Crockpots and slow cookers are great kitchen tools for busy people. They let you make tasty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. You can throw ingredients in before work and come home to a hot dinner.
These 40 recipes show how versatile crockpots can be. You’ll find ideas for soups, stews, meats, and even desserts. There are options for every taste and diet. With a crockpot, you can cook delicious food with less effort.
Start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a pan. Add these to your slow cooker along with beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a touch of cinnamon for depth. For extra texture, toss in some corn or diced zucchini.
Set your crockpot on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Stir occasionally if you’re around. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Top your chili with cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added richness. Enjoy this comforting meal on a cold day or any time you crave a satisfying vegetarian option.
Pulled pork is a perfect dish for your crockpot. Place a pork shoulder in the slow cooker with some onions and apple cider.
Cook it on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender. You can also use high heat for 5-6 hours if you’re short on time.
Once done, shred the pork using two forks. Mix it back into the juices for extra flavor. Serve your pulled pork on hamburger buns for a delicious meal.
For added taste, try rubbing the pork with a mix of brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before cooking.
Clam chowder is a perfect dish for your slow cooker. You can easily make this creamy soup with minimal effort.
Start by adding clams, potatoes, onions, and celery to your crockpot. Pour in some broth and seasonings like thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low for about 7 hours until the potatoes are tender. In the last hour, stir in some half-and-half mixed with cornstarch to thicken the chowder.
For extra flavor, cook bacon separately and add it to the soup before serving. You can also serve your clam chowder in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for your slow cooker. You can easily make this hearty meal with minimal effort.
Start by placing chicken breasts in your crockpot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery for a flavorful base. Toss in some minced garlic and herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra taste.
Pour chicken broth over the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. When the chicken is tender, remove it and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add egg noodles. Cook for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are soft. Your comforting chicken noodle soup is now ready to enjoy.
Minestrone is a perfect slow cooker recipe. You can easily make this hearty Italian soup in your crockpot.
Start by adding vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans to your slow cooker. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and green beans.
Season with garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in some zucchini and small pasta like ditalini. This allows the vegetables to stay crisp and the pasta to cook without getting mushy.
Serve your minestrone hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Crockpots are great for making rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce. You can easily create this classic Italian dish with minimal effort.
Start by browning ground beef and pancetta in a pan. Then add these meats to your slow cooker with tomato paste, red wine, and vegetables like onions and carrots.
Let the sauce simmer on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Near the end, stir in some cream for added richness. Serve your homemade Bolognese over fettuccine or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that’s perfect for your crockpot. Start by mixing onions, garlic, ginger, and spices in your slow cooker.
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste for a rich base. Pour in some heavy cream to create that signature creamy texture.
Place chicken pieces into the sauce mixture. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Before serving, stir in a bit more cream or yogurt to thicken the sauce. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Serve your butter chicken over rice with naan bread on the side. This crockpot version is just as tasty as the traditional recipe, but much easier to make.
Crockpot barbecue ribs are a tasty and easy meal. Start by removing the membrane from the ribs and patting them dry. Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful rub.
Apply the rub to both sides of the ribs. Cut them into smaller portions to fit in your slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce over the ribs, making sure to cover all surfaces.
Cook the ribs on low for 8-9 hours or high for 3-4 hours. They’re done when the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone. For extra flavor, broil the ribs briefly before serving.
Making lasagna in a crockpot is easy and delicious. You can create layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese that cook slowly to perfection.
Start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic. Spread some sauce in the bottom of your crockpot. Add uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if needed.
Layer the meat sauce, cheese mixture, and more noodles. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
The result is a tender, flavorful lasagna without heating up your kitchen. It’s great for busy days or when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Crockpot mac and cheese is a simple, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy days. You’ll need elbow macaroni, milk, evaporated milk, and a mix of cheeses.
Start by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add uncooked pasta, milk, and evaporated milk. Mix in shredded cheddar, American cheese, and cream cheese.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. Stir everything well, making sure the pasta is covered by liquid.
Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. The result is a rich, gooey mac and cheese that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Split pea soup is a perfect crockpot meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make. Start by rinsing your split peas and adding them to your slow cooker.
Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for flavor. Don’t forget to include some ham or a ham bone for extra taste.
Pour in chicken broth and water. Spices like thyme, bay leaves, and pepper will boost the flavor. Some recipes suggest adding smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 7-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the peas are tender, your soup is ready. Enjoy this warm, comforting meal on a chilly day.
A Crockpot breakfast casserole is an easy way to start your day. You can prepare it the night before and wake up to a hot meal.
This dish combines eggs, cheese, and your choice of meats like bacon or sausage. You can add vegetables such as peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Layer hash browns, meats, veggies, and cheese in your slow cooker. Pour a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and seasonings over the top.
Cook on low for 8-9 hours while you sleep. In the morning, you’ll have a hearty breakfast ready to serve. It’s perfect for feeding overnight guests or meal prepping for busy weekdays.
Beef stroganoff is a tasty meal you can easily make in your slow cooker. Start by adding cubed beef to the pot. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and seasonings like oregano and thyme.
Next, toss in sliced mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Near the end, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken the sauce. Finish by adding sour cream for a creamy texture. Serve your beef stroganoff over egg noodles for a comforting dinner.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a perfect dish for your crockpot. You start by blanching cabbage leaves in boiling water for 5-8 minutes to make them pliable.
Mix ground beef, cooked rice, garlic, onions, and spices for the filling. Roll the mixture in the cabbage leaves and place them in your slow cooker.
Pour tomato sauce over the rolls. Cook on low for 5-8 hours until the meat reaches 160°F. The rolls will expand as they cook.
You can add extra cabbage leaves around the rolls to fill spaces. This dish is great for making ahead and freezing for later use.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a simple yet delicious meal you can make with minimal effort. Start by adding chicken breasts, cream cheese, butter, garlic, and seasonings to your slow cooker.
Pour in some broth and heavy cream, then cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
Once cooked, remove and shred the chicken. Return it to the crockpot and add pasta. Let it cook until the pasta is tender.
The result is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love this easy slow cooker version of a classic Italian favorite.
Crockpot Salisbury steak is a tasty comfort food you can easily make. Start by mixing ground beef with seasonings and forming patties. Brown the patties in a skillet for a few minutes on each side.
Place the browned patties in your slow cooker. Pour a mixture of beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce over them. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
When done, remove the patties and thicken the gravy with cornstarch. Serve your Salisbury steaks with the rich gravy poured on top. This dish goes well with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Tortilla soup is a tasty and simple crockpot meal. You can make it with chicken, vegetables, and spices. The slow cooker does most of the work for you.
Start by adding chicken, broth, tomatoes, and corn to your crockpot. Mix in some chili powder and cumin for flavor. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Before serving, shred the chicken and stir it back in. Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
This soup is perfect for busy days. It’s filling, warm, and full of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Beef and broccoli is a tasty dish you can easily make in your crockpot. It’s a great way to enjoy Chinese-inspired flavors at home.
Start by placing beef strips in the slow cooker. Mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and garlic for the sauce. Pour this over the beef and cook on low for about 5-6 hours.
When the beef is nearly done, add fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot. Let them steam on top for 20-30 minutes until tender-crisp.
For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in at the end. Serve your beef and broccoli over rice for a complete meal.
Chicken fajitas are a tasty and easy meal to make in your crockpot. Start by adding sliced bell peppers and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle taco or fajita seasoning over the chicken.
Pour in some chicken broth or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and moisture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
When done, shred the chicken and mix it with the peppers and onions. Serve your fajitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or guacamole.
You can make delicious cornbread in your slow cooker. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Stir the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the batter into a greased crockpot. Cover the top with paper towels before putting on the lid.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
This method creates moist, flavorful cornbread without heating up your kitchen. Serve it warm as a side dish for soups, stews, or barbecue.
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that’s perfect for your slow cooker. You’ll love how the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
Start by browning bacon in a skillet. Then sear the chicken pieces until golden. Add these to your crockpot with onions, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic.
Pour in red wine and chicken broth. Don’t forget to add thyme, bay leaves, and tomato paste for extra flavor. Cook on low for about 8 hours.
Near the end, you can thicken the sauce with a flour and butter mixture. Serve your Coq au Vin over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
Teriyaki meatballs are a tasty and easy crockpot meal. You can use frozen meatballs to save time.
Add meatballs to your slow cooker. Mix teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and brown sugar in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat them.
Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or low for 4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers. Serve your teriyaki meatballs over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
This dish is great for parties or a simple family dinner. The sweet and savory flavors will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
You can make delicious banana bread in your slow cooker. This easy recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas. Mix your ingredients in a bowl, then pour the batter into a greased slow cooker.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours until a toothpick comes out clean. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf without turning on the oven. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Slow cooker banana bread is great for busy days. Start it in the morning and come home to a sweet-smelling kitchen. Serve warm slices as a snack or dessert.
Creamed spinach in a crockpot is a simple and tasty side dish. You can make it with frozen spinach, cream cheese, and a few other ingredients.
Start by thawing and draining the spinach. Put it in your slow cooker. Mix cream cheese, butter, garlic, and heavy cream in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the spinach and stir gently.
Set your crockpot to low heat. Let it cook for 2-3 hours, stirring now and then. The result is a creamy, cheesy spinach that goes well with many meals.
You can add nutmeg for extra flavor if you like. Some recipes use ricotta or Parmesan cheese too. This dish is easy to make and perfect for busy days.
Caramelized onions are a tasty addition to many dishes. You can easily make them in your slow cooker with minimal effort.
Slice onions and place them in your crockpot. Add butter, salt, and a bit of sugar or brown sugar. Some recipes suggest including Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Cook the onions on low heat for 8-10 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking if you like. For a thicker result, leave the lid slightly open for the last few hours.
The onions will turn a rich golden brown and become sweet and jammy. Use them to top burgers, add to soups, or enjoy as a side dish.
Gumbo is a hearty Cajun stew that’s perfect for your crockpot. You can easily make this Louisiana classic with chicken, sausage, and shrimp.
Start by combining chicken broth, tomatoes, and Creole spices in your slow cooker. Add chicken, sausage, and okra. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Stir in shrimp during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This ensures they don’t overcook. Serve your gumbo over a scoop of white rice for a filling meal.
This “dump and go” recipe is simple to assemble. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend, creating a rich and tasty dish.
Risotto in a crockpot is a game-changer. You can make this creamy Italian dish without standing over the stove for hours.
To start, add Arborio rice, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Set it on low and let it cook for about 2-3 hours.
Near the end, stir in some butter and cheese for extra creaminess. You can also add cooked mushrooms, peas, or other veggies for more flavor and texture.
This hands-off method gives you delicious risotto with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.
Benefits of Using a Crockpot
Crockpots offer many advantages for home cooks. They make meal prep easier and can improve the taste of your dishes.
Convenience and Time-Saving
Crockpots let you set it and forget it. You can add ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready meal. This is great for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
Crockpots work well for meal prepping too. You can make big batches of food to eat throughout the week. This saves time on cooking and cleanup.
Many crockpot recipes have few steps. You often just toss in ingredients and turn it on. This means less time in the kitchen and more time for other things you enjoy.
Enhanced Flavor and Tenderness
Slow cooking brings out rich flavors in food. Meats become tender and fall off the bone. Tough cuts of meat turn soft and tasty.
Spices and herbs have time to blend, creating deep flavors. Vegetables absorb the juices from meats and other ingredients.
The low, slow heat helps foods keep their nutrients. This makes crockpot meals both yummy and healthy.
Energy Efficiency
Crockpots use less energy than ovens or stovetops. They cook at low temps for long periods, which saves power.
You can cook a whole meal in one pot. This means you’re not using multiple appliances at once.
Crockpots don’t heat up your kitchen like ovens do. This can lower your cooling costs in hot weather.
Using a crockpot can cut your energy bill. It’s a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet.
Tips for Cooking with a Slow Cooker
Mastering your slow cooker can lead to delicious, hassle-free meals. These tips will help you get the most out of your crockpot cooking.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. You can chop ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. This saves time in the morning.
Brown meats before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances flavor and texture. It also helps remove excess fat.
Measure and mix seasonings ahead of time. Store them in small containers or bags. You’ll be ready to add flavor quickly when cooking day arrives.
Choosing the Right Cuts of Meat
Pick tougher, cheaper cuts of meat for slow cooking. These become tender over long cooking times. Good choices include:
Chuck roast
Pork shoulder
Chicken thighs
Avoid lean meats like chicken breast. They can dry out in a slow cooker.
Trim excess fat from meats before cooking. This prevents greasy dishes.
Layering Ingredients for Optimal Results
Put hardy vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the bottom. They take longer to cook and need more heat.
Place meats on top of the vegetables. This allows them to cook in the juices and stay moist.
Add delicate ingredients like herbs and dairy last. They can break down or curdle if cooked too long.
Don’t overfill your slow cooker. Keep it between half and two-thirds full for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a slow cooker seems simple, but small errors can ruin your meal. Learning to avoid these common pitfalls will help you create delicious dishes every time.
Overfilling the Slow Cooker
Don’t pack your crockpot to the brim. Fill it only 1/2 to 2/3 full for best results. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and may cause the lid to fit poorly.
This can let heat escape and increase cooking times. It may also cause your food to become mushy or burn around the edges. If you need to cook larger amounts, consider using a bigger slow cooker or making two batches.
Remember that some ingredients, like rice and beans, expand as they cook. Leave extra space when using these foods.
Adding Dairy Products Too Early
Wait to add milk, cream, or cheese until the end of cooking. Dairy can curdle or separate if cooked for too long at high temperatures.
Stir in these ingredients during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time. This allows them to heat through and blend with other flavors without breaking down.
For recipes that call for cream soups, use condensed versions. These are less likely to separate during long cooking times.
If you’re adapting a recipe, swap out milk for broth or water. Add the dairy later when the dish is almost done.
Not Browning Meat Before Slow Cooking
Take a few extra minutes to brown meat before adding it to your slow cooker. This step adds depth and richness to your dishes.
Browning creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction. It also helps seal in juices, keeping meat tender during long cooking times.
For ground meats, browning helps them keep their texture. It prevents them from becoming mushy in the final dish.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step. But for the best flavor, try to brown when possible.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
