Best Crock Pot Dinners: Easy & Delicious Recipes 10 Looking for an easy way to make dinner? Let your slow cooker handle it! These easy and delicious recipes will give you tasty meals for your family.
best crock pot dinners
Our collection has 10 recipes, from hearty soups to tacos. Just add your ingredients, set the timer, and enjoy a meal ready when you get home. These crock-pot recipes are great for anyone, whether you’re busy or a parent on-the-go.
Key Takeaways
- 10 easy and delicious crock-pot recipes for busy weeknights
- Low-prep meals that are perfect for families
- A variety of cuisines, including soups, stews, and pasta dishes
- Simple ingredients and big flavors
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
The Magic of Slow Cooking: Why Crock Pots Are a Kitchen Essential
The slow cooker is a game-changer for home cooks. It lets you make a variety of tasty meals with little effort. It’s become a must-have for many, offering a convenient solution for busy people.
Time-Saving Benefits for Busy Households
One big plus of using a crockpot is how it saves time. Just add your ingredients in the morning, and you’ll have a meal ready when you get home. This time-saving feature is great for those with tight schedules.
With a slow cooker, you can make everything from hearty stews to tender roasts. You don’t have to spend hours cooking. This lets you do other things while your meal cooks.
slow cooker
Essential Equipment for Successful Slow Cooking
To get the most from your crock pot, you need the right tools. This includes a good quality slow cooker and basic kitchen tools like a cutting board. You’ll also need utensils for preparing your ingredients.
Getting a slow cooker with different cooking settings can make cooking better. It lets you adjust cooking times and temperatures for different recipes.
Core Pantry Ingredients for Crock Pot Cooking
Having a well-stocked pantry is key to slow cooking. You’ll need canned goods like beans and tomatoes, and spices and herbs. These basics can help you make many delicious meals.
Stocking your pantry with these essentials makes cooking with a crockpot easy. You can make everything from comforting soups to flavorful stews.
Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Experience the taste of Italy with our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken. It’s a tasty and easy dinner for any weeknight. The dish mixes Tuscan flavors with the ease of slow cooking.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, you’ll need a few things. You’ll need 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Also, 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker, too.
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Put the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, mix diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl. Pour this over the chicken.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Pro Tips and Variations
For more flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it. Just reheat and serve.
Recipe 2: Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos
Try making Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos for a flavorful meal. It’s great for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. This recipe offers a delicious, authentic Mexican dish with little effort.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef brisket or beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
You’ll need a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, a cutting board, a knife, and a measuring cup.
Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make delicious Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos:
- Place the beef chunks in the Crock-Pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix lime juice, cilantro, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Shred the beef with two forks and stir to coat with juices.
- Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos with the shredded beef and your choice of toppings.
Pro Tips and Variations
For extra flavor, add a diced onion or garlic cloves to the Crock-Pot with the beef. Adjust the heat by using more or fewer chipotle peppers.
Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge overnight. Cooked beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat the beef in the Crock-Pot or microwave before assembling the tacos.
Recipe 3: Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
Enjoy the rich flavors of our Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup. It’s a great dinner choice for when you’re short on time. This recipe is easy to make in a crock pot and tastes like a fancy soup.
Ingredients and Equipment
You’ll need a few ingredients for this soup: 1 (20 oz) package of cheese tortellini, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need a crock pot and a blender or immersion blender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, put the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crock pot. Stir well, then cook on low for 4-5 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini and heavy cream. Keep cooking until the tortellini is tender. Then, stir in the chopped basil.
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
Pro Tips and Variations
For more flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also try different tortellini, like spinach or meat-filled, to change things up.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Recipe 4: Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Crock pot meals just got tastier with our Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies. It’s healthy and satisfying. This easy recipe is perfect for busy households looking for a nutritious meal with minimal preparation.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup mixed veggies (such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For equipment, you’ll need a 6-quart crockpot and basic cooking utensils.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add the mixed veggies on top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
honey garlic chicken and veggies
Pro Tips and Variations
For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of grated ginger to the honey garlic sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water. Add it to the crock pot 30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare the ingredients a day before and store them in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 10g |
Best Crock Pot Dinners for Vegetarian and Plant-Based Diets
Vegetarians and those on a plant-based diet will love crockpot recipes. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. Plus, they’re great for busy weeknights.
vegetarian lentil sweet potato chili
Recipe 5: Vegetarian Lentil Sweet Potato Chili
This chili is perfect for a cold evening. It simmers all day, filling your home with delicious smells. It’s healthy and filling.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese for topping
You’ll need a 6-quart crock pot for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the diced sweet potato, lentils, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and chili powder to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with your choice of avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Pro Tips and Variations
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use carrots or parsnips instead of sweet potatoes.
Recipe 10: Coconut Curry Chickpeas with Vegetables
This recipe is a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. The coconut curry sauce is creamy and flavorful, covering the chickpeas and veggies in a delicious sauce.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans)
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
A 6-quart crock pot is ideal for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, mixed vegetables, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine, then cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Pro Tips and Variations
Choose your favorite veggies and add red pepper flakes for heat. For a thicker curry, use less coconut milk or add a cornstarch slurry.
These recipes prove crock pot cooking is great for vegetarians and plant-based diets. Whether you want a hearty chili or a flavorful curry, these dishes will be favorites in your kitchen.
Hearty Family-Favorite Crock Pot Meals
Coming home to a delicious, slow-cooked meal is the best. Crock pots are great because they make tender, flavorful dishes with little effort. Here are three hearty family-favorite crock pot meals perfect for any occasion.
Recipe 6: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast with Veggies
This classic pot roast recipe gets a boost from balsamic vinegar and slow-cooked veggies.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 3-4 pound beef pot roast
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 crock pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pot roast on all sides until browned.
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the browned pot roast on top.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and potatoes around the pot roast.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar over the top.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender.
Pro Tips and Variations
For more flavor, add beef broth or red wine to the crock pot. You can also change the veggies to parsnips or turnips.
slow cooker balsamic pot roast with veggies
Recipe 7: Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Stack
This recipe mixes salsa verde’s tanginess with enchiladas’ warmth. It’s a delicious stack that’s easy to make in a crockpot.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 crock pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the Clay pot. Pour the salsa verde over the top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the stack by layering the tortillas, shredded chicken, and cheese.
- Top with cilantro and serve.
Pro Tips and Variations
You can add diced onions or black beans to the stack for more flavor. For spice, use hot salsa verde or add jalapeños.
Recipe 8: BBQ Pulled Pork
This classic BBQ pulled pork recipe is loved by all. It’s easy to make in a crockpot.
Ingredients and Equipment
- 2-3 pound pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 crock pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Pour over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
Pro Tips and Variations
For a tangier BBQ sauce, add apple cider vinegar. Serve the pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw or pickles.
| Recipe | Cooking Time | Main Ingredients |
| Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast with Veggies | 8-10 hours | Beef pot roast, balsamic vinegar, vegetables |
| Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Stack | 6-8 hours | Chicken breasts, salsa verde, tortillas, cheese |
| BBQ Pulled Pork | 8-10 hours | Pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar |
Recipe 9: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is a hit for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and spinach and artichokes make it a winner, all thanks to the crock pot.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this tasty dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb pasta of your choice
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
You’ll also need a crock pot, a large pot for boiling pasta, and a colander.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by mixing the chopped artichoke hearts, fresh spinach leaves, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and garlic powder in the crock pot. Stir until everything is well combined.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, boil your pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it.
Stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan cheese if you like.
creamy spinach and artichoke pasta
Pro Tips and Variations
For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the crock pot or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly.
Conclusion: Transform Your Weeknight Dinners with These Crock Pot Recipes
This article has shown you many tasty and simple crock-pot dinners. You can now change your weeknight meals for the better. There are options for everyone, from hearty family dishes to vegetarian and plant-based meals.
These recipes are easy to make and don’t take much time. You can enjoy a creamy tomato basil tortellini soup or a flavorful beef barbacoa taco. The best thing is, you’ll have a meal ready when you get home, perfect for busy days.
Adding these easy crock-pot dinners to your meal plan saves time. You’ll also get to try different meals that everyone can enjoy. So, why not try these recipes and enjoy coming home to a delicious meal?
FAQ
What are the best crockpot dinners for a busy weeknight?
Great options for a busy weeknight include Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken and Crock-Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies are also excellent choices. These meals are easy to make and cook while you’re busy.
Can I make crock pot recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many crockpot recipes can be made ahead. Prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, cook them in the crock pot when you’re ready. This saves time during the week.
Are crockpot dinners healthy?
Crock pot dinners can be healthy if you choose wisely. Use lean proteins, lots of veggies, and whole grains. Try Vegetarian Lentil Sweet Potato Chili or Coconut Curry Chickpeas with Veggies. Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast with Veggies is also a good choice.
Can I customize crockpot recipes to suit my dietary needs?
Yes, you can tailor crockpot recipes to fit your diet. Adjust ingredients, seasonings, and cooking time as needed. For example, make a recipe low-sodium by using less salt or salt-free blends.
What are some essential pantry ingredients for crockpot cooking?
Key pantry items for crock pot cooking include canned beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and spices. Also, keep olive oil, salt, and pepper handy.
Can I make crockpot recipes in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, many crock pot recipes work in slow cookers or Instant Pots. The ingredients and seasonings stay the same. Just adjust cooking time and liquid levels as needed.
How do I store leftovers from crockpot dinners?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready.