30 Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
Is there anything better than coming home to a hot, delicious meal that's already cooked itself? For me, my crockpot is a lifesaver, especially during the busy weekdays. It allows me to throw in my ingredients in the morning and return home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
If you're looking for some inspiration, you're in luck. I've compiled my favorite 30 Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners, and I promise they are as easy as they are tasty. Whether you're craving comfort food, something healthy, or a new twist on a classic, there's a recipe on this list for you.
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1. Classic Beef Stew
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Chunky vegetables and tender beef simmered to perfection will warm you up on any cold night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
Put all the ingredients into the crockpot. Set it to low and let it cook for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Stir occasionally and serve hot with some crusty bread.
2. Chicken Tacos
Taco night doesn't have to be stressful. This recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- Tortillas
- Lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you like
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Pour salsa over the top. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve with tortillas and desired toppings.
3. Vegetarian Chili
This hearty chili is packed with veggies and beans, making it a nutritious and filling option.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with cornbread or over rice.
4. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savory, tender pork is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot. Add the onion, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Shred the pork and serve on buns.
5. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright and zesty, this chicken dish is as uplifting as it is tasty.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Add garlic, lemon slices, chicken broth, and rosemary. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
6. Minestrone Soup
A delicious and healthy vegetable soup that's perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
7. BBQ Chicken
A simple, yet incredibly flavorful chicken dish that's perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and onion. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
8. Potato Soup
Creamy and satisfying, this soup is a full meal on its own.
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon bits and chives for garnish
Instructions
Combine potatoes, onion, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Mash the potatoes slightly and stir in heavy cream. Serve with bacon bits and chives.
9. Beef and Broccoli
All the savory goodness of takeout, made at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions
Place beef in the crockpot with soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve over rice.
10. Lentil Soup
High in protein and fiber, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a slice of crusty bread.
11. Chicken and Rice
A one-pot meal that's both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add chicken thighs, rice, chicken broth, and onion to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Stir in peas before serving.
12. Stuffed Peppers
Bright and colorful, these stuffed peppers are loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Stuff the peppers with a mixture of ground turkey, onion, rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve hot.
13. Black Bean Soup
Rich and hearty, this soup is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
14. Meatball Subs
Quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 6 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Place meatballs and marinara sauce in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve meatballs in sub rolls topped with mozzarella cheese.
15. Teriyaki Chicken
A sweet and savory chicken dish that's perfect over a bed of rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot with teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, bell peppers, and onion. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve over rice.
16. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Velvety smooth with a hint of basil, this soup is a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Blend to desired consistency and serve hot.
17. Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
These pork chops are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place pork chops in the crockpot. Combine ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth, then pour over pork chops. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes.
18. Chicken Alfredo
Rich and creamy, this chicken Alfredo is a comfort food classic made easy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot with Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve over pasta.
19. Corn Chowder
Sweet and savory, this corn chowder is a delightful way to warm up.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon bits for garnish
Instructions
Combine corn, onion, potatoes, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in heavy cream before serving and garnish with bacon bits.
20. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Spicy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
Instructions
Place chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, onion, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving and garnish with tortilla strips.
21. Maple Dijon Chicken
Sweet and tangy, this chicken dish is a delightful twist on dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour mixture over the top. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables.
22. Italian Sausage and Peppers
A hearty and savory dish that's perfect for sandwich filling or over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes in the crockpot. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve on sub rolls or over pasta.
23. White Chicken Chili
A creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional chili.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Place chicken breasts, white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Add cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve with sour cream and cilantro.
24. Thai Peanut Chicken
Exotic flavors made easy with this peanut-infused chicken dish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour peanut mixture over. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve with rice.
25. Greek Chicken
Bright, fresh flavors with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kalamata olives and feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot with lemon slices, Greek yogurt, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Garnish with Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
26. Butter Chicken
A rich and creamy Indian dish that's surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Combine tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour sauce over. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice.
27. Beef Stroganoff
Creamy, savory, and positively mouth-watering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place beef stew meat, onion, and beef broth in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in sour cream, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve over egg noodles.
28. Sweet and Sour Chicken
A tangy and delicious chicken dish that's so much better than takeout.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
Instructions
Combine pineapple chunks, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour sauce over. Add bell peppers. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with rice.
29. Jambalaya
A hearty and flavorful Creole dish that's brimming with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup rice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally and serve hot.
30. Fajitas
Forget the skillet, these fajitas are made right in your crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- Tortillas
- Toppings like sour cream, cheese, and guacamole
Instructions
Place flank steak, bell peppers, onion, fajita seasoning, and water in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
Whether you're a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply looking for easy meal solutions, these 30 crockpot recipes will make weeknight dinners a breeze. Enjoy flavorful, hassle-free meals that your whole family will love, and spend more time enjoying your evenings. Happy cooking!
