery, in your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for 8-10 hours, as this will enable the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to tenderize perfectly, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any meal.
Crockpot Beef Tacos
To create a mouthwatering taco feast, place a beef chuck roast, a packet of taco seasoning, and a jar of salsa into your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for an eight-hour period or on high for four to five hours. Once the cooking process is complete, shred the tender beef and serve it in taco shells alongside your preferred toppings.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice Soup
Combine tender chicken breasts with rich chicken broth, crunchy diced carrots, and fluffy white rice in your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer slowly over low heat for 6 to 8 hours or speed up the process by cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours. Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken and indulge in a comforting bowl of warm, savory soup.
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers:
Combine the flavors of Italy with simplicity by placing Italian sausages, succulent slices of bell peppers, and aromatic onions into your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer away on low for a leisurely 6-8 hours or speed up the process with a cook time of 3-4 hours on high. Once cooked through, serve the mouthwatering combination in soft, fluffy rolls for a satisfying sandwich experience.
Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken
In a harmonious blend of flavors, combine melted butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth in a bowl. This savory mixture is then poured over succulent chicken breasts placed in the slow cooker. Opt for a leisurely cooking time on low for 6-8 hours or hasten the process on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked to perfection, serve the tender chicken over a bed of pasta or rice, allowing the rich flavors to meld together.
Crockpot Chicken and Black Bean Soup
To create a savory and satisfying slow-cooked meal, combine chicken breasts with black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning in your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once cooked, shred the chicken and indulge in a comforting and filling soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken
To prepare a mouth-watering and effortless BBQ chicken sandwich, start by placing chicken breasts in your crockpot. Next, pour over your go-to BBQ sauce, ensuring that the breasts are well-coated. Then, set your crockpot to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to tenderize. Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finally, pile the shredded chicken onto your favorite buns and get ready to indulge in a juicy and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for any meal or gathering.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, white beans, and green chilies in your slow cooker. Allow the mixture to simmer for a prolonged period of time – either opt for a leisurely 6-8 hour cooking duration on low or accelerate the process by choosing high heat for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken and indulge in a rich, flavorful chili that’s sure to please.
Crockpot Teriyaki Pork
To create a delectable teriyaki glazed pork tenderloin, combine teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and ground ginger in a bowl until well incorporated. Next, place the mixture over the pork tenderloin in your crockpot, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, cook on low for 6-8 hours or opt for a quicker cooking time of 3-4 hours on high. Once cooked, slice the pork and serve with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the savory glaze.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
To create a mouth-watering buffalo chicken dish, start by placing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Then, pour your favorite buffalo sauce over the top of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Set the cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to tenderize beautifully. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with a fork into bite-sized pieces. You can now use this delicious buffalo chicken in a variety of dishes, such as buffalo chicken sandwiches or wraps, adding your own creative twists along the way.
Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
To create a mouthwatering dish, combine four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with fresh pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and brown sugar in the slow cooker. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for six to eight hours or high heat for three to four hours. Once cooked, serve the flavorful chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, perfect for sopping up all the juices.
Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken
Combine the flavors of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried herbs by mixing them together in a bowl. Then, pour this aromatic mixture over chicken breasts placed in your trusty crockpot. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or opt for the quick route and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Once done, serve with your preferred sides to create a well-rounded meal. And if you’re ever stuck in a cooking rut, remember that these effortless recipes can be relied upon to deliver a mouthwatering outcome without demanding too much of your time. Simply dust off your crockpot and give one (or all!) of these delectable meals a try.