These easy crockpot meals are the recipes we reach for when the week gets busy. Most take 15 minutes or less to prep, many are dump and go, and every one gives you a real dinner by the time you get home.
Pick 3 or 4 for the week and you are set.
Quick Picks
- Easiest: 3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
- Best comfort food: Mississippi Pot Roast
- Best for picky eaters: Crockpot Spaghetti
16 Easy Crockpot Meals
1. Dump and Go Crockpot Meals
7 no-browning, no-prep dinners, from salsa chicken to Italian beef.
Get the full dump and go crockpot meals recipe
2. Mississippi Pot Roast
5 ingredients, no browning, fall-apart tender.
Get the full mississippi pot roast recipe
3. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
5 minutes of prep for taco night all week.
Get the full crockpot chicken tacos recipe
4. The Best Crockpot Beef Stew
Classic stew with potatoes and carrots.
Get the full the best crockpot beef stew recipe
5. Easy Crockpot Chili
Beefy, thick and freezer friendly.
Get the full easy crockpot chili recipe
6. Crockpot Pesto Chicken
10 minutes of prep for a creamy pasta dinner.
Get the full crockpot pesto chicken recipe
7. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
Takeout flavor with pantry ingredients.
Get the full crockpot honey garlic chicken recipe
8. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Shredded chicken for sandwiches and bowls.
Get the full crockpot bbq chicken recipe
9. Crockpot Frozen Meatballs
Meatballs straight from the freezer with a 2-ingredient sauce.
Get the full crockpot frozen meatballs recipe
10. Crockpot Meatloaf
Moist meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Get the full crockpot meatloaf recipe
11. Crockpot Spaghetti
Meat sauce and pasta cooked in one pot.
Get the full crockpot spaghetti recipe
12. Crockpot Italian Beef
Shredded beef sandwiches for a crowd.
Get the full crockpot italian beef recipe
13. Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Thanksgiving flavors any night.
Get the full crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe
14. Crockpot Baked Potatoes
Set up a potato bar with chili or BBQ chicken.
Get the full crockpot baked potatoes recipe
15. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Creamy, mild and dump and go.
Get the full crockpot white chicken chili recipe
16. Crockpot Meals for Two
Small-batch dinners for a 2 to 3-quart crock.
Get the full crockpot meals for two recipe
How to Make Crockpot Meals Even Easier
- Prep the night before. Chop vegetables and store the filled insert in the fridge; add 30 minutes to the cook time.
- Make freezer kits. Bag raw ingredients, freeze flat, and thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Use a programmable slow cooker. It switches to WARM automatically.
- Double and freeze. Soups, chili and shredded meats freeze beautifully.
Equipment I Used
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
Planning a busy week? The Slow Cooking for Busy Days guide covers time-saving slow cooker recipes and meal planning.
Easy Crockpot Meals FAQ
What is the easiest crockpot meal?
3-ingredient salsa chicken: chicken breasts, salsa and taco seasoning, cooked 4 hours on LOW.
Can I put everything in a crockpot the night before?
You can assemble it in the insert and refrigerate it, then start it in the morning. Do not leave raw food at room temperature.
How full should a crockpot be?
Between half and two-thirds full for even, safe cooking.
Can I leave my crockpot on while at work?
Yes. Slow cookers are designed to run unattended; set it on a heat-safe surface.
