What Are the 5 Best Crockpot Dinner Ideas to Simplify Your Busy Week?

by | Nov 21, 2024 | recipe

Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy evenings when you crave a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These 5 dinner ideas recipes for your crockpot are not only delicious but also super easy to prepare. Let’s dive into some warm, comforting meals your family will love!

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed

4 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, cubed

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Add beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.

Mix tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.

Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Helpful Notes:

Use frozen vegetables for convenience.

Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

2. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz fettuccine (cooked separately)

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts, Alfredo sauce, and chicken broth in the crockpot.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and frozen peas.

Toss with cooked fettuccine.

Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Helpful Notes:

Substitute zucchini noodles or whole-grain pasta for a healthier option.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the Alfredo sauce flavor.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients:

3 lbs pork shoulder

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1 onion, sliced

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

8 burger buns

Instructions:

Season pork with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place in the crockpot.

Add sliced onions, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours.

Shred pork with two forks. Stir in additional BBQ sauce if needed.

Serve on buns with coleslaw or pickles.

Helpful Notes:

Freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Use the pulled pork for tacos or nachos, too!

4. Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup frozen corn

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Helpful Notes:

Add diced sweet potatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.

This chili freezes well for meal prep.

5. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

4 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 2 lemons

1 cup chicken broth

1 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and oregano. Place them in the crockpot.

Add garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Helpful Notes:

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option.

Add capers for a tangy twist.

These 5 dinner ideas recipes for your crockpot will make weeknight meals stress-free and delicious. Which one will you try first? Let us know how it turns out!

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