01 of 19
Crock Pot Roast With Onion Soup Mix
The next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a few packets of onion soup mix. They'll come in handy when you're ready to make this easy and versatile crock pot roast with onion soup mix recipe. Adding extra vegetables and potatoes will round it out to a full meal if you want to add a few additions.
02 of 19
Slow-Cooker Enchilada Dip
In this easy-peasy slow-cooker enchilada dip, the chips you'll need for dipping count toward the four ingredients. Just grab two packages of cream cheese, a can of enchilada sauce, and two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you're in business. You can also use chicken breasts, which will cook in just about six hours. If you like spicy food, try adding a can of chopped green chiles or sliced jalapeños to the mix.
03 of 19
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue
If you've got salt, pepper, and a bottle of barbecue sauce, you're almost ready to make this easy slow-cooker pulled pork barbecue. Pulled pork makes a satisfying, succulent meal with some sliced rolls and a little extra sauce on the side. Add liquid smoke, some red chili flakes, or a little extra garlic for an even more assertive flavor.
04 of 19
Easy Applesauce Kielbasa
You probably have several of the ingredients for this hearty, sweet and zesty easy applesauce kielbasa in your cabinet already. If you don't care for kielbasa, any other fully-cooked sausage will do. Mix it up by using whole-grain mustard instead of smooth dijon or another specialty mustard for a fun twist. Enjoy it as a main dish over pasta or rice, if you're looking for a delicious and filling meal.
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05 of 19
Italian Chicken and Potatoes
We all have those days when we just can't figure out what to make for dinner. As long as you've got a few basic spices, potatoes, some Italian dressing, and a package of chicken breasts on hand, you can turn to this easy Italian chicken and potatoes recipe. It's also versatile, lending itself to added veggies, using different cuts, or mixing up the spices to taste. A quick tossed salad would be a great side for this simple weeknight meal.
06 of 19
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Yes, you really can make your favorite Italian meal of crockpot spaghetti and meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the water before you start the dish, but you can vary the amount of pasta and sauce to taste. If you'd like to make your own meatballs instead of buying them pre-made, toss them in while frozen so they don't overcook. Add some chopped vegetables for an extra hit of nutrition and serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
07 of 19
Slow-Cooker Meatball Soup
Toss a bag of frozen meatballs and another one of frozen mixed veggies into your crockpot with a few standard spices and a can of diced tomatoes before you leave for work and your house will smell delightful by the time you get home. Better yet, dinner will be all ready! This slow-cooker meatball soup lends itself well to experimentation. Use chicken or flavored meatballs, change up the vegetables, or toss in chopped onion, some potatoes, or even dried pasta. Some dinner rolls and a nice salad would go beautifully on the side.
08 of 19
Crockpot Apricot Chicken
Juicy chicken, fruity apricot preserves, and dried thyme or basil cook up into a flavorful crockpot apricot chicken dinner that you'll be excited to come home to. Serve it over rice or couscous to soak up the wonderful sauce or with a side of potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a well-rounded meal. You can also use thawed chicken breasts but check for doneness after four hours.
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09 of 19
Cheesy Crockpot Potatoes
Rich, warm, and comforting, these cheesy crockpot potatoes are the perfect side for a holiday brunch or any time you want a simple side that's satisfying for the entire family. If you can't find cojack cheese, try cheddar, a Mexican blend, pepper jack, or your favorite blend. Serve with a little extra on the side for sprinkling.
Crockpot Barbecued Pinto Beans
You'll never buy another can of baked beans after you try these crockpot barbecued pinto beans. Sweet, savory, and saucy, these have just enough bite to hold up to a classic steak, hamburger, or any grilled protein. Note that the beans do need to soak overnight, so plan ahead accordingly.
11 of 19
Slow-Cooker Cola Ham
Don't think a ham has to be complicated. A can of cola, brown sugar and mustard combine to make a wonderful glaze for a simple slow-cooker cola ham that could be the centerpiece of your next meal. If you don't use a fully-cooked ham, make sure it comes to temperature completely before eating. Serve it with your favorite vegetable and some potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.
12 of 19
Crockpot Pork and Beans
Yes, you can make this whole crockpot pork and beans meal using ingredients you probably have in your fridge. Just pick up an onion, a can of pork and beans, and some trimmed pork chops, grab the ketchup and mustard from the fridge, and you're off to the races. You might want to trim the pork and sauté it a bit for a little more flavor and color. Just make sure you drain them for a few minutes before adding, so the dish doesn't get greasy.
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13 of 19
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
We assume you've already got honey and garlic on hand, which makes these BBQ chicken drumsticks one for under four ingredients. If you've got a signature barbecue sauce, don't let us hold you back! Use that instead of the jarred variety for a signature dish you can set and forget before your next get-together.
14 of 19
Creamy Crockpot Chicken
Two kinds of creamy canned soup give this delicious chicken its thick, rich sauce. Use mushroom, cheddar, celery, or whatever flavor you prefer. You can also add frozen vegetables for a real one-pot creamy crockpot chicken wonder. Small red potatoes would also make a tasty addition. Serve it with a side of veggies if you don't add any and some starch to soak up the sauce.
15 of 19
Thanksgiving-Flavored Turkey in the Crockpot
Got a hankering for Thanksgiving flavor, but don't want to make a whole spread? Have we got the recipe for you with this Thanksgiving-flavored turkey in the crockpot. Just toss a turkey breast, some cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix in the slow cooker and you can satisfy those cravings with so little effort, you can take care of it before work. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a nice, soft roll would really complete the package.
16 of 19
Sweet BBQ Crockpot Ribs
You won't believe the flavor a can of cola and prepared barbecue sauce gives to these succulent and sweet BBQ crockpot ribs. The acidic soda helps tenderize the meat, making it fall-off-the-bone good. Pork loin ribs or "baby back" ribs are already very lean and tender. Ask your butcher to cut the rack in half, if they won't fit in your slow-cooker. Don't forget to grab some napkins while they cook!
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17 of 19
Macaroni and Cheese in the Slow Cooker
We assume you've got a few standards on hand to make this easy macaroni and cheese in the slow cooker recipe. A blend of evaporated and regular milks make it extra creamy, and you can add more cheese to make it super-loaded. If you really want to level it up, spoon it into a baking dish, sprinkle some cheese on top and broil it to get a nice and melty crust on top before serving.
18 of 19
Simplest Crockpot Meatloaf
You already have eggs in the fridge, right? Then you're partway to this simplest crockpot meatloaf! Just add ground beef, onion soup mix, rolled oats, and ketchup or barbecue sauce and dinner is just about ready. Barbecue sauce will give this meatloaf a more southwest flavor, and you can also mix the two together to just split the difference. Serve with potatoes and a steamed veggie for a simple supper.
19 of 19
Creamy and Comforting Broccoli Chicken
Cream of broccoli soup, frozen broccoli florets, chicken breasts, and milk make a creamy and comforting broccoli chicken dinner that you can have together in a flash. Serve it over pasta for a stick-to-your-ribs dinner that helps you get your veggies in, too. Best of all, you can have the ingredients in your pantry and freezer to put together at the last minute.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›
They are essentially two terms for the same thing. Crock Pot is just a trademarked name for a certain brand of slow cooker that uses a crockery insert as a cooking vessel. Agree with most of the answers. “Crock Pot” is a brand name, and the brand name of the first popular slow cooker.
Can I just throw a bunch of ingredients in the Crockpot? ›One of the main attractions for many people is the ease of a slow cooker, so when you're looking for recipes, avoid those that suggest a lot of pre-preparation. For many dishes, particularly soups and stews, you really can just throw all the ingredients in.
What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›- Raw Meat.
- Seafood.
- Pasta.
- Rice.
- Delicate Vegetables.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
- Dairy.
- Wine and Other Liquor.
- Slow cookers use low heat to slowly cook food.
- Pressure cookers use hot steam and pressure to quickly cook food.
Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.
Can you put raw hamburger in crockpot? ›Ground Beef in Crock Pot. Save time in the kitchen by making big batches of this slow cooker hamburger recipe to include in future meals! Just stir together the spices and ground beef in the crock pot, then wait until it's done!
Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›The only difference between the HIGH and LOW setting on a slow cooker is the amount of time it takes to reach the simmer point, or temperature at which the contents of the appliance are being cooked at. The LOW setting takes longer than the HIGH setting.
Why are my carrots still hard in the slow cooker? ›If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.
Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›Raw meat
A crockpot's gentle heat means meat will never get a chance to brown, but it's the golden colour from frying that gives it depth of flavour. If you don't want your stew to taste bland, brown the meat first, then put it in the slow cooker.
Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight? ›
Yes, it's safe to leave a slow cooker on when you leave the house. The purpose of a slow cooker is to allow you to cook while you aren't home. Slow cookers simmer food slowly, killing bacteria and raising meat to the perfect internal temperature.
Why would you use a slow cooker? ›Slow cookers are great for parties and gatherings because they free up oven and stovetop space and keep food warm for hours. You can spend more time actually enjoying the company of your mates and less time getting stressed in the kitchen.
Is a slow cooker worth buying? ›Slow cookers are less energy intensive than conventional electric ovens, and therefore more economical. They also offer a healthier, low-fat way of cooking and often preserve more nutrients than other methods like baking, boiling and frying. For inspiration, check out our collection of healthy slow cooker recipes.
When should I use a slow cooker? ›Because of this low-and-slow method, slow cookers are great for breaking down and tenderizing large pieces of meat like pot roasts or beef stews. But that's not all they can do. Slow cookers are also a home cook's go-to choice for soups and ribs, plus dips, drinks and bread.
Do slow cookers heat up the kitchen? ›It Won't Heat Up Your House
During the dog days of summer, we'd rather make no-cook recipes than turn on the oven. But don't forget your trusty slow cooker. This appliance won't warm up your kitchen while preparing a home-cooked meal.