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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Family-Friendly Crockpot Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 27, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When life gets busy and you're feeling worn out, a slow cooker can be your best friend. These 20 family-friendly crockpot recipes are perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. Just set it and forget it, and enjoy a warm, comforting dinner with your loved ones.

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    Ribs are coated with a tasty mix of spices and slow-cooked until they are super tender. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and goes well with any vegetable side you choose. It's an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to relax. Everyone will love this simple and satisfying dinner.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

    Chicken and Gravy Recipe (Crockpot).
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    This Chicken and Gravy dish is a simple Crockpot meal that takes the stress out of dinner time. As it cooks, the cream of mushroom soup creates a delicious gravy all on its own. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have tender chicken in a flavorful sauce. It’s great served over rice, potatoes, or even on a soft sandwich bun. Everyone in the family will enjoy this easy recipe!

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    Butternut Cauliflower Soup

    A bowl of soup topped with cheese and bacon.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This soup is a great option for a cozy meal, especially when you want something simple. Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker makes it easy to prepare without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of butternut squash and cauliflower gives it a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying. Just set it up and let the cooker do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells is one of the simplest meals you can prepare. It combines the flavors of a homemade lasagna but uses jumbo pasta shells instead of lasagna noodles. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. You'll end up with a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Stew

    Slow cooker beef stew on a pot.
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    This stew is a perfect comfort meal that you can just set and forget. It features tender beef cooked alongside potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered together in a thick and hearty broth. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something warm and filling. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it a satisfying dish for the whole family. Enjoy a cozy bowl of this stew any time you need a little extra comfort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas.
    Photo Credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

    This dish features tender shredded chicken combined with red bell pepper, green chiles, and onions simmered in a flavorful red enchilada sauce. When you layer in corn tortillas, olives, and extra cheese, it turns into a fantastic one-pot meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights. Everyone will enjoy this hearty and satisfying dinner. You can easily throw it together in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

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    Orange Chicken

    Orange Chicken.
    Photo Credit: G-Free Foodie.

    Healthy Orange Chicken is a straightforward and tasty meal option. It’s gluten-free and quick to prepare, whether you use an InstantPot or a slow cooker. The combination of oranges, honey, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and spices creates a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a delicious dinner that everyone will love.

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    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This Italian white bean soup is perfect for a cozy night in. It’s made in the crockpot, which means you can set it and forget it. The creamy base comes from coconut milk and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a rich flavor. With pasta, white cannellini beans, and fresh spinach, this soup is both healthy and filling. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and easy.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Chicken divan in a crock pot is a classic dish that many people enjoy. Using a slow cooker makes it really easy to prepare. You can throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is an easy way to enjoy delicious, tender pulled pork without needing a smoker. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the meat is packed with flavor and stays juicy. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. Just set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. You'll end up with a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice are a hearty meal that everyone will appreciate. Cooking them in a slow cooker makes it simple and convenient. The savory marinara sauce adds a nice flavor that ties everything together. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. It's a comforting dinner that brings the family together.

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    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas are a great option for a quick and satisfying meal any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the fajita sauce. Wrapping everything in a warm tortilla makes it even better. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy a tasty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms offers a fresh take on cooking mushrooms in a crockpot. You simply add sliced mushrooms, heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and some tasty seasonings into the pot. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. It’s a great side that everyone will appreciate. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that come together effortlessly.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple and tasty dish that you can throw together with minimal effort. It uses healthy ingredients and is perfect for a cozy meal. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a warm bowl of chili that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This slow cooker minestrone soup is a filling vegetarian meal packed with pasta, beans, and zucchini. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a comforting dish. This is a great option for busy evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with vegetables is always a comforting meal. This recipe features a chuck roast that you can prep in just five minutes. It cooks slowly, allowing the meat to become tender and easy to pull apart. You won’t need to put in much effort to enjoy this delicious dish. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

    Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    A delicious marinara sauce can be easily made in your slow cooker. This recipe yields a large amount, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or saving for later. Once you try this homemade version, you might not want to buy store-bought sauce again. It's great for spaghetti, pizza, and many other dishes. This simple sauce is a great addition to your meal planning.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Make the most flavorful chicken with this slow cooker mayo chicken recipe. It’s flavored to perfection and sure to be a big hit with the whole family (even the kiddos).

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker recipe brings the comforting tastes of Tuscany right to your home. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your day. The rich flavors will fill your kitchen and make everyone feel at home. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table.

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    Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork

    Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork is incredibly tender and packed with flavor. It's a simple dish to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week. The best part is that the leftovers are just as tasty, so you can enjoy it again later. This meal is great for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You'll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious dinner.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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