Are you tired of the same old boring lunches every day? Look no further! Crock pots are a busy person’s best friend, allowing you to prepare a variety of healthy and tasty meals with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering lunch crock pot recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
From classic comfort foods like creamy potato and ham chowder, to international-inspired dishes like Mexican quinoa and black beans, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes. And the best part? Each dish is made with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, making it easy to fit them into your busy schedule. So go ahead, fire up your crock pot, and get ready to take your lunch game to the next level!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This comforting slow cooker beef stew recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors come together in this easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the minced garlic on top of the onion.
3. Arrange the beef stew meat in an even layer.
4. Add the cubed potatoes, frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any time of day? Our Crock Pot Chicken Tacos recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort, but maximum flavor!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6-8 taco-sized tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, water, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Vegetable Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender lentils, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices. It’s an easy and nutritious meal option that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savor the tender, fall-apart texture of slow-cooked pulled pork piled high on a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. When the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove from heat.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in any accumulated juices.
7. Split the hamburger buns and pile high with shredded pork.
8. Serve immediately, topped with coleslaw or pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (or overnight)
Creamy Potato and Ham Chowder
Creamy Potato and Ham Chowder Recipe
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful chowder, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy milk for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound cooked ham, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in cooked ham and heavy cream or half-and-half. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting slow cooker recipe is perfect for a chilly day or when you need a warm, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare. With tender chicken, soft noodles, and flavorful vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of uncooked egg noodles
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Black Bean and Corn Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the flavors of black beans, corn, and spices to create a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, red bell pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with these tender, juicy BBQ pulled chicken sliders! This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious snack or as a addition to your next backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 slider buns
– Coleslaw, pickles, and other toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the BBQ mixture.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks.
6. Split the slider buns and fill with the shredded chicken.
7. Add coleslaw, pickles, or other toppings as desired.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy macaroni and cheese just got a whole lot easier! This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. In the slow cooker, combine cooked macaroni, butter, and cheese mixture. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
A flavorful and comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for a chilly day. This recipe combines the rich taste of turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a warm and cozy chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Add the onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
3. Add the water and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with this comforting soup that combines tender beef, creamy barley, and a rich vegetable broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add broth, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
Elevate your mealtime with this easy-to-make Crock Pot Italian Meatballs recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have tender meatballs smothered in rich tomato sauce ready to serve.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Crock Pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs (about 20-25).
4. Place meatballs in the Crock Pot and add crushed tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or as a sub sandwich.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Creamy and comforting, this slow cooker chicken alfredo recipe is a twist on the classic Italian dish. With minimal prep work and tender chicken, it’s perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, heavy cream, butter, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
4. Serve the cooked pasta with the slow-cooked chicken mixture, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetable Beef Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup, packed with tender beef and an assortment of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Savory sausage and sweet peppers come together in a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy households.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your favorite pasta or rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Add the sausage, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the sausage and vegetables.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, topped with your favorite pasta or rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole that combines the goodness of broccoli, rice, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 3 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cheese mixture (cheddar and mozzarella), and cooked broccoli mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken recipes, this slow cooker dish is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal with minimal effort. This recipe combines the richness of honey and garlic with the tenderizing power of slow cooking.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey and garlic until well combined.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the honey-garlic mixture over the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Mexican Quinoa and Black Beans
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the savory goodness of black beans, all wrapped up in a vibrant Mexican-inspired package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: lime wedges, cilantro, and shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans and cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This slow cooker minestrone soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With its rich vegetable broth, tender pasta, and savory beans, this Italian-inspired soup will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
4. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this classic Teriyaki Chicken and Rice dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in teriyaki sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat with the teriyaki sauce.
6. Serve chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to take your lunch game to the next level with these delicious and easy-to-make crock pot recipes! From classic comfort foods like beef stew and chicken noodle soup, to international flavors like Italian meatballs and Mexican quinoa, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy pulled pork sandwiches, creamy chowders, and hearty soups that are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort required, these 20 recipes will become your new go-to options for busy days. Try them out and discover the convenience of slow-cooked goodness!