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14 Simple Small Crockpot Meals for Busy Days

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1. Creamy Garlic Chicken

This creamy garlic chicken is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly simple to make. Just toss chicken breasts, garlic, cream cheese, and a few spices into the crockpot, and let it work its magic. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, shred the chicken and mix everything well.

2. Beef Stroganoff

This classic beef stroganoff is a warm and hearty meal that can be made with minimal effort. Just combine beef, mushrooms, onions, and a rich sauce in your crockpot, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready when you get home.

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Stir in the sour cream just before serving and serve over egg noodles.

3. Vegetable Chili

This hearty vegetable chili is perfect for a meatless meal that still packs a punch. It’s loaded with beans, veggies, and spices, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups corn
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.

4. Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These sweet and sticky honey garlic pork chops are an easy weeknight dinner that is sure to please everyone at the table. The sauce caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the pork chops in the crockpot, mix the honey, soy sauce, and garlic, and pour over the chops. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with steamed vegetables.

5. Italian Sausage and Peppers

This Italian sausage and peppers dish is bursting with flavor and is extremely easy to prepare. Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it cook. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served over pasta.

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve in hoagie rolls or over spaghetti for a delicious meal.

6. Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are so easy to make and are perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss some chicken, salsa, and taco spices into the crockpot, and dinner is done!

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and avocado.

7. Quinoa and Black Bean Stew

This nutritious quinoa and black bean stew is perfect for a filling and healthy meal. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it an excellent choice for a busy day.

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with avocado slices and cilantro for added freshness.

8. Lemon Herb Chicken

This lemon herb chicken is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for those days when you want something healthy yet satisfying.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken in the crockpot, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with steamed broccoli or a side salad.

9. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These BBQ chicken sandwiches are a hit at any gathering. With minimal prep, just toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a perfect meal.

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce before serving on buns.

10. Lentil Soup

This lentil soup is hearty, healthy, and perfect for those cold days. Packed with vegetables and lentils, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.

  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

11. Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli for a quick and delicious dinner.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

Place the chicken in the crockpot, combine teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger, and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with rice and vegetables.

12. Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one dish. You can customize the filling based on your favorite ingredients!

  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the meat, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then stuff the mixture into the bell pepper halves. Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Top with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.

13. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to throw together. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for busy evenings.

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir before serving and enjoy the creamy goodness!

14. Clam Chowder

This clam chowder is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor.

  • 2 cans clams, drained with juice reserved
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot except for the cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream just before serving for a rich finish.

Conclusion

These 14 easy small crockpot recipes are perfect for busy days when you need a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and delicious results, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients tailored to your family’s preferences. So grab your crockpot, try out these recipes, and make mealtime a breeze!

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15. Beef Stroganoff

This beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food that’s rich and creamy. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a hearty meal.

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in sour cream just before serving for added creaminess.

16. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

This Moroccan chickpea stew is packed with spices and vegetables, making it a flavorful vegetarian option for your crockpot.

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve over couscous or with crusty bread.

17. BBQ Pulled Pork

This BBQ pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches or served with coleslaw. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Place the pork in the crockpot, add the onion, and pour BBQ sauce over the top. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce before serving.

18. Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup is packed with protein and flavor, making it a nutritious option for busy days.

  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Blend slightly for a creamier texture if desired.

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14 Simple Small Crockpot Meals for Busy Days

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