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30 Easy Crockpot Dinners for Stress-Free Evenings

Chef Gadget Genius

November 11, 2024

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If you’re looking to simplify your dinner routine and still enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals, crockpot dinners might be just what you need. Preparing easy crockpot meals not only saves time and effort but also brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction as you come home to a meal that’s ready to enjoy.

You’ll find that crockpot cooking offers a convenient solution to meal planning, allowing you to spend more quality time with family and friends. This collection of 30 easy crockpot dinners is designed to inspire you and help turn any busy weeknight into a culinary success.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the salsa and diced tomatoes over the chicken, and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the mixture to combine with the juices.
4. Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or pico de gallo. Enjoy!

These slow cooker chicken tacos are a delicious and effortless dinner option.

2. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

1. Start by placing your stew meat in the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Pour in the beef broth. Add the sliced mushrooms. Stir everything together to ensure even coverage.
3. Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 7-8 hours until the meat is tender.
4. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the crockpot and stir.
5. Whisk sour cream with a cup of the liquid from the crockpot. Add it back in and combine thoroughly. Serve over noodles if desired. Enjoy!

3. Easy Pork Carnitas

Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. These aromatic ingredients will add depth to the pork carnitas.

Place the pork shoulder over the onion and garlic. In a small bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork for a flavorful marinade.

Add the bay leaves for an added layer of aroma. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. For crispy edges, broil the shredded pork in the oven for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

4. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

1. Begin by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, white beans, green chiles, and chicken broth. Season with garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
3. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the chili.
6. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Enjoy your cozy, creamy chili!

5. Crockpot BBQ Ribs

1. Begin by preparing your ribs. Remove the membrane from the back and pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
2. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a rub. Generously apply the rub to both sides of the ribs.
3. Cut the ribs into manageable sections to fit them into your crockpot.
4. Place the ribs in the crockpot. Cover them with 2-3 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Set the crockpot to low and let the ribs cook for 7 to 9 hours for tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
6. Optional: For extra caramelization, brush the ribs with more BBQ sauce and place them under a broiler for a few minutes.

6. Lazy Lasagna

1. Brown the ground beef in a pan until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
2. Add the pasta sauce to the beef and simmer for five minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom.
6. Layer half of the ravioli over the sauce.
7. Cover ravioli with half of the cheese mixture.
8. Repeat the layers once more.
9. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Enjoy your delicious lazy lasagna!

7. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4. Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes over the mixture.
5. Set your crockpot to low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach, letting it wilt.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

8. Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

1. Place your frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Open the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Toast for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Once the meatballs are cooked, scoop a few into each hoagie roll. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Return them to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Enjoy your delicious sub sandwiches!

9. Sweet and Sour Chicken

1. Place the chicken pieces and chopped bell peppers into the slow cooker. Add the whole can of pineapple chunks with juice.
2. Whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Serve your sweet and sour chicken over rice or noodles and enjoy a delightful meal!

10. Easy Crockpot Chili

1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft.
2. Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and paprika over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Stir everything together to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. When ready, give it a final stir and serve the chili hot. Optional toppings like cheese or sour cream can be added for extra flavor. Enjoy!

11. Slow Cooker Potato Soup

1. Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Chop up the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Add some pepper for seasoning.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You’re looking for the potatoes to be tender.
4. Once the cooking time is up, mash the potatoes to your desired smoothness.
5. Whisk in the cream cheese until it melts completely.
6. Stir in the half-and-half and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until heated through.

Enjoy your creamy, delightful potato soup!

12. Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

1. Start by adding pineapple chunks, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, onion, brown sugar, garlic, and ground ginger into your Crockpot. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
2. Add the chicken breasts, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into the mixture.
3. Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Once cooked, you can shred the chicken right in the pot for a delicious texture.

Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken! Serve with rice or warm bread and savor the sweet and savory flavors.

13. Beef and Broccoli

1. Start by whisking your sauce ingredients together: combine soy sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the beef strips in your slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for about six hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker.
5. Add broccoli florets and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

14. Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

1. Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the enchilada sauce and can of Rotel tomatoes over the chicken.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning on top, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 2-4 hours.
3. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
4. Cut the corn tortillas into strips and add them to the mixture.
5. Stir everything well, making sure the tortillas are fully coated.
6. Add the shredded cheese and mix thoroughly until melted and gooey.

Enjoy your hassle-free Crockpot Enchilada Casserole!

15. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

1. Place your pork loin in the slow cooker. Pour the apple juice over the top to keep it moist.
2. In a small bowl, mix mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring even coverage.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the pork and let it rest for about 20 minutes before shredding with two forks. For added flavor, mix the pork back into its juices.
6. Serve the pulled pork on buns, and enjoy with your favorite barbeque sauce.

16. Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

You’ll love making Chicken Alfredo Tortellini in your slow cooker. It’s simple yet delicious.

1. Start by placing chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Add the minced garlic for extra flavor.
2. Pour Alfredo sauce over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely covered.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in cheese tortellini and spinach.
6. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your creamy and comforting meal!

17. Crockpot Vegetarian Stew

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. It helps to have everything ready to make the process smoother.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic into your crockpot.
3. Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and pepper over the top of your vegetables.
4. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Check the stew occasionally to ensure the vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
7. Once the cooking time is up, give it a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm.

18. Mongolian Beef

Enjoy a delicious Mongolian Beef made easy in your slow cooker. This dish blends tender beef with a sweet and savory sauce.

1. Prep the Steak: Slice the flank steak into thin strips and coat evenly with cornstarch.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir well.
3. Slow Cooker Setup: Place the coated beef and grated carrots into the slow cooker.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and carrots. Stir to coat them evenly.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Serve Mongolian Beef over steamed rice, and enjoy! This dish is sure to be a family favorite. For more details, check out this recipe.

19. Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken, along with potatoes and carrots if using, in a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Pour the sauce over your chicken.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Baste every hour.
6. Add green beans during the last 30 minutes if you like. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic chicken!

20. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

1. Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is thoroughly coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
5. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the sauce before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken!

21. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Get ready to enjoy a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Here’s how you can make buffalo chicken dip in your crockpot.

1. First, add your cooked chicken and cream cheese to the crockpot. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
2. Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. These add a tangy, spicy flavor.
3. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the cheeses, sauces, and chicken are evenly mixed.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once the dip is hot and bubbly, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy it with your choice of dippers like tortilla chips or celery sticks.

22. Slow-Cooked Baked Ziti

1. Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the slow cooker, evenly spreading it across the bottom.
4. Layer uncooked ziti on top of the sauce, ensuring it’s all covered.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spacing them out evenly.
6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pasta is tender.
8. Just before serving, add the remaining mozzarella cheese and let it melt.

Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked baked ziti!

23. Chicken Fajita Soup

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning for that perfect spice blend.
2. Add sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes over everything.
3. Throw in black beans and corn for added flavor and texture. Stir everything together gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it, and then return it to the pot.
5. Stir in chopped cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

24. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Steps:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with chopped onion, celery, and carrots for a flavorful base.
3. Pour in chicken soup, mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours, or low for 7 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Tear the biscuit dough into small pieces.
6. Add the dough pieces to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to finish the dumplings.

Enjoy your cozy, comforting meal!

25. BBQ Pineapple Meatballs

1. Start by preparing your slow cooker with a light layer of nonstick spray.
2. Combine the frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion, and bell pepper in the slow cooker.
3. Stir everything together to ensure the meatballs are fully coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or set it to high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. Stir well before serving, and enjoy your tasty BBQ Pineapple Meatballs!

26. Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

1. Place the chicken pieces in your slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Add the spaghetti sauce on top, followed by mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over everything.
4. Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
5. Once the chicken is tender, it’s ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!

27. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1. Wash, peel, and chop your potatoes into 1-2 inch cubes. Chop the onion finely as well.
2. In the crockpot, combine the potatoes, onion, chicken broth, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until melted.
5. Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top before serving. Enjoy!

28. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

1. Brown the sausage links in olive oil for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re just browned outside.
2. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.
3. Toss in some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour marinara sauce over the veggies and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Place the sausages on top of the vegetable mixture.
6. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, then slice the sausages before serving.

29. Korean Beef Tacos

1. Place the chuck roast in your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sliced jalapeño, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 10 hours or on High for 8 hours. The meat should become tender.
3. Once the meat is done, transfer it to a cutting board. Shred it using two forks.
4. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce.
5. Serve the beef in soft tacos and enjoy your flavorful Korean Beef Tacos!

30. Easy Chicken Marsala

1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on each side.
2. Transfer the chicken to your crockpot. Add butter to the same skillet and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until the mushrooms are tender.
3. Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the chicken broth.
4. Pour the sauce and mushrooms over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve your delicious chicken Marsala with its rich sauce over pasta or rice, and enjoy!