40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (2024)

The crockpot is a great tool for any family because once you set it you can forget it.Crock pot meals are easy and delicious.

Contents show

Very few small kitchen appliances have changed the way our families cook and eat as the slow cooker has. When women started workout outside the home more in the 1940s, slow cookers first started to gain traction. In fact, the Crock Pot was patented more than 80 years ago, and we’re here for it!

After a while though, the same old recipes get recycled week after week after week.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (1)

In the world of convenient and delicious home-cooked meals, crockpot recipes reign supreme. As the ideal kitchen companion, a crockpot allows you to effortlessly transform raw ingredients into mouthwatering dishes by simply tossing them in and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Perfect for those with busy schedules and a taste for hearty comfort foods, crockpot recipes truly embody the best of both worlds.

As you venture into the realm of crockpot cooking, it’s essential to keep in mind that the secret to a successful dish lies in the careful selection of ingredients and the harmonious marriage of flavors. From savory stews to sweet treats, you’ll discover a plethora of recipes that cater to a variety of preferences and dietary needs. By taking advantage of the versatility of your crockpot, you’ll join a community of culinary enthusiasts who swear by the ease and efficiency of slow cooking.

What used to get the family pumped for dinner time now just gets a bunch of groans.

Lucky for you, there are a ton of different crockpot recipes you can add to your arsenal of dishes.You’ll find many a good slow cooker recipe including slow cooker beef and slow cooker pulled pork.

So dust off that Instant Pot and find a new crock pot recipe. I really enjoy potato soup and sweet potato as part of any crockpot meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

You’ll find delicious slow-cooked meats and hearty meals the entire family will enjoy in the best crockpot meals below!

Make sure you check out our other curated crockpot recipe lists:

Crockpot Breakfast Recipes

Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Beef Crockpot Recipes

Keto Crockpot Recipes

Crockpot Soup Recipes

Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes

Easy Crockpot Meals

Our best crock pot recipes will decrease your meal prep time and keep you cooking classy with everything from ground beef to chicken soup. I’m sure you’ll find crockpot dinner ideas your family will love.

Our Favorite Crock Pot Recipes

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (2)

Source: fitasamamabear.com

Bonus: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

This is easily one of my favorite chicken recipes. It’s a great way to make chicken thighs.

Your family will love them, tangy and tasty.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (3)

Source: creationsbykara.com

1. Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni

You won’t be able to create an entire pizza in your crockpot, but you can make a killer pizza casserole with it.

Packed with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, pasta, and whatever other ingredients you want, this dish is filling and satisfying.

Go nuts with your cheese and consider getting yourself a nice roll of garlic bread to go with it.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (4)

Source: bunsinmyoven.com

2. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This traditional classic does just as well in a crockpot as it does in a cooking pot.

You can stick with the tried and true recipe or add a little more herbs to kick it up a notch.

Let the chicken cook in the crockpot all day long while you get what you need done.

When you come home, all you need is the dumplings and you’ll be ready to feed the whole family!

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (5)

Source: togetherasfamily.com

3. Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

This recipe is as delicious as it is easy to make.

Just throw all your ingredients into the pot, mix up the meat as it starts to cook, then put on the lid when your meat is separated.

You’ll get the same savory flavors as a regular burger but with the warmth of a comforting soup.

If you want an easy stapleyou can get together in no time, this could be your go-to dish.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (6)

Source: foodtasticmom.com

4. Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Biting into a perfectly cooked short rib at a restaurant reminds you why slow-cooking exists.

Taking your time with short ribs is exactly how you can recreate that melt-off-the-bone texture.

Before throwing your short ribs straight into the pot to cook, season them and throw them in a skillet to sear.

Once each side gets a few minutes to contain all the flavorful juices, add it to your crockpot with the rest of your ingredients.

Make sure to plan these well in advance because the longer you cook them the more satisfying they’ll be.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (7)

Source: thechunkychef.com

5. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a party classic that is easy to make and taste delicious.

Set up a tray at your next event and you’ll learn you might need to make an extra batch.

Whether you choose the honey flavor in this recipe or go with your own parmesan or garlic wings, you won’t be disappointed.

Throw them into the slow cooker and make sure they are covered in sauce so they can really soak in all the flavor.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (8)

Source: saltysidedish.com

6. Crockpot Tortellini

This amazing recipe includes fresh cheese tortellini and a slow cooker that’s sure to bring smiles on your family’s faces.

Easy to make and just plain delicious, you’ll make this one over and over again.

My family loves it.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (9)

Source: thriftyandthriving.com

7. Crockpot Mixed Berry Cobbler

Making a dessert in your crockpot is an excellent way to cook dinner while still being able to have it all.

This mixed berry cobbler is a classic that goes perfectly with some vanilla ice cream on the side.

You don’t have to use berries if you have some other fruit lying around. Peaches, apples, and strawberries all make excellent substitutes in this dish.

You don’t have to have a chef’s attention to detail in order to complete this dish. It’s meant to be a little messy.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (10)

Source: thekitchenmagpie.com

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

What’s better than a deliciously cooked crockpot chicken dish? One stuffed with mushrooms and peppers!

Cacciatore is perfect with a side dish of pasta and if you make enough, you can have leftovers for the rest of the week.

With most meats you use in your crockpot, you’ll want to sear it first in a really hot pan before throwing it in with the rest of the ingredients.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (11)

Source: yummyhealthyeasy.com

9. Sloppy Joe’s

Looking for one of thoseeasy crockpot dinner ideas to make for the family?

Sloppy Joe’s is a classic any kid or parent enjoys during the week.

Instead of getting your kitchen dirty by making it on a stove, throw all the ingredients in your crockpot, put the lid on, and save yourself some time from cleaning.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (12)

Source: carlsbadcravings.com

10. Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

This Asian-inspired cuisine is one of those easy crock pot recipes you can spiceup any way you like.

Instead of heading out to your local restaurant to pick up the dish, you can stay at home and recreate the same delicious flavor.

While your meal is cooking, you can quickly get a side of rice cooking so everything is ready to go when the crockpot stops cooking.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (13)

Source: myorganizedchaos.net

11. Crockpot Stuffing

It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you and your family to enjoy a delicious side of stuffing.

Only now, you don’t have to slave around the stove all day making sure your stuffing is ready.

Stick everything in your crockpot and enjoy time with your family while it cooks at the same time.

This is one of those dishes you can really change up to satisfy your taste buds. Add your favorite herbs or an extra link of sausage to step it up a level.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (14)

Source: thecozycook.com

12. The Best Crockpot Beef Stew

Nothing keeps you warm in the dead of winter like a nice hot stew.

A nice cut of meat, some potatoes, carrots, and thick sauce makes you feel all warm inside with each bite.

If your kids are having a hard time eating their veggies, you can hide a ton in your beef stew and they won’t even know the difference.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (15)

Source: cdkitchen.com

13. Seafood Chowder

You may have had some other types of chowder but you don’t really know the best version till you try a spoonful of seafood chowder.

Packed with fresh shrimp, clams, and crab, it’s the ocean lover’s dream dish.

You want to wait an hour or so before adding in your seafood to keep it from getting rubbery and overcooked.

If the chowder doesn’t seem like enough, nothing goes better with a chowder than some soft cheesy biscuits on the side.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (16)

Source: amandascookin.com

14. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Looking for one of those easycrockpot meals?

There must be a million mac and cheese recipes out there but none of them cook themselves like this crockpot recipe.

Now, you can focus on running errands while your mac and cheese melts into the perfect consistency.

Instead of using regular cheese, you can improve the dish by adding some gouda or gruyere. Heck, why not add both?

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (17)

Source: themagicalslowcooker.com

15. Peanut Butter Cup Cake

Just looking at this dish makes it hard not to bust out the crockpot right now.

Using a boxed cake mix, you can add chocolate and peanut butter to create the best homemade dessert you’ve probably had in a while.

If you just can’t get enough sweetness, you can top it all off with some caramel and peanut butter cups.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (18)

Source: spendwithpennies.com

16. Crockpot Lasagna

You’ll make this Italian classic in much the same way you’d make a regular lasagna, except this time you don’t have to cook the pasta.

Just layer everything together, set your timer, and walk away from your crockpot.

All Italian dinners go a little better with some garlic bread added to the mix. If you’re feeling wild, you could even throw in some red wine too.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (19)

Source: centslessdeals.com

17. Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder

You saw how to make seafood chowder but this classic potato and corn chowder is how northerners have been keeping warm for generations.

The chowder is packed with enough ingredients to make this a full-blown meal.

In fact, you might not even make it past your first bowl. Add bacon as a garnish to get some more savory and salty flavors in the mix.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (20)

Source: suburbansimplicity.com

18. Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

Have you ever dreamt of waking up and having your breakfast already made for you just waiting to be served?

Well, you don’t have to dream about it any longer. This breakfast casserole recipe cooks overnight so it’s ready to go right when you wake up.

It has everything you could want in a breakfast; sausage, eggs, veggies, hash browns, and bacon. Of course, you can mix it up any way you want for something more to your liking.

Add a little side of avocado toast and you’ll be ready for your day.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (21)

Source: thecozycook.com

19. Crock Pot Roast

Pot roast is the classic crockpot dish because it already takes a while to cook but it is worth it if you have the time.

With this recipe, you can have everything prepped in under 30 minutes and once you stick it in your crockpot, you can walk away for the day.

Before you walk in the door to come home, you’ll notice the distinct smell of a delicious pot roast welcoming you home.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (22)

Source: thesoccermomblog.com

20. Slow Cooker Lava Cake

Chocolate lovers beware: this dish might be so good you’ll never stop making it.

Who can pass up warm and melting chocolate sauce over a gooey chocolate fudge cake with frosting?

Did I mention the chocolate chips that decorate the top of your cake?

If you have self-control, you may be able to transfer this to a bowl or plate, but many of you will have to dig straight into the crockpot.

Just make sure you have some whipped cream or ice cream to go on the side.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (23)

Source: thereciperebel.com

21. Baked Ziti

Much like the lasagna on this list, the baked ziti is perfect for the crockpot because it takes away the need to cook your pasta first.

Instead, layer everything inside the pot, close the lid, and set the timer.

When it’s done cooking, your house will smell like an authentic Italian restaurant.

Serve up some mozzarella sticks or garlic bread on the side and get to eating.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (24)

Source: lilluna.com

22. Crockpot Baked Potatoes

The baked potato is one of the most versatile sides of any meal.

Add some chives, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits and it’s almost a meal on its own.

Should be able to fit a few in your crockpot so that each family member has one for their dinner.

Make sure to cover them fully before throwing them into the crockpot so they can retain the heat and cook throughout.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (25)

Source: diethood.com

23. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a perfect dish to make in the crockpot because it has a ton of ingredients but all you have to do is throw them into the pot and walk away.

You can even make your rice on the side while the jambalaya is stewing so that everything is ready at the same time.

Try not to substitute the Andouille sausage with another type of sausage, because you’ll be able to taste the difference in the end.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (26)

Source: familyfreshmeals.com

24. BBQ Chicken

Nothing says summer like a good cookout with some bbq chicken.

Instead of going through the hassle of gathering coals and lighting a fire and then waiting for your chicken to cook, throw it in the crockpot for the same great flavor.

Use a smoking machine to add the smoky flavor you’d get on the grill.

As long as the chicken is sitting in a good amount of BBQ sauce, your chicken will absorb all the flavors.

What separates a good BBQ from a great BBQ is the sauce, so mix together a homemade batch and you’ll wow your friends.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (27)

Source: chefsavvy.com

25. Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken

Like the Beef and Broccoli dish, this takeout dish can be made right at home with a good crockpot.

Take your chicken and throw it on a searing skillet on each side for a few minutes before tossing it into the crockpot.

This will keep the juices on the inside of your chicken and create a nice crust on the outside.

Source: chefsavvy.com

26. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Meatballs are great with pasta or you can throw them into a sandwich with some marinara sauce.

You can also add just about any ingredient you want inside the meatballs to satisfy your taste buds.

With a slow cooker, your meatballs will cook evenly every single time and they’ll soak up all the flavors in the meantime.

Just make sure you make enough for the group because they’ll go fast.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (28)

Source: plainchicken.com

27. Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

If you’ve ever had a soup and haven’t been quite satisfied at the end of the meal, this is definitely for you.

Packed full of meat, bacon, carrots, potatoes, and other ingredients, you might have a hard time going back to regular burgers.

You could even try the traditional fries with your soup and give one or two a dip into the sauce.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (29)

Source: plainchicken.com

28. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork

Pulled pork practically melts in your mouth if you make it in a slow cooker.

Add some teriyaki sauce to it and it will be your new best friend for the rest of the week.

You can put this on tortillas, bread, rolls, or pretty much anything you want to.

You could even have it on its own with some rice and broccoli.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (30)

Source: eatingonadime.com

29. Crock Pot Pork Chops

Making pork chops is tricky.

They are always either underdone or overcooked and no one wants to eat a rubbery pork chop.

But making it in the crockpot makes it so much better.

You’ll not only get flavorful bites, but they will each be as moist as the last.

Topping it all off with a delicious gravy is really just the cherry on top.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (31)

Source: spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

30. Crockpot Chili

You can’t go a whole winter without making some homemade chili.

This crockpot recipe makes it easier than ever to have a warm bowl waiting for the family.

Even though there are a lot of ingredients, all you have to do is put them in the pot and walk away.

Now, whether you should add beans or not in your chili is up to you.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (32)

Source: thecountrycook.net

31. Steak and Gravy

Who says you can’t have a delicious steak meal without spending a ton of time on it?

This steak and gravy instant classic will have your mouth watering for more.

Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this before.

Source: lifeinthelofthouse.com

32. Honey Sesame Chicken

You won’t be able to get enough of this honey sesame chicken! The sweet and savory flavors are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Making it in the crockpot gives you plenty of time to work on the rest of your dinner preparations or get some other work done.

Source: dinnerthendessert.com

33. Beer Onion Brisket

Brisket is good enough on its own but when you add some onions and beer to the mix, it takes things up a notch.

The best part is that it only takes about 3 hours in the crockpot so you can come home to a delicious dinner without having to spend all day in the kitchen.

Source: easyfamilyrecipes.com

34. Loaded Baked Potato

Everyone loves a good baked potato and with the crockpot you don’t have to worry about having to babysit it.

You can top it with your favorite fixings, like cheese, bacon, and green onions, for a delicious and filling meal.

Source: givemesomeoven.com.com

35. Birria

This slow cooked meat is a prized dish in Mexican cuisine. It’s made with beef or pork and is cooked in a chili pepper sauce.

It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want something a little bit different for dinner.

Source: eatingonadime.com

36. Chicken and Rice

There’s nothing more simple and more delicious than a good chicken and rice dish.

The chicken cooks in the crockpot with some rice and carrots for a complete meal that your family will love.

Source: crockpotsandflipflops.com

37. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When you want the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect.

The chicken is cooked in the crockpot with some pasta and a simple sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight meal.

Source: asouthernsoul.com

38. Bourbon Meatballs

The best thing about meatballs is that they are versatile and can be made with pretty much any type of meat. These bourbon meatballs are made with ground beef and pork and they are simmered in a bourbon sauce.

They are perfect for a party or for a special occasion and everyone will love them.

Source: thecozycook.com

39. Beef Tips and Gravy

This dish is perfect for a cold winter’s day. The beef tips are cooked in the crockpot with some gravy and carrots for a hearty and comforting meal.

It’s perfect for those days when you want something warm and filling, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Serve it over some rice or mashed potatoes for a complete.

Source: eatwell101.com

40. Tuscan Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tuscan garlic chicken thighs are a delicious and easy way to make chicken. The chicken is cooked in the crockpot with some garlic, tomatoes, and spinach for a simple and healthy meal.

It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (33)

Our 40+ BEST Crockpot Recipes (+Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 7 hours hrs 32 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 327 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. browned ground turkey or beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons mustard
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a crock pot and cook for 4-6 hours on low.

  • Serve on buns.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcal

Keyword keto crockpot recipes, slow cooker sloppy joes

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Follow Us

Cassie Marshall

Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.

Follow Us

Latest posts by Cassie Marshall (see all)

  • Teriyaki Sauce Substitutes - November 18, 2023
  • Chinese 5-Spice Substitutes - November 18, 2023
  • Pomegranate Gin co*cktail - November 15, 2023

Related Posts:

  • Foods that Start with J
  • Foods that Start with L
  • 30+ Easy Dump Dinners for the Crock Pot
  • 35+ Easy Crockpot Meals
  • Foods that Starts with O
  • 35+ Electric Skillet Recipes For Easy Meals
  • 50+ Easy Soup Recipes You Must Try
  • 25 Delicious Crockpot Soup Recipes
  • Foods that Start with H
  • What’s The Difference Between Veal and Lamb?
  • Splatter Guards: Buyer’s Guide and 7 Best Picks
  • Types of Cakes: A Friendly Guide
  • Foods that Start with D
  • Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • 50+ Easy Instant Pot Recipes
  • Delicious Beef Crockpot Recipes

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.

Crockpot Cooking:

The article discusses the benefits of using a crockpot for cooking. Crockpots, also known as slow cookers, are praised for their convenience and ability to transform raw ingredients into delicious dishes with minimal effort. They are particularly useful for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Crockpot Recipes:

The article provides a list of various crockpot recipes that you can try. Here are some examples mentioned in the article:

  1. Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni: A filling and satisfying dish packed with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and pasta [[1]].
  2. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: A classic dish that can be easily prepared in a crockpot [[2]].
  3. Crock Pot Hamburger Soup: A delicious and easy-to-make soup with savory flavors [[3]].
  4. Slow Cooker Short Ribs: A mouthwatering dish with melt-in-your-mouth texture [[4]].
  5. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Wings: A party classic that is easy to make and tastes delicious [[5]].
  6. Crockpot Tortellini: A recipe featuring fresh cheese tortellini cooked in a slow cooker [[6]].
  7. Crockpot Mixed Berry Cobbler: A dessert made with mixed berries that goes perfectly with vanilla ice cream [[7]].
  8. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore: A chicken dish stuffed with mushrooms and peppers [[8]].
  9. Sloppy Joe's: A classic and easy-to-make dish that both kids and parents enjoy [[9]].
  10. Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli: An Asian-inspired cuisine that can be customized to your liking [[10]].

These are just a few examples, and the article provides many more recipes for different tastes and preferences.

Benefits of Crockpot Cooking:

The article highlights the benefits of using a crockpot for cooking. Some of the advantages mentioned include:

  • Convenience: Crockpots allow you to set it and forget it, making meal preparation easier and less time-consuming.
  • Versatility: Crockpots can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to desserts.
  • Flavorful Results: Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and ingredients to become tender, resulting in delicious and flavorful meals.
  • Time-Saving: Crockpots can save time by cooking meals slowly over several hours, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

These benefits make crockpots a popular choice for individuals and families looking for convenient and tasty home-cooked meals.

Please note that the information provided above is based on this article. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!

40 Easy Crockpot Recipes & Slow Cooker Meals (2024)

FAQs

What size slow cooker do I need for 2 adults? ›

Slow cookers range in capacity, from a compact 1.5 litres up to 7 litres. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2.3-litre capacity is great for two people, a larger 4 to 4.5 litres will feed four, and 5.5 to 7 litres is ideal for four to six people.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

How do you make slow cooker meals taste better? ›

If you take an extra 10 minutes to sauté the aromatics before scraping them into the slow-cooker, the finished dish will have deeper flavor and better texture. (And some new slow-cookers allow you to sauté right in the insert, so you don't have to wash a separate skillet.)

What is the most popular size crockpot? ›

The 6- or 7-quart models are among the most popular, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best choice for everyone. (By the way, here's our favorite slow cooker brand.) Find yourself among the descriptions below to learn which slow cooker we'd recommend for you.

Is a 6 quart slow cooker too big for one person? ›

Number of People Serving

Most families will enjoy an average slow cooker size of 6 to 7-quarts. Even smaller families with big eaters (for example, one parent and two teens) will prefer this standard size slow cooker. If you're cooking for 1 to 2 people, then a 3 to 5-quart small slow cooker may be preferred.

How many people does a 2 quart crockpot feed? ›

This small slow cooker has a 2-quart capacity that feeds 2+ people and is perfect for making small meals or dips. Use the manual warm setting to keep food warm while you are serving, or for heating up leftovers.

Why are my carrots not cooking in the slow cooker? ›

Not enough liquid: Slow cookers rely on moist heat to soften food. If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Why did my noodles turn to mush in the crockpot? ›

The heat causes the protein to set, constraining the expansion of the starch and resulting in pasta with the proper texture. When pasta is cooked in the slow cooker, however, the liquid heats up slowly, so the starch has more time to swell before being checked by the protein, resulting in soggy, mushy pasta.

Are you supposed to stir slow cooker meals? ›

Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.

Why fry onions before slow cooking? ›

It can be nice to cook the onions beforehand, as the flavour is different to when you put them in raw, but experiment both ways as you may find you prefer one. It can also be good to brown meat to give it some colour, but again, this is not essential.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned.

Is it worth using a slow cooker? ›

So, in conclusion, slow cookers are great. They're a convenient, cost-effective, and versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a wide range of delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for your partner or entertaining guests, a slow cooker is nice to have in any kitchen.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 6571

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.