The crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, is a kitchen essential for those who appreciate the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it meals. Whether you’re looking to whip up a hearty dinner or prep a meal for the week ahead, the crockpot has you covered. Here’s a roundup of the 20 best crockpot recipes that are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor.
Beef Recipes
1. Crockpot Pot Roast
Crockpot Pot Roast is the epitome of comfort food. Imagine tender, succulent beef cooked to perfection with carrots, potatoes, and onions, all soaking up a rich, savory gravy. The secret to a good pot roast is allowing it to cook slowly, letting the flavors meld and the meat become fork-tender. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, especially on a chilly evening. To make it even more flavorful, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
2. Crockpot Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for cold days. This crockpot version is packed with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a savory broth that’s thickened slightly by the natural starches from the potatoes. The key to a great beef stew is seasoning it well—don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. A bowl of this stew served with a slice of buttered bread is comfort food at its finest.
3. Crockpot Barbacoa
Barbacoa is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish made from slow-cooked beef that’s shredded and often served in tacos, burritos, or over rice. The beef is marinated in a mixture of chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, and lime juice before being slow-cooked until it’s tender and easy to pull apart. This recipe is perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week in different dishes. Pair it with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic experience.
4. Crockpot French Dip
A French Dip sandwich is a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The crockpot version involves slow-cooking a beef roast until it’s so tender it practically falls apart. The beef is served on a crusty baguette and dipped into a rich au jus made from the cooking liquid. To make the au jus even more flavorful, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, and some fresh garlic. This is a great dish for a casual dinner or game day spread.
Chicken Recipes
5. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in a crockpot makes the process even easier. Tender chicken is cooked in a creamy broth with onions, carrots, and celery, then topped with fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious flavors. The key to perfect dumplings is not overmixing the dough, which ensures they remain light and tender. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, especially when served with a side of green beans or a simple salad.
6. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Chicken Fajitas are a staple in many households, and making them in a crockpot makes meal prep a breeze. Slices of chicken breast are cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices until everything is tender and flavorful. Serve the chicken mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. This recipe is also great for meal prep—just store the cooked chicken and veggies in the fridge and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
7. Crockpot Chicken Curry
This Crockpot Chicken Curry is a delicious and aromatic dish that’s sure to become a favorite. The chicken is slow-cooked in a sauce made from coconut milk, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. The result is a rich and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread. For an extra kick, add some chopped chili peppers to the sauce. This dish is great for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat when you want something a little different.
8. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather, and this crockpot version makes it easier than ever to prepare. Chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and onions are cooked in a savory broth until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft. Egg noodles are added at the end of the cooking time, so they don’t get too mushy. This soup is perfect for meal prep—just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when you need a comforting meal.
Pork Recipes
9. Crockpot Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, in sandwiches, or over a plate of creamy coleslaw. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork. The key to great pulled pork is cooking it low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together. For an extra burst of flavor, serve the pulled pork with a tangy barbecue sauce. This recipe is also great for leftovers—just reheat the pork and use it in tacos, salads, or even on pizza.
10. Crockpot Carnitas
Carnitas is a Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The pork is cooked with garlic, cumin, and orange juice until it’s tender, then shredded and broiled until the edges are crispy. This dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice with a side of beans. The combination of tender meat and crispy edges makes carnitas a real treat. Serve with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finish.
11. Crockpot Pork Chops
Pork chops can sometimes be tricky to cook without drying them out, but the crockpot makes it easy. The pork chops are cooked in a savory gravy made from onions, garlic, and broth until they’re tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice. For extra flavor, consider adding some sliced mushrooms to the gravy. The result is a simple yet delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
12. Crockpot Pork Loin
A pork loin is a great cut of meat for feeding a crowd, and cooking it in a crockpot ensures it stays juicy and flavorful. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked with apples, onions, and a splash of apple cider for a sweet and savory dish. This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or potluck, and the leftovers are great for sandwiches the next day. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Other Recipes
13. Crockpot Chili
Chili is a versatile dish that can be made in countless ways, and this crockpot version is a real crowd-pleaser. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, beans, and tomatoes, then simmered slowly with a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The result is a rich, hearty chili that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or even over a baked potato for a satisfying meal. For those who like a little heat, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
14. Crockpot Lasagna
Lasagna is a favorite for many, but it can be time-consuming to make. Enter the crockpot version—layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and plenty of cheese are slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a cheesy, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe is also great for meal prep—just assemble the lasagna in the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
15. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic, and making it in a crockpot makes it even easier. The pasta is cooked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s slow-cooked until it’s bubbling and delicious. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a side dish for a barbecue. For a little extra flavor, consider adding some crumbled bacon or a dash of hot sauce. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
16. Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The roast is cooked with a packet of ranch dressing mix, a packet of au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers until it’s tender and flavorful. The result is a savory, slightly tangy roast that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice. This dish is also great for sandwiches—just shred the roast and serve it on a crusty roll with some of the cooking liquid for dipping.
17. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is a takeout favorite, and making it in a crockpot is surprisingly easy. The beef is cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until it’s tender, then broccoli is added towards the end of the cooking time. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or some crushed red pepper flakes.
18. Crockpot Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a fancy-tasting dish that’s surprisingly simple to make in a crockpot. The chicken is cooked with mushrooms, garlic, and a rich Marsala wine sauce until it’s tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Serve it over pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. The combination of tender chicken and savory mushroom sauce makes this dish a real treat.
19. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. The sausage is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes until everything is tender and flavorful. This dish is great served over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own with a side of crusty bread. For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausages. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
20. Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
For those looking for a meat-free option, this Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s full of flavor. Beans, tomatoes, and a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn are slow-cooked with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The result is a rich and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with cornbread or over a baked potato for a complete meal. This dish is also great for meal prep—just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when needed.
Conclusion
The crockpot is an incredibly versatile tool that makes it easy to create delicious, hearty meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re in the mood for tender beef dishes, flavorful chicken meals, or something a little different, these 20 best crockpot recipes offer something for everyone. The convenience of slow cooking allows you to enjoy rich, developed flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a comforting meal. Give these recipes a try, and you’ll see why the crockpot remains a beloved kitchen staple.