Set It and Forget It: 10 Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

When life gets hectic, the last thing you want to worry about is preparing dinner. Thankfully, with a trusty crockpot, you can “set it and forget it” while enjoying a flavorful, home-cooked meal at the end of a busy day. These easy crockpot dinner recipes are perfect for when you need a meal that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or just want to come home to a hot dinner, these recipes will make your life easier without compromising on taste!

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Taco night just got easier with this simple slow cooker chicken taco recipe! Throw chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning, and a little lime juice into the crockpot and let it cook to perfection. Shred the chicken when it’s done and serve with tortillas, guacamole, cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a quick and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Flour tortillas
• Toppings: cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Add salsa, taco seasoning, and lime juice.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve with tortillas and toppings.

2. Crockpot Beef Stew

This comforting beef stew is hearty and filling—perfect for chilly nights. Just toss beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and broth into the crockpot, and let it simmer for hours until tender. It’s a cozy, family-friendly meal that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions to the crockpot.
2. Pour in the beef broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until meat is tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce—this recipe is a game-changer. Simply season the ribs, pour on your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the crockpot do the work.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub ribs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place ribs in the crockpot and cover with BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the ribs are tender.
4. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite side dishes.

4. Crockpot Chicken and Rice

This simple and delicious dish features chicken and rice cooked together in a creamy broth, making it a one-pot wonder. Add some veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add rice, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then shred the chicken and mix it all together.
4. Add peas (if using) and cook for an additional 15 minutes before serving.

5. Slow Cooker Chili

Perfect for chilly evenings, this slow cooker chili is packed with flavor and can be customized to your preference—add ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, chili seasoning, and broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with cheese, sour cream, and cornbread.

6. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

A twist on traditional chili, this creamy white chicken chili is made with tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices. It’s a comforting and flavorful option for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, white beans, green chilies, onion, broth, and spices to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, then stir in sour cream before serving.

7. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

This easy crockpot version of chicken parmesan combines breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve over pasta or with garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Coat the chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and place them in the crockpot.
2. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Serve with pasta or garlic bread.

8. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Skip takeout and make this delicious beef and broccoli dish right in your slow cooker. The tender beef is cooked in a savory sauce and paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced thinly
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Add beef, soy sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
3. Add broccoli and cornstarch, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

9. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting, this mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Simply throw in the ingredients and let the crockpot work its magic while you go about your day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until creamy and melted.
3. Serve as a side dish or a main course with your favorite protein.

10. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

A comforting pasta dish, this slow cooker baked ziti combines pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a filling and delicious dinner. It’s the perfect dish for busy families.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Layer pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Conclusion:

Crockpot dinners are the ultimate solution for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and require minimal prep time, making them perfect for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends. So, set it and forget it, and enjoy a satisfying dinner without the stress!