• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Simple Crockpot Recipes for When You’d Rather Not Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated October 27, 2025 · Published October 28, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    Crockpot meals are a lifesaver for busy days when cooking feels like too much. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work. Here are 26 simple recipes that will fill your home with comforting aromas and provide satisfying meals with little effort.

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe gives chicken thighs a flavorful kick with a special homemade jerk seasoning. It's a simple way to bring some exciting flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to prepare and will have everyone asking for seconds.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    These fajitas are perfect for a simple family dinner. Chicken breasts are seasoned well and cooked alongside peppers, onions, and tomatoes, creating a tasty filling. Just layer it all on tortillas and add your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.,

    This recipe creates a delicious tangy sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. It's simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy affordable cuts of beef. Each piece is tender and juicy, and the flavorful au jus is perfect for dipping with some crusty bread. This slow cooker meal is super simple to prepare, needing just a few minutes of your time. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, flavorful ham, and gooey Swiss cheese simmered together in a creamy sauce. Topped with buttery stuffing, it creates a cozy and filling meal. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Slow cooker pork carnitas are simple to prepare, taking only 10 minutes to get ready before they simmer all afternoon. The result is tender, shredded pork with crispy edges, perfect for filling soft flour tortillas. Topped with diced onion and cilantro, this dish is sure to become a favorite at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    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 a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together Italian dressing, brown sugar, and chicken breasts in the crockpot for an easy meal that everyone can enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    Lemon and rosemary come together beautifully in this slow cooker dish, creating a flavorful chicken that everyone will enjoy. The bright taste of lemon paired with the lovely scent of rosemary makes this meal a favorite for any night of the week. It's an easy way to bring something special to the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This braised beef short ribs recipe is simple and quick, needing just 20 minutes of prep before they go into the crock pot. Once cooked, the ribs turn out incredibly juicy and tender, practically falling off the bone. It's a great option for a comforting meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe features a bright mix of lemon and pepper that really brings out the flavor in chicken thighs. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the chicken to become tender and juicy with minimal effort. It's a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This stew is a simple and filling meal made with ground beef. It's perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without spending too much time or money. Just throw everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work for you.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This chili cooks slowly in a flavorful mix of tomatoes and spices. With ground beef and crispy bacon, it's a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. Topping it off with your favorite extras adds a fun twist, making this chili a great choice for any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dinner is both simple and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday dinner. This classic Italian dish cooks slowly, allowing all the ingredients to blend together beautifully. It can be served over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole is slow-cooked to bring out all the great Tex-Mex flavors of a classic Mexican pizza. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that's easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    This dish features tender chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice. It's versatile enough to be used in quesadillas, sandwiches, or even served over rice. With its bold flavors, it's sure to become a favorite for family meals.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Potatoes and Green Beans

    Crockpot Chicken Potatoes and Green Beans.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Crockpot chicken with potatoes and green beans is a simple dinner option that you can prepare with minimal effort. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This dish is all about comfort, featuring tender chicken and long pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It's ideal for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. Just set it in the crockpot and let it do its thing, making dinner a breeze.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice

    Slow Cooker Chicken & Broccoli Over Rice.
    Photo Credit: The Quicker Kitchen,

    Slow cooker chicken and broccoli over rice is a simple dish that comes together with minimal effort. This family-friendly meal features tender chicken cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, paired with plenty of broccoli. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Peachy barbecue ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Peachy Barbecue Ribs feature tender pork that falls right off the bone, smothered in a sweet and tangy peach barbecue sauce. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or when you have friends over.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is filled with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and barley, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. You don't need to do any cooking beforehand; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low throughout the day. When you come home, you'll find a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a simple dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. With just four ingredients, this chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's an easy option that won't take much time or effort to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry..
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Slow cooker chicken curry is a warm and satisfying dish packed with flavor. It features tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a wonderful blend of spices. This simple crockpot meal is sure to become a go-to option for your family.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Taco Beef Ramen

    Slow Cooker Taco Beef Ramen.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Taco Ramen is a fantastic dish that combines ground beef with a tasty taco seasoning, tomatoes, and corn. The ramen noodles cook right in the slow cooker, making it a simple one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a creamy parmesan sauce with sundried tomatoes and spinach, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This dish is simple to prepare and takes care of itself while you go about your day. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and filling, featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's simple to prepare, whether you choose to use the stovetop, an Instant Pot, or a slow cooker. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • A green cocktail with smoke.
      The Secret to Making Halloween Drinks That Will Scare Even the Grown-Ups
    • Mac and cheese egg roll being dipped in sauce.
      35 Transportable Potluck Recipes That Are a Hit Every Time
    • Italian meatball soup.
      27 Cozy Comfort Soups Perfect for Halloween Eve
    • 19 Cozy Casseroles That are Perfect for a Family Feast

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Peachy barbecue ribs.
      26 Simple Crockpot Recipes for When You’d Rather Not Cook
    • Smoked salmon spinach pasta.
      38 Satisfying Pasta Recipes You Can Make in Under an Hour
    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      18 Easy Gourmet Dinners You Can Set and Forget
    • Tikka masala.
      12 Takeout Favorites You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker at Home

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB