10+ Dinner Recipes Crockpot: Easy and Delicious Meals for Busy Nights

Using a crockpot for dinner saves you time and still brings tasty meals to the table. Just prep your ingredients, set the cooker, and come back later to a hot, ready meal—no fuss, no hovering.

Crockpot dinners really do make cooking simpler. You get warm, comforting food with barely any hands-on time.

You don’t have to watch the stove or oven, which is a relief on busy days. Whether you’re into meaty mains, veggies, or just want something easy, slow cooker recipes can fit right into your routine.

Ingredients

• Varies by recipe

Cooking Instructions

• Varies by recipe

1) Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This dish is about as simple as it gets for a busy night. A few ingredients and you’ll have tender chicken in creamy gravy.

Season the chicken with pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if you want more flavor. Cream of chicken soup and gravy mix make the sauce rich and keep everything moist.

Serve the chicken shredded or as whole pieces—whatever you like. This goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, or even bread if you’re in a hurry.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle pepper, paprika, and garlic powder over the chicken.
3. Pour cream of chicken soup and gravy mix on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred chicken if desired before serving.

2) Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff in the crockpot? Totally doable and actually pretty easy. Just toss in beef stew meat, mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce.

The slow cooker takes care of the rest, making the meat super tender. You’ll end up with a rich, creamy dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Serve it over egg noodles or rice—whatever you’re feeling. It’s hard not to love a meal that’s this easy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place the beef, onion, and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
2. Add cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, and beef broth. Stir gently.
3. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until beef is tender.
4. Cook egg noodles separately according to package instructions if using.
5. Serve the stroganoff over noodles or rice hot.

3) Dump and Forget Ranch Pesto Chicken

If you want a meal with almost zero prep, this one’s for you. Just put chicken breasts in the crockpot, add ranch seasoning and pesto, and walk away.

The chicken gets juicy and full of flavor from the ranch and pesto. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies—whatever you have.

If you’re in the mood, toss some mozzarella on top at the end for extra creaminess. It’s honestly hard to mess this up.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 jar (about 6-8 oz) pesto sauce
• Optional: 7 oz sliced mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour pesto sauce on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Optional: Add mozzarella cheese in the last 15 minutes to melt.
6. Serve hot with your choice of side.

For a detailed recipe, check this Dump and Go Chicken Pesto Ranch Crockpot.

4) Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches in the slow cooker are ridiculously easy. Just season the pork, let it cook low and slow, and the meat turns out super tender.

Once it’s cooked, shred the pork and mix in BBQ sauce. Pile the meat onto buns, and if you’re into it, top with coleslaw for some crunch.

Perfect for days when you need dinner but don’t want to think about it.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup water or broth
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt and garlic powder to taste
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place pork in the slow cooker.
2. Add water or broth and liquid smoke if using.
3. Season with salt and garlic powder.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours (225°F / 107°C).
5. Remove pork and shred with two forks.
6. Mix shredded pork with BBQ sauce.
7. Serve on buns with coleslaw if you like.

This method comes from reliable slow cooker pulled pork recipes.

5) Crockpot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken in the crockpot is way easier than you’d think. Toss in spices, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and chicken thighs, then let it all cook.

Low and slow for 4 to 6 hours makes the chicken super tender. The sauce gets creamy and rich without you having to do much.

Serve it with rice or naan. It’s a great way to skip the takeout and still get something delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Add garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, spices, and salt to the crockpot.
2. Stir well to mix.
3. Add chicken and coat with the sauce.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 1½ to 2½ hours.
5. Check that chicken reached 165°F (74°C).
6. Stir in cream and butter.
7. Cook for another 10 minutes on low before serving.

For a detailed version, check this slow cooker butter chicken recipe.

6) Slow Cooker Chili

Chili in the slow cooker is about as easy as it gets. Throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it for a few hours.

Use ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and whatever chili spices you love. Slow cooking really brings out the flavor.

Top it with cheese, sour cream, or green onions. It’s a no-fuss way to get a hearty meal on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat in a pan, then drain the fat.
2. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine well.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir before serving and add toppings if you like.

For more easy slow cooker chili ideas, check this recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.

7) Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Making pot roast in the slow cooker is honestly a lifesaver. Put carrots, onions, and potatoes in the bottom, then lay your beef roast right on top.

Season with salt and pepper, then pour in broth or water. Cover and cook—low for 8 to 10 hours, high for 6 to 7 if you’re in a rush.

The meat gets so tender you can pull it apart with a fork. Serve it up with the veggies and some of the cooking juices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4-pound beef chuck roast
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut
• 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add carrots, potatoes, and onion to slow cooker.
2. Place the roast on top of the vegetables.
3. Season roast with salt and pepper.
4. Pour beef broth over everything.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 6-7 hours.
6. Remove roast and veggies; serve with cooking juices.

For more tips on slow cooker pot roast, check this slow cooker pot roast recipe.

8) Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This chicken enchilada casserole is super easy and always hits the spot. Just put chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, and spices in the crockpot and let it do its thing.

The chicken gets tender and shreds easily. Add tortillas and cheese toward the end if you want that classic casserole vibe.

Canned black beans and green chiles save even more time. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again when life gets busy.

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6-8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker.

2. Set it to LOW for 6-8 hours, or crank it up to HIGH for 4-5 hours if you’re in a hurry.

3. When the chicken’s done, shred it right in the pot with two forks.

4. Stir in tortilla strips and half the cheese.

5. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, just until it’s all melty.

Try this easy recipe from Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

9) Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork

You can whip up a tasty Thai peanut pork in your crockpot without much fuss. Grab some pork shoulder or loin and let it slow-cook with peanut butter, soy sauce, and garlic.

The pork turns out really tender and packed with flavor.

Throw in some bell peppers for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.

I like to serve it over rice or even cabbage, just to soak up all that sauce.

The long, slow cook makes the pork super soft—easy to shred with a couple of forks.

Just mix up the sauce, pour it over, and let it go on low for about 8 hours.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 bell peppers, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Lightly spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Put the pork and bell peppers inside.

3. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.

4. Pour that sauce over the pork.

5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours.

6. Take out the pork and shred it with forks.

7. Toss the shredded pork back into the slow cooker, stir it with the sauce, and serve.

10) Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash

Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash is warm and filling, perfect for when you want something cozy. It’s all about beef chunks simmered in a rich broth with paprika.

You don’t have to fuss much—the flavors just get better as they cook.

Usually, you’ll add onions, garlic, and maybe some bell peppers or tomatoes.

Letting it go low and slow in your crockpot makes the beef super tender.

Paprika is the real star here, giving it that classic Hungarian taste.

I like serving it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even with some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the beef and onions into your slow cooker.

2. Add garlic, paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the beef broth over everything.

4. Give it a gentle stir to mix things up.

5. Pop on the lid.
   Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or crank it to high for 4 hours if you’re in a hurry.

6. Before serving, check if the beef’s tender enough for your liking.
   Taste and tweak the seasoning if it needs a little something.