25 Crockpot Meal Prep Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When life gets crazy and the weekdays are jam-packed with work, appointments, and endless to-dos, the last thing you want to do is worry about what’s for dinner. That’s where a trusty crockpot becomes your best friend. I’ve found that having a solid list of go-to crockpot meal prep recipes can be a real game-changer in maintaining a healthy, stress-free lifestyle.

Whether it's hearty soups, savory stews, or flavorful chicken dishes, you can whip up something delicious with minimal effort. This is why I’ve compiled a list of 25 Crockpot Meal Prep Recipes for Busy Weeknights to make your evenings a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This dish is perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Stir to combine, and then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Shred chicken with two forks before serving.
5. Serve with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, and cilantro if desired.

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A healthier take on your favorite take-out, made conveniently in your crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef flank or sirloin (sliced thin)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add the sliced beef and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets.
5. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tender, juicy pulled pork that makes the perfect filling for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in the crockpot.
2. Place pork shoulder in the mixture and coat well.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Shred pork with two forks.
5. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

4. Vegetarian Chili

A hearty and nutritious vegetarian option packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and mix well.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Serve with cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired.

5. Teriyaki Chicken

Easy teriyaki chicken that’s perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken thighs and coat well.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
4. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the crockpot to thicken sauce.
5. Serve over rice with steamed veggies.

6. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy, cheesy dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb pasta

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth.
2. Add garlic and cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Remove chicken and shred.
4. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta to the crockpot.
5. Cook on high for 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.
6. Stir in shredded chicken before serving.

7. Beef Stew

Classic beef stew that's as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 4 potatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving.

8. Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory honey garlic chicken that falls apart with a touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and basil in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken and coat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred chicken before serving.

9. Minestrone Soup

A hearty, vegetable-packed soup that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 cup pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except pasta to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Add pasta 30 minutes before serving.

10. BBQ Chicken Tacos

An easy way to enjoy tasty BBQ chicken in the form of tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper
• Tortillas
• Toppings (cheese, coleslaw, avocado, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and add BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Shred chicken and serve in tortillas with desired toppings.

11. Lasagna Soup

A twist on classic lasagna, made simple in a crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup broken lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef and add to the crockpot.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

12. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Perfect for game nights or gatherings, this dip is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and pour buffalo sauce over it.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Shred chicken and add cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
4. Stir and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.

13. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A rich and comforting tomato soup with a creamy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions:

1. Combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and basil in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
4. Stir in heavy cream before serving.

14. Chicken and Dumplings

Comfort food at its finest, made easily with a crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, carrots, peas, thyme, and sage in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Shred chicken and add back to the crockpot.
4. Tear biscuit dough into pieces and add to the crockpot.
5. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.

15. Stuffed Peppers

A complete meal packed with veggies, protein, and grains.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey with onion and garlic.
2. Mix with rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stuff mixture into bell peppers and place in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours.

16. Thai Peanut Chicken

A savory and slightly sweet dish that pairs well with rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken and coat well.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred chicken before serving.

17. Turkey and White Bean Chili

A lean and tasty chili perfect for cooler nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey with onion and garlic.
2. Add to crockpot with remaining ingredients.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6 hours.

18. Hungarian Goulash

A rich and savory beef stew with a hint of paprika.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Add beef, broth, onion, bell pepper, paprika, garlic, and tomatoes to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Stir in sour cream before serving.

19. Coconut Curry Chicken

A mildly spiced dish that's creamy and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, chicken broth, onion, garlic, curry powder, and ginger in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken and coat well.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Shred chicken before serving.

20. Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

A hearty meal that's both easy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced)
• 4 potatoes (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine smoked sausage, potatoes, onion, bell pepper, chicken broth, and seasonings in the crockpot.
2. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.

21. Chicken Fajitas

An easy way to enjoy all the flavors of fajitas with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Place sliced chicken, bell pepper, and onion in the crockpot.
2. Add fajita seasoning and chicken broth.
3. Stir to coat evenly.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve in tortillas with desired toppings.

22. Chicken Marsala

A classic Italian dish made simple in a crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and add Marsala wine, chicken broth, onion, mushrooms, garlic, and thyme.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

23. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A sweet and tangy dish that's perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar in the crockpot.
2. Add frozen meatballs and stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

24. Chicken Alfredo

Creamy chicken alfredo made with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb pasta

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot and add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Remove chicken and shred.
4. Add pasta to the crockpot and cook on high for 30 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in shredded chicken before serving.

25. Beef and Bean Burritos

An easy and filling meal that’s great for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef and add to the crockpot.
2. Add black beans and salsa.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 4 hours.
4. Serve in tortillas with shredded cheese and desired toppings.

Conclusion

Finding time to cook doesn't have to be stressful with these 25 Crockpot Meal Prep Idea Recipes for Busy Weeknights. These dishes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Give your weeknights a break and dig into these comforting, effortless meals. Enjoy!