40+ Easy Weeknight Crockpot Meals, perfect for busy days!
Easy Weeknight Crockpot Meals
I love my slow cooker, that is definitely no secret. And I am guessing you might just love yours too! In the spirit of “set it and forget it” meals I have compiled a list of some of the best easy slow cooker recipes! I love these crockpot meals because they make it possible for me to come home to a hot meal that I haven’t had to cook!
Some of these recipes are made in an Instant Pot, but they include directions to be made in a slow cooker. These Easy Weeknight Crockpot Meals are the ideal busy night dinner, tasty snacks or even delicious desserts! For even easier clean up, I use these Crock Pot Liners so there is barely any work at all!
Are these Crockpot recipes good for meal prep?
Absolutely! I love to meal prep, and I regularly use my crockpot to do so. Being able to plan my meals out for the week is a huge help in our house, but using a slow cooker on nights I know I won’t have time to cook is a life saver! Using meal prep containers is a big help for keeping us on track!
Weeknight Crockpot Meal Prep Ideas:
- SO MANY of these recipes can be frozen as “dump meals.” To meal prep with VERY little extra effort, simply buy twice the ingredients and then measure everything out twice — Once in the slow cooker for today’s meal, and once in a freezer bag to store for later. Write the time required & any additional steps/ingredients on the bag with a sharpie so anyone can prepare dinner later!
- If you plan to start a slow cooker meal before going to work, it might be best to go ahead and prep the recipe the night before! Simply throw the ingredients you need in the slow cooker (or a bag/bowl), then all you have to do is plug in the slow cooker (or dump the bag/bowl into it). This way even a missed alarm won’t mean you’re dinner plans are ruined!
- When doing long-term meal prepping, use different proteins or seasonings to avoid getting in a rut! Instead of having Salsa Chicken 3 times a month, maybe one could be a Chicken Chimichanga and another a Carnitas night!
Slow Cooker Sides and Appetizers
Slow Cooker Sides and Appetizers are perfect for game day or get-togethers!
Slow Cooker Dinners
Try one of these Slow Cooker Dinners for the perfect easy weeknight meal tonight!
The best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe! Tender and flavorful pulled pork is so easy to make in your crockpot. Perfect for busy days or for feeding a crowd.
Slow Cooker Desserts
These Slow Cooker Desserts are as easy as they are delicious!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I feel like I’ve been neglecting my slow cooker later. I don’t know why, because I LOVE IT! Thanks for reminding me of how awesome it can be, with all these great recipes. I’m actually heading out to the grocery store this afternoon, and I think I’m going to put that Mongolian Beef on my list!
Annie Holmes says
Doesn’t it look amazing?! I just don’t think I could live without my slow cooker! Thanks Liz!! 🙂
Katerina @ Diethood says
I seriously want to make every single thing in this roundup! I love my slow cooker and use it almost daily.
Annie Holmes says
I do too Katerina! I just think it is such a handy tool!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I’m a recent slow cooker convert and I’m LOVING all these recipes!! So much yumminess 🙂
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Rachel!! 🙂
Jamielyn@iheartnaptime says
These all look amazing! Pinning for later!
Annie Holmes says
Thank you Jamielyn!! 🙂
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
This is such an awesome collection! I love my slow cooker too, but variety is KEY…otherwise every meal starts to taste the same! 🙂 There are so many recipes that I want to try here. Pinned and sharing!
Annie Holmes says
Oh definitely!! I get tired of the same old things! 🙂 Thanks Blair!
marcie says
I am loving using my slow cooker more than ever, so this round up is perfect! And thank you for including my pulled pork. 🙂
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Marcie!! 🙂
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
Ahhhhh….LOVE this round-up, Annie! My slow cooker is seriously my best friend.
Annie Holmes says
Me too!! I just couldn’t live without it!
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
Love this – I am always looking for more slow cooker dinners…that AREN’T soup! ha!
Annie Holmes says
Absolutely!! I love soup but sometimes I need some variety! haha!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Yay for non-soup slow cooker recipes! Great roundup, everything looks so good!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Kimberly! 🙂
Cathy Trochelman says
These all look SO good! I can’t wait to try some of them!!!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Cathy!
Danielle says
I love my slow cooker, it’s such a life saver during the week. This is such a great round up of recipes, Annie! Thanks for including me too 🙂
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Danielle! 🙂
Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
YES! My slow cooker has been working overtime these days, so handy! And now I have a nice little mini one to play with. These all look amazing. Thanks for including me!
Annie Holmes says
I think we all need a really good go to list of slow cooker recipes when life gets crazy! 🙂
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I want to try so many of the recipes on this list! Slow cooker meals have saved me many times when my kids hit their melt-down point in the evenings. Thanks so much for including my recipes!
Annie Holmes says
You are so welcome!! 🙂 We are making your slow cooker lasagna tomorrow!! I can’t wait!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This may have been a meal plan post because I want to add all of these to the menu. Awesome round up, Annie! Thanks for including my buffalo chicken. 🙂
Annie Holmes says
I know right?! Slow cooker recipes every night of the week, I say! Thanks Alyssa!
Kelly says
Slow cooker recipes are my favorite! Love this delicious round-up! Everything looks amazing! Thanks so much for including me 🙂 Can’t wait to try so many of these recipes!
Annie Holmes says
Thanks Kelly! Your slow cooker recipes are amazing!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
What a great round up of recipes! Everything looks so good! There’s nothing better than a slow cooker meal that I don’t have to fuss over during the day.
Annie Holmes says
Absolutely!! They can really be lifesavers sometimes! Thanks Serene!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
This is a just perfect because I am always looking for slow cooker meals! I try to add a slow cooker meal to my weeknight menu each week and all of these recipes look incredible. I think I am going to try the slow cooker chicken lo mein first. So good!
Annie Holmes says
I agree!! They make life so much easier, I just love “set it and forget it” meals! Thanks Ashley!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I want to try every single one of these recipes! Love using my slow cooker!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
SO many great crockpot dinners that I now have to try! I think I’ve got a month’s worth of dinners all planned out now. 😉
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
As much as we love soup, it is SO nice to have a change every once in a while! Thanks so much for including me!
mira says
So many recipes I’d like to try! Thanks for sharing!