When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like the convenience and flavor that a slow cooker can provide. And when it comes to slow cookers, few things are as satisfying as tender, fall-apart meat dishes. In this article, we’ll explore 18 deliciously savory crockpot meat recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen repertoire.
From classic beef stew to spicy chili and mouth-watering ribs, these recipes showcase the versatility of a slow cooker and its ability to transform tough cuts of meat into tender, juicy masterpieces. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to have a few meals ready to go, these crockpot meat recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of the 18 recipes, exploring ingredients, instructions, and tips for achieving that perfect tender texture. So whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker pro or just starting out, get ready to elevate your meal game with these mouth-watering crockpot meat recipes!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This comforting slow cooker beef stew is a perfect solution for a busy day. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This recipe is a classic comfort food favorite that’s perfect for casual gatherings or busy weeknights. With minimal effort, you’ll have tender and flavorful pulled pork sandwiches ready to be devoured.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a 6-quart Crockpot. Add the garlic on top of the onion.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the Crockpot, fat side up.
4. Pour in the barbecue sauce and sprinkle with brown sugar.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and stir to combine with the juices.
7. Split the hamburger buns in half and spoon the pulled pork onto the buns.
8. Top with coleslaw, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Herb-Roasted Crockpot Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs with a blend of fresh herbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With minimal effort, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously moist and aromatic main course.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your crockpot to low (6-8 hours).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and brush with the herb mixture.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low)
Spicy Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef
Get ready to warm up with this hearty and spicy crockpot chili recipe featuring ground beef as the star ingredient! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the crockpot.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. Add browned ground beef mixture to the crockpot; season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Italian Meatballs
Elevate your pasta nights with this comforting and easy-to-make Crockpot Italian Meatballs recipe. This slow-cooked delight is packed with rich flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Crockpot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs in the Crockpot. Pour marinara sauce over them.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
BBQ Crockpot Ribs
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for gatherings and everyday meals, these slow-cooked ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with tangy BBQ flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the crockpot to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional) and place them in the crockpot.
4. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs, then sprinkle with the dry rub mixture.
5. Cook for 8 hours or overnight (10-12 hours).
6. After 8 hours, remove the ribs from the crockpot and brush with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if preferred.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker pot roast with vegetables is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound beef pot roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
2. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Place the pot roast on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes around the roast.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crockpot Mongolian Beef
Experience the bold flavors of Mongolia with this easy-to-make Crockpot dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into thin strips
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the Crockpot, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add beef strips to the Crockpot, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in water and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Garlic Butter Crockpot Pork Chops
Transform pork chops into a tender, flavorful delight with this easy crockpot recipe!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In the crockpot, combine garlic, butter, chicken broth, and brown sugar.
3. Add the seasoned pork chops to the crockpot, ensuring they are covered by the garlic butter mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove from heat, let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe
Tender and flavorful lamb shanks cooked to perfection in a rich and aromatic sauce – perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lamb shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of red wine
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. Season the lamb shanks with salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary.
3. In a large skillet, brown the lamb shanks over medium-high heat on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened.
5. Transfer the lamb shanks, onion mixture, red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple for busy households. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can come home to a deliciously tender beef and broccoli dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef sirloin or chuck roast
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced onion to the crockpot.
2. Place the beef roast on top of the onions.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, water, and soy sauce.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef and onions.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Add the broccoli florets to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken
This sweet and tangy recipe is a delicious twist on traditional crockpot chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a crockpot and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.
3. Pour the sweet and sour mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
Savor the flavors of a tender turkey breast cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, served with a rich and savory gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, layer the sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Place the turkey breast on top of the onion mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, flour, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the turkey breast.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids, then serve the gravy alongside the sliced turkey.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Get ready for a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. This Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Place the sausage in the Crockpot.
2. Add the sliced peppers and onions on top of the sausage.
3. Sprinkle the garlic over the vegetables.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Venison Stew
Slow Cooker Venison Stew Recipe
Warm up with a hearty and comforting slow cooker venison stew that’s perfect for any time of the year. This easy-to-make recipe is great for using up leftover game meat, like deer or elk, and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison (or other wild game), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine venison, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: Low – 8-10 hours, High – 4-6 hours
Crockpot Korean Beef Short Ribs
This recipe yields tender, flavorful short ribs infused with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine, perfect for a cozy night in. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish without sacrificing flavor or effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Optional: green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy garlic for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, Gochujang, garlic, ginger, water, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Add the short ribs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat Crockpot to low (8 hours) or high (4 hours). Place the marinated short ribs in the crockpot. Cook until tender, about 8-10 hours.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy garlic, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe that’s perfect for busy days. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you’ll have a deliciously moist meatloaf waiting for you when you need it.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to LOW.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Add chopped onion and mix again until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW), 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Crockpot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook pork tenderloin using your crockpot. The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that will make this dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
2. Place the pork in the crockpot and add the teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger on top of the pork.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Discover 18 mouthwatering crockpot meat recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic comfort foods like slow cooker beef stew and pot roast with vegetables, to international-inspired dishes like Mongolian beef and Korean beef short ribs, there’s something for everyone in this collection of savory crockpot recipes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these tender and flavorful meat dishes are sure to become new favorites.
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