Cooking nutritious and delicious meals during the week can be tough. Between work, juggling kiddos' activities, and grocery shopping, it can be almost impossible to get dinner on the table before midnight. Even if you're able to manage dinner, who wants to spend their evening relaxing time cleaning up? Crockpot recipes are perfect for those nights where you're too busy to worry about dinner.
By cooking your entire meal in a crockpot, you essentially set it and forget it. You don't have to deal with cleaning different pots and pans, as the entire meal cooks together in the crockpot. Not only are crockpot meals great for busy nights, but crockpots are also a great device for cooking freezer meals. Simply double or triple the recipe and store meals in plastic bags for future use.
We've rounded up 10 easy crockpot recipes that will get dinner on the table in no time.
Mississippi Pot Roast
WOE
This is hands down the best pot roast I've ever had and it's incredibly easy. A chuck roast is placed in a slow cooker with a packet of ranch seasoning, a packet of brown gravy mix, pepperoncini pepper, and juice. Top the whole thing with sliced butter and set for 6-8 hours. When cooked, the meat is fall-apart tender, savory, and delicious.
Get the recipe here.
Ramen
Show Me the Yummy
Ramen soup typically takes hours or even days to cook. This homemade broth is rich in flavor and has a slight tang from the vinegar and soy sauce. The broth only takes 3 hours to cook in a crock pot. Once you make the ramen, top it with a soft-boiled egg, green onions, and fresh jalapenos.
Get the recipe here.
Beef and Broccoli
Recipe Critic
If you're craving beef and broccoli, but don't want to splurge on takeout, it's simple enough to make at home. The sauce is made from beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch as a thickener. The result is a sweet and sticky sauce that rivals any Chinese takeout restaurant.
Get the recipe here.
Breakfast Casserole
Spend With Pennies
Brinner, better known as breakfast for dinner, is a fun way to mix up the dinner rotation. This casserole is made by combining sausage or bacon, frozen hash browns, pepper, and cheese. A custard made from eggs and milk is poured over the top and cooked on high for 8 hours. You can completely customize this casserole for your family. Choose bacon, sausage, or make it vegetarian with leftover veggies!
Get the recipe here.
Chicken Salsa Verde Tacos
Carlsbad Cravings
Try using the slow cooker for your next taco night. These chicken salsa verde tacos could not be easier to make. Chicken breast is cooked in the slow cooker with various seasonings and a can of salsa verde. Once the chicken is cooked, shred and serve with your favorite toppings and tortillas.
Get the recipe here.
Vegetable Lasagna
Pinch of Yum
If you follow meatless Mondays, or just want some more veggies in your life, you'll love this lasagna. The best part is the entire thing, even the noodles, are cooked in the crock pot. The trick to getting it firm like a traditional lasagna is to let it rest in the crockpot for 1 hour after cooking.
Get the recipe here.
Butternut Squash Soup
Pumps and Iron
Even though in much of the U.S. it feels hotter than the sun, fall is right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than with some soup? Just chop up some squash, apples, carrots, onions, celery, and broth, and add to a crock pot. The crock pot will soften all the veggies, so all you need to do is blend it up and serve.
Get the recipe here.
Chicken Tikka Masala
WOE
This is an Indian staple that will make the house smell intoxicating. The chicken does need to marinate for a bit before going in the crock pot, so just leave yourself a little more time for this step. You can even marinate the chicken the day before for a pre-prepped meal.
Get the recipe here.
Macaroni and Cheese
WOE
Macaroni and cheese is so comforting, no matter the time of year. The secret to this mac and cheese is using both cheddar cheese and American cheese for the creaminess. The use of evaporated milk and half and half adds a nice richness that doesn't overpower the cheese.
Get the recipe here.
Jambalaya
WOE
Jambalaya is a spicy Cajun rice dish that is perfect to feed a crowd. The only thing that's not made in the crockpot is the rice. You add the chicken breast, andouille sausage, vegetables, rice, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. The flavors from the peppers, tomatoes and sausage meld together to create a delicious meal with a slight kick.
Get the recipe here.
