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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Hearty Crockpot Meals That Cook While You Relax

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 11, 2025, updated July 14, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Crockpot meals are perfect for busy days when you want a warm, filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a little prep in the morning, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Here are 23 hearty recipes that will keep you satisfied and cozy, all with minimal effort.

    3-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: Manila Spoon.

    This chili is simple to prepare and can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It's packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is satisfying and comforting.

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    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy. It features flavors that the whole family loves, making it a great choice for dinner. You can simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you, ensuring a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a filling and tasty dish. Packed with smoked sausage, Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a hit with everyone. This meal is great for busy nights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare.

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    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions simmered with flavorful spices, creating a satisfying meal that's great for busy weeknights. It's simple to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

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

    This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken transforms shredded chicken into something special. The combination of apricot preserves and Catalina dressing creates a sweet and savory sauce that really stands out. It's a simple way to take the stress out of dinner planning and enjoy a tasty meal.

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    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    These meatballs are full of flavor and are sure to fill you up. With the crockpot doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll end up with tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Spicy Honey Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Spicy Honey Chicken Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Cayenne pepper and smoked paprika give chicken breasts a nice kick, resulting in a delicious hot honey chicken sandwich. This sweet and spicy combination is perfect for anyone craving a satisfying meal. It's a great option for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a fantastic dish that’s both tender and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is also impressive enough to serve to guests, making it a great choice for any occasion.

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    Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

    Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a fantastic option for summer dinners. It uses straightforward ingredients like Italian sausage, bell peppers, marinara sauce, and sweet onions, making it easy to prepare. This dish is ideal for busy days when you want a filling meal without spending a lot of time cooking.

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    Crockpot Potato Soup

    Crockpot Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm and filling dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It includes all the tasty toppings you love on a baked potato, such as bacon, cheese, and green onions. This soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

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    Slow Cooker Lamb Curry

    Slow Cooker Lamb Curry.
    Photo Credit: Veena Azmanov.

    This Indian lamb curry is easy to prepare; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. The lamb cooks slowly with fragrant curry powder and creamy coconut milk, resulting in tender meat that's full of flavor. It's a comforting dish that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.

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    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Quicker Kitchen.

    Slow cooker chicken fajitas offer an easy way to enjoy a classic Tex Mex dish. With just three ingredients and hardly any prep time, you can have dinner ready with minimal effort. This meal is ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This meal features filling ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and onions, creating a satisfying dish. The blend of seasonings adds a special touch that really brings the flavors together. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner that can easily fit into your weeknight routine.

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    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup is a simple and satisfying meal that you can prepare in just 10 minutes. It's vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be stored in the freezer for later. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day. When it's ready, top it off with your favorite taco fixings like cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and green onions for a delicious finish.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef is browned with some chopped onion, then tossed into the crock pot with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and a few other spices. This hearty taco soup is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It's a comforting dish that brings together great flavors with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice

    Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a simple one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy families. The chicken turns out tender, the rice is fluffy, and the crunchy broccoli adds a nice touch. This dish is great for a cozy dinner without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Chicken

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

    This dish is all about making flavorful chicken with just the right amount of spice. With just a few seasonings and some Frank’s hot sauce, you can whip up a satisfying meal. It’s a great option when you want something with a kick.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken is a simple dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

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    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew

    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew
    Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This stew is a classic comfort food that serves 12, making it ideal for family dinners on Sundays. It's also simple enough to whip up during the week. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Sour cream chicken enchilada casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is made with chicken breasts, green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and fire roasted green chiles, along with a few other easy ingredients. It's a great dish for busy weekends, potlucks, or game days, and everyone in the family will love it.

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    Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast

    Slow Cooker Classic Pot Roast.
    Photo Credit: Butter Your Biscuit.

    This is a great meal for the whole family. It’s a filling dinner made with simple ingredients, and the tender beef is packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will keep everyone satisfied.

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    Beergarita Chicken Tacos

    Beergarita Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Beerarita Chicken Tacos feature tender shredded chicken cooked in a delicious blend of beer and margarita flavors. This dish is perfect for a simple and tasty taco night, bringing a fun twist to your usual routine. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Buffalo Chicken Soup is a fantastic dish to whip up in the slow cooker. It combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, creamy cheese, and a good splash of buffalo sauce for a kick. This soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • 21 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Baked ham pasta.
      23 Simple Pasta Recipes That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Chicken tacos.
      23 Stupid Simple Recipes That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Irish beef stew.
      17 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners for the Busiest Weeknights

    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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