25 One-Pot Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Dinners

There's nothing quite like coming home after a long day to the delicious aroma of a hot meal waiting for you. That's why I'm such a huge fan of crockpot recipes. They're not only a lifesaver when it comes to saving time, but they also pack a ton of flavor with minimal effort.

With just a few ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you can create an array of delightful dishes that cook all day while you're busy with your daily tasks. In this post, I'll share 25 One-Pot Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Dinners that are sure to make dinner time a breeze. So, grab your slow cooker and let's dive in!

1. Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is the perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 carrots, diced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Add peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove bay leaf before serving.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This zesty soup combines tender chicken with the flavors of the Southwest.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips (for serving)
• Shredded cheese and avocado (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except for the tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
4. Serve hot with tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado on top.

3. Pulled Pork

This tender pulled pork can serve as the main ingredient for multiple meals.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the onion and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place the pork shoulder on top.
3. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.

4. Vegetable Curry

A healthy and delicious curry packed with vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place cauliflower, bell peppers, chickpeas, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes.
3. Add curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

5. Spaghetti Bolognese

This classic Italian dish is made even easier in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked spaghetti pasta (for serving)
• Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
2. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Add onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve over cooked spaghetti pasta with Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Chicken Alfredo

Creamy and rich, this chicken Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked fettuccine pasta (for serving)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve over cooked fettuccine pasta.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley.

7. Beef and Broccoli

A take-out favorite you can easily make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place flank steak, broccoli, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Mix beef broth, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef and broccoli.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve over cooked rice with sesame seeds on top.

8. Lemon Garlic Chicken

Bright and flavorful, this lemon garlic chicken is both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken broth, lemon slices, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

9. Minestrone Soup

A hearty soup filled with vegetables and beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked pasta (for serving)
• Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except spinach and pasta in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Add spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve the soup over cooked pasta with Parmesan cheese on top.

10. BBQ Chicken

Sweet and savory BBQ chicken that's finger-licking good.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, honey, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving.

11. White Chicken Chili

This creamy, white chicken chili is a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, chicken broth, beans, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
4. Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream.
5. Serve hot.

12. Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken that pairs perfectly with rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1/4 cup water
• Sesame seeds and green onions (optional for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, and water.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve over cooked rice with sesame seeds and green onions on top.

13. Pot Roast

Tender and flavorful, this pot roast is a true classic.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chuck roast
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 carrots, diced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
5. Remove bay leaf before serving.

14. Jambalaya

Spicy and flavorful, this Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place sausage, chicken, shrimp, onion, bell pepper, celery, rice, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

15. Thai Chicken Curry

Thai-inspired chicken curry that's bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and lime wedges (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, coconut milk, chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Stir in red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
5. Serve over cooked rice with fresh basil and lime wedges.

16. Lasagna

This crockpot lasagna is so easy and delicious, you'll wonder why you haven't made it this way before!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 box lasagna noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the crockpot.
5. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit.
6. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on top of the noodles, then add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layers until you run out of ingredients.
8. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.

17. Black Bean Soup

A healthy and hearty soup that's full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

18. Chicken Marsala

Tender chicken in a rich and savory Marsala wine sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken breasts on both sides.
2. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
3. Add Marsala wine, chicken broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

19. Mexican Quinoa

A healthy vegetarian dish that's brimming with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

20. Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

A succulent pork tenderloin with a delicious balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork tenderloin
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork tenderloin in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork tenderloin.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Slice the pork and serve with the balsamic glaze.

21. Cabbage Roll Casserole

A deconstructed version of cabbage rolls that’s super easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup rice
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

22. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

All the flavors of a chicken pot pie in a comforting soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Biscuit dough (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in chicken broth.
3. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in heavy cream, frozen peas, and corn.
6. If desired, bake biscuit dough separately and serve on top of the soup.

23. Stuffed Peppers

These crockpot stuffed peppers are both hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture.
3. Place the stuffed peppers in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

24. Lentil Soup

A filling and nutritious soup that's perfect for any day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

25. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

A creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place frozen hash browns in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the hash browns and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it, 25 One-Pot Crockpot Recipes for Effortless Dinners that will make your meal preparations a breeze. From hearty stews to flavorful curries, these recipes promise a delicious and hassle-free dinner any night of the week. Happy cooking!