Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on busy weeknights? Do you wish you had more time to enjoy a delicious meal with your family, rather than slaving away over a hot stove? Look no further! Crock pots are a busy cook’s best friend, and we’re here to show you why. With just 3 ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. In this article, we’ll share our top 20 easy crock pot recipes for busy weeknights, featuring dishes like BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and beef roast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these simple and satisfying meals are sure to become new favorites.
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
This simple and delicious recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken breasts smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops
This recipe combines the rich flavor of pork chops with the tanginess of ranch seasoning, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork chops
– 1 packet ranch seasoning
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
2. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream.
4. Pour the mixture over the pork chops in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Beef Roast
Simplify your meal prep with this straightforward recipe that yields a tender and flavorful beef roast. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) beef roast (chuck or round)
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup of beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until well combined.
4. Place the beef roast in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Pour the soup mixture over the roast, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Roast the beef in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Add a rich and creamy twist to classic chicken with this mouthwatering recipe. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and can be served with your choice of sides.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle garlic mixture evenly over the top of each breast.
4. Dot the top of each breast with butter.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While chicken is cooking, combine heavy cream and remaining butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until smooth and creamy.
7. Remove chicken from oven and brush with cream mixture.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cream is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of honey and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, mix honey and garlic in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with honey-garlic mixture.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Salsa Chicken
This flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious salsa chicken in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the top of each breast with the oil mixture.
4. Spoon salsa over the top of each chicken breast, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3-Ingredient Pulled Pork
In just a few simple steps, you can achieve tender and delicious pulled pork with only three ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want to impress your guests without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour in the barbecue sauce and brown sugar.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Use two forks to pull apart the pork into shreds.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Get ready for a flavorful and tender chicken dish with this simple slow cooker recipe. This teriyaki chicken is perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and pour in the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and brush with olive oil.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Simple Crock Pot Chili
Warm up with a hearty and comforting bowl of chili made simple with your crock pot! This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you need a meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to your crock pot.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the crock pot.
5. Stir in the water.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of dijon mustard. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, these maple dijon chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and dijon mustard.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the maple-dijon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
3-Ingredient Italian Beef
Get ready to satisfy your beef cravings with this quick and delicious 3-Ingredient Italian Beef recipe! With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying tender and flavorful beef in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef roast (such as chuck or round)
- 1 can of Italian-style tomato sauce (28 oz)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine the beef roast, Italian-style tomato sauce, and minced garlic.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe yields a flavorful and moist chicken dish infused with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken in the Crock Pot and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over it.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Easy Brown Sugar Ham
Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe
Sweet and savory, this classic ham recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With a simple glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously caramelized ham in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, honey, cloves, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
5. Roast the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
This sweet and tangy slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have tender and flavorful chicken breasts that are perfect for serving with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and mustard until smooth.
3. Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour the honey-mustard mixture over it.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Sausage and Peppers
Savor the flavors of sausage and peppers with this simple recipe that requires only three ingredients! This classic combination is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sliced peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Serve the sausage and pepper mixture hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crock Pot Pineapple Pork
Pineapple Pork Crock Pot Recipe: A deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. Place the pork cubes in the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork in the Crock Pot.
4. Add the chopped pineapple on top of the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Simple Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat until cooked through.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken: A rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in chicken broth, making sure the chicken is covered.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Chicken Tacos
A flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. This dish is all about simplicity, with just three ingredients required.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 8-10 corn tortillas
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing sliced chicken onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a spoonful of black beans.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Crock Pot Applesauce Pork
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of pork with the sweetness of applesauce, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day or a stress-free dinner party!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup applesauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the pork, applesauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and cinnamon.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Indulge in the ease and convenience of crock pot cooking with these 20 simple recipes that require only 3 ingredients! From BBQ chicken to pulled pork, beef roast to sausage and peppers, there’s something for everyone. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these slow-cooked meals are perfect for busy weeknights. Try Crock Pot BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops, or 3-Ingredient Beef Roast – the possibilities are endless!