Get ready to cozy up with a delicious, stress-free meal! Crock pot cooking is a game-changer for busy home cooks and families alike. With just a few simple ingredients and some preparation in advance, you can come home to a warm, comforting dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we’re sharing 20 of our favorite crock pot dinner recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor.
From classic comfort foods like beef stew and chicken noodle soup, to international-inspired dishes like Moroccan lamb stew and Italian sausage and peppers, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker or just starting out, these hearty, comforting recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.
So go ahead, grab your crock pot, and get ready to dive into the world of deliciously simple cooking!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty, comforting stew perfect for a chilly day or a busy evening. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme to the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Crock Pot Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this creamy chicken and mushroom crock pot casserole is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed crackers (Ritz or similar)
Instructions:
1. In the crock pot, combine chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and thyme. Pour over chicken mixture.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle crushed crackers on top.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Crock Pot Chili with Ground Turkey
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This spicy twist on classic chili is made with ground turkey, beans, and a blend of spices that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to the crock pot with the remaining ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Savory Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
Savory Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
Summary: This recipe combines the tender flavors of pork loin, sweet apples, and caramelized onions in a deliciously easy crock pot meal.
Ingredients:
• 2-3 lb boneless pork loin
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In the crock pot, layer the onions, apples, and pork loin in that order.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of the pork loin.
4. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on crock pot setting)
Vegetarian Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender lentils and sweet potatoes in a rich vegetable broth. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory, these Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the crock pot and coat with the honey-garlic mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Hearty Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a busy day or a cozy evening. This hearty dish is easy to prepare, simmered to perfection, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the sausage in the crock pot.
2. Add the sliced peppers, onion, and garlic on top of the sausage.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour over the vegetables.
4. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A Deliciously Easy Meal
This recipe yields tender, flavorful pulled pork sandwiches with a sweet and tangy BBQ twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this slow cooker recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on hamburger buns.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach
This hearty Crock Pot soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional creamy soups. With the addition of spinach, this dish becomes a nutritious and delicious meal option.
Ingredients:
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz tortellini
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add tortellini, spinach, and dried basil to the Crock Pot.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Garlic Butter Crock Pot Shrimp Scampi
A decadent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, Garlic Butter Crock Pot Shrimp Scampi is a game-changer. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic butter, all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your crock pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add shrimp, garlic, butter, white wine (if using), chicken broth, and lemon juice to the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli
This recipe is a flavorful and effortless combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory teriyaki sauce, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place beef slices at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add teriyaki sauce, broccoli, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil on top of the beef.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Comfort Bowl
Soothe your soul with this hearty, comforting recipe that combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, all cooked to perfection in your Crock Pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups biscuit or dumpling mix (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken in the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chicken broth, milk, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings according to package instructions (or make homemade biscuits).
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Spicy Crock Pot Black Bean and Corn Chili
This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cozy evening or a crowd-pleasing party. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can prepare this spicy delight in just a few minutes and let it simmer all day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato and Ham Chowder
This hearty chowder recipe is a perfect blend of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and aromatic spices, all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s an easy and comforting meal for any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb diced ham
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the diced ham, potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours (low) or 1-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional salmon dishes, featuring tender fish, bright asparagus, and a zesty lemon-herb sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Crock Pot to low.
2. Place salmon fillets in the Crock Pot.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the lemon mixture over the salmon.
5. Arrange asparagus spears around the salmon.
6. Cook on low for 2-1/2 hours or high for 1 hour.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Hearty Crock Pot Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to feed the whole family without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth and barley. Pour over the beef mixture in the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and carrots and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Elevate your mealtime with this easy and delicious slow cooker casserole that combines the comfort of chicken enchiladas with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (10.5 oz) enchilada sauce
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cumin in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Arrange tortillas on top of the casserole and sprinkle with cilantro.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagna with Ricotta
A delicious twist on classic lasagna, this recipe uses the convenience of a Crock Pot to cook layers of vegetables, ricotta cheese, and pasta. Perfect for a stress-free dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms)
– 16 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
3. In the Crock Pot, create a layer of vegetables, followed by a layer of noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this process two more times, ending with a layer of ricotta on top.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the ricotta layer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Moroccan Lamb Stew with Couscous
Slow Cooker Moroccan Lamb Stew with Couscous: A hearty and aromatic stew that combines tender lamb, fragrant spices, and fluffy couscous, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and olive oil. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare couscous according to package instructions.
5. Serve stew over couscous, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crock Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, cheesy, and smoky macaroni dish. This Crock Pot recipe combines al dente pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich bechamel sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the Crock Pot, combine cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, milk, and butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cooked macaroni to the Crock Pot mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these deliciously simple crock pot dinner recipes! From hearty stews and casseroles to soups and chowders, there’s something for everyone. Try Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables or Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Crock Pot Casserole for a comforting meal. Or, opt for Spicy Crock Pot Chili with Ground Turkey or Savory Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apples and Onions for a flavorful twist. Whether you’re looking for meatless options or indulgent treats, these 20 recipes are sure to become new favorites!
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