Weeknights are often a blur of meetings, errands, and to-do lists. But dinner doesn’t have to be another stressor. With a trusty crockpot, you can prep in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying meal that’s ready to serve. These five cozy recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you need dinner to take care of itself.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A creamy, nourishing soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. Tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables simmer together in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except cream to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Stir in cream (if using) and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This classic comfort dish features tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs stew beef or chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions:
- Add beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, broth, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
- Stir in sour cream and cornstarch (if using) and cook for another 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Ultra-creamy and cheesy, this mac and cheese is made with real cheddar and a touch of cream cheese for velvety texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Spray crockpot with nonstick spray.
- Add all ingredients and stir well.
- Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot and creamy. Optional: add cooked bacon or broccoli.
Crockpot Butter Chicken
Skip the takeout—this Indian-inspired dish features tender chicken in a spiced tomato-cream sauce that’s perfect over rice and with naan.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except cream to crockpot.
- Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in cream and cook for 15 more minutes.
- Serve over rice and with naan.
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the fixings—this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 6 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese
Instructions:
- Add potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth to crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Mash some potatoes for a thicker texture.
- Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted.
- Serve with toppings of choice.
Ready to make weeknight dinners a breeze? Pick your favorite recipe and let the slow cooker work its magic. Share your favorite crockpot recipe with us in the comments!
