After working all day, the last thing most of us want to do when we get home is cook supper. We’re tired, hungry, and even a tad grumpy, so we need dinner ASAP! Crockpot (or slow cooker) meals are one of the simplest ways to have nutritious meals ready when you are—walk in the door to the tantalizing smells of a home-cooked meal ready to chow down on. From creamy slow cooker Tuscan Chicken to savory slow cooker Beef and Broccoli, these Crockpot recipes make dinner prep a breeze.
25 best Crockpot meals for a quick and easy dinner
1. Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken
This slow-cooker Tuscan Chicken from Easy Family Recipes combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky sauce filled with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The flavors meld beautifully in the crockpot, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying but doesn’t compromise your health goals. It’s perfect over a bed of pasta or rice, and the leftovers are even better.
2. Shrimp and Crab Bisque
The Slow Cooker Shrimp and Crab Bisque from Yes to Yolks is a luxurious seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Rich with flavors of the sea, this creamy bisque is perfect for a special dinner or an elegant weeknight meal.
3. Crockpot Honey Garlic Pork
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Pork from The Recipe Rebel is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The pork is perfectly cooked in a honey garlic sauce, making it tender and flavorful. It’s an easy dinner option that pairs well with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes and makes for a delicious and easy next-day lunch sandwich.
4. Vegetarian Chili
Try Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili from Well Plated for a hearty and flavorful meat-free option. This chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and spices, making it a satisfying and protein-rich meal perfect for any night of the week.
5. Beef and Broccoli
The Recipe Critic’s Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli brings a takeout favorite to your dinner table. The beef is cooked until tender, and the broccoli is added at the end to keep it crisp. Paired with your favorite rice, this meal is an easy choice.
Pro tip: This recipe is that good and holds up well in the fridge. Double the recipe and take it for lunch the next day!
6. Chicken Enchilada Soup
If you’re craving something hearty, Gimme Some Oven’s Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup is a must-try, especially if you’ve been out in the cold all day. Loaded with chicken, beans, and enchilada flavors, this soup is comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients to re-fuel you after a tough day on site.
7. Korean Beef Tacos
Switch up your taco night with Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos. Slow-cooked beef in a sweet and spicy sauce brings a fusion twist that’s sure to impress. The Korean beef, caramelized kimchi, and Sriracha mayo are tucked into a warm flour tortilla. Or, throw it on top of some rice for a gluten-free option.
8. Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
The Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup from Well Plated by Erin is a creamy, comforting, naturally sweet, and flavorful dish. Made with simple ingredients like butternut squash, carrots, and warm spices, it’s ideal for cozy fall or winter dinners. It’s also a great option for next-day lunch if you have a portable thermos.
9. White Chicken Chili
Warm up with this Crockpot White Chicken Chili from Spend With Pennies. This creamy chili is packed with chicken, beans, and a hint of spice, offering a comforting and satisfying dinner option. Serve it with your favorite dinner rolls for a satisfying supper.
10. Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
For a rich, meaty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, try Spend With Pennies’ Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce. Slow cooking brings out the depth of flavor in this classic Italian dish, making it a family favorite. If you’re not a fan of beef or trying to cut back on calories, try swapping the beef for turkey.
11. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
Looking for something with a bit of kick? Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili combines the spice of shredded buffalo chicken with the heartiness of traditional chili, complete with beans for some added protein. Plus, leftovers make a great (and filling) lunch for the next day!
12. Seafood Stew
Try the Crockpot Seafood Stew from Slow Cooker Gourmet for a comforting, hearty, and protein-packed dinner to nourish and fuel you after a long day on the job site. This stew combines a variety of seafood, including shrimp and fish, with vegetables in a flavorful broth, making it a satisfying meal on its own or served over rice.
13. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
For a quick and healthy dinner, Cooking Classy’s Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are a great choice. The chicken, peppers, and onions are cooked with spices, resulting in a flavorful filling for your tortillas. Top them with your favorite fajita toppings like shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and/or sour cream.
Pro tip: Double the recipe and save half for meal prep over the week! Fajitas are an easy, portable, and protein-packed lunch that will keep you nourished throughout your shift.
14. Crockpot Potato Soup
Indulge in creamy comfort with Crockpot Potato Soup from Family Fresh Meals. This soup— loaded with potatoes, bacon, and cheese—is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights after a long shift. Serve it with some thick, crusty bread, or make grilled cheese sandwiches to dip in the soup.
15. Chicken Marsala
Le Creme de la Crumb’s Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala brings the flavors of an Italian classic to your dinner table without all the prep and cook time. The chicken is cooked to perfection in a creamy mushroom Marsala wine sauce. It is delicious served over a bed of pasta, but rice is also an excellent option for a gluten-free alternative.
16. Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Slow Cooker Salmon with Lemon and Dill from Delish is a light and healthy option that’s full of bright, fresh flavors—and loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The salmon cooks gently in the crockpot, ensuring it stays tender and moist, while the lemon and dill add a delicious zing.
17. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
Enjoy a sweet and savory meal with The Recipe Critic’s Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken. The homemade teriyaki sauce slowly cooks with chicken, making it an easy and tasty dish to serve over rice. It’s also great to pop in your portable Crock Pot for the next day’s lunch.
18. Pulled Pork
Bon Appétit’s Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a versatile dish that’s great for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and flavorful. Our favorite way to enjoy this dish is to serve it on hamburger buns topped with crunchy coleslaw.
Pro tip: Make two extra sandwiches for lunch the next day!
19. Spinach Artichoke Chicken
If you love spinach artichoke dip, you’ll enjoy The Lazy Slow Cooker’s Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Chicken. This dish combines the classic creamy dip flavors with tender chicken for a punch of protein and is served over pasta for a satisfying meal. Rice or quinoa would also work as a suitable gluten-free alternative.
20. Jambalaya
Bring a taste of the South to your home with Taste of Home’s Slow Cooker Jambalaya. Packed with sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice, this dish is bursting with bold Cajun flavors. With all the different ingredients, this recipe is a meal on its own!
21. Crockpot French Onion Soup
Spend With Pennies’ Crockpot French Onion Soup offers a rich, savory broth topped with melted cheese and bread. It’s a classic French dish made even easier with a slow cooker—the perfect dinner after a chilly day on the site.
22. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Try The Seasoned Mom’s Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a dish that pleases everyone. The meatballs are cooked in a tangy, sweet and sour sauce, making them a hit over rice or noodles. They’re delicious and fresh, but the flavor intensifies the next day!
23. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort using Dinner at the Zoo’s Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. This hearty stew features tender beef, vegetables, and red wine, perfect for a special dinner or a weekend family feast.
24. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Delish’s Crockpot Stuffed Peppers are a fun and flavorful dinner option high in protein and nutrients. The peppers are stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices and slow-cooked to perfection. These amazing peppers make the perfect meal all on their own.
25. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
I Heart Vegetables’ Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is a nutritious, filling meal that’s easy to prepare. This soup is packed with vegetables and lentils, perfect for a light, healthy, plant-based dinner. Serve it with dinner rolls or a French baguette for some added bulk. This is also a great option to take to work in a thermos to keep you satiated through your shift.
Why we love slow cooker meals
Slow cooker meals simplify dinner prep, letting you enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort. By prepping ingredients in the morning or even the night before, you can come home to a ready-to-eat dish. Slow cooking enhances the flavors, making even the simplest ingredients taste amazing.
For added convenience, consider batch-prepping ingredients and storing them in freezer bags for easy thawing and cooking. This makes the morning prep quicker and easier.
Portable crockpots are also great for reheating meals on the go, especially during cold weather. Consider bringing a portable crockpot to work with you, especially on those chilly winter months, and warm up a hearty soup or stew.
