A crockpot is one of the easiest ways to get a hearty dinner on the table on a busy day. You add the ingredients in the morning, let them cook low and slow, and come home to a meal that is ready to serve.
These 14 all-day crockpot recipes include comforting stews, saucy chicken, tender pork chops and a cheesy soup. Each one has a short ingredient list and simple steps. Cooking times vary between slow cookers, so check your dish toward the end and adjust as needed.
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1. Creamy Sausage and Tortellini
Cheese tortellini and smoked sausage come together in a rich, creamy sauce for a dinner that feels like comfort in a bowl. The sausage and broth cook low during the day, and the tortellini goes in near the end so it stays tender rather than mushy. Finish with cheese and fresh parsley.
- Best for: Cozy family dinners
- Key ingredients: Smoked sausage, cheese tortellini, cream, cheese
- Tip: Add the tortellini in the last 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 package (about 20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
- Salt, pepper and chopped parsley
How to make it
- Add the sausage, onion, garlic, broth and cream to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Stir in the tortellini and cheese, cover and cook for about 30 more minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Season to taste and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Image credit: Pinterest
2. Cabbage and Smoked Sausage
Cabbage wedges and smoked sausage make a simple, budget-friendly meal with very little prep. The cabbage softens as it cooks and soaks up the savory flavor from the sausage and broth. Serve it on its own or with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling dinner.
- Best for: Budget-friendly weeknights
- Key ingredients: Smoked sausage, cabbage, onion, broth
- Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it
- Place the cabbage wedges in the crockpot.
- Layer the sausage and onion on top.
- Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Image credit: Pinterest
3. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a takeout favorite that is easy to make in the crockpot. Chunks of chicken simmer with pineapple, bell peppers and onion in a tangy sauce. The colorful mix looks as good as it tastes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Best for: Takeout-style nights at home
- Key ingredients: Chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, sweet and sour sauce
- Tip: Add the peppers halfway through if you like them crisp
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
How to make it
- Add the chicken and onion to the crockpot.
- Stir in the sauce, then add the peppers and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Image credit: Pinterest
4. Classic Beef Stew
Classic beef stew is the definition of an all-day crockpot meal. Chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms cook slowly in a savory broth until everything is tender. It is warming, filling and even better the next day, so make a big batch for leftovers.
- Best for: Cold days and make-ahead meals
- Key ingredients: Beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, broth
- Tip: Toss the beef in a little flour first for a thicker stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 1/2 lbs small potatoes, halved
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it
- Place the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Whisk the broth and tomato paste together and pour it over.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the beef is tender.
Image credit: Pinterest
5. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken has a sweet and savory sauce that everyone seems to love. Chicken simmers in honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger until it is tender and glazed. Spoon the extra sauce over rice and add steamed vegetables on the side for an easy dinner.
- Best for: Family dinners and meal prep
- Key ingredients: Chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger
- Tip: Thicken the sauce with a little cornstarch at the end
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
How to make it
- Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken and turn to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice with green onions.
Image credit: Pinterest
6. Creamy Meatballs and Potatoes
Meatballs and potatoes cooked in a creamy gravy make a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner. Using frozen precooked meatballs keeps prep to a few minutes. The potatoes become soft and soak up the sauce as they cook. A spoonful of sour cream at the end makes the gravy extra smooth.
- Best for: Hearty, low-prep dinners
- Key ingredients: Frozen meatballs, potatoes, mushroom soup, gravy mix
- Tip: Stir in sour cream just before serving
Ingredients
- 1 bag (about 24 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley
How to make it
- Add the potatoes and onion to the crockpot, then the meatballs.
- Whisk the soup, broth and gravy mix and pour over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the sour cream and garnish with parsley.
Image credit: Pinterest
7. Salisbury Steak with Peppers and Onions
Salisbury steak patties topped with peppers and onions are a classic diner-style dinner that suits the crockpot perfectly. The patties stay tender in a rich brown gravy, and the peppers add color and sweetness. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Best for: Comfort food nights
- Key ingredients: Ground beef, bell peppers, onion, brown gravy
- Tip: Brown the patties first for deeper flavor
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper
- 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to make it
- Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper and shape into patties.
- Place the patties in the crockpot and top with the peppers and onion.
- Whisk the gravy mix, broth and Worcestershire and pour over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the patties are cooked through.
Image credit: Pinterest
8. Cream Cheese Italian Chicken
Cream cheese Italian chicken needs just a few ingredients and almost no prep. Chicken breasts are topped with cream cheese, Italian dressing mix and a can of soup, then cooked until tender. Stir everything together at the end for a silky sauce that is great over pasta or rice.
- Best for: Busy weekdays
- Key ingredients: Chicken breasts, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix
- Tip: Shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, in blocks
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
How to make it
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with the dressing mix.
- Spoon the soup around the chicken and set the cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir to combine, shredding the chicken if you like, and serve over pasta or rice.
Image credit: Pinterest
9. Apple Pork Chops
Apple pork chops are a cozy fall favorite. The apples soften and release their juices as they cook, creating a lightly sweet sauce with brown sugar and cinnamon. The pork turns tender and pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Mixing red and green apples adds color.
- Best for: Fall dinners
- Key ingredients: Pork chops, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon
- Tip: Use firm apples so they hold their shape
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup apple juice or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
How to make it
- Season the pork chops and place them in the crockpot.
- Toss the apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon and layer them on top.
- Pour in the juice or broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the pork is cooked through and tender.
Image credit: Pinterest
10. Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Soup
This creamy soup combines potatoes, ground beef, cheese and crispy bacon for a cheeseburger-style comfort meal. The potatoes cook down until soft, and the cheese melts into a velvety broth at the end. It is filling enough for dinner on its own, especially with a slice of crusty bread.
- Best for: Chilly evenings
- Key ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon
- Tip: Add the cheeses at the end so they melt smoothly
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
How to make it
- Add the beef, potatoes, onion, carrots and broth to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar and cook for about 30 more minutes, until melted.
- Top with bacon and parsley to serve.
Image credit: Pinterest
11. Creamy Mushroom Beef Tips
Creamy mushroom beef tips are rich and savory with only a handful of ingredients. Beef cooks slowly with mushrooms, onion and a creamy mushroom sauce until it is fork-tender. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
- Best for: Weeknight comfort meals
- Key ingredients: Beef stew meat, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup
- Tip: Serve over egg noodles for a stroganoff feel
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper
How to make it
- Place the beef, mushrooms and onion in the crockpot.
- Stir the soup and broth together and pour over.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is tender.
Image credit: Pinterest
12. Pineapple Pork Chops
Pineapple pork chops bring a sweet and tangy twist to a simple dinner. The pineapple rings sit right on top of the chops, and the juice mixes with soy sauce to create a light glaze. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables to soak up the sauce.
- Best for: Easy sweet and savory dinners
- Key ingredients: Pork chops, pineapple rings, soy sauce
- Tip: Add a little brown sugar for a stickier glaze
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 can pineapple rings in juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper
How to make it
- Season the pork chops and place them in the crockpot.
- Top with the pineapple rings.
- Mix the pineapple juice, soy sauce and sugar and pour over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the pork is cooked through.
Image credit: Pinterest
13. Rich Beef and Mushroom Stew
This beef and mushroom stew has a deeper, darker gravy than a classic stew, thanks to tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and plenty of mushrooms. Chunks of beef chuck cook low until meltingly tender alongside potatoes and carrots. It is a great Sunday dinner and freezes well for later.
- Best for: Sunday dinners and freezing
- Key ingredients: Beef chuck, mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, Worcestershire
- Tip: Thicken with a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to make it
- Add the beef and vegetables to the crockpot.
- Whisk the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire and thyme and pour over.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if you like and season to taste.
Image credit: Pinterest
14. Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Cheesy ranch chicken is a crowd-pleaser with only four ingredients. Chicken breasts cook with cream cheese, cheddar and ranch seasoning, then get shredded into a creamy, tangy filling. Pile it onto buns, wrap it in tortillas or serve it over rice. It also works well for game day.
- Best for: Game day and sandwiches
- Key ingredients: Chicken breasts, ranch mix, cream cheese, cheddar
- Tip: Stir in crumbled bacon for extra flavor
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
How to make it
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with the ranch mix.
- Add the cream cheese and cheddar on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken and stir it into the cheesy sauce.
Image credit: Pinterest
Tips for Better Crockpot Meals
Fill your slow cooker about half to two-thirds full so food cooks evenly, and try not to lift the lid too often, since it lets heat escape. Place firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, closer to the heat.
Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so treat recipe times as a guide. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is fully cooked, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Shop Slow Cooker Essentials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a crockpot on all day?
Slow cookers are designed to cook for long periods on low, which is why they are popular for all-day meals. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions and place it on a stable, heat-safe surface.
Should I cook on low or high?
Low is best for all-day cooking and tougher cuts of meat. High cooks faster, often in about half the time, and works when you are short on time.
Can I put frozen meat in a crockpot?
Many food safety guides recommend thawing meat in the fridge before slow cooking, so it heats evenly. Precooked frozen meatballs are a common exception that many recipes use straight from the freezer.
How do I thicken a crockpot sauce?
Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water during the last 30 minutes with the lid off, or simmer the sauce on the stovetop briefly before serving.
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Final Thoughts
With a little prep in the morning, these crockpot recipes turn into warm, filling dinners by evening. Start with a simple favorite like beef stew or honey garlic chicken, then work your way through the list.
Save this post so you always have an easy dinner idea ready for busy days.